The Muscogee Nation

Author: muscadmin

  • MCN Supreme Court calls for new election

     

    For Immediate Release Oct. 2, 2019
    Media Contact: LaTasha Monahwee
    O: (918) 732-7630
    lmonahwee@muscogeenation.com

     

    MCN Supreme Court calls for new election

    Decision voids results of Primary Election

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – Following the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Primary Election held on Sept. 21, two petitions were filed Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 with the MCN Election Board. The first petition filed claims fraud and irregularities, and the second petition requested a recount of the absentee ballots for the candidates for the Office of the Principal Chief.

    The MCN Supreme Court attended the recount proceedings this morning, Oct. 2, in the Mound Building Auditorium on the MCN Tribal Complex. After a recess, the MCN Supreme Court returned with a decision to nullify the results of the MCN Primary Election.

    The MCN Election Board plans to file a Motion to Reconsider. If the MCN Supreme Court does not reconsider the decision, a new election will be held within 60 days of the MCN Supreme Court decision.

    ###

  • Swing for Education Tournament puts another one in the books

    For Immediate Release Oct. 1, 2019
    Media Contact: Liz Gray
    O: (918) 549-2453
    egray@muscogeenation.com

     

    Swing for Education Tournament puts another one in the books

    MCN Scholarship Foundation raise $23k through sponsorship

    EUFAULA, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Foundation held its annual benefit golf tournament Sept. 13 at the Fountainhead Creek Golf Course.

    Teams of sponsors gathered to play a round in an effort to support Muscogee (Creek) college students financially while attending post-secondary institutions.

    MCN Scholarship Foundation was able to collect $23,050 in sponsorships with the biggest donors including MCN casinos, Chickasaw Nation, Video Gaming Technologies, Muscogee Nation Business Enterprise and Arrowhead Precast LLC.

    Muscogee (Creek) citizen and sponsor Mark Carr discussed the value of backing fellow citizens seeking to further their education through sponsorship.

    “We could do this with several organizations that are certainly deserving but as a [Muscogee (Creek)] citizen my heart goes to them,” Carr said.

    The benefit golf tournament is not the only occasion for those interested in donating to the MCN Scholarship Foundation, the department offers different levels that include one-time, ongoing or special donations.

    For more information about the MCN Scholarship Foundation, visit: www.creeknationfoundation.org.

     

    ###

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Primary Election Results

    ***UPDATE: 10/3/2019 8:00 A.M.***

    MCN Supreme Court voids the election results per Order & Opinion on 10/2/2019.

    Click link for more information on ruling:

    http://www.creeksupremecourt.com/wp-content/uploads/Doc.-3-Order-and-Opinion-100219.pdf

     

     

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Primary Election Results

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Hosts Local Officials

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Hosts Local Officials

    Discusses initiatives, successes and partnerships

    TULSA, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN) hosted an informational luncheon Wednesday afternoon with more than 20 local officials. Principal Chief James Floyd and MCN Cabinet members highlighted initiatives, successes and strong partnerships within the Nation and the state of Oklahoma.

    “We are providing critical services such as healthcare, transportation and education programs to our citizens. We support 8,700 jobs and had an economic impact of $866 million in Oklahoma in 2017,” said Chief Floyd. “The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is thriving.”

    The Nation also operates one of the largest tribal health care systems in the state, providing more than 176,000 patient visits annually. Shawn Terry, Secretary of Health provided statistics and data to the gathered leaders.

    “We are responsible for providing inpatient, outpatient and referred care to all Native Americans that reside within the boundaries of the Nation,” Terry said. “What many don’t realize, though, is our Okmulgee and Okemah hospitals provide services to non-Indians as well. In these communities we truly are a safety net provider.”

    In addition to providing health care, the Nation provides other critical services to Muscogee (Creek) people, including education and training opportunities. The MCN Department of Education and Training provides oversight of comprehensive programs that deliver quality educational opportunities from early childhood through college.

    Greg Anderson, Secretary of Education, Employment and Training, told officials, “It is extremely important we continue to improve opportunities for our Native students; that is why we have invested more than $8.4 million in higher education scholarships.”

    “We have provided more than $12 million in state and local education support, and we continue to build strong collaborative partnerships with the school districts within our jurisdiction. It is important to us that all children excel – Native and non-Native alike,” said Anderson.

