The Muscogee Nation

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  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation extends temporary closure of River Spirit Casino Resort and 8 regional casinos until April 15

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 26, 2020

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation extends temporary closure of River Spirit Casino Resort and 8 regional casinos until April 15

    Nation commits to maintaining $3.4 million bi-monthly payroll for 2,200 casino employees

    (TULSA, Okla.) – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill and River Spirit Casino Resort Chief Executive Officer Pat Crofts announced today the extended temporary closure of all nine Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos, including River Spirit Casino Resort until April 15, 2020.

    The temporary closure began 10 days ago on Monday, March 16. While River Spirit Casino Resort and the other casino properties had no reported cases of COVID-19, the temporary closure is a result of guidelines issued by the National Center for Disease Control to reduce exposure to the virus.

    “As always, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation prioritizes the health and well-being of our citizens, our employees and our guests above all else,” said Chief Hill. “We are committed to following the suggestions issued by federal health
    officials to ensure we are safeguarding the public. Challenging times require tough decisions, but you cannot make progress without making decisions. Extending the temporary closure of our casinos is an example of how the Nation
    can do its part during this epic crisis.”

    Chief Hill and officials confirmed the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos and River Spirit Casino Resort will continue to pay its 2,200 employees through April 15. This equates to a $3.4 million payroll every two weeks.
    “As a primary employer in the City of Tulsa and throughout many smaller communities in northeast Oklahoma, we want to continue to support our employees to best of our ability,” said Crofts. “We have already faced great adversity together during the abrupt closure last year due to the historic flooding and its aftermath. We want to do everything we can to ease the anxiety and financial burden while our employees are home with their loved ones at this
    critical time.”

    The temporary closure includes casinos in Beggs, Holdenville, Eufaula, Bristow, Checotah, Okemah and River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa. The closure includes the travel plaza casinos in Muskogee and Okmulgee, but the convenience stores remain open to serve the public in need of essentials.

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  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation announces temporary closure of River Spirit Casino Resort and 8 regional casinos until March 31

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation announces temporary closure of River Spirit Casino Resort and 8 regional casinos until March 31

    Nation commits to maintaining payroll for 2,200 casino employees through end of month

    (TULSA, Okla.) – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill and River Spirit Casino Resort Chief Executive Officer Pat Crofts announced today the temporary closure of all nine Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos, including River Spirit Casino Resort. While River Spirit Casino Resort and the other casino properties have no reported cases of COVID-19, the temporary closure is due to guidelines by the National Center for Disease Control in order to assist public efforts to reduce exposure to the virus.

    The temporary closure begins tonight, at Midnight (12:00 am CST), through at least Tuesday, March 31, 2020, when officials will evaluate re-opening based on current information from the CDC.

    “As a Nation and a community, we must lead by example. The temporary closure of all Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos, including River Spirit Casino Resort’s hotel and restaurants, is in the best interest of the safety of our guests and employees,” Chief Hill said. “While there is great uncertainty on the business and community impact, we must all work together and be proactive to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among the public-at-large.”

    Chief Hill and officials confirmed the 2,200 employees at Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos and River Spirit Casino Resort will continue to be paid through the end of the month. The temporary closure includes casinos in Beggs, Holdenville, Eufaula, Bristow, Checotah, Okemah and River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa. The travel plaza casinos in Muskogee and Okmulgee will close, but the convenience stores remain open to serve the public in need of essentials.

    “Our Nation’s citizens and employees have already faced a remarkable test of endurance last year during the closure due to historic flooding,” Chief Hill said. “Once again, we are rising to the challenge together and doing our part to benefit the communities in which we live and serve.”

    Leading up to the closure, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos increased its cleaning protocols and added anti-bacterial stations throughout the facilities to help combat the unintentional spread of the virus.

    “While educating employees and guests about the CDC guidelines and dedicating additional resources for cleaning has been impactful, it is now clear that a more extensive action is necessary,” said Crofts. “We will continue to monitor the national guidelines and will reopen River Spirit Casino Resort and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we will continue to support our employees and communities in every way that we can during this period of closure.”

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  • MCN employee selected for FCC Task Force

    For Immediate Release
    March 16, 2020
    Media Contact: Elizabeth (Liz) Gray
    O: (918) 549-2453
    C: (918) 758-8106
    egray@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation employee selected for FCC Task Force

    Task Force Working Groups to help develop precision agriculture in unserved areas

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Federal Communications Commission selected Muscogee (Creek) Nation Division of Agriculture & Natural Resources Director Trenton Kissee as a working group member of the Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States.

