Byline: Morgan Taylor/Multimedia Producer
Video Produced by: Kaylea Berry/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – Big laughs, high fives, and even hugs were shared between members of all 24-chartered community centers and MCN citizens at the First Annual Gathering of Communities hosted by the Community and Research Development Department at the Claude Cox Omniplex on Saturday, September 10.
The tournaments remained friendly; as competitions got fierce in the domino, horseshoe corn hole tournaments. As parents played with fellow friends, the little ones could play on the bounce houses provided by Dewar Indian Community.
The highlight of the hot day was the wiffle ball game between the Community Boards and the National Council, in which the Council took home the Super Chief Wiffle Ball Classic Trophy.
Principal Chief David Hill served as the pitcher for the communities’ team opposing the National Council. Community members brought the heat with big hitters and fast runners, and many could not be more thrilled to be playing a game with the Council members. Unfortunately, they did not win but have said they will be back for revenge at the next gathering.
Representatives were having fun without their suits and dresses chanting, “National Council, National Council,” and enjoying their time out of the Mound Building.
Speaker Will Lowe said it was a fun way for the Council to get together while also visiting with the community members. It allowed each side to visit and become acquainted with one another. “It’s all about the community and the people,” he said.
When speaking of the game, he said jokingly, “I think the communities want revenge. We will come back next year, and we will be ready.”
Community Specialist Joshua Wind believes the event had a great turnout, with over 500 in attendance for the first year.
Principal Chief David Hill and Second Chief Dell Beaver both agreed with Wind.
“As far as Muscogee People, that’s just our way of getting out…visiting,” Hill said. “That’s what most of them come out to do, just visit with everyone and enjoy today.”
Beaver went on to say that outcomes of first-time events can be unexpected. “That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “Seems to be a common theme, you know, the first at doing something.”
“I am just glad to see all the communities come out here, young and old,” Wind said. “We will be ready for next year.”
Several MCN departments and Rock the Native Vote and Gathering Place set up resource booths during the event and provided free prizes. Departments included: Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Children and Family Services, Senior Services, Lighthorse, GIS, College of Muscogee Nation, and Mvskoke Youth Services.
Attendees were provided a meal with the choice of Tacos Senora Taco Truck or Jo Jo’s Q barbeque that they could enjoy while watching the Indian Elvis and Mvskoke Sunrise. Wind said the department had 450 preordered food tickets on a first come and first serve basis, with more food still being sold after those were given out.
Wind sent out a huge “Mvto” to all members who attended and all employees who participated in making the event happen.
For more information on the past event or for next year, call the CR&D at 918-732-7964.
