The Muscogee Nation

Author: Terry

  • Principal Chief Hill signs into law the “Muscogee (Creek) Nation Victim Protection and Jurisdiction Expansion Act”

    Principal Chief Hill signs into law the “Muscogee (Creek) Nation Victim Protection and Jurisdiction Expansion Act”

    For Immediate Release
    October 19, 2022                   

    Media Contact: Jason Salsman
    (539) 286-4559
    jsalsman@muscogeenation.com

     

     

    PRINCIPAL CHIEF HILL SIGNS INTO LAW THE “MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION VICTIM PROTECTION AND JURISDICTION EXPANSION ACT”

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – On September 30, 2022, Principal Chief Hill signed into law historic legislation that will help strengthen the law enforcement and prosecutorial capabilities of Muscogee (Creek) Nation for crimes committed by non-Indians anywhere within the Creek Reservation.

    The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Victim Protection and Jurisdiction Expansion Act provided amendments to various titles in the Nation’s Code of Laws to enact provisions of the federal Violence Against Women Act reauthorized by Congress in 2022 recognizing the right of tribes to exercise criminal authority over anyone, including non-Indians, for certain crimes committed on tribal lands.

    “One of the greatest responsibilities of the Nation is to do all we can to strengthen our laws to provide for the protection and safety in our communities and for all who live and work in our Reservation, both Indian and non-Indian alike,” said Principal Chief Hill.  “I am thankful to the National Council for unanimously approving our proposed legislation appropriately titled the “Muscogee (Creek) Nation Victim Protection and Jurisdiction Expansion Act” to build upon our existing law to expand the Nation’s sovereign authority in the Reservation and so victims of crime do not go unheard.  I am also thankful for the hard work put into this legislation by the combined efforts of Lighthorse, the Attorney General’s office, Family Violence Prevention Program, and the Department of Community and Human Services.”

    The new law authorizes the Nation’s Lighthorse Police and Attorney General’s office to investigate, arrest, and prosecute, and for the Nation’s courts to sentence, non-Indian offenders for the following crimes committed against an Indian within the Reservation boundaries: assault of tribal justice personnel, child violence, dating violence, domestic violence, obstruction of justice, sexual violence, sex trafficking, stalking, and violation of a protection order.  For the crimes of obstruction of justice or assault of tribal justice personnel, the victim may be Indian or non-Indian.

    MCN Family Violence Prevention Program Director Shawn Partridge said, “The recognition of our criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians for additional crimes such as sexual violence in our Reservation is historic and long overdue.  The Nation’s Tribal justice professionals–from law enforcement, advocates, and prosecutors–are working tirelessly, day and night, and need every opportunity possible to ensure justice for victims/survivors and accountability for criminals who do harm on the Reservation.  We hope this expansion of authority continues to pave the way to full recognition of Nation criminal authority over all crimes committed by anyone on the Reservation.”

    The new law went into effect October 1, 2022.

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  • Housing Ownership Assistance program

    Housing Ownership Assistance program

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation
    Coronavirus Citizen Homeowner
    Assistance Fund (HAF Program)

    MCN HAF Program – 10/10/2022

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN) is providing funding assistance for the following delinquent homeowner expenses:

    • mortgage assistance
    • homeowner insurance
    • flood insurance
    • property taxes
    • homeowner utility expenses assistance (internet not included)
    • other homeowner fees (i.e., homeowner association, cooperative maintenance)

    The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program as prescribed by the Department of Treasury is to assist those experiencing financial hardships associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic after January 21, 2020.  Applications for the HAF program can be completed online in the Camphouse Portal. (Click here for Camphouse Portal).  For questions please call 918-549-2890.

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration

     

    For Immediate Release              

    Media Contact: Jason Salsman
    (539) 286-4559
    jsalsman@muscogeenation.com

     

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration

    This action designates the Muscogee Nation to serve as the recipient for FEMA public assistance, allowing local communities to submit as sub-applicants through the tribal government.

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – President Joe Biden today signed FEMA-4670-DR, a disaster declaration, naming the Muscogee (Creek) Nation as the designated recipient for public assistance due to the severe weather event May 2-8, 2022 in Oklahoma.

