The Muscogee Nation

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National Weather Service Recognizes Muscogee (Creek) Nation as StormReady Tribal Nation
National Weather Service Recognizes Muscogee (Creek) Nation as StormReady Tribal Nation
OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation was recently designated as a StormReady Tribal Nation by the Tulsa National Weather Service Forecast Office making the MCN the first Oklahoma tribe to earn the NWS recognition.
The NWS StormReady Program is a voluntary partnership between local NWS offices and emergency management communities, such as the MCN Emergency Management.
The program objective is to promote a proactive community effort to bring hazardous weather awareness and strengthen hazardous weather operations for communities nationwide.
NWS officials presented the StormReady recognition to the Nation during a special ceremony, which MCN Principal Chief James R. Floyd and Emergency Management Supervisor James Nichols accepted on the Nation’s behalf.
In order to receive the program designation, counties, tribal nations, military bases and other communities must have an effective emergency management team that has implemented a formal Hazardous Weather Operations Plan including a 24-hour warning point and emergency operation center.
In addition to alerting the public through multiple severe weather warnings, a StormReady community must also educate community members on how they can best prepare and respond quickly to warnings.
“Communities have fewer fatalities and lower property damage if they plan for disasters that potentially threaten them before the disaster occurs,” said Ed Calianese, Warning Coordination Meteorologist of the Tulsa NWS Office. “No community is storm proof but StormReady is designed to help communities save lives and it has proven its effectiveness in communities across the country that have been affected by violent weather.”
For Nichols and the rest of the Nation’s Emergency Management team, receiving the StormReady recognition was a significant achievement.
“We worked hard to get this; we saw what we needed to do to earn the designation,” Nichols said. “We already had the majority of it in place so we put a few more things in place to meet the requirements.”
During the recognition ceremony, Principal Chief Floyd acknowledged Nichols’ and the team’s ongoing efforts and dedication to protecting community and tribal members throughout the MCN jurisdiction.
“We want citizens to know they are safe and informed about potential weather hazards and this Emergency Management team is always working hard when they go out and are the eyes and ears for us,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “We really appreciate the National Weather Service and the relationship we have with them because they have a tremendous responsibility to keep the communities safe.”

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April 5, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse vs. National Council basketball games raise money to benefit Angel Tree Project, Murrow Indian Children’s Home
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse vs. National Council basketball games raise money to benefit Angel Tree Project, Murrow Indian Children’s Home
OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse presented checks for $1,000 each to MCN Children & Family Services and Murrow Indian Children’s Home during the MCN National Council March Regular Session on Mar. 30 at the MCN Council House in downtown Okmulgee.
The Lighthorse versus National Council benefit basketball games, held Mar.8 at the Mvskoke Dome, raised $2,000 to aid the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Angel Tree Project and Murrow Indian Children’s Home.
The opening game featured the Lighthorse Explorers versing the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council. Then Lighthorse played against the National Council with over 400 spectators taking part in this event.
“We’ve had great support from the community, from the Council and this administration to support our children who are in tribal foster care or in the care of the State of Oklahoma.,” CFSA Director Kimee Wind-Hummingbird said. “With your donations and generosity throughout the year, we’ve had a lot of opportunities to do things with our youth that we’ve never been able to do before.”
The Angel Tree Project provides for all the children that are receiving services through MCN CFSA, which include programs: Child Protective Services, Tribal Custody, Tribal Juvenile Justice, or Promoting Safe and Stable Families.
Murrow Indian Children’s Home is located in Muskogee, Okla. The home offers residency for at-risk children who have been removed from unsafe homes by either the tribal courts or the state.
For more information regarding donating to the Murrow Indian Children’s call (918) 682-2586 or the Angel Tree Project contact the Children and Family Services at (918) 732-7869.
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April 4, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Holds Three Ponds Elder Housing Community Groundbreaking Ceremony
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2019

