Byline: Kaylea Berry/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Land, Natural Resources & Culture Preservation Committee meeting was held on Oct. 11 at the Mound Building.
TR 22-152 A MCN Tribal resolution authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a legal services agreement between the MCN and Michael D. Parks to provide legal services for the realty department. Representative Joseph Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The MCN Realty Department needs representation to quiet titles and partitions for restricted and trust lands to improve its program and services and has selected attorney Michael D. Parks to provide legal services.
TR 22-153 A MCN Tribal resolution authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of agreement with the Indian Health Service for Project OK 22-231, which will provide adequate wastewater disposal facilities for eight existing Native American owned homes in Muskogee County, Okla. Rep. Charles McHenry sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The project will be fully funded by the IHS in the amount of $178,000.00 and the responsibilities of the parties have been set forth in a Memorandum of Agreement.
TR 22-154 A MCN Tribal resolution authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a 2022 competitive Indian Housing block grant application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Rep. Galen Cloud sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The Nation needs energy efficient, low-rent housing opportunities to support low to moderate income elderly tribal citizens.
TR 22-155 A MCN Tribal resolution amending TR 19-076 (A MCN Tribal resolution suspending all special appropriations and donations) as amended by TR 20-150, TR 21-080, TR 22-128, TR 22-143 and TR 22-150. Rep. Randall Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
There is a need to amend TR 19-076 to allow for a special appropriation for the Okfuskee Ceremonial Ground.
TR 22-156 A MCN Tribal resolution authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a Coronavirus response and relief supplemental appropriations act agreement between the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the MCN. Rep. Joseph Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
Section 5310 of Title 49 of the US Code Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities authorizes the apportionment of funds for public mass transportation in rural areas to enhance access in those areas for purposes such as health care, shopping, education recreation, public services and employment by encouraging the maintenance, development, improvement and use of passenger transportation systems.
TR 22-157 A MCN Tribal resolution authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a United States Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration grant agreement. Rep. Joseph Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The purpose of the award is to ensure continuity of transit operations and to provide greater access to job opportunities, education, healthcare and other services necessary to tribal citizens and the general public within the Nation’s Reservation. The Federal Transit Master Agreement waives the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s sovereign immunity by subjecting the Nation to numerous federal laws.
NCA 22-120 A MCN Law authorizing the expenditure of 2022 NACD Technical Assistance grant funds awarded from the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) for the benefit of the MCN Conservation District in the amount of $75,000.00. Rep. Joseph Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The grant funds will be used to identify and to support citizens who currently have agricultural interests and have not participated in U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service Programs to improve participation and service.
NCA 22-121 A MCN Law authorizing a special appropriation to Okfuskee Ceremonial Ground to purchase a tractor and related equipment with $75,888.00. Rep. Randall Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The Okfuskee Ceremonial Ground is currently active and needs a tractor and related equipment to maintain their ground to accommodate their members and visitors in a safe environment. The tractor comes with a six-year warranty and at its expiration the Okfuskee Ceremonial Ground will provide maintenance for the tractor.
NCA 22-122 A MCN Law authorizing the expenditure of the National Park Service Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) grant for the benefit of the MCN Historic and Cultural Preservation Department in the amount of $72,214.00. Rep. Galen Cloud sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The grant funds will be used to ensure the protection and preservation of valued Mvskoke historic and cultural resources, including sacred places, cultural sites, cultural remains and Mvskoke history for future generations.
NCA 22-123 A MCN Law authorizing the expenditure of funds awarded from the ODOT for the benefit of the MCN’s DOT in the amount of $12,268.00. Rep. Joseph Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The grant funds will be used to provide for the operation of a public transportation system in rural areas.
NCA 22-124 A MCN Law authorizing the expenditure of funds awarded from the USDOT, Federal Transit Administration for the benefit of the MCN’s DOT in the amount of $899,975.00. Rep. Joseph Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The grant funds will be used to ensure continuity of transit operations and to provide greater access to job opportunities, education, healthcare and other services necessary to tribal citizens and the general public within the Nation’s Reservation.
For video of committee meetings visit: www.mcnnc.com.
