MVSKOKE RESERVATION – On Nov. 10, the Land, Natural Resources and Cultural Preservation Committee held an 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:
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Church and Ceremonial Ground Emergency Grant for Concharty Church, in the amount of $4,250, was approved by a vote of 4-0.
During discussion, Mekko Tecumseh clarified that the grant will be used to repair the Camp House. The repairs will be made to the roof. A leak in the roof caused drywall damage inside the Camp House, but those repairs will be addressed at a later time, said Mekko Tecumseh.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Church and Ceremonial Ground Emergency Grant for Middle Creek #2 Baptist Church, in the amount of $38,350, was postponed indefinitely.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Church and Ceremonial Ground Emergency Grant for Nuyaka Indian Baptist Church, in the amount of $26,900, was postponed indefinitely.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Church and Ceremonial Ground Grant for Middle Creek #2 Baptist Church, in the amount of $70,253, was postponed indefinitely.
During discussion, it was clarified that the postponements will allow the churches more time to prepare their applications.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Church and Ceremonial Ground Grant for Nuyaka Indian Baptist Church, in the amount of $74,925, was approved by a vote of 4-0.
It was clarified during discussion that some repairs, replacements, and remodeling measures for Nuyaka Indian Baptist Church could be considered under the emergency grant, while others are considered under the non-emergency grant. Those are separate applications.
TR 26-081 A Tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving updates to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation conservation regulations and fee schedule passed with a vote of 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Representative Cody Phillips.
During discussion, Rep. Phillips clarified that the updates would better align MCN regulations with those of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Changes include opening dates for hunting seasons and bag limits.
TR 26-082 A Tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a separate Memorandum of Agreement with the county of McIntosh, State of Oklahoma, for the Little Coweta Road Phase II (Route 1849) maintenance of roadways and associated rights-of-way constructed or improved by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Transportation Program passed with a vote of 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Representative Galen Cloud.
During discussion, it was clarified that the Memorandum of Agreement is for the reconstruction of two miles of the Little Coweta Road going to the Little Coweta Church.
NCA 26-123 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 5, Chapter 2, entitled “Financial Assistance,” passed with substitute by a vote of 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Representative Dode Barnett.
The legislation had been sent back to the LNC Committee from Full Council on Oct. 31.
During discussion, Rep. Barnett said that the change made to the legislation clarified the vetting process for the new historical church list. Churches now have until Sep. 30, 2027, to submit their enrollment to be vetted for inclusion on the new list.
Rep. Barnett said the churches on the current list will be grandfathered in for assistance grants.
NCA 26-154 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Fiscal Year 2026 Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund in the amount of $1,500,000 for the Benefit of the Department of Transportation, passed with a vote of 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Representative Robyn Whitecloud.
During the discussion, it was clarified that the funds would be used to construct a roundabout on Loop 56.
NCA 26-155 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation appropriating funds in the amount of $265,214.98 to the Nation’s Natural Resource Conservation District for equipment passed with a vote of 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Barnett.
Julie Norem with the Conservation District was present during discussion along with a Field Technician who was able to clarify the need for the new equipment due to wear and tear on the current equipment. The legislation will be sent to BFJ for funding.
NCA 26-161 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 37§ 2-109 entitled, “Ceremonial Ground Maintenance Assistance,” 2-118 entitled, “Financial Assistance for Ceremonial Grounds and Churches,” and 2-238 entitled, “Ceremonial Grounds/Churches Assistance Revolving Fund Account,” in the amount of $1,709,000 passed with a vote of 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Barnett.
Rep. Barnett clarified that the legislation would require that any unused grant funds for ceremonial grounds or church assistance be returned to the revolving fund account rather than to the Treasury.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
