National Park Service affirms MCN in compliance for THPO grant

OKMULGEE, Okla. – On Jan. 25, NCA 25-013 was adopted unanimously at the Muscogee Creek Nation National Council Quarterly Session. This bill approved the expenditure of a grant from the National Parks Service to fund the MCN Tribal Historic Preservation Office.

As previously reported, former MCN Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Turner Hunt had alleged the MCN was not in compliance with the requirements of the THPO Grant application. During the quarterly session, MCN Historic and Cultural Preservation Director Robin Soweka Jr. stated that the department was in the process of obtaining a letter verifying compliance from the NPS THPO manager.

Mvskoke Media has been able to obtain a copy of the letter from MCN Press Secretary Jason Salsman. The letter was sent by Lloyd Masayumptewa, NPS Tribal Historic Program Manager. Mvskoke Media contacted Masayumptewa, who confirmed that he had sent the letter on Feb. 6.

According to the letter, “This letter confirms that the Muscogee Nation is in good standing with the WASO, Tribal Historic Preservation Program. The Muscogee Nation will be eligible to receive the FY25 yearly allotment for their THPO program.”

Mvskoke Media contacted Hunt for comment on this letter, and he replied with the following statement:

In order for Mr. Masayumptewa to confirm compliance with the agreement he must have a copy of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Pre/Post McGirt Comprehensive Reservation-Wide Preservation Plan. Many citizens, including myself, would like to have access to this document.
The THPM receives self-reported information nationally, from THPO programs in the form of yearly accomplishment reports. Without the National Park Service conducting its four-year review of THPO programs, they only receive what the Tribal Nation submits. If a THPO program only submitted positive accomplishments, what information would the THPM have to make a well-founded determination on MCN’s standing?

Nothing in this letter addresses any of my allegations regarding specific compliance issues that existed while I was employed as the THPO. The NPS letter does not acknowledge non-compliance with the MOA or negative impacts to the National Historic Landmark, Creek Council House – as would be typical for any correspondence from a federal agency addressing such concerns.

Questions remain regarding what information MCN submitted to Mr. Masayumptewa while asking for a letter of good standing. Additionally, the shift to Good Standing in lieu of wording that clearly indicates the MCN THPO program is compliant with the MOA is concerning.

I have submitted Freedom of Information Act requests regarding correspondence sent to Mr. Masayumptewa for him to generate this letter. Additionally, I hope to be able to finally see the MCN’s preservation plan by asking the U.S. government to disclose the document. I encourage anyone who is interested to do the same. To submit a FOIA request for the Department of Interior go to foiaxpresspal.doi.gov