By Morgan Taylor, Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation Council Meeting was held July 23 via teleconference.
The National Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills.
TR 20-114 Authorization of Principal Chief to execute memorandum of understanding between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health (MCNDOH) and Oklahoma State Department of Health on behalf of the MCNDOH. Sponsored by James Jennings. Adopted 15-0.
The Oklahoma State DOH is preparing for the delivery of this vaccine by recruiting providers, like MCNDOH, who make up the infrastructure of vaccine storage and administration in Oklahoma to ensure vaccine administration can be implemented in a quick and efficient manner. MCNDOH desires to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding between the MCNDOH and the Oklahoma State DOH.
TR 20-115 Confirmation of the nomination of Jason Nichols to serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizenship board. Sponsored by Joyce Deere. Adopted 14-1.
The Council confirms the nomination made by Principal Chief of Jason Nichols to serve on the MCN Citizenship Board. Term will begin upon confirmation and will expire June 1, 2025.
TR 20-119 Authorization of Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of agreement between the United States of America Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation for the construction, improvement, installation, and rehabilitation of domestic water supply and wastewater disposal facilities for 18 Native American owned homes located within with Muscogee (Creek) Nation service area. Sponsored by Darrell Proctor. Adopted 15-0.
IHS will provide labor, materials, connection fees, equipment, and supplies necessary to construct all water supply and waste disposal facilities and contribute $106,131.00 for the Project. The MCN will provide necessary easements, rights-of way, or other land interest deemed necessary as well as permit IHS representatives land access. The MCN will designate a project representative to coordinate the MCN’s participation. MCN will provide assistance in complying with National Historic Preservation Act, the Native American Graves Protection Act, and the Repatriation Act. MCN will contribute $199,999.00, funded from Nation’s Comprehensive Annual Budget Indian Health Service Line, to be used with IHS funds.
TR 20-120 Authorization of Principal Chief to execute a contract with McCoy Roofing Company, LLC on behalf of Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Housing. Sponsored by Thomasene Yahola Osborn. Adopted 15-0.
MCN Department of Housing was awarded the 2018 Indian Community Development Block Grant. NCA 19-109 approved the expenditure of the funds. The MCN Department of Housing is requesting approval of a construction contract with McCoy Roofing Company, LLC for the rehabilitation of 34 apartment units located in Eufaula, OK. Principal Chief authorized to execute final documents necessary in the rehabilitation of the 34 apartment units.
TR 20-121 Authorizing the construction of an electric charging station at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation headquarters in Okmulgee, OK. Sponsored by Darrell Proctor. Adopted 15-0.
The MCN Department of Environmental Service has received funds from Volkswagen as part of the Indian Tribe Mitigation Trust. The MCN Department of Environmental Services has developed a project to construct an electric charging station top promote electric vehicle use by the tribal administration, Tribal citizens, and the general public. The cost to construct the charging station will be paid for from the Indian Tribe Mitigation Trust Funds in the amount of $187,652.00.
TR 20-122 Approval and authorization of the Principal Chief to pursue all available 2.5 GHz band spectrum and licensing authority over eligible rural tribal areas of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Sponsored by Thomasene Yahola Osborn. Adopted 15-0.
The MCN needs to address the serious need for adequate public broadband and internet connectivity of the Nation and its citizens at a reasonable cost, and to provide administrative authority and oversight to deploy, operate, maintain and expand the use of 2.5 GHz band spectrum within the jurisdiction of the MCN. The National Council approves the Principal Chief to pursue licensing authority over eligible rural tribal areas for the 2.5 GHz band spectrums and to operate and manage the licensure on behalf of the Nation and also authorizes Chief to provide any necessary documents to the Federal Communications Commission in relation to acquisition of the licensure.
TR 20-124 Authorization of the Principal Chief to submit an application for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program with the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency. Sponsored by Charles McHenry. Adopted 15-0.
Certain areas of the MCN are subject to flooding, causing serious damages to properties. Participation in the program will require the Nation the develop a flood plain management program and will allow the Nation to seek funding for the mitigation of lands within the Nation that flood or have potential of flooding.
TR 20-125 Authorization of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Housing to purchase and eight unit apartment complex in Coweta, OK for the purpose of rental housing. Sponsored by Charles McHenry. Adopted 12-3.
The MCN Department oh Housing request approval of the purchase form Truco Real Estate –Multi, LLC of the eight unit complex for the price of $875,000.00. The MCN Department of Housing will be utilizing the Indian Housing Block Grant CARES COVID-19 funding. To be purchased on or before July 30.
TR 20-127 Confirmation of the nomination of Skye McNiel to serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Public Gaming Commission. Sponsored by Patrick Freeman Jr. Adopted15-0.
Skye McNiel will serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Public Gaming Commission until the term ending on June 30, 2024.
TR 20-128 Confirmation of the nomination of Kevin Agee to serve on the Muscogee International LLC (MI, LLC) Board of Directors. Sponsored by Travis Scott. Failed 5-9-1.
Legislation failed.
TR 20-129 Confirmation of the nomination of Andrew Ewton to serve on the Gaming Operations Authority Board.Sponsored by Patrick Freeman Jr. Adopted 14-1.