    Jesse Allen, MCN Secretary of Interior Affairs rounded out the presentation, sharing how MCN uses Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) funding for roads, bridges and other transportation projects is provided. Allen said, “TTP is an important source of funding that complements ODOT and county budgets.” Through TTP funds, MCN has completed asphalt overlays, road rebuilds, bridge construction and maintenance projects. “The Nation is proud to have invested $35 million dollars in road projects within our jurisdiction,” said Allen.

    Following the presentations, the local officials were invited to ask questions and make comments.

    Logan Phillips, State Representative (District 24), extended his appreciation to the MCN. “The economic impact of the tribe throughout my district is substantial. Companies come and go, but Muscogee (Creek) Nation is here to stay. The support tribes provide is immense. In my district, we have 24% poverty. The tribes are coming in and building out tremendous facilities. They are providing jobs, road improvements, and even fresh food in our food desserts. I greatly appreciate the work the Nation is doing.”

    Senator Dave Rader (District 39), offered the following remarks, “I’ve only been in the legislature for three years, but any time you can meet with the Nation, especially the Chief, it’s worthwhile to attend. The information presented today was extremely beneficial, particularly the health care presentation. The Nation is providing healthcare for all of Oklahoma – both Natives and non-Natives, and acts as a true safety-net in many of the rural communities. This information is very valuable for me.”

    The luncheon provided an opportunity for the Nation and local officials to share and discuss issues important to all citizens. Muscogee (Creek) Nation is pleased to continue cultivating partnerships that work toward a better Oklahoma.

    The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is the fourth-largest federally recognized tribe in the United States, headquartered in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. MCN has more than 87,000 citizens, 75 percent of which live in Oklahoma.

    ###

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation returns to original homelands

    For Immediate Release
    Sept. 26, 2019

    Media Contact
    Darren DeLaune
    O:(918) 732-7617
    ddelaune@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation returns to original homelands

    Tribe makes visit to share culture, traditions with community in central Georgia

    MACON, GEORGIA — Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James Floyd and several Muscogee (Creek) citizens made a trip east to the 28th Annual Ocmulgee Indian Celebration held at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon, Georgia.

    Every September, one of the largest Native American gatherings is held in the southeast region of the U.S.

    According to their website, the OMNHP has one of the Top 20 events in the state as ranked by the Southeast Tourism Society.

    Floyd spoke about returning to where his ancestors lived.

    “It conveys a powerful feeling and it is hard to describe,” Floyd said. “This is our home.”

    OMNHP Cultural Resource Specialist and Historian Lonnie Davis said this 3.5 mile tract of land was set aside by President Thomas Jefferson in 1805.

    “It is sacred territory to the Muscogee (Creek),” Davis said. “When they spoke with Jefferson they said they wanted to obtain this piece of land.”

    Davis said the park services are protecting and preserving those lands.

    “This celebration is giving the opportunity to the visitors to know about the tribe and their original homelands,” Davis said.

    MCN Cultural Center and Archives Department Special Projects Coordinator John Brown said this is his fifth year visiting the original homelands and every time he returns it brings tears to his eyes.

    “It is really hard to explain, knowing where we come from,” Brown said. “The trials and tribulations that our tribe has went through it is heartbreaking, but I am happy to return here.”

    Brown said it is a great opportunity to educate the children and adults by letting them know that although MCN is in another state, the Nation still has its culture.

    “We are still carrying on and we still have our traditions,” he said. “It is good for the audience to see our dances and understand who we are.”

    Brown said Muscogee (Creek) culture and ceremonial dances originated in Georgia and it is a great feeling to see the dances performed in the ‘Peach State,’ back where it belongs.

    “The spirits are still here and I know they are happy to hear the dances and songs,” he said.

    Floyd spoke to the crowd of spectators during the opening of the celebration.

    “It is great to be here back at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, but more importantly, welcome to our home,” Floyd said.

    Floyd wanted the audience to be educated on the history that belongs to the park.

    “This is where our people occupied the lands,” Floyd said. ‘This area is pivotal to us, not only our past but our present and future.”

    Floyd said when the people who live in Georgia understand Muscogee (Creek) culture, he believes they can help advocate for preservation of MCN sacred sites.

    “We have a lot of people who have advocated for us with this park,” he said. “We want them to know we appreciate what they have done and hope they continue doing that for generations to come.”

