FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 19, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Celebrates Hanna Indian Community Center Groundbreaking, Construction of Nation’s First Prototype Community Building
HANNA, Okla. – On Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation held the Hanna Indian Community Center Groundbreaking Ceremony to celebrate the new construction that will also be the building prototype for all future chartered community centers.
Citizens gathered for the commencement in Hanna, Okla., as Principal Chief James R. Floyd, Second Chief Louis Hicks and members of the National Council officially broke ground on the future building site.
It was not only a significant day for members of the Hanna Indian Community, but for the Nation as a whole.
During the ceremony, Principal Chief Floyd recognized the Nation’s communities as the heart within each community.
“I look forward to the next few months when we can have this new building open and everybody can utilize it,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “On behalf of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, it is my pleasure to be here and to start a new project that brings new life to this area and invite all of the Hanna community and share what we have with others.”
The Nation’s Tribal Construction Services will oversee construction of the 5,200 square-foot facility to be used for both tribal and non-tribal purposes and replace the current community center upon completion.
Designed by the Native American firm, 1Architecture, the building will come equipped with a safe room and commercial-grade kitchen.
Tribal Construction Services Director Steve Emerson said the projected completion date for the new community center is set for Summer 2019.
The $1.2 million project is funded through an appropriation passed by the National Council in NCA 18-015.
McIntosh District Council Rep. Darrell Proctor spoke during the groundbreaking and expressed his gratitude for the future building and the opportunities may will bring.
“This construction of this new facility here at Hanna demonstrates the commitment that our Nation has and that it shows to our communities,” Proctor said. “We appreciate the fact that you can see the relevance of what our communities stand for to our Nation. We’re all here together. We all come together, whether it’s for a celebration, a reunion or a funeral; we all come together.”
Proctor also thanked the Hanna Indian Community Board Members for their continued dedication to the community through the years.
The new building site is located on the same property as the current community center, which is three miles East of the U.S. Post Office near Highway 52 in Hanna, Okla.
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