OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Emergency Session meeting was held in person and via teleconference on July 18 at the Mound Building.
The National Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 22-127 Authorizing the extension of the Secretary of the Nation and Commerce to continue operations of the Onefire Holding Company, LLC. The bill was sponsored by Representative Patrick Freeman Jr. and co-sponsored by Speaker William Lowe, which passed unanimously, 14-0.
The extension of operations of the Onefire Holding Company LLC will last 90 days.
TR 22-128 Amending TR 19-076 (A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to suspend all special appropriations and donations) as amended by TR 20-150 and TR 21-080. The bill was sponsored by Representative Mark Randolph and co-sponsored by Representative Galen Cloud, which passed 11-2. Representative Sandra Golden and Rep. Freeman Jr. were the lone dissenters.
The bill would amend TR 19-076 to allow for a donation to Rock the Native Vote, special appropriations for Hickory Ground Ceremonial Ground, and Duck Creek Indian Community. It cites the recent temporary closure of the River Spirit Casino and Resort as the reason for suspending all special appropriations and donations.
NCA 22-085 A Law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a donation to Rock the Native Vote. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Randolph and co-sponsored by Galen Cloud, which passed 11-2. Rep. Golden and Rep. Freeman Jr. were the lone dissenters.
The amount of $5,000 will be donated to Rock the Native Vote. The organization helps register Native Americans to vote in elections. The donation will help pay for workers, mileage, and promotional items.
NCA 22-086 A Law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a special appropriation for the cost of necessary measures related to the protection of the Muscogee sacred site of Hickory Ground near Wetumpka, Alabama. The bill was sponsored by Representative Darrell Proctor, which passed unanimously 13-0.
The MCN National Council voted unanimously to hold an executive session before a vote on the bill proceeded.
The appropriations would be used toward the legal defense and public relations services to protect Hickory Ground (Ocevpofv). The sacred ground has been a frequent topic due to the Poarch Band Creek Indians excavating the site and developing a casino gaming facility.
The meeting, agenda, and full legislation can be viewed at www.mcnnc.com.