    The task force was established through the Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force in the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 in order to provide advice and recommendations for the FCC on how to assess and advance deployment of broadband Internet access service on unserved agricultural land to promote precision agriculture.

    Precision agriculture uses new technologies to increase crop yields and profitability while lowering the levels of traditional inputs needed to grow crops, such as land, water, fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides.

    The groups will assist the task force in carrying out its work with mapping and analyzing connectivity on agricultural lands, examining current and future connectivity demand for precision agriculture, encouraging adoption of precision agriculture and availability of high-quality jobs on connected farms, and accelerating broadband deployment on unserved agricultural lands.

    Kissee is a member of the group addressing availability of high-quality jobs on connected farms.

    He said his role will focus on developing education programs for rural areas without prior broadband access to effectively utilize the technology once it is available.

    “I am looking forward to communicating the perspectives and opportunities of MCN, citizens of this and other tribal nations and the agriculture community to the USDA as part of this task force working group,” Kissee said. “Indian Country is poised to benefit greatly from the increased access to broadband and other technology thanks to our education programs, adaptable spirit and our willingness to collaborate.”

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  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation declares COVID-19 state of emergency

    For immediate release

    March 13, 2020

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation declares COVID-19 state of emergency

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma —Principal Chief David Hill declared a state of emergency for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation effective March 13 to minimize the potential spread of the Novel Coronavirus Disease, also known as COVID-19.

    “We are treating this as a serious situation,” said Principal Chief David Hill.  “For several weeks now the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Department of Health has worked diligently to develop and implement emergency rules and procedures to protect our citizens and our communities,” Hill said.  “Because of the public health threat posed by COVID-19, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is issuing a state-of-emergency. Through this declaration, we are taking necessary steps toward protecting our citizens.”

    The executive order mandates the following:

    • Discontinues chartered community and large group gatherings;
    • Suspends Elderly Nutrition communal meals;
    • Halts employee work travel indefinitely; and
    • Gives authority to departments to make necessary purchases related to cleaning and sanitization.

    The executive order does not:

    • Require any tribal offices or departments to close. Each department has discretion to cancel hosted public events.
    • Discontinue any government services provided directly to citizens.

    The Oklahoma State Department of Health has advised that if you suspect you may have COVID-19, do not go to the emergency room. If you have symptoms such as: cough, fever, or other respiratory problems to contact your regular doctor first.

    MCN Department of Health has set up a COVID-19 hotlines to address questions and concerns. Hotline hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

    Community: (918) 758-3550.

    For questions, after hours the public may call either the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Medical Center Emergency Room or the Okemah Community Hospital Emergency Room. Health professionals can screen and triage patients over the phone.

    For updated on COVID-19, please visit:

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What if I think I may have COVID19?
    2. Do not go to the emergency room. Please call the MCN COVID Hotline (918) 758-3550 and a nurse practitioner will conduct a screening. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.

     

    1. How long it take to receive screening results?
    2. During COVID19 testing, health centers will draw blood to be tested. All tests must be sent to the state for testing. Results are not available for a minimum of 72 hours.

  • Community supports fundraiser for city of Wetumka

    For Immediate Release 

    Feb. 25, 2020 

    Community supports fundraiser for city of Wetumka

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation, organizations unite for first annual fundraiser

    WETUMKA, Oklahoma — “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” A quote coming from writer Margaret J. Wheatley described the Boots and Badges Block Party (BBBP) in Wetumka, Okla., on Feb. 22.

    The BBBP was held at Wetumka Public Schools which included events such as a cornhole tournament, silent auction, chili cook-off and a bounce house.

    Wetumka Police Chief Joe Cooper said the BBBP was a fundraiser to help raise money for city.

    “The townspeople had come together to get this going for the city,” he said. “The community has been a tremendous amount of help.”

    Several organizations such as Hughes County Sheriff’s Office and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department and Wetumka Fire Department were on hand to have games for the youth and volunteer in whatever way possible.

    LTPD Corporal Danny Beaver said he always wants to help his brothers in the police and fire department and he felt a lot of other officers want to do the same.

    “It is an honor and privilege to get out here in our communities within our jurisdiction and see the people,” Beaver said. “We are helping departments that help citizens in these areas when there are emergencies and it is letting people know that we are here too should they need help.”