    Davis said this is the biggest event in central Georgia.

    “Local people love it. We love it and I have a lot of deep respect for the Muscogee (Creek) people,” he said.

    ###

  • Harjo celebrates laureateship with one-of-a-kind experience 

    For Immediate Release
    Sept. 25, 2019

    Media Contact
    Liz Gray
    O:(918) 549-2453
    egray@muscogeenation.com

    Harjo celebrates laureateship with one-of-a-kind experience 

    Inaugural reading sold-out event for the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate

    WASHINGTON — The inauguration of Muscogee (Creek) citizen Joy Harjo as the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry was held Sept. 19 in the Coolidge Auditorium at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. to a sold-out crowd, with two viewing rooms filled with spectators to witness the celebration of the country’s first Native American in the position.

    Harjo gifted the audience with an experience unlike anything ever presented by an entering laureate in the position’s 80-year history. Accompanied with the saxophone, flute and her band, the Arrow Dynamics; she delivered works which included “She Had Some Horses,” “Perhaps the World Ends Here/Kitchen Table” and “Equinox.”

    Before being named to the role in June, Harjo has attained many accolades in her almost 50-year career as a poet, musician and author like Native American Music Award (NAMMY) for Best Female Artist of the Year, the American Indian Distinguished Achievement in the Arts Award and the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award among other accomplishments.

    While introducing “Equinox,” Harjo mused about the inspiration behind the poem and addressed her success.

    “What if you let all of those aches and hurts go? Let them go with the sun because the sun is letting go,” she said. “I started thinking of all the things I let go. You might hear about the cool awards and things that have happened but it’s followed by a long list of failures…”

    Harjo started her poetic journey while attending the University of New Mexico in a time of resurgence for the Native American rights movement.

    “There was something that needed to be said, I didn’t want to be the one to say it. I would never speak up,” Harjo said. “I was told I was one of the shyest kids at Indian school, which is pretty shy. Then this poetry started moving about…”

    As Harjo closed out the reading with “Bless this Land,” she acknowledged the supporters of poetry.

    “It’s important that we pass this on, we’re all here to serve. I was reluctant to serve poetry but it’s blessed me beyond words.”

    ###

  • Citizen to continue education at University of Oklahoma

    For Immediate Release
    Sept. 24, 2019

    Media Contact
    Darren DeLaune
    O:(918) 732-7617
    ddelaune@muscogeenation.com

    Citizen to continue education at University of Oklahoma

    MCN Secretary of Education surprises student with acceptance package

    MOUNDS, Oklahoma — When Muscogee (Creek) citizen and high school senior Christina Townsend was called to the office at Mounds High School in Mounds, Okla., she thought she was in trouble.

    “That was the first thing that went through my mind,” she said. “I had no idea why I had to go to the office.”

    However, on Sept. 17, Townsend received the surprise of her life when MCN Secretary of Education and Acting Tribal Administrator Greg Anderson made the announcement that she was accepted.

    “(OU Gaylord College) Dean Ed Kelley wanted me to let you know that you have been accepted to the OU Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication,” Anderson said to Townsend. “Welcome to the family.”

    Townsend said she was not sure if the OU Gaylord College wanted her.

    “I was checking their website to see if I have been accepted and did not see any changes,” Townsend said.

    Anderson’s announcement put her fears to rest.

    “The dean made a personal call to me to let me know about your acceptance,” Anderson said. “They wanted you (Townsend) to feel welcome.”

    Townsend said journalism is her career choice.

    “I love writing, I love English (class) and I love talking,” she said. “This is what I was meant to do.”

    She said copy editing is what she enjoys the most when it comes to journalism.

    “I know it is editing that I want to go into when it comes to journalism,” Townsend said.

    Mounds High School Counselor Sarah Deering said that Townsend is an overall excellent student and person and is happy she was accepted to OU.

    “It is great knowing that Christina will be going to the school that she wanted to go to,” Deering said. “She gets to continue her education in journalism, which is her passion.”

    Townsend said as soon as she went to Norman, Okla., to visit the campus, OU was the choice for her.

    “No other choices, this is where I wanted to go,” she said.

    ###

  • Unofficial Primary Election Results

    Results will not be final until this Friday the 27th at 5:00pm.

  • Live Election Updates.

