OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council meeting was held on February 26 via teleconference.
The Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 22-018 Authorizing the construction of an Emergency Department Expansion at the Muscogee Nation Medical Center in Okmulgee, OK on behalf of the MCN Department of Health. Representative Joseph Hicks sponsored the resolution, which was adopted, 14-0.
The MCNDH desires to construct an expansion to the Emergency Department at the Muscogee Nation Medical Center in Okmulgee, OK.
TR 22-022 Authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fiscal year 2022 Living Languages Grant Program for the Mvskoke Language Program. Rep. Anna Marshall sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
The program wishes to further document and expand access of the Mvskoke language by making resources available. The grant will be in the amount of $200,000.
TR 22-023 Confirming the nomination of Grover Wind as the Office of Veterans Affairs Services Administrator of the MCN. Rep. Robert Hufft sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
Principal Chief has nominated Wind to serve a term ending concurrent with his.
TR 22-024 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a request for use of an auditorium with Beggs Public Schools. Hufft sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
MCN Youth Services Program and Mvskoke Tribal Child and Youth Council seek to use the auditorium for various events and programs throughout the fiscal year.
TR 22-025 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of agreement with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Rep. Charles McHenry sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
MDAH has plans to construct a new museum honoring the Natchez Indians, affiliates of MCN, and desires to partner with MCN for the museum.
TR 22-026 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of agreement with Bearden School District for the construction of a parking lot. Rep. Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
The Nation Tribal Transportation Program will fund $425,000 to construct an asphalt parking lot with drainage improvements to Bearden School.
TR 22-027 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of agreement with the College of Muscogee Nation for the construction of a parking lot. Rep. Marshall sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
The MCN Tribal Transportation Program will fund $440,000 to construct an asphalt parking lot with drainage improvements at CMN.
TR 22-028 Authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a 2022 Invasive Species Program Grant Application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Rep. McHenry sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
The grant in the amount of $243,555 will assist the Nation’s Department of Natural Resources to capture, hold, or remove feral or wild animals to promote the growth of native vegetation.
TR 22-029 Authorizing the construction project of the Tulsa Head Start parking lot. Rep. McHenry sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
The Nation’s Tribal Transportation Program will fund $430,000 to construct an asphalt parking lot at the Tulsa Head Start.
TR 22-030 Authorizing the construction project of the Fleet Services parking lot. Rep. McHenry sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
The Nation’s Tribal Transportation Program will fund $530,000 to construct a parking lot at the Fleet Services.
TR 22-031 Authorizing the Principal Chief to apply for federal funding through the Federal Highway Administration to complete an Environmental Assessment, Hydraulic Study and Design a replacement bridge for fifteen bridges in six counties with the MCN reservation. Rep. McHenry sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
The total funding in the amount of $1,637,000 is being requested to prepare plans, specifications, estimates, hydraulic studies and environmental assessments.
TR 22-032 Approving the Rental Subsidy Program for the MCN Department of Housing. Rep. Galen Cloud sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
MCN Department of Housing seeks to adopt and implement a policy designed to serve as a guide for the Rental Subsidy Program.
TR 22-033 Confirming the nomination of Kathleen Supernaw to serve as a Supreme Court Justice of the MCN. Rep. Mark Randolph sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
Principal Chief nominated Supernaw to serve a term of six years that will end June 30, 2028.
TR 22-034 Authorizing the MCN Controller to sell security investments. Rep. Randolph sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA) must meet the requirement of the Trust Reform Act before the sale of a government bond can be processed with a resolution.
In compliance with the Trust Reform Act and 25 C.F.R. when the Muscogee (Creek) Nation wishes to sell a security investment, it must state in writing to the local BTFA. The Nation’s Controller shall provide a written request to the Fiduciary Trust Officer at the local BTFA.
TR 22- 035 Nominating Lisa Otipoby-Herbert to serve as a District Trial Court Judge of the Criminal District Trial Court Law Division of the MCN. Rep. Randolph sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 11-3 with Rep. Joyce Deere, Joe Hicks, and Marshall voting no.
Principal Chief nominated Lisa Otipoby-Herbert to serve as a District Trial Court Judge of the Criminal District Trial Courts.
TR 22-036 Authorizing the construction of the Tribal Master Site Plan Capitol Complex Projects for the MCN. Rep. Cloud sponsored the resolution, which was adopted, 11-3. Reps. Sandra Golden, Marshall and McHenry voted no.
The project will consist of five new buildings and other associated site elements and infrastructure, as required to support the facilities and connected existing buildings with central plazas, sidewalks, outdoor gathering space, etc., in order to implement a connected, walkable and safer campus as described in the MCN Master Site Plan.