OKMULGEE, Okla. – On March 28, 2019, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation held a groundbreaking ceremony to announce the construction of the AKHVSE TVTCENEN(Three Ponds) Elder Housing Community, which will be located near the Tribal Capitol Complex in Okmulgee, Okla.
The future development is part of the Nation’s Tribal Master Site Plan and once completed, will provide housing for 72 Muscogee (Creek) elder households.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, the MCN Housing Manager Thomas Harjo expressed the Nation’s need for additional elder housing, which the MCN DOH recognized after conducting a Housing Needs Assessment.
“The Department of Housing recognized the basic needs and rights afforded to our citizens,” Harjo said. “We are committed to providing our elders with the assistance needed in order to continue living the highest quality of life with dignity and respect.”
The MCN Principal Chief James R. Floyd also shared during the celebration his thoughts on the monumental project.
“It’s very gratifying to be here today and to show everybody not just the plans, but the activity that’s going to be going on here,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “When we do the homes for our elderly and we approach this, I think the two things that very much work on our minds is that they need to be homes and it needs to be a lifestyle. More of our citizens are getting into the elderly category in normal time. So, the demand is only going to rise but they are living longer and we wanted to make sure that we have a plan for them to have a healthy lifestyle as they age.”
Muscogee (Creek) citizen and owner of New Fire Native Design Group, Jason Holuby, presented the features and renderings for the Three Ponds Addition, which was designed with a focus on the health and wellness needs of the elders.
“One of the first things that we did was establish a mission statement for this project and that was to create an internally-focused community that’s in harmony with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s values with an emphasis on serving the elderly community,” Holuby said. “Some key goals for the project were to incorporate culture and to do that in a sensitive and respectful manner; but to really celebrate the Creek culture and incorporate elements of that not only to the site, but into the housing units themselves.”
A significant part of the 36-acre development will be a large activity center equipped with a cafe, kitchen and fitness center, as well as several other community benefits.
The activity center will also include a health check-up room, which will give residents access to routine healthcare check-ups that will be offered by the MCN Department of Health staff each week.
The community will also promote a healthy lifestyle for residents by incorporating a community garden, walking trails and various other outdoor activities for the elders and their families to enjoy.
Each one-bedroom house will come standard with wheelchair accessibility and equipped with an emergency call service feature that will provide emergency assistance in a timely manner.
The housing addition will be located in Okmulgee, Okla., off of the Highway 56 Loop at the intersection of N. Mission Road and E. Eufaula Street, near the College of the Muscogee Nation.
For additional information regarding the future Three Ponds Elder Housing Community or the Elder Housing Program, visit the Dept. of Housing website at www.mcnhousing.comor call 918-549-2500.
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April 2, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health Hosts Pain Management, Opioid Abuse Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2019

TULSA, Okla. – With more than 250 attendees, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health invited Muscogee (Creek) citizens to join other Oklahoma tribes and healthcare professionals for the Pain Management & Opioid Abuse Conference held March 27, 2019, at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Okla.
The conference focused on opioid abuse treatment specific to meeting the needs of Oklahoma tribal citizens and provided tribal and community members with knowledge to help combat the opioid addiction epidemic.
Several informative presentations were given by speakers with various professional backgrounds related to opioid and pain medication abuse, including Lloyd Miller, with the law firm Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson & Perry, LLP, who represents the Nation and many other tribes in opioid litigation against the manufacturers and distributors of opioid prescriptions.
Miller discussed the importance of the Native American voice and the significant presence it currently has in opioid litigation.
“I think it’s very important to have as many tribes involved in the case as possible, whether the tribes are large or small, in order to have a profile of Indian Country and to have as much of Indian Country, as possible involved in the litigation,” Miller said.
The conference also outlined information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a federal agency with the mission to reduce the impact of mental illness and substance abuse on America’s communities.
The information and statistics provided from SAMHSA were presented by the SAMHSA Regional Administrator for Region 6, CMDR Karen Hearod, LSCW, who oversees five states, including Oklahoma, in the nation-wide effort to combat the current opioid crisis.
CMDR Hearod also shared the MCNDH’s specific plans to provide opioid abuse treatment to citizens through the $1.25 millions of SAMHSA funding to be paid over two years to the Nation and its treatment efforts.
“So, SAMHSA is so excited to be able to partner with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in that way,” CMDR Hearod said. “With those dollars, they’ve been able to ask and get evidence-based treatments, such as Medication Assisted Treatment, which is the treatment for Opioid Use Disorder, with one of the three medications that’s approved by the FDA, along with counseling and recovery supports that are so important to people’s long-lasting recovery.”
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April 2, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Environmental Services Hosts Climate Training Workshop
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2019

