OKMULGEE – The Muscogee (Creek) National Council held a quarterly session via teleconference and in person at the Mound Building on Saturday, July 25.
The MCNC addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 26-040 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a fiscal year 2026 Tribal wildlife grant application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Representative Cody Phillips sponsored the bill. It was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, the Nation’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) needs to properly manage, understand, and better regulate native pasture restoration and quail populations within the Nation’s Reservation. The wildlife grant application will help support DANR achieve these goals. There was no discussion on this legislation.
TR 26-041 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute separate memoranda of agreement with Tulsa, Creek, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Muskogee, McIntosh, and Hughes counties. Bixby and Glenpool cities, and to apply for federal funding through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge Program to fund bridge construction for thirty-five (35) bridge replacement projects. Representative Dode Barnett sponsored the bill. It was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, project costs will be paid for with awards from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Nation will advise on construction bids and will acquire all necessary temporary construction easements. There was no discussion on this legislation.
TR 26-042 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute an engagement letter for legal services between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Commerce and the AIM Law, limited partnership. Representative William Lowe sponsored the bill. It was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, outside legal counsel representing the Nation requires approval by a Tribal resolution. Secretary of Commerce Timothy Harjo explained that outside legal counsel is needed for their expertise on a special project that is currently under consideration in the Principal Chief’s office regarding the regulation of state-chartered Tribal banks.
TR 26-043 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute an engagement letter for legal services between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Commerce and the Jacobson Law Group. Rep. Lowe sponsored the bill. It was adopted 15-0.
The engagement letter is required in order for the MCN Department of Commerce to receive legal services from AIM Law. There was no discussion on this legislation.
TR 26-044 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving and authorizing the Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC (“MNGE”) Board of Directors to execute the third amendment to the Margaritaville Trademark Sub-License Agreement. Representative Robert Hufft sponsored the bill. It was co-sponsored by Representative Lucian Tiger. It was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, the agreement will extend the Margaritaville operating agreement for five years, ending on Monday, August 25, 2031. There was no discussion on this legislation.
TR 26-045 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation establishing the Tribal Digital Infrastructure and Data Sovereignty Task Force and providing for coordinated development of Tribal Digital Infrastructure Initiatives on the reservation. Representative James Factor sponsored the bill. It was cosponsored by Speaker Randall Hicks and Reps. Phillips and Tiger. It was adopted 12-3. Rep. Barnett, Representatives Thomasene Osborn and Robyn Whitecloud voted against the legislation.
According to the legislation, the task force will include one representative from the Attorney General’s office, one representative from the National Council, the Principal Chief, the chairman of the BFJ committee, the Speaker of the National Council, and one representative from the Tribal Utility Authority.
During the discussion, Rep. Barnett asked how the funds would be allocated. Harjo explained that this legislation will not appropriate funds.
Representative Sandra Golden asked about the selection process for certain members of the task force. Rep. Factor explained that the established task force members will choose and add members as needed.
TR 26-046 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a detention services agreement with the Creek County Juvenile Detention Center. Rep. Barnett sponsored the bill. Rep. Phillips cosponsored the bill. It was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, the agreement will be governed and constructed according to Oklahoma law and will be exclusive to the state and federal courts located in Creek County. Attorney General Geri Wisner explained that the limited waiver of sovereign immunity will apply to the Creek County jail contracts and all other jail contracts with other Oklahoma counties.
TR 26-047 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation opposing construction and operation of any aluminum smelter upon the reservation lands of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Representative Anna Marshall sponsored the bill. It was co-sponsored by Representatives Galen Cloud, Mary Crawford, and Darrell Proctor; and Reps. Golden, Lowe, Osborn, Phillips, and Tiger. It was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, an aluminum smelter is scheduled to be constructed in Inola this year. It claims that the potential pollution generated by the smelter will affect areas of the Mvskoke Reservation, creating “generational environmental trauma.” There was no discussion on this legislation.
NCA 26-105 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the First Nations Development Grant for the benefit of the Department of Culture and Humanities. Rep. Barnett sponsored the bill. It was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, $45,000 will be used to fund the “Sacred Places 2026: A Night of Music, Storytelling, and Art” event held at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Mvskoke artists from Hickory Ground will host a panel discussion on the significance of sacred places. There was no discussion on this legislation.
NCA 26-106 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the National Park Service Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) Grant for the benefit of the Historic and Cultural Preservation Department. Rep. Phillips sponsored the bill. It was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, $94,912 will be used to “ensure the protection and preservation of valued Mvskoke historic and cultural resources, including sacred places, cultural sites, cultural remains, and Mvskoke history for future generations.” There was no discussion on this legislation.
NCA 26-109 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 37, § 2-203 entitled “Permanent Fund.” Rep. Hufft sponsored the bill. It was cosponsored by Rep. Tiger. It was adopted as amended 15-0.
According to the legislation, it adds language to include an employee raise/initiative fund and a cultural and language fund, both supported by the MCN permanent fund. Rep. Hufft made a motion to amend the funding for the economic development land acquisition from 7% to 7.5%. The employee raise fund will increase from 0.5% to 1%.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