    This declaration marks a historic moment, as the Muscogee (Creek) Nation will be the first tribal government to serve as the recipient that local communities will submit through for FEMA Public Assistance funds.

    “We always talk about being good neighbors and of how all Oklahomans benefit from tribal sovereignty when we work together. This declaration is an example of the fine work by MCN Emergency Management in doing just that,” Principal Chief David Hill said. “We are grateful to the President for the confidence he has in our ability and are proud to be able to use these funds to offer support to all communities within the Reservation.”

    MCN, through Principal Chief David Hill, submitted for this declaration on August 11, 2022 seeking federal assistance for damages brought on by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in early May.

    “This declaration is only possible through the relationships built between MCN Emergency Management, FEMA Region VI, and with our local community Emergency Managers,” MCN Director of Emergency Management Bobby Howard said. “This will allow the Nation and local communities to repair and improve critical infrastructure across the Reservation.”

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation tribal leadership will meet with FEMA’s technical experts and local county commissioners and emergency personnel, to implement and move forward with a plan of execution for the funding.

    SUMMARY 4670-DR

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  • Hiring Event – 9/21/2022

    Hiring Event – 9/21/2022

  • 1st Annual Gathering of Chartered Communities – 9/10/2022

    1st Annual Gathering of Chartered Communities – 9/10/2022

  • CR&D Resource Fair – 8/25/2022

  • NEPA Public Notification

    NEPA Public Notification

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  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Hosting First-Annual Mvskoke Art Market

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Hosting First-Annual Mvskoke Art Market

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    For Immediate Release April 11, 2022

    Media Contact: Shelby Botone
    sbotone@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Hosting First-Annual Mvskoke Art Market

    Over Sixty Artists from Across the Nation to Participate in the Inaugural Event

    (Tulsa, OK) – The Muscogee Nation is set to host its first ever Mvskoke Art Market on April 23-24, 2022 at the River Spirit Casino Resort. An array of artworks will be offered and on display such as paintings, jewelry, pottery, sculptures and textiles as well as other contemporary and traditional pieces by over sixty artists from across the United States. Judging for pieces entered into competition will take place on April 22, with awards and prizes for Best in Show, Mvskoke Heritage Award and Judges Award as well as top places for each artistic category.

    “Our artists are cultural keepers within our tribal nations.” Says ShaVon Agee of the Muscogee Nation Cultural Center and Archives Department who is assisting with the planning and execution of this inaugural event. Agee added, “Our artists are such an important part of our communities in that they bring us all together through their works. We felt that it is our responsibility to honor them and to provide a way for them to display and continue sharing their artworks with the people.” Father and daughter duo, Randy and Rykelle Kemp, are two of this year’s featured Mvskoke artists. They say this event is a time to celebrate the Mvskoke people, “The 2022 Inaugural Mvskoke Art Market is here, a new beginning and a new start. A celebration of culture, language and the arts…. the celebration of our Mvskoke peoples. We hope everyone will come celebrate with us on this day!”

    The Art Market will kick off on Saturday, April 23rd at 10:00 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Participating artist spotlights have been featured on the Mvskoke Art Market’s official Facebook page and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/mvskokeartmarket. For more information, visit their page on the Muscogee Nation website at: www.muscogeenation.com/mvskokeartmarket.

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  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Installs Geri Wisner as Attorney General

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Installs Geri Wisner as Attorney General

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    For Immediate Release
    April 7, 2022
    Media Contact: Jason Salsman jsalsman@muscogeenation.com

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    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Installs Geri Wisner as Attorney General

    Appointment Contributes to Ongoing Expansion of Nation’s Criminal-Justice System

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Has Filed 5,439 Criminal Charges in 20 Months Since McGirt Ruling

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has installed Geri Wisner, an experienced tribal prosecutor and widely recognized expert in the protection of Native children, as attorney general.

    She succeeds Roger Wiley, who now serves as Chief Justice of the Nation’s District Court. His appointment to the top District Court position and the recent addition of Lisa Otipody-Herbert as a new criminal-court judge are among recent expansions to the Nation’s long-standing judicial

    resources.