TR 22-037 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of understanding between the MCN and Green Country Technology Center on behalf of the MCN Department of Employment and Training. Rep. Mary Crawford sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
MCN Department of Employment and Training office seeks Administrative Assistant training for employees of the Nation/Students participating in the programs and has selected GCTC to provide the training.
TR 22-038 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Hospital in Tulsa (VHIT LLC) regarding renovation of the Kerr-Edmondson Buildings in Tulsa, OK. Rep. Joe Hicks, which was adopted 14-0.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has entered into a partnership with the VHIT LLC to convert the existing Kerr-Edmondson office complex into a new 58-bed Veterans Hospital; this is within the Muscogee Reservation.
TR 22-039 Approving liquor sales at the Tulsa Creek Indian Community Smoke Shop. Rep. Hufft sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
Tulsa Creek Indian Community Smoke Shop is seeking licensing through the Nation to sell liquor and beer.
TR 22-040 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a first amendment to revolving loan and security agreement with BOKF, NA d/b/a Bank of Oklahoma and an amended and restated revolving note with BOKF, NA d/b/a Bank of Oklahoma. Rep. Cloud sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 13-1 with Rep. Sandra Golden voting no.
The Nation wishes to increase the loan agreement from $75 million to 125 million for the Tribal Master Plan Capitol Complex Project.
TR 22-041 Approving the MCN Tribal Master Site Plan Capitol Complex Project. Rep. Cloud sponsored the resolution, which was adopted 14-0.
The project will consist of five new buildings and other associated site elements and infrastructure, as required to support the facilities and connected existing buildings with central plazas, sidewalks, outdoor gathering space, etc., in order to implement a connected, walkable and safer campus as described in the MCN Master Site Plan.
NCA 22-009 Appropriating funds to the Nation’s Realty Trust Services Department for equipment. Rep. Hicks sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 14-0.
The department wants to purchase two four-wheeler ATVs and two trailers for $24,198.
NCA 22-010 Authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. Department of Housing for the Resident Opportunity and Supportive Services – Services Coordinators grant for the benefit of the MCN Dept. of Housing. Rep. McHenry sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 14-0.
The Dept. of Housing was awarded the ROSS-SC grant in the amount of $443,196 and the Dept. will match $110,799 over the next three years.
NCA22-011 Appropriating funds to the Nation’s Facilities Department for equipment. Rep. McHenry sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 14-0.
NCA 22-012 Authorizing the expenditure of the Walton Family Foundation grant for the benefit of Mvskoke Media. Rep. Yahola-Osborn sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 14-0.
Mvskoke Media was awarded the Walton Family Foundation Grant ($8,500.00). The grant funds will be used to purchase supplies for two (2) reporters to conduct interviews, recordings, and capture news events while in the field. Authorization from the National Council is required to expend grant funds necessary to administer the Walton Family Foundation Grant.
NCA 22-013 Authorizing the acceptance and expenditure of grant funds from the Office on Violence Against Women for the 2022 OVW Fiscal Year 2022 Support for Tribes Exercising Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction Initiative for the benefit of the MCN Office of the Attorney General. Rep. Yahola-Osborn sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 14-0.
The MCN Office of the Attorney General was awarded grant funds from the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women for the 2022 OVW Fiscal year 2022 Support for Tribes Exercising Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction ($250,000.00).
NCA 22-016 Amending MCNCA Title 37, 1-101, entitled “Official Muscogee (Creek) Nation flag and Great Seal design.” Rep. Darrell Proctor sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 14-0.
All government related business should use the original name and logo and any marketing can use the new logo and revised name.
NCA 22-017 Amending NCA 21-156 (Approving and authorizing the Principal Chief to execute and file articles of organization with the Office of the Secretary of the Nation to form “Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC” Under the MCN Limited Liability Company Act and Approving the Operating Agreement for “Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC). Rep. Yahola-Osborn sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 14-0.
MCN finds its best interest to organize a tribal gaming limited liability Company wholly owned by the Nation, as an instrumentality of the Nation, created for the purpose of operating and managing gaming in furtherance of the governmental objectives of the Nation for the advancement of its members.
NCA 22-018 Amending MCNCA Title 36, 3-108 entitled “License Plate”. Rep. Proctor sponsored the legislation, which was adopted, 14-0.
The code was changed to clarify that each license plate bearing the name Muscogee Nation shall mean the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and is shortened due to space limitations.
The meeting, agenda, and full legislation can be viewed at: www.mcnnc.com.