Office of Public Relations
Muscogee (Creek) Nation
918-732-7621
www.muscogeenation.com

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Environmental Services Hosts Climate Training Workshop
Article Contributor: MCN Environmental Specialist Hannah Jacobs
OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Environmental Services hosted a Climate Change Training Workshop for the University of Oklahoma’s South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (SCCASC), which provides the science, tools and information to address the impacts of climate variability.
The SCCASC specifically addresses the impacts of climate change on areas of concern in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
The SCCASC Tribal Liaison and Sustainability Scientist April Taylor coordinated the event held in Okmulgee, Okla., March 11-12, 2019, which provided various speakers and lecture topics that introduced the basics of climate change and future projections of the impacts.
The two-day workshop also discussed areas such as vulnerability assessments, drought planning, weather hazards and hazard climatology, and climate tools and data resources.
The workshop also provided hands-on experience to the 15 attendees, which also included employees from the Nation’s Office of the Attorney General, Conservation District and Geospatial Department; as well as the Sac and Fox Nation, Chickasaw Nation Environmental Services and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Emergency Management.

March 18, 2019
MCN now accepting Living Legends Nominations
Now Accepting Applications for 2019 Muscogee (Creek) Nation Living Legends Nominees
The 45th Annual Muscogee (Creek) Nation Festival is scheduled this year for June 20-23, 2019. During the four-day Festival, the Living Legends Ceremony will honor five outstanding Muscogee (Creek) citizens as the 2019 Living Legends inductees, during the Festival.
The Nation is currently seeking nominations for deserving Muscogee (Creek) citizens to be considered as one of the five 2019 Living Legends honorees, chosen by this year’s executive-appointed Living Legends Selection Committee.
To nominate an individual, please consider how the citizen has made outstanding contributions to the development of the Nation and quality of life to the citizens on a local, national or international level.
The Living Legends Selection Committee will be accepting the applications for nominees now through the May 31, 2019 deadline.
The five citizens who are selected as this year’s inductees will be recognized at the 2019 Living Legends Ceremony, which will be held Thursday, June 20, 2019, at 11 a.m., in the Ballroom of the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Okla.
Please consider your nominations, carefully, in accordance with the nominees’ eligibility requirements and properly submit applications by one of the three return options, also listed on the nomination form attached.
We anticipate and appreciate your participation in acknowledging and honoring the diligent work of our outstanding Muscogee (Creek) citizens.
If you have any questions, please contact Geebon Gouge at 918-732-7752.

Completed applications may be hand-delivered, emailed to Ggouge@muscogeenation.com; or mailed to the address listed below:
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Liaison
Living Legends
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447

