OKMULGEE, Okla. – On Saturday, Jan 27 Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill gave the 2024 State of the Nation address during the first quarterly session of the Muscogee (Creek) National Council.
After introducing guests, dignitaries, and Muscogee (Creek) citizens, Chief Hill followed with a list of his administration’s achievements. Top among them is the ongoing fight for tribal sovereignty and jurisdictional rights in not only the responses to the 2020 McGirt decision, but also in recent legal rulings and challenges.
He stated, “Let me be clear, we will never cease in our efforts to fight and stand against such challenges. The Supreme Court has spoken. This reservation is ours. Along the rise we fully embrace the responsibilities of sovereignty.”
In the speech, Chief Hill also emphasized his administration’s commitment to public safety and cooperation among governing entities. This echoes recent statements following recent jurisdictional issues and the tribe’s refusal to participate in the One Oklahoma Task Force He stated, “Public safety has always been our highest priority. In the days and months after the McGirt decision, the leaders across the state faced a choice to work for or against us. Sadly, some chose division and fear. Muscogee Nation chose collaboration and we are grateful for the many partners that have joined us.”
Chief Hill turned to the tribe’s economic accomplishments over the past year, citing the years-long South Tulsa Dam Project. Chief Hill exemplified the project as the culmination of executive and legislative cooperation with municipalities leading to economic opportunity.
Chief Hill then jumped into current citizen service accomplishments from the past year and his administration’s plans for the upcoming year. He gave mention of the recent strategic plan for rural broadband services completed by the office of the MCN Secretary of the Nation.
Additionally, Chief Hill listed other services in the planning stage, including tribal grocery stores. He stated, “I’m excited about several other projects that are deep into the planning process. These include grocery stores, laundry service and aerospace manufacturing. We plan to expand our agribusiness to include a tribal co-op”
To view Chief Hill’s speech visit, 2024 State of the Nation.