     

    Live Election Updates:

    www.electionpeople.com/creek2019/show/index

  • MCN and FEMA announces partnership

    For Immediate Release
    Sept. 18, 2019

    Media Contact
    Darren DeLaune
    O:(918) 732-7617
    ddelaune@muscogeenation.com

    MCN and FEMA announces partnership

    Nation is first tribe to have direct declaration with organization

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — On Aug. 8, President Donald J. Trump declared a major disaster existed for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and ordered federal aid to supplement the efforts in the affected area of the MCN boundaries during the natural disasters in May and June of this year.

    On Sept. 17, Principal Chief signed the FEMA-Tribe Agreement for a partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Association and the Tribe.

    Regional Administrator for FEMA Region Six Tony Robinson called it a historic day for MCN.

    “This is the first Tribal nation in Oklahoma to have a direct declaration with the Federal Emergency Management Association,” Robinson said. “It is a historic event and we appreciate the partnership.”

    MCN Principal Chief James Floyd said the Nation and FEMA will work side-by-side to restore the Nation to the condition it was before the storms.

    “We appreciate the partnership that will begin with both FEMA and our Tribe,” Floyd said.

    Robinson said both entities will be reviewing documentation and uninsured losses to aid the recovery process.

    “Providing financial assistance to help with recovery efforts to rebuild and repair the things that were damaged by the floods,” he said.

    Floyd said it was best for the Nation to work directly with FEMA to determine the best route for getting assistance to areas with storm damage.

    “That is why we are doing this, signing the agreement to get this association started,” he said.

    Robinson said while working with MCN, he hopes other tribes could use what the Nation has done in seeking assistance from the federal government.

    “I have to applaud Muscogee (Creek) Nation,” he said. “All disasters begin and end locally. The response effort, what they did and mitigating prior to the event was really a model that could be shared with other tribal nations and jurisdictions throughout the country.”

    Floyd said he wanted to thank everyone that helped with the relief efforts that were caused from the flooding.

    ###

  • Muscogee (Creek) Citizen Sarah Deer named to Women’s Hall of Fame

    For Immediate Release

    Sept. 17, 2019

    Muscogee (Creek) Citizen Sarah Deer named to Women’s Hall of Fame

    Violence Against Women Advocate recognized for contributions

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — Muscogee (Creek) citizen, domestic violence advocate and lawyer Sarah Deer was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, Sept. 14 at the Del Lago Casino and Resort in Seneca Falls, New York.

    Deer is one of 10 women honored during the Women’s Hall of Fame induction. Other inductees include: activist Angela Davis, actress and activist Jane Fonda, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and others.

    Deer’s career as an advocate began by volunteering at a rape crisis center in Lawrence, Kansas. Her work as a volunteer advocate inspired her to attend law school.

    In a 2014 interview with the Washington Post, Deer said that working at the crisis center was a pivotal point for her.

    “That work offered a chance to listen and talk to many women, including students at Haskell Indian Nations University. They reached out to the crisis line, too, and the stories of those women showed so much resilience. But I also sensed a deep, deep despair, and after those early experiences and hearing those stories, I wanted to go to law school,” Deer said.

    After graduating from the University of Kansas with a juris doctorate degree and a Tribal Law Certificate, Deer joined Mitchell Hamline School of Law faculty in 2008. Deer’s work combines victim’s advocacy and federal Indian law. Deer was instrumental in the passage of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 and the reauthorization of The Violence Against Women Act in 2013.

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Family Violence Prevention Program Manager Shawn Partridge spoke on Deer’s work.

    “Sarah Deer is widely known and very well respected as a leading force in the work to end violence against Indigenous women and throughout Indian Country,” Partridge said. “She is a fierce advocate for sovereign rights of Tribal Nations and Indigenous women. She carries the stories and experiences of her people and those impacted by violence, with such honor, care and respect. Sarah is a supportive mentor and sister in this work, and the Family Violence Prevention Program could not be more proud of her and this well-deserved recognition.”

    The formal induction ceremony took place outside Seneca Falls, New York, which is considered to be the birthplace of women’s rights.

     

    ###

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health joins effort toward Medicaid expansion

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”12270″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]For Immediate Release
    September 12, 2019

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health joins effort toward Medicaid expansion

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health encourages citizens to exercise their right as an Oklahoma voter by signing the petition to place State Question 802 on the upcoming 2020 ballot by hosting the petition in MCN Health facilities.