    Breanna Hill of Holdenville, Okla., said although she does not live in Wetumka, she does have family ties here and would do anything to help.

    “It makes my heart happy to see everyone in the community come together and help out the city departments,” she said.

    Cooper said everyone in attendance has helped in some way to better the town.

    “From the chili cook-off and silent auction everyone is lending a hand,” he said. “Our food truck vendors has donated half of their earnings to the city. It is unbelievable what everyone has done for the departments and city.”

    Hill said getting the block party ready took a little over a month but what she has seen shows what a community can do in time of need.

    “All the communities, whether you live in Wetumka, or not, are supporting each other,” Hill said. “It shows everyone that we love this town.”

    Cooper and others who attended the block party hope that this becomes an annual day of festivities.

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  • Event held to promote self care, awareness and healthy relationships

    For Immediate Release

    Feb. 14, 2020

    Event held to promote self care, awareness and healthy relationships

    Participants received information for themselves, family and friends

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — “These events that Family Violence [Prevention Program] holds are very informative and much needed,” Muscogee (Creek) citizen Tessie Jimboy said. “They want to help you with healthy relationships and they want to help you to know the signs of an unhealthy relationship too.”

    The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Family Violence and Prevention Program (FVPP) hosted an ‘All You Need is Love…and Respect,’ event at the MCN Department of Housing on Feb. 12 in Okmulgee, Okla.

    FVPP Project Coordinator and Victim Advocate Tania Bardin feels these events are a big help to the MCN community.

    “We know it is Valentine’s month and it is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month,” Bardin said. “Domestic violence can occur at anytime, not just the months that we hold these events.”

    Bardin said this event is to promote self-care and healthy relationships.

    “It is an opportunity to show that love is a great thing and we can show what it looks like in a healthy relationship,” she said.

    Participants were treated to snacks and were able to make hand scrubs, Valentine’s Day cards and answered quizzes on self care and relationships.

    Jimboy said these events helped prepare her to be able to talk to her daughter when she had questions.

    “My daughter has spoken to me about some of the signs that she has seen in her friends and their relationships,” Jimboy said. “With the information that I have received from events such as this one, it has helped me to answer her questions.”

    Bardin said the FVPP staff is here to help and support anyone who may have questions about the program and services.

    “We want people to know that we are here for them,” she said.

    Jimboy is thankful for FVPP and what they have done.

    “Keep having these events,” she said. “They are helpful for us adults and also our teens.”

    For more information on FVPP, call: 918-732-7979.

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  • CESO holds open house for new location

    For Immediate Release
    Feb. 7, 2020

    Media Contact: Elizabeth (Liz) Gray

    O: (918) 549-2453

    egray@muscogeenation.com

    CESO holds open house for new location

    Department helps connect employers and employees

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — Contracting and Employment Support Office Manager Edith Baker has been able to take the CESO department to a level where opportunity is almost double for tribal citizens seeking employment.

    The department helps to fulfill the needs of any tribal member within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation jurisdiction or Muscogee (Creek) citizens located anywhere in the world.

    Members of federally-recognized tribes can register with CESO’s job bank when they visit their office located at 1601 S. Wood Drive in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

    Baker said those gray areas of employment like gas to get to work before an employee receives their first paycheck can be discouraging, but CESO is there to help those wanting to work and make a living for themselves.

    Though not a hiring agency, according to Baker, the Mvskoke word used to best describe their services is telicetv (de-lay-gee-duh), or connecting.

    “We feel like we’re connecting people with jobs,” she said. “We’re connecting employers with opportunities.”

    The new location is a result of a partnership with Workforce Oklahoma, who offered the opportunity when relocating from their previous offices at Oklahoma State University-Institute of Technology.

    The new offices have resource rooms and a room available to hold meetings or trainings.

    “We have access to every resource in this building,” Baker said. “Anybody can use this space.”

    For more information about CESO and the services made available to tribal members, contact: 918-549-2969 or visit: www.muscogeenation.com/services/commerce/contracting-and-employment-support/.

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  • Muscogee (Creek) citizen fulfills dream, becomes a Tribal Police Officer

    For Immediate Release
    Feb. 4, 2020

    Muscogee (Creek) citizen fulfills dream, becomes a Tribal Police Officer

    Morgan said she wants to give back to citizens, feels law enforcement is way to do it

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma —  Muscogee (Creek) citizen Rachel Morgan has been interested in law enforcement for as long as she could remember.