918.732.7752 | ggouge@muscogeenation.com | MuscogeeNation-nsn.gov | CreekTourism.com | CreekFestival.com
Nominations must be received no later than Friday, May 31, 2019.
Living Legends Nomination Form
March 15, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Provides Ethics Training Event for Tribal Employees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Provides Ethics Training Event for Tribal Employees
OKMULGEE, Okla. – In an effort to promote the highest standard of professional and ethical practices within the workplace, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation held its 2019 Ethics Training sessions for all MCN employees to attend on March 7, 2019, on the Tribal Complex in Okmulgee, Okla.
Three years ago, the Ethics Training was initiated by Principal Chief James R. Floyd to encourage an ethical work environment for employees, as well as provide a better understanding of the employees’ responsibility to matters, such as professional ethics, conduct, conflict of interest and more.
The training outlines the MCN Code of Ethics published in the Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual, which lists the specific obligations MCN employees are to fulfill, such as to demonstrate the highest standards of conduct, personal integrity and honesty in the workplace.
This year, the MCN Human Resource Management Services invited three professionals to present during the training to their expertise and background in workplace and ethics investigations, as well as knowledge in working in Indian Country.
Between the two Ethics Training sessions, more than 500 employees attended the presentations given by the First Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Wilson of the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, Okla., as well as Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Tate Turnbo and FBI Special Agent Jeff Youngblood.
The Nation’s Acting Tribal Administrator Dean Hughes said this year’s training had a significant turnout and continues to grow each year with success.
“We were very pleased that it had a great turnout and we had a lot of interesting questions that occurred from the event,” Mr. Hughes said. “There was a lot of positive [comments] about the presentations and I feel that it continued to grow and get better and that there’s more interest in attending these events. So, we felt very pleased about the training this past week.”
For employees who were unable to attend either session, a video version of the Ethics Training will soon be available to access through Cuko, the internal employee resources website.
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March 15, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Educators Recognized at 2019 National Johnson-O’Malley Association Awards Ceremony
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Educators Recognized at 2019 National Johnson-O’Malley Association Awards Ceremony
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, along with schools and educators within the Nation’s jurisdiction, received national recognition during the 2019 National Johnson-O’Malley Association Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas, Nev., March 6, 2019.
The awards ceremony, which was part of the 2019 NJOMA Conference, presented the Nation with the Platinum Donor Recognition for its contributions to the association and its advocacy for changes in law for the JOM Program.
During the ceremony, NJOMA also recognized a number of educational programs within the Nation’s boundaries including the nationwide award for Educator of the Year and the National At-Large JOM Exemplary Program.
Union Public Schools in Tulsa, Okla., was honored for this year’s National At-Large JOM Exemplary Program, while Henryetta Public Schools in Henryetta, Okla., was recognized for the Region 3A JOM Exemplary Program.
The Region 3A Teacher of the Year also came from the Union Public Schools, which was awarded to Nancy Pedicord.
Another national-level award for Educator of the Year went to Jackie White, who retired from Union Public Schools and has been involved in working with the Nation and its JOM programs throughout the jurisdiction.
Principal Chief James R. Floyd attended the ceremony, along with others from the Nation and the Department of Education including Secretary of Education, Employment & Training Greg Anderson.
Secretary Anderson said it’s an honor to be recognized by the NJOMA for the hard work the Nation has put in over the years and to see the Nation’s dedicated work payoff.