    As the state with the second highest rated for uninsured residents in the U.S., nearly 200,000 Oklahomans have to decide if they are able to afford life-saving care. Those most affected are low-income working adults in service-industry jobs. They cannot afford coverage but are over the current rate guidelines to qualify for Medicaid. Expanding would provide health insurance for an individual who makes less than $17,000 a year or $29,000 for a family of three.

    The Medicaid expansion measure lets voters decide on a much-anticipated healthcare solution. By signing the petition, individuals are neither agreeing or disagreeing with the proposed state question but rather expressing their right to address the issue in a nonpartisan manner.

    Oklahoma is one of only 10 states currently not reaping the benefits other states are experiencing with Medicaid expansion. For MCN health facilities, Medicaid Expansion means additional patients would qualify for Medicaid called SoonerCare at zero cost to the State of Oklahoma for coverage. It also means additional revenue generation for our already underfunded program which receives significant less than the need from Federal funds.

    MCNDH is supporting this initiative by providing the opportunity for petition signature in all of their facilities. The petition is available at MCN Health Facilities. For more information, please contact Rhonda Beaver at 918-591-5709.

    ###

    [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1568235207702{background-color: #e0e0e0 !important;}”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

    The Medicaid Expansion Petition & You

    Q: “How does Medicaid expansion affect MCN Health?”

    A: One in three patients are uninsured and MCN Health is only funded about half of the need from Federal funding. Medicaid Expansion will increase the Federal Poverty Level so more patients quality for Medicaid; which means more revenue generation for MCN Health to provide more services and providers for patients.

    Q: “I am registered to vote for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, but not the state, can I sign the petition?”

    A: Signers must be registered to vote in the state of Oklahoma. Only the voter can sign their name and fill in other information on the signature line.

    Q: “Does signing the petition mean I agree with Medicaid expansion?”

    A: The petition’s purpose is to place the measure on the ballot. Signers are neither agreeing or disagreeing with the Medicaid expansion, but simply letting voters decide for the state.

    Q: Where is the petition available?

    A: The petition is available in MCN Health facilities, those interested in signing can ask MCNDH staff for assistance.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Growth not just a breakout session for Diabetes Awareness Summit

    September 6, 2019       

    by: Liz Gray/MCNPR

    Growth not just a breakout session for Diabetes Awareness Summit

    Diabetes Prevention Program manager promotes feedback to increase diabetes prevention

    GLENPOOL, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation held the 13th Annual Diabetes Awareness Summit Sept. 4 at the Glenpool Conference Center.

    The summit provided a space for Muscogee (Creek) citizens, their spouses, significant support persons and any Native American living in MCN communities to get involved in the three E’s of diabetes prevention; education, exercise and entertainment.

    Participants had the opportunity to learn about diabetic footcare, dental health and eye care while also having the chance to get moving during exercise breaks and sessions. Emcee Darren DeLaune entertained the crowd during the lunch break with a Bachata demonstration.

    Prior to key note speaker David Garrett’s presentation about diabetic footcare, Kathy Brown from the American Diabetes Association presented MCN Principal Chief James Floyd with a check to be used for educational supplies by the MCN Diabetes Prevention Program staff.

    “We work closely with MCN and were fortunate enough to give $6,250 from a grant received from the Telligen Community Initiative to go towards diabetes prevention,” Brown said.

    MCN Diabetes Program Manager Dewayne Tiger said the program encourages feedback from everyone to keep improving the program and events.

    “We are here to serve the people of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and improve their health, our main goal is to defeat diabetes,” Tiger said.

    ###

    Diabetes Prevention Program Manager Dewayne Tiger.
    Kathy Brown presents check from ADA to Principal Chief James Floyd
    Keynote speaker David Garrett, DPM presented “Small and Simple Things: Footcare,” to summit attendees.
    Emcee Darren DeLaune and his dancing partner demonstrate Bachata.

  • Lighthorse wins rematch against National Council, CMN takes win against Higher Ed.


    August 26, 2019

    Lighthorse wins rematch against National Council, CMN takes win against Higher Ed.

    Slow start fuels Lighthorse for late comeback victory

    by: Darren DeLaune/MCNPR

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — It was a wonderful evening for basketball and education as two games were held at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Mvskoke Dome on Aug. 23 in Okmulgee.