    “You see them around helping our citizens and I wanted to do that,” she said. “I want to help our citizens.”

    Morgan now has that opportunity to help her citizens as she is one of the newest officers hired by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department (LTPD).

    “This is a dream come true for me,” she said.

    Morgan said she went in that direction when she started working at a jail in Hughes County.

    “That was how I got my foot in the door,” she said.

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation LTPD Deputy Chief Daniel Wind said the applicants go through a process when called in for an interview.

    “Part of the hiring process is that the candidate goes for two interviews,” Wind said. “First interview is before a board and the second interview is before myself and Chief (Robert Hawkins).”

    Wind said Morgan showed the enthusiasm and willingness to learn and continue learning even after she becomes an officer.

    “Most importantly, she wants to give back to the Tribe and help everyone that she comes across while on duty,” he said.

    Morgan grew up in Holdenville, Okla., and she said she could not recall seeing a lot of female police officers where she lived.

    “I want to be that role model for someone, and young lady or young man that they can look up to,” she said. “I want them to know that both men and women can be police officers.”

    Morgan said she will begin her career as an officer on duty with a field training officer (FTO).

    LTPD will train her before she goes to the academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Artesia, New Mexico.

    “Actually that is the paperwork I am filling out right now,” she said. “We are getting everything ready for training there.”

    She said she will be in New Mexico for three months.

    “The next academy for me will be in April,” Morgan said.

    Morgan is from the Sweet Potato clan and her Tribal Town is Tukvpvtce.

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  • A Word from Chief & Second Chief: Jan. 28

    January 28, 2020

    Second Chief Del Beaver
    Principal Chief David W. Hill

    Dear Muscogee (Creek) citizens and employees,

    We want to continue providing periodic updates on our activities and progress during the transition and report activities of the Executive Office. MVTO to Speaker Hicks and the National Council for the time and positive response to the State of the Nation address on Saturday. It’s this kind of mutual respect and support that will provide positive collaboration to better serve our Nation and citizens as we move forward in 2020.

    There were several meetings this week that addressed areas of need for our Nation and citizens. We met with the Oklahoma Policy Institute to review and discuss issues affecting our programs and services. The OPI is an independent public policy research organization focused on advancing equitable and fiscally responsible policies for all Oklahomans through research, analysis, and advocacy. Many of the issues on the forefront affect the lives of our tribal citizens in areas of health, education, economic opportunity and justice reform.

    We met with Indian educators and citizens on issues regarding Tulsa Public Schools and will continue to monitor the situation and discuss ways to support our Native American students and educators attending and employed with TPS.

    A meeting was also held with Admiral Watts of the Indian Health Service (IHS) to discuss the Nation’s needs, concerns, and future partnerships.

    A review of the Emergency Services and Risk Management programs was conducted to analyze needs and modify policies and procedures to ensure the safety of our employees, citizens and property is the best it can be.

    A second meeting was held with the Mvskoke Language program to continue efforts on language revitalization and program development. Processes are being developed to receives ideas and recommendations from employees and citizens on the most effective way to address our language needs.

    The evaluation and comprehensive analysis of departments and programs with Cabinet Secretaries was completed. We appreciate the support and assistance from the acting cabinet members and their staff. There are many positive activities in the Nation and we look forward to improving and expanding services to our clients and citizens. This was an extensive endeavor, however the information received during the evaluations will be vital in developing a framework for programs that provide opportunity and enhance the quality of life for all Muscogee citizens.

    We attended the Okfuskee Indian Community meeting and dinner last week. The community members presented both of us with beautiful handmade quilts. We are grateful of their hospitality and the support for the citizens they represent and serve. It is a pleasure to visit all of our communities and hear first-hand the needs and concerns of our citizens.

    Mvto!

  • Grand opening for smoke shop held for community

    For Immediate Release
    Jan. 28, 2020

    Grand opening for smoke shop held for community

    Chief Hill envisions new smoke shop will help community flourish

    TULSA, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tulsa Creek Indian Community (TCIC) held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 25 at the new Riverside Indian Smoke Shop (RISS) just north of River Spirit Casino (RSC) in Tulsa.

    Manager of RISS Tony Bell said it has been a long time coming for the new smoke shop to be opened.