“The Nation is getting a lot of recognition this year,” Secretary Anderson said. “It’s been a long time coming, too. But, the recognition given to the Henryetta and Union schools and their staff was well deserved. They have some great things going on.”
This year’s conference was significantly notable following President Trump signing the Johnson-O’Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act (S. 943) into law and the NJOMA celebrating 25 years of service.
The success of the modernization act becoming a law has been a noteworthy achievement for the Nation following its prominent involvement in getting S. 943 signed into law.
The Nation’s efforts in supporting the legislation included providing financial support, as well as human capital; and making several trips to Washington D.C. to meet with the Bureau of Indian Education and Congress, in order to advocate for the Native students and their educational needs.
“We’ve worked hard on the Senate Bill 943 to get it into public law and now it is,” Secretary Anderson said. “It is really nice to be recognized for it and it’s a good feeling.”
March 13, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Sees Great Reward Following Mvskoke Dome Investment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Sees Great Reward Following Mvskoke Dome Investment
OKMULGEE, Okla. – Since making significant upgrades to the Mvskoke Dome the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has seen great reward in its investment. The Nation has already hosted three successful basketball tournaments with more than 10,000 attendees, which has generated significant revenue in ticket and concession sales.
So far in 2019, combined revenue from the three events is just over $80,000, with a reported $30,000 in concession sales and $50,000 in ticket sales.
The Nation is pleased with the turnout of each event, which included the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Okmulgee County Basketball Tournament and the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activity Association (OSSAA) Class B Regional and Class 3A Area tournaments.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James R. Floyd recognized the positive opportunities that have developed since the Nation’s investment in the Mvskoke Dome.
“It’s great to see. I am very pleased with the positive attention this has brought to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “The investment has dramatically changed the use of the Dome, and we are already seeing dividends.”
“As a result of the upgrades we’ve already hosted two OSSAA playoffs events. In mid-January we were only being considered for the Class B Regionals and we didn’t even consider ourselves eligible for the Class 3A Area. Based on the response from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Okmulgee County Tournament we were awarded both tournaments. This has all happened very quickly. Being able to bring thousands of people to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is a unique opportunity. It has been great to host events in which many of our citizens play and where their families can attend. We are thankful to the National Council for their support in authorizing the appropriations for the upgrades.”
Tourism and Recreation Director Kyle Lee recently discussed the response from citizens by saying “We’ve received so many great compliments from citizens and visitors on the new floor, stadium seats and brighter lighting. Citizens expressing their pride in the changes have been incredible. We knew the floor would limit us to certain events, but based on the response and positive attention it’s brought we believe it’s really been beneficial for the Nation.”
Mr. Lee also discussed the importance of preserving the new gym flooring for future events.
“We are really excited that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is being seen as a destination for great sporting events. Given the expense of the floor, we are taking every precaution to maintain the integrity and life of the floor. We can no longer hosts events requiring a stage because the floor covers won’t protect from the excessive weight or sharp edges.”
“We are also not allowing heavy traffic events in an effort to maintain the ‘bounce’ for a prolonged period. We’ve received several compliments from players on the play-ability of the floor. This is a major factor when teams or organizations are making a decision on where to host games or events. If we lose the play-ability in our floor, our facility will not have the appeal for events such as the County Tournament, future OSSAA playoff events or other revenue producing events.”
When discussing the efforts they have taken to generate more recreation activity for citizens us Lee stated “We are no longer shutting down the Dome for smaller events as we have shifted our focus to athletic events with a larger number of attendees. We believe this limits the number of closures in effort to maintain access for use by citizens for recreational and fitness activities.”
Principal Chief Floyd also commented on the citizens’ concerns and shared the Nation’s plans to build an event center near the Mvskoke Dome in Okmulgee, Okla.
“We wish we could use the Dome for every event that is requested; but when making the decision to upgrade the court it was explained to us and the National Council that the new floor would limit the events held there,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “Considering the response and the pride our citizens have expressed in being able to host these events, we are glad we made the investments. We are now seeing the need to develop an Event Center on the Omniplex Grounds for more events due to the increased interest these past few months.”
Another highlight from the tournaments has been the Nation’s Facebook video of Muscogee (Creek) citizen, Pearl Thomas, performing the National Anthem in the Mvskoke language, which has now been viewed more than 19,000 times in less than a week.

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March 8, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Provide Financial Literacy to Summer Youth Program Participants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Provide Financial Literacy to Summer Youth Program Participants
TULSA, Okla. – For the past two summers the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has been providing financial literacy education to the summer youth participants through a partnership with Tinker Federal Credit Union and financial literacy modules produced by the Nation. This year the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to bring the financial literacy modules to upcoming Summer Youth Program participants.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is preparing by holding a ‘train the trainer’ event for the summer youth staff at River Spirit Casino Resort March 6, 2019. MCN will continue its partnership with Tinker Federal Credit Union for the financial literacy education classes presented during orientation and MCN’s annual financial literacy day.
Principal Chief James R. Floyd provided opening remarks to the group and discussed the importance financial education and making wise decisions.
Secretary of the Nation and Commerce Elijah McIntosh stated “Tinker Federal has been a great partner in the educational classes they have been providing and we are excited to continue working with them. For the second part of our offering we believe this partnership is going to strengthen the financial literacy modules we have been offering. With the additional resources the Federal Bank of St. Louis is providing we believe this will be huge benefit for the financial literacy education we have been offering.”
Economic educators from the new partnering bank provided the training on how to implement the five financial literacy modules that will be introduced in this year’s Summer Youth Program.
The financial literacy curriculum was developed specifically for Muscogee (Creek) youth by the Federal Reserve Bank of Saint Louis through collaborations with the Nation’s Department of Commerce, Employment and Training Administration (ETA), as well as Youth Services.
In addition to general banking and financing, the Federal Reserve Bank provides free financial and economic education to the public, as well as training to educators such as the Nation’s Summer Youth Program.
The curriculum will provide the Summer Youth participants with skills such as interviewing tips, money saving techniques, as well as education relating to income taxes, credit lending criteria and more.
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Economic Educator Megan Cruz said it’s critical to provide financial literacy at a young age because studies show money habits develop in children as young as seven years old.
Cruz, an Osage tribal member, noted the significance of educating Native American youth, specifically.
“When you think in the context of a tribe, it goes further than the impact I would say it has on other populations because our youth are our future tribal leaders,” Cruz said. “So, we’re helping them to become better stewards of tribal assets. It’s really kind of two-prong benefit, one for their own personal life and family; and then for their tribe, as well.
Youth Services will also be providing a mobile computer lab for the youth to access the Federal Reserve Bank’s online portion of financial literacy tools, which includes testing that tracks each youth’s progress.
ETA Youth Coordinator Mia Hoskison shared the importance of providing the Nation’s youth with financial and economic education.
“Financial literacy is a critical component of life skills development,” Hoskison said. “With so many of Mvskoke youth choosing to continue their educational and career paths, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation holds a responsibility to prepare them for their future and the financial decisions ahead. Our hope as a department is that the knowledge gained through our financial literacy modules will enable Native youth to develop their money management and goal setting skills and prepare them to make wise financial decisions.”
More information regarding the Summer Youth Program is available on the Nation’s website at: www.muscogeenation.com/services/education-training/employment-training.