    The first game for the evening was a match between the MCN College of Muscogee Nation and MCN Higher Education while the nightcap was a rematch from March 8, between the MCN Lighthorse Tribal Police Department and MCN National Council.

    Proceeds from the game were used for two $600 scholarships for the CMN Criminal Justice Program.

    For the first game between the educational establishments, what looked like an early blowout for the CMN Ravens turned into a closer game than expected as they pulled out a victory for the College.

    The College of the Muscogee Nation took on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Higher Education Department Aug. 23 at the Mvskoke Dome in Okmulgee, Okla.

    CMN Criminal Justice Coordinator and Instructor Cheryl Najera said the scoreboard showed a certain team won but overall it was for a scholarship for a student that achieved a victory.

    “I absolutely loved what we all did here this evening for the scholarship,” she said. “This is a step closer for a student to be able to help further their education in the Criminal Justice Program.”

    MCN Higher Education Manager Pete Coser, Jr. said it was great to see all these different departments and entities working together and giving back to the citizens.

    “Anytime the community can build their own assets and in this case build their own scholarships for their community members, it is always a great thing,” he said.

    The first game between LTPD and MCNNC ended with a margin of two points and victory for the National Council.

     

    The National Council surrounded Lighthorse Police Deputy Chief Daniel Wind Aug. 23 during the Lighthorse Police vs. the National Council Benefit Basketball game held at the Mvskoke Dome in Okmulgee.

    “I’m going to be honest with you, the first meeting was a chance for us to feel them out (MCNNC),” LTPD Deputy Chief Daniel Wind said. “We didn’t play 100 percent. They are our elders and we wanted to show them some respect.”

    The first half mirrored the first game as it looked like an early night for the legislators as they jumped out to an early double digit lead.

    From then on, the gun-toting, badge wearing officers took matters into their own hands, and like warrants, started serving out points as they stormed back to make it a close game for both teams.

    LTPD squeaked out a couple of baskets in the final minute to win the game 31-30.

    Najera, Coser and Wind all said these games are for fun and the whole idea is for a student to continue their education and they feel that is going to happen.

    “These students can achieve anything and this is a step closer to help them do that,” Najera said.

    For LTPD and MCNNC, bragging rights goes to the officers.

    Vkkopvnkv tutcenen? (Game three?)

     

    ###

     

     

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation responds to former tribal leader indictment

    For Immediate Release
    Aug. 15, 2019

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation responds to former tribal leader indictment

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has the following statement concerning the recent news of federal charges against former Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town (AQTT) board member
    George Tiger:

    The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is aware of the indictment of former Principal Chief George Tiger by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The activities detailed in the indictment are in no way associated with the governance or operations of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, nor was Mr. Tiger representing the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in any
    capacity. Any facts in support of charges against Mr. Tiger are alleged to have occurred after he served as Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

    The Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town (AQTT) is a separate, federally recognized tribe and is one of three tribal towns located within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation territory.
    Additional inquiries or requests for more information should be directed to the office of United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester.

    ###

  • Election Board releases statement

  • Muscogee (Creek) citizen paces toward Olympic dreams

    For Immediate Release
    August 14, 2019

    Muscogee (Creek) citizen paces toward Olympic dreams

    by: Liz Gray/MCNPR

    BIXBY, Okla. – Muscogee (Creek) citizen Brandee Presley recently returned from Costa Rica with medals in hand.

    The Ole Miss Rebel competed in the Pan American U20 Outdoors Championship July 19-22, achieving gold in the 4×100 meter relay and bronze in the 100-meter sprint. Presley said this is her greatest accomplishment to date, but this is not the end for the Bixby native.

    “Right now, my recent accomplishments are driving me to see that I can do, what I did in such a short amount of time,” she said. “I just want to see what I can do in a longer amount of time with the things that I know and the things that I’m going to learn.”

    Presley’s next goal is to become a national champion in the 4×100 meter relay, 100-meter and 200-meter sprints with a long-term goal of participating in the Olympics trials and eventually, become an Olympic champion representing team USA.

    She has been running track for 15 years as a member of the Tulsa Express Track Club.

    Her family has supported her throughout the years, even when it has to be from a distance when Presley is out of the country.

    “I know that they have my back,” Presley said.

    She said she is also thankful for the support of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Muscogee (Creek) people.