    “It is an honor,” he said. “Everybody has been working hard to get this going.”

    Bell said the smoke shop is owned and managed by the TCIC board.

    On the day of the grand opening, the shop held a giveaway for the customers.

    “They would spin the wheel and see what prize they would get,” Bell said. “It was something we wanted to do for them.”

    Bell said RISS has two drive-thrus for the customers, and a gift shop.

    “We sell other things too,” he said. “We wanted to have other things in here for our customers to look at and if interested, to purchase.”

    Bell said the smoke shop does sell travel items in case the patrons who are staying at RSC need anything.

    MCN Principal Chief David Hill said it has been long overdue for TCIC to have a new smoke shop.

    “I am happy to be here with members of the community and see this new smoke shop being opened,” Hill said. “I believe this is going to help the community flourish and expand into other projects.”

    Bell said the hours of operation for RISS is 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday thru Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call: (918) 299-7155.

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  • Nation hosts annual county tournament for second year

    For Immediate Release
    Jan. 28, 2020

    Nation hosts annual county tournament for second year

    Beggs, Morris victorious in county tournament

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — For the second year, athletes, families and spectators flocked to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Mvskoke Dome for the Okmulgee County Tournament (OCT).

    This week-long event brought excitement to the county and the eight schools that were represented in the tournament.

    MCN Director of Tourism and Recreation Kyle Lee feels it is an honor to be the host site for the annual county tournament.

    “This is one of those events where you haven’t seen friends in awhile, chances are you would see them here at the tournament,” he said. “It is an honor for us to hold something where friends can reunite and catch up for a bit and see some great basketball too.”

    Sixteen teams representing the eight schools competed in a week-long tournament that left standing one boy and one girls’ team who had the right to call themselves Okmulgee County Tournament Champions for the 2019-2020 season.

    The Beggs Demons repeated as OCT Men’s champions while the Morris Lady Eagles were crowned champion for the Women’s.

    Not only does OCT bring competition to the Dome, but it also brings revenue for the schools and Tribe.

    “We do everything here but the gate,” Lee said. “The gate is split within the schools and it helps with their athletic departments.”

    Lee thinks moving here helped boost the attendance being a neutral site for the schools.

    “We are great partners with the schools and if we can help them with their funding then it benefits all of us,” Lee said.

    Lee said that so far, they have been hearing nothing but positive comments for the upgrades to the Mvskoke Dome.

    “We talk to the superintendents and athletic director’s of each school about the tournament a lot,” he said. “We want to try and be on the same page with everyone.”

    Lee also said that the support they get for this tournament helps attract the Oklahoma Secondary School Athletic Association attention for them to be considered a host site in the annual basketball playoffs.

    “Not only are we bringing people throughout the county to the Dome, when the playoffs are here and if we are a host site, we bring people throughout the state to see our facilities,” Lee said.

    Lee said it is the teams that bring everyone out but it is the volunteers that help everything move along.

    “We could not do this without them (volunteers),” he said. “They have been such a wonderful help to all of us. Whether at the concession, hospitality room or just helping whenever they can, the volunteers are great.”

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  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation collaborates with TFCU to offer financial workshop

    For Immediate Release
    Jan 22, 2020

     

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation collaborates with TFCU to offer financial workshop

    Nation helps citizens to understand finances

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation wants to help citizens sharpen their education with their finances.

    A partnership with Tinker Federal Credit Union, the MCN Department of Housing held a financial empowerment workshop on Jan. 14 through their Ross Financial Grant.

    MCN Service Coordinator for the Ross Grant, Jessica Hudson thinks there are numerous opportunities to give the citizens financial education.

    “There’s a lot of different aspects and a lot of different ranges for individuals and everyone can benefit from this workshop,” she said.

    TFCU Financial Educator Giovanni Monterroso said the main theme for the workshop was how to get out of debt.

    “We discussed the importance of having a goal and working to achieve it,” he said.

    Monterroso said the participants were very engaging when he had questions for them. At the end of the workshop, they were talking and thanking him for the advice from the workshop.

    “At the end of the day, many of them came and told me that they learned many practical things and planned on implementing for their own finances,” he said.

    Hudson there will be other financial workshops in the future. She wants to hold at least one workshop every few months.

    “There maybe more than that,” she said. “There will be at least two more before the Summer.”

    For more information on future workshops or if needing to speak with Hudson on financial advice, call: 918-549-2528.

