MVSKOKE RESERVATION – On Tuesday, April 14, the Health, Education, and Welfare Committee held a mixed virtual and in-person meeting. Passed legislation will go on to the next full council meeting, unless otherwise noted.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 26-021 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Cecelia Wittman to serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Citizenship Board. Representative Darrell Proctor sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
If the bill is adopted into law by the full council, Wittman will serve on the citizenship board until Saturday, May 31, 2031.
TR 26-022 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to execute a terms of service agreement with Winegard Company for Starlink equipment and services. Rep. Proctor sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0
If the bill is adopted into law by the full council, Space Exploration Technology products will be used by MCN Emergency Management for the Horseshoe Bend event.
NCA 26-041 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 19, § 5-102 entitled “Leave of Absence required for Muscogee (Creek) Nation employees”. Rep. Proctor sponsored the bill, which was postponed indefinitely by a 4-0 vote.
If the bill is passed through BFJ and adopted into law by the full council, it will add the language, “Any Muscogee (Creek) Nation employee who declares their candidacy for Tribal office does not have to take a leave of absence, but they must comply with all election laws and regulations applicable to all candidates for Tribal office. This includes employees of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, corporations, chartered Community Boards, agencies, or other entities which are at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.” This bill was previously postponed at the Tuesday, March 10 HEW committee meeting.
NCA 26-054 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Services (SPIP) Suicide Prevention Intervention and Postvention Project grant for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Rep. Lora Harjo-King sponsored the bill, which was postponed until May, with a 4-0 vote.
If the bill is passed through BFJ and adopted into law by the full council, $2,000,000 will be used to reduce the prevalence of suicide among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. According to the bill, the MCN Department of Health will accomplish these goals by improving care coordination and expanding behavioral health services.
NCA 26-055 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Services (P4) Produce Prescription Pilot Program Grant for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Rep. Proctor sponsored the bill, which was postponed until May with a vote of 4-0.
If the bill is passed through BFJ and adopted into law by the full council, $2,500,000 will be used to reduce food insecurity. According to the bill, it will “Improve healthcare outcomes among American Indians and Alaska Native people by increasing access to fresh produce and other traditional foods within Native Communities.”
NCA 26-056 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health Integration Initiative Grant for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Rep. Proctor sponsored the legislation, which was postponed until May with a vote of 4-0.
If the bill is passed through BFJ and adopted into law by the full council, $1,988,860 will be used to improve the physical and mental health of people with behavioral health issues.
NCA 26-057 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, Native Connections Project for the benefit of the MCN Department of Health. Rep. Proctor sponsored the bill, which was postponed until May with a vote of 4-0.
If the bill is adopted by the full council, $1,250,000 will be used to promote the use of culturally appropriate prevention, intervention, and treatment methods for substance abuse. According to the bill, it will use cross-system collaboration involving family, youth, and community.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