    “We are pleased to have these and many other talented individuals who each bring a wealth of experience that is key to the continuing implementation of our sovereignty, as affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt ruling,” said Principal Chief David Hill. “With this most recent addition of Geri Wisner as attorney general, we are bringing to bear the resources to continue addressing the increased volume of cases that are within our rightful jurisdiction.”

    The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Office of the Attorney General has filed 5,439 criminal charges since the U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt ruling in July 2020.

    Wisner’s appointment by Principal Chief David Hill was confirmed by the National Council. Her

    previous experience includes serving as attorney general for the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma and as a prosecutor for several tribal nations. She is executive director for the Native American Children’s Alliance and oversees the Wisner Law Firm.

    “There is no greater honor than to be selected by my own tribal leadership to protect and serve the people and to guard and strengthen our Muscogee (Creek) Nation sovereignty,” Wisner said.

    She is a Muscogee (Creek) citizen and a former U.S. Marine. Wisner served as president of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation bar association and is a board member of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children.

    “We’re thrilled to have Attorney General Wisner on board,” Hill said. “Her extensive background and credentials in Indian law inspire confidence that she is the right choice at the right time to lead our efforts in advancing our Nation’s justice system.”

    Wisner’s experience includes speaking engagements for tribal nations, state and federal agencies, as well as professional organizations, schools and communities throughout the United States to promote development and improvement of response to child abuse.

    She has been appointed to serve on several U.S. Congressional committees focusing on the improvement of tribal-nations justice, the protection of Native children and safer communities in Indian Country.

    Wisner served as the first Ambassador to the United Nations for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation,

    making presentations to U.N. in Geneva and New York City.

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  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Hold Festival in Oxford, AL

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Hold Festival in Oxford, AL

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    For Immediate Release March 22, 2022

    Media Contact: Shelby Botone
    sbotone@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Hold Festival in Oxford, AL

    Event intended to educate locals about the history of Muscogee people

    (Oxford, AL) – With the hopes of educating the local residents and surrounding towns throughout Alabama about the Muscogee people, the first occupants of the state, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation plans to host a two-day festival, Reyicepes (“We Have Come Back”), in Oxford, AL on April 8 and 9.

    The festival will also serve as a homecoming and reminder that we are still here and our Nation is still thriving although in a new homeland some hundreds of miles away. There are some who have been mis- informed as to the true history of this country and wonder why we ‘chose’ to leave such an appealing and scenic environment. This festival is intended to provide cultural education and also present an additional way to celebrate the history and existence of the Muscogee people.

    “The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is excited to mark its return to the homelands of our ancestors, this particular area of Oxford, AL was the home of the Arbeka Tribal Town,” Principal Chief David Hill said. “The people that live there now, want to know and deserve to know the history of this community and other communities. This is an excellent opportunity to tell our story, which exceeds a millennia of occupying this region, and to re-establish our presence moving forward.”

    “So many people still do not know the true history of how we were forced out of our homelands in Alabama or Georgia and we think it’s about time that we take it upon ourselves to reach out and educate as many people as we can so that the public knows that we still exist and that we didn’t choose to leave.” Says LuAnn Bear, a member of the event planning committee in charge of coordinating the festival. Bear and the committee have collaborated with the city of Oxford for months and she says, “The city has been super helpful from day one in helping with anything that we may need to have a successful event. They really want this to be a success so that we may continue it for many years to come.”

    The festival is set to take place at Choccolocco Park in the city of Oxford and is free and open to the public. Activities on the agenda for both days include Muscogee storytelling, hymn singing, arts and craft vendors, history presentations, meet and greets with Muscogee tribal leadership and more.

    Further information on the Reyicepes (“We Have Come Back”) Festival can be found by contacting LuAnn Bear at lubear@muscogeenation.com or 918-549-2601 or ShaVon Agee at sagee@muscogeenation.com or 918-549-2434.

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  • Statement from Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill On Key Components of U.S. Congress’ Spending Bill

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    DAVID W. HILL PRINCIPAL CHIEF

    DEL BEAVER SECOND CHIEF

    Statement from Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill On Key Components of U.S. Congress’ Spending Bill

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – “We in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation are encouraged by the action that Congress took today on two fronts vital to our role in contributing to the safety and security of all people within the boundaries of our reservation. We applaud Congress for reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and for committing resources to support the investments tribal nations are making to implement the U.S. Supreme Court’s sovereignty-affirming McGirt ruling.