    ###

                                                                                       

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation partners with University of Oklahoma for social work grant

    For Immediate Release
    Aug. 13, 2019

    Media Contact
    Darren DeLaune
    O:(918) 732-7617
    ddelaune@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation partners with University of Oklahoma for social work grant

    TULSA, Okla. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation and University of Oklahoma partnered for a grant that would provide stipends to students to earn their Bachelor or Master of Social Work degree.

    The application for the grant has been funded and five students were selected for the Workforce Excellence Initiative-University Partnership stipends. Of those five, four are Muscogee (Creek) citizens. Two are College of Muscogee Nation graduates and two work for the MCN Children and Family Services Administration (CFSA).

    The recipients were honored with a ‘Signing Day,’ on Aug. 8 surrounded by their families and friends.

    Clinical Assistant Professor at OU-Tulsa School of Social Work, Dallas Pettigrew was ecstatic to hear about receiving the funding.

    “We won this award on the strength of our relationships,” he said.

    Pettigrew said that the relationship between OU and CMN goes back a few years when there were talks on how to get students to transition to a four-year school after leaving CMN.

    “We started working together a couple of years ago and we managed to make it workout,” he said.

    He also spoke about working with CFSA’s Director Kimee Wind-Hummingbird.

    “She wanted to get more people, especially citizens working in social work,” Pettigrew said.

    Hummingbird said the intent behind the proposal was to enhance our current workforce and allow for future CFSA employees to receive a Bachelor of Social Work with generous stipends.

    “Not only does this grant assist students with the cost of their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from OU-Tulsa, it provides workforce development opportunities with CFSA,” she said.

    Pettigrew believes this is only the beginning of having this for the OU, CMN and MCN.

    “This is only the beginning,” he said. “We plan on applying for the funding again and we hope to get that.”

    Upon graduation, the recipients would be required to work at either CFSA or another child welfare program.

    “For the same number of years they were in school, they will work for the tribe,” Pettigrew said.

    For more information about CFSA, call: 918-732-7869 or visit the CFSA page: //www.muscogeenation.com/services/children-family-services-administration/.

    ###

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation witnesses Governor sign bill at Capitol

    For Immediate Release
    Aug. 8, 2019

    Media Contact
    Darren DeLaune
    O: (918) 732-7617
    ddelaune@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation witnesses Governor sign bill at Capitol

    OKLAHOMA CITY — A momentous occasion for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, state of Oklahoma and other tribes across the state as Oklahoma HB2091 was signed by Governor Kevin Stitt on Aug. 6 in the Blue Room at the state capitol building. Efforts to get the bill introduced began in January. HB 2091 will allow tribal representation to be added to the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board.

    The new members will be appointed by the State Attorney General and one of the members must be an American Indian survivor of domestic violence from a list of three names submitted by the Native Alliance Against Violence.

    MCN Principal Chief James Floyd was on hand to witness the governor signing the bill.

    “We will have somebody there to provide the Indian perspective, and tribal perspective,” he said.

    Floyd believes the rate of violence against Native American women is higher than any other race.

    “And is probably less known than others,” he said.

    MCN Family Violence Prevention Program Director Shawn Partridge said this bill being signed is a benefit to all tribes across Oklahoma.

    “Any work that is being done to improve the safety of Native people is going to benefit Muscogee (Creek) Nation and our citizens,” she said.

    According to NAAV’s website, more than half of all Native women experience physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime and are also more than likely to experience violence perpetrated by one or more non-Indian perpetrators.

    ###

  • President Donald J. Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation

    For Immediate Release
    Aug. 7, 2019

    Media Contact
    Darren DeLaune
    O: (918) 732-7617
    ddelaune@muscogeenation.com

    President Donald J. Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation

    OKMULGEE, Okla. — Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that a major disaster exists for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribe’s efforts in the areas affected by the natural disasters from May 7 to June 9, 2019.

    Funding was made available to MCN and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding.

    Federal funding will also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for MCN.

    “It will be a lot of work but it will be a good thing with helping us rebuild some of the infrastructure that had been damaged,” MCN Emergency Management Supervisor James Nichols said.

    MCN Lighthorse Police Department will also receive assistance along with the Emergency Management Department, Arbor Care and the Tribal Driveways Department. These departments were all apart of the disaster relief and recovery.

    Pete Gaynor, Acting Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Benjamin D. Abbott as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

    Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribe and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

    ###