Andrew Ewton will serve on the Gaming Board Operations upon receiving his gaming license and will expire after three years of the date of the license.
NCA 20-017 Creation of a new Chapter 9, entitled “Freedom of Information Act” in MCNCA Title 37 “Tribal Government.” Sponsored by Mark Randolph. Adopted 15-0.
The MCN believes in the importance of having informed citizenry and finds it vital that MCN citizens be entitled to information pertaining to the affairs of it government. The purpose of the Chapter is to ensure access to public records by Muscogee (Creek) citizens.
Full legislation can found http://www.mcnnc.com/images/pdf2020/bills/NCA20-017.pdf and should be read by a citizen wishing to exercise this right to avoid punishable crimes and fines defined in the Chapter.
NCA 20-036 Amendment of MCNCA Title 37 Chapter 2-203 to alter distribution of funds. Sponsored by Lucian Tiger. Adopted 15-0.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, funds will be insufficient to fund the FY 2021 Comprehensive Annual Budget of the Nation. It is in the best interest of the Nation to temporarily alter the funds of distribution of gaming revenue to fund the operations of the Tribal Government. After 2021, National Council may revisit the distribution percentages for the future operation of the Nation.
NCA 20-037 Repealing MCNCA Title 16 Chapter 11, entitled “Mvskoke Media” and creating a new Title 49, entitled “Independent Muscogee (Creek) Press” and amending MCNCA Title 16 Chapter 1 entitled “The organization of the Executive Office of the Principal Chief.” Sponsored by Mark Randolph. Adopted 15-0.
MCN’s Press, Mvskoke Media shall be independent and publish independent news wile operating on the principles of a free press as outlined by the Society for Professional Journalist (SPJ) and Native American Journalism Association (NAJA) Code of Ethics. The Mvskoke Media is set to have an Editorial Board of three members, in place by September 30.
NCA 20-040 Authorization of the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Oklahoma State University Foundation, 2020 Rural Health Innovation Challenge Grant for the benefit of Mvskoke Nation Youth Services. Sponsored by Joyce Deere. Adopted 15-0.
The MCN Youth Services was awared the Oklahoma State University Foundation, 2020 Rural Health Innovation Challenge (RHIC) Grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to coordinate the HeLP (Healthy Life Plan) Conference for pregnant and parenting youth and young adults.
NCA 20-042 Authorization of a budget modification to transfer funds from the Koweta Pharmacy Refill Center Budget to the Clinic Pharmacy FY 2020 Budgets on behalf of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Sponsored by James Jennings. Adopted 15-0.
The MCNDOH requests a budget modification to transfer $1,400,000.00 from the Koweta Pharmacy Refill Center Budget to the Clinic Pharmacy FY 2020 Budgets.
NCA 20-043 Authorization of a budget modification to transfer funds from the Nation’s Information Technologies Program Budget to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health Information Technologies Program Budget for FY2020. Sponsored by Anna Marshall. Postponed 15-0.
MCNDOH requests a budget modification to transfer $1,503,921.00 to ensure the unique cyber security needs of the Health System are met adequately.
NCA 20-045 Appropriating funds for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Risk Management – Arbor Care Services Program to purchase a freightliner forestry truck. Sponsored by Darrell Proctor. Adopted 15-0.
MCN Risk Management –Arbor Care Services request funds $142,819.00 to purchase 2020 Freightliner XT Pro 56 Forestry Truck to provide better services.
NCA 20-047 Creation of a new Chapter 10 in MCNCA Title 28 entitled “Acquisition of Property.” Sponsored by Charles McHenry. Adopted 15-0.
Creation of a law establishing guidelines that will enable all the Nation’s Departments involved in the purchase of property to operate in a more efficient manner.
NCA 20-048 Authorization of the expenditure of COVID-19 supplemental grant funds awarded form the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) for the benefit of the Mvskoke Loan Fund (MLF). Sponsored by Adam Jones III. Adopted 15-0.
The funds of $27,806.20 will be used for the MLF to provide support to he Grantee for activities to address needs of the communities and individuals the Grantee is working with.
NCA 20 -050 Amendment of NCA 20-038 (a law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.) Sponsored by Lucian Tiger. Adopted 11-4.
The Office of the Principal Chief shall provide reports weekly to the MCN National Council. Mvskoke Media is to document all expenditures of the CARES Act Funds in their newspapers.
Full legislation can be viewed at www.mcnnc.com
Morgan, I could not find the full legislation for the 07/23/2020 Quarterly National Council Meeting. In the last sentence of your story, you write “Full legislation can be viewed at http://www.mcnnc.com“. I followed the link, found the mcnnc site and looked for 2020 legislation but there is no full legislation text that I can find. Can you either clarify the link to be more precise, or explain the subsequent location where the full legislation can be found? Mvto
This is likely due to your internet browser coupled with the way they share their documents. For example, the document http://www.mcnnc.com/images/pdf2020/080420%20EXTRAORDINARY%20SESSION.pdf has 3 hyperlinks in it. On my computer in safari those hyperlinks won’t work, but in firefox they work to pull up the legislation. If you’re unable to open those links in your current web browser I recommend downloading firefox or google chrome and trying in that browser.