    “Through expanded jurisdictional authority and new funding, the VAWA reauthorization provides important tools to help us and other tribal nations throughout the United States pursue justice for and provide support to Indian women who are victims of violent crimes, including domestic abuse, committed by non-Indians. As well, the Act creates new jurisdictional authority for us to prosecute non-Indians who assault Indian law-enforcement officers.
    “We continue to make significant investments to expand our criminal-justice infrastructure to fully implement McGirt as it adds more safety, security and judicial resources for all. We welcome Congress’ recognition that decades of illegal actions by the State of Oklahoma have created the need to expand tribal capacity and are grateful for the addition of vital funding to support these efforts as an extension of the federal government’s trust authority and responsibilities to tribal nations.

    “We are thankful to Oklahoma’s delegation for their leadership on these important issues that deliver benefits to tribal citizens and everyone who lives in Oklahoma.” – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill

    THE MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION

    918. 732.7600 I 800.482.1979 I MuscogeeNation.com

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Confirms New Criminal Court Judge

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Confirms New Criminal Court Judge

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    For Immediate Release
    March 8, 2022
    Media Contact: Jason Salsman

    jsalsman@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Confirms New Criminal Court Judge

    Lisa Otipody-Herbert brings over 23 years of Judicial experience

    (Okmulgee, OK) – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has bolstered its court system, with the confirmation of a new Criminal Court Judge. During a Regular Session meeting on February 26, the National Council confirmed the nomination of Lisa Otipody-Herbert.

    This move is a continuation of the Nation’s commitment to build capacity in it’s judicial branch.

    “We have taken several steps internally in the last year and a half to strengthen our justice system to meet the demands of our post-McGirt responsibilities,” MCN Principal Chief David Hill said. “Whether it be adding officers on the ground, or cooperative agreements, or more prosecutors and Judges in the courtroom, it all goes toward making sure we are doing all we can to have the capacity and resources we need.”

    Otipody-Herbert, a citizen of the Comanche Nation, brings over 23 years of judicial experience to the Muscogee bench and has served several different tribal Nations as a Judge in various capacities.

    “I am so thrilled to serve the (Muscogee) Nation on its criminal dockets,” Judge Otipody-Herbert said. “I think this is such an exciting time, the Nation has a good and established court system, I’m excited to be a part of it.”

    Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the tribal resolution that nominated Judge Otipody-Herbert. Further information on the MCN District Court, including dockets and a court calendar, can be found at

    www.creekdistrictcourt.com or at 918-758-1400.
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    Judge Herbert received her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Phillips University in Enid,

    Oklahoma in 1988. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1993,

    and has pursued graduate work at Oklahoma State University in equine studies. She then furthered her

    judicial education at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada in 2009. She has been active with the

    Oklahoma Municipal Judges Association since 1998, serving as a board member from 2005 to 2010.

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  • MCN response to SCOTUS decision to hear Brackeen case.

    MCN response to SCOTUS decision to hear Brackeen case.

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    For Immediate Release

    February 28, 2022 Media Contact: Jason Salsman: jsalsman@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s agreement to hear Brackeen case that challenges constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – This morning the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari and agreed to hear the case of Haaland, et al, v. Brackeen, et al. challenging the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act despite decades of well-established precedent upholding ICWA and its fundamental purpose of strengthening Tribal sovereignty and protecting the rights of Indian children and families.

    The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is disheartened that ICWA and Tribal rights are once again under attack at the Supreme Court and requiring Tribes and Tribal advocates to defend the fundamental principle that Tribes are political, self-governing entities, not racial groups, and that laws like ICWA are premised on the obligation of the United States to uphold and support Tribal sovereignty.

    The workers and advocates at MCN’s Children and Family Services work tirelessly every day in support of one of ICWA’s key purposes, “there is no resource that is more vital to the continued existence and integrity of Indian tribes than their children.”