     

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  • BEADing the Stigma event held to improve youth mental health

    For Immediate Release

    Jan 20, 2020

    BEADing the Stigma event held to improve youth mental health

    Departments work together to bring healthy, cultural activities

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — There are several different ways to help improve your mental health. Things such as exercise, surrounding yourself with good people, walking, yoga and beading.

    “Yes, beading has helped out with my mental health and at times when I dealt with anxiety,” Mvskoke Nation Youth Services (MNYS) Youth Mentor Jasmine Buckley said. “This project is very close to me.”

    Mental health issues can come from all types of conditions. Different things can affect people’s mood, thinking and behavior. Like it or not, stress can affect our lives everyday.

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Behavioral Health Services through the Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI) grant and MNYS began a partnership and wanted to incorporate something new to help with mental health issues.

    ‘BEADing the Stigma’ was held for the youth at the Oklahoma State University Prevention Program Office in Okmulgee on Jan. 14.

    MSPI Project Director Rush Williams has been looking forward to this activity and knows it will help raise awareness for mental health.

    “We want to reduce any type of stigma there is for mental health treatment,” he said. “This is another healthy activity that our youth can do.”

    Williams said when preparing for this event MCNBH and MNYS have a desire to be as culturally diverse as possible.

    “We wanted to find something that could tie our culture with self-care and make it into a healthy activity,” Williams said. “We felt beading could do something and be very rewarding for our participants.”

    Several youth were at the event ready to participate and learn how to deal with things stress related and improve their mental health.

    Buckley says beading has always been a part of her life and she wanted to share it with others.

    “Beading for me has been an outlet and it is a connection with my culture,” she said. “It helps me to deal with stress and get the worries of everything away from me.”

    Both and Williams and Buckley said they hope to hold more ‘BEADing the Stigma’ events in the future.

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  • A word from Chief & Second Chief

    January 13, 2020

    Dear Muscogee (Creek) citizens,

    Hesci! Our first week in office has been completed and as leaders, we understand that accountability and transparency from government are fundamental. This is why we felt it necessary to provide the citizens of this great Nation with an update on activities and initiatives that have been addressed so far.

    So far, a meeting with current Cabinet members was held to receive updates on their respective departments and programs. All Cabinet positions are in “acting” status at this time. Positions are being reviewed and updated as necessary to reflect current duties and responsibilities, processes are being formulated for advertisement and application of Cabinet positions. Also as of January 6, briefings were scheduled for Muscogee (Creek) Nation departments and programs and site visits are being conducted to programs. Together, we want to meet with staff and listen to employees’ ideas and recommendations on what we can do to improve the Nation’s service to our citizens and our employees. We want our employees to love working here and figure what avenues need to be taken to accomplish this.

    We have met with the Investment Committee to review the financial status of the Nation. The committee will continue to meet with financial institutions for further evaluation of finances, with long- and short- term investments in mind.

    On January 8, we had the opportunity to meet with leadership of Oklahoma tribes in Norman, Oklahoma regarding the gaming compact issue that MCN and 34 other tribes in the State of Oklahoma are facing. We also attended the quarterly Inter-Tribal of the Five Civilized Tribes on January 9-10, at the Hard Rock Casino Tulsa. We are still united with the tribes in protecting our sovereignty through tribal gaming.

    We want our citizens to remain informed and updated on the concerns and recommendations they have shared with us over the last few months before we took office. We will continue to provide transparency and accountability as these efforts develop.

    Mvto,

    David W. Hill, Principal Chief

    Del Beaver, Second Chief

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation ushers in new leadership

    For Immediate Release

    Jan. 4, 2020

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation ushers in new leadership

    Tribal Officials take oath of office

     TULSA, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation ushered in a new era of leadership with the inauguration ceremony of Principal Chief David Hill and Second Chief Del Beaver Jan. 4 at the River Spirit Casino Resort.

    The inauguration commemorated the new MCN Executive Branch leaders taking office in their respective positions.

    Hill and Beaver were officially sworn into office on Jan.1 at the MCN Council House in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

    In his inaugural speech, Hill stated his primary goal is building trust to strengthen the Nation.

    “I will tirelessly work to improve our tribal services by listening to our citizens and employees…together we will create strategies to implement these goals,” Hill said. “I truly want to leave a legacy that all of you can be proud of. You are Muscogee (Creek), you have special blood that runs through your veins, you deserve the best.”