    MCN stands behind the Tribes in the Brackeen case and will work with all of Indian country to present a strong and unified voice in support of ICWA before the Supreme Court.

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  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Sends Hughes County Sheriff a Response to Letter About Cross-Deputization Agreement

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Sends Hughes County Sheriff a Response to Letter About Cross-Deputization Agreement

    On Feb. 8, the Hughes County, Okla., Sheriff sent a public letter (to the news media, then us) giving notice of her intent to terminate a cross-deputization agreement with Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police. We desire to continue the arrangement – in force since the ‘90s – which has delivered benefit broadly to all who live in the great proportion of Hughes County that is within our reservation. The absence of the agreement between our Nation and Hughes County threatens the safety of victims, officers and the public. Read our response, sent Feb. 15 from our Office of the Attorney General:

    Feb 15, 2022, Letter from MCN AG to Hughes County Sheriff – PDF

  • MCN Statement on the Reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

    MCN Statement on the Reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

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  • An Open Letter from Principal Chief David Hill

    An Open Letter from Principal Chief David Hill

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  • ‘Christmas with Lighthorse’ A Success

    ‘Christmas with Lighthorse’ A Success

    Santa Claus and The Grinch showing holiday cheer with children

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — Santa Claus decided to make a trip south, and along the way pick up his friend from Whoville, The Grinch, to see his friends at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department. While there, LTPD decided to bring their friends from all the MCN Headstarts to say hi to Santa Claus, The Grinch and get to look into one of the mobile units at the police station.

    Several of the children were happy to see Santa Claus, but a little reluctant to see The Grinch, until they realized it was true that his heart has grown three times bigger because of Christmas. Children were able to take pictures with both characters and the smiles were non-stop and contagious. The ‘Christmas with Lighthorse,’ was an event LTPD felt would give the children of the Headstarts something to have fun with and take home to tell their parents.

    “This is a great time with Santa (Claus), The Grinch and most of all our kids here that go to our Headstarts,” MCN LTPD Deputy Chief Daniel Wind said. “The smiles and laughter we are seeing and hearing says it all.”

    Not everyone was able to see Santa Claus and The Grinch but do not fret, they are making one more trip here to LTPD, Monday Dec. 20 to see more friends within the MCN Child Development Centers and spread some Christmas cheer.

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  • Muscogee Citizen to Perform in Tulsa Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

    Muscogee Citizen to Perform in Tulsa Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

    8-Year-Old Brooklyn Gambill among 90 Children selected for this year’s production.

    (Tulsa, OK) – Tulsa Ballet is set to premier its brand new version of the holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, on Friday, December 10. The production will feature 8-year-old Muscogee citizen, Brooklyn Gambill, who will perform for a second time with the first being in 2019.

    “Performing on stage in front of so many people is kind of nerve racking but exciting at the same time,” said Gambill, a third grader at Aspen Creek Elementary in Broken Arrow. Since this year’s production is entirely different from the 2019 version, Gambill had to learn all new choreography with a new teacher and new castmates. “The new costumes I get to wear that come all the way from New Zealand and being up on stage with professional dancers is what I’m most excited about,” said Gambill. Continuing to perform and even one day becoming one of the main professional dancers in The Nutcracker is something that Gambill has her mind set on.

    Like most live entertainment events in 2020, Tulsa Ballet ultimately made the decision to cancel last year’s production due to health and safety protocols brought on by the pandemic. Instead, the company dedicated that time to the reimagining of their 2021 Fall season lineup including a replacement version for the 17-year run of Marcello Angelini’s The Nutcracker. According to a press release, the new version will feature moving scenery, projections, more than one thousand costumes and new choreography by world-renowned choreographers Val Caniparoli and Ma Cong.

    The first of eight performances at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center will premiere on Friday, December 10 and continue through Sunday, December 19. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at TulsaBallet.org.

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  • 2021 General Election Official Certified Results

    2021 General Election Official Certified Results

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  • Oct. 5 Amicus Brief from Muscogee Nation in support of upholding McGirt decision

    Oct. 5 Amicus Brief from Muscogee Nation in support of upholding McGirt decision

    Oct 05 2021 Amicus Brief of Muscogee Creek Nation