    Beaver focused on strength in unity.

    “The future of our tribes lies in the foundation that our forefathers built, from Ocmulgee to Okmulgee we have not only survived but thrived,” Beaver said. “Each generation of Muscogee people have overcome obstacles, have brought new ideas and have added a layer to our foundation.”

    “As Muscogee people I ask that we stay united, lift each other up and continue to build for future generations.”

    The incoming leadership recognized and honored past leadership with a special presentation for Principal Chiefs Claude Cox, R. Perry Beaver, Bill Fife, A.D. Ellis, George Tiger and James R. Floyd for their service and contribution to the Nation.

    A special reading was presented by U.S. Poet Laureate and Muscogee (Creek) citizen Joy Harjo.

    The ceremony followed the MCN National Council inauguration held at the Mound Auditorium in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

    After the ceremony and reception, a celebratory stompdance was held at the old Event Center at the River Spirit Casino Resort.

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  • Unofficial Results Announced in Muscogee (Creek) Nation General Election

    Unofficial Results Announced in Muscogee (Creek) Nation General Election

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation announces unofficial results for the primary election held on Dec. 14. 5,178 votes were cast.

    Unofficial results show David Hill leading in the race for the Office of Principal Chief.

    David Hill received 3,399 votes, accounting for 65.6 percent. In second place was Bim Steve Bruner, receiving 1,779 votes and 34.3 percent.

    The full results of the election are listed below.

    The results will not be considered official until Friday, Dec. 20th at 5:00pm.

    Complete Unofficial Results 

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation hosts Inter-Tribal Working Group Meeting

    For Immediate Release
    Dec. 16, 2019 
    Media Contact: Liz Gray
    O: (918) 549-2453
    C: (918) 758-8106
    egray@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation hosts Inter-Tribal Working Group Meeting

    ITWG provides forum to discuss Violence Against Women Act

    TULSA, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation hosted the Inter-Tribal Working Group Meeting (ITWG) addressing Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction (SDVCJ) Dec. 11-12 at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

    ITWG was established after the 2013 Violence Against Women Act reauthorization to provide a forum to work together and network as tribes were implementing SDVCJ.

    The group is a voluntary working group of designated tribal representatives who may exchange views, information and advice peer-to-peer, about how tribes may best implement SDVCJ, combat domestic violence, recognize victims’ rights and safety needs as well as safeguard defendants’ rights.

    SDVCJ is a voluntary opt-in for tribes to exercise criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit domestic violence, dating violence and criminal violations of protective orders against a Native person.

    MCN is one of 25 different tribes involved in SDVCJ across the country and has been participating since the first meeting in 2013.

    An executive order signed Nov. 26 by President Donald Trump established a task force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in order to enhance the operation of the criminal justice system and address legitimate concerns of Native communities regarding missing and murdered Indigenous people.

    The executive order outlined its mission to conduct appropriate consultation with tribes, develop model protocols and procedures and improve law enforcement response along with improved sharing of data among various law enforcement agencies.

    “The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is taking steps to develop a collaborative approach to the crisis of our missing and murdered Indigenous relatives by creating our own internal task force to develop and implement necessary protocols to coordinate and enhance the responses of Lighthorse police, Family Violence Prevention Program, Children and Family Services and Adult Protective Services,” MCN Family Violence Prevention Program Director Shawn Partridge said. “MCN continues to strengthen our collaborative responses to violence against Indigenous women and people, including domestic violence.”

    During the ITWG meeting, representatives from the MCN District Court held a mock trial of a first appearance of a non-Indian offender as an opportunity to discuss the proceeding and variances in rules of criminal procedure.

    Members of MCN FVPP participated in an interactive discussion about the challenges in domestic violence cases and how to identify and discuss strategies.

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    Representatives from the MCN District Court held a mock trial during the Inter-Tribal Working Group meeting Dec. 12 at River Spirit Casino Resort.

  • Feeding families for the holidays

    For Immediate Release
    Dec. 13, 2019 
    Media Contact: Liz Gray
    O: (918) 549-2453
    C: (918) 758-8106
    egray@muscogeenation.com

    Feeding families for the holidays

    Commissioned Officers Association donates to student organization outreach efforts

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The College of the Muscogee Nation Tribal Leadership Circle accepted a donation from the East Central Oklahoma Commissioned Officers Association to go toward their holiday food drive Dec. 10 at CMN in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

    MCN Department of Health COA Lieutenant Commanders Amanda Wyatt and Lacey Blankenship presented the student lead organization with a check to help purchase food items in an effort to support CMN students and their loved ones during the holiday season.

    “This opportunity lets students know they have support from their tribal community, highlights the new student organization and their own outreach activities and maybe even invite other hospitable donations,” Wyatt said.

    TLC was formed to create an opportunity to expand culture, education, community and fellowship among the student body.

    The institution’s faculty and staff held a food drive last year in partnership with MCN National Council donating hams to families.

    “I thought this year would be a good opportunity for the students of this organization to lead it,” CMN Instructor Caci Biggs said.

    She said CMN’s goal is to provide ten students and their family a meal on Christmas and will be accepting donations through Dec. 17.

    For more information on how to donate to the food drive, contact Caci Biggs at: cbiggs@cmn.edu or (918) 549-2844.

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  • Mvskoke Nation Youth Services to begin pilot mentorship program

    For Immediate Release
    Dec. 11, 2019 
    Media Contact: Darren DeLaune
    O: (918) 732-7617
    C: (918) 777-8457
    ddelaune@muscogeenation.com

    Mvskoke Nation Youth Services to begin pilot mentorship program

    Kickoff set for Jan.22

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Mvskoke Youth Services will be launching a pilot program, Mvskoke Mentors, at Wetumka Public Schools in Wetumka, Okla.

    MNYS are now recruiting people to serve as mentors for several Mvskoke youth who attend WPS.

    MNYS Director Nancy Mason said it has been a vision of the program since its inception in 2014.

    “Every two years we would do an assessment and ask young people and adults on what was needed in the community,” she said. “In every assessment, their response was mentors.”

    Mason knows it has taken awhile to get the mentorship program going only because they wanted to make sure it was done right.

    “We wanted to take our time, not rush into it, get data and facts and not have any complications with it,” Mason said.

    Mason said that MNYS and Wetumka have a great relationship and that was one of the reasons for the pilot program to begin in that town.

    “They have been super open for us to come in and provide services,” she said. “They have been great in giving us feedback and suggestions for our program.”

    The target grades for ‘Mvskoke Mentors’ is 6-8.

    Mason said she is looking for all different types of mentors for the youth.

    “Different people with different experiences,” she said.

    Mason said the mentors have to be at least 21-years-old and a background check will be done.

    “We want to make sure we have every part of protection in place,” Mason said.

    Would you be that person to help make a difference in a youth’s life? Could you devote one hour a week with this person? If so, apply to be a mentor.

    The Mentor application can be completed online by going to www.mvskokeyouth.com/mvskokementors.

    Applicants can also call: 918-549-2557, if they want an application mailed or emailed to them.

    MNYS will host orientation meetings at Wetumka Indian Community on Dec. 12th and Dec. 16th for those interested in becoming a Mvskoke Mentors.

    The kickoff date for the mentor program will be Jan. 22.

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  • VITA program returns for 2020 tax season

    For Immediate Release
    Dec. 11, 2019 
    Media Contact: Liz Gray
    O: (918) 549-2453
    C: (918) 758-8106
    egray@muscogeenation.com

    VITA program returns for 2020 tax season

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Commerce calls for volunteers, tax filers

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Commerce would like to invite taxpayers and those with tax preparation experience to participate in their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

    The VITA program offers free tax help to those who make $54,000 or less and persons with disabilities.

    MCN Department of Commerce wants to offer citizens an opportunity to receive a full tax refund and save money to the benefit of their families.

    Volunteers interested in becoming a greeter, preparer or reviewer may contact MCN Department of Commerce to sign up for training. Volunteers must pass certification standards and testing instituted by the IRS.

    Two rounds of volunteer workshops will be held to complete volunteer certification. The first sessions will be held Dec. 17 and 19 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. The second is scheduled for Jan. 7 and 9.

    Volunteers can sign up for recurring shifts or days of the week as able and desired. Appointment shifts can run anywhere between 2-6 hours in length.

    Tax return appointments begin Jan. 13 until April 15, with available slots every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with allotted appointment times set from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

    Tax preparation will be located at the MCN Commerce building located at 1002 Bear Lane in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

    For more information about volunteering or filing appointments, contact MCN Department of Commerce at: (918) 549-2607.

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