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March 8, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief Signs “Shield Act” into Law, Affirms Editorial Independence for Mvskoke Media
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2019

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief Signs “Shield Act” into Law, Affirms Editorial Independence for Mvskoke Media
OKMULGEE, Okla. – On Feb. 28, 2019, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James R. Floyd signed into law NCA 19-031, entitled “Shield Act”, a law which provides Mvskoke Media with editorial independence by placing editorial oversight among the Mvskoke Media Managing Editor and Editorial Board, while the financial and budget oversight will be through a coordinating effort of the Secretary of the Nation and Commerce and Mvskoke Media Director.
During the Feb. 23 National Council Regular Session, council members voted 14-1 to pass NCA 19-031, with National Council Rep. Mark Randolph voting against it.
The “Shield Act” was introduced by the Office of Principal Chief and sponsored by Reps. David Hill, Robert Hufft, Travis Scott, Darrell Proctor and Adam Jones III.
NCA 19-031 states Mvskoke Media “shall be independent from political influence in its editorial content. All editorial content and review shall be at the discretion of the Mvskoke Media Managing Editor and Editorial Board, only. Mvskoke Media financial oversight and budgeting shall be a coordinated effort between the Mvskoke Media Director and the Secretary for the Nation and Commerce.”
The new law ensures protection to all Mvskoke Media journalists and publications in the disclosure of journalistic sources and information related to the Nation including “written, oral, pictorial news or any digital or tangible record,” as NCA 19-031 states.
The legislation also affirms Mvskoke Media is not to be considered an official capacity of the Nation and the Official Seal of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is not to be placed on any materials.
NCA 19-031 applies only to the Mvskoke News, Mvskoke Radio and Mvskoke Vision entities, as well as the administrative and IT staff within Mvskoke Media.
The provisions of NCA 19-031 exclude Mvskoke Media’s marketing, graphic design and printing division, Mvskoke Creative.
However, Principal Chief Floyd has assured that the Nation is looking at additional opportunities for Mvskoke Creative and anticipates set plans for the department will be known in the coming months.
“As far as the non-media side of Mvskoke Media, I anticipate within the next 60-90 days we will have something worked out,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “I don’t see anybody losing their job over the change in legislation. I think if anything, there are more opportunities. We’re just still looking at Mvskoke Creative as a whole and seeing how it can be allocated throughout the tribe as a department.”
As the new law affirms the three-member Mvskoke Media Editorial Board, it also requires the board to be in place by the May 1, 2019 deadline.
The duty of the editorial board will be to ensure the Mvskoke Media staff adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists standards with ethical consideration to the Nation’s customs and traditions.
Among the NCA 19-031 editorial board member qualifications, at least two of the three board members must be enrolled Muscogee (Creek) or citizens of another federally recognized tribe if qualified Muscogee (Creek) citizens are not available.
The three-member editorial board must include one member selected by the Principal Chief, one member selected by the National Council and the third member must be selected by the two members of the board. The board members must meet the qualifications to serve on the board, which requires one member to have a tribal law background, one member to have at least a bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field; while two of the three members also must have a journalism background with management, operations, editorial or reporting experience.
The full legislation is available online at: www.mcnnc.com/images/pdf2019/bills/NCA19-031.pdf.
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March 6, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Ocmulgee National Park Expansion Nears Victory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2019

Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Ocmulgee National Park Expansion Celebrates Victory
OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is celebrating its victory of the Ocmulgee National Park Expansion authorization that was included in the Natural Resources Management Act, S. 47, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump March 12, 2019.
The Ocmulgee National Park Expansion was among the various federal land projects and studies included in S. 47 that relate to natural resource management and conservation of those lands.
The new law is a significant triumph for the Nation as it will now expand and protect several hundred acres of the Mvskoke people’s former homelands in Macon, Ga., where the Mvskoke people lived more than 600 years before the forced removal to Indian Territory.
The bill also renames the Ocmulgee National Monument to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park and expands the park boundaries from about 700 acres to nearly 2,000 acres. The site will now preserve the Mvskoke heritage for years to come.
In addition to preserving the Nation’s history and culture, the law will also add wildlife protection, as well as increase education and recreational opportunities.
The Nation has diligently worked with state and federal lawmakers, as well as local and national preservation groups to get the additional lands protected.
Principal Chief James R. Floyd has shared the bill’s significance to the Nation and its citizens.
“This ensures that more of our historic lands are going to be protected and that’s so important to us,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “The land that had our Mvskoke presence will all be protected and it will never be developed or looted and that’s significant. Now we can go home and know that where we once lived for hundreds of years will always be protected.”
Principal Chief Floyd has expressed the Nation’s gratitude for the significant amount of support in the expansion efforts, including the support from the National Parks Conservation Association and the Ocmulgee National Monument Association.
“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has been working for years in partnership with local and national preservation groups in efforts to ensure the protection of these sites,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “We are extremely grateful for the bipartisan efforts of leaders and also very happy to have the support and assistance of the Macon community and groups who have worked toward achieving our goal.”
Along with the preservation of the additional lands, the law allows for opportunities for the Nation such as its recent partnership with the NPCA to create a learning and active services program for the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council.
The Nation is working with the NPCA to create the program for Muscogee (Creek) youth to promote positive attributions including cultural preservation, environmental stewardship and community service.
Principal Chief Floyd said the plans for the program could potentially develop into a summer camp or summer work program opportunity for the youth.

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March 1, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Hold Oklahoma City At-Large Citizens’ Quarterly Outreach Feb. 22, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 21, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Hold Oklahoma City At-Large Citizens’ Quarterly Outreach Feb. 22, 2019
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – As part of the Nation’s continued effort to make tribal services accessible to all eligible citizens, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation At-Large Citizen’s Office will be holding the Oklahoma City Quarterly Outreach Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Muscogee (Creek) Association Community Center (OCMA), located at 4111 N. Lincoln Oklahoma City, Okla., 73105.
The Feb. 22 OKC Quarterly Outreach is in its second year hosting the event with OCMA and Geebon Gouge, Tribal Liaison for Citizens’ At-Large, said it’s a significant opportunity for the Nation.
“Our goal is to bring our services to the Oklahoma City community to better serve our tribal citizens in that area,” Gouge said.
The Feb. 22 outreach event will include representatives from services such as: Citizenship, Election Board, Realty, Higher Education, Language, Social Services, School Clothing, Contract Health, Mvskoke Media, Mortgage Assistance, Child Care Assistance, Foster and Adoption Program, Cultural Preservation and College of the Muscogee Nation, among other programs.
The At-Large Citizens’ Office was created to assist with tribal services’ outreach, as well as promote ongoing relations with citizens, specifically with those who live outside of the Nation’s jurisdiction.
The Nation’s At-Large Citizens’ Office consists of two parts – At-Large: In-State and At-Large: Out of State, which assist with providing program information specific to the citizens’ needs, depending on where they reside.
Both departmental entities are overseen by Gouge, who is responsible for coordinating with the various MCN programs in order to assist the citizens living outside the Nation’s boundaries, who otherwise may be less informed of all the services available to them.
The Tribal Liaison position for informing and advising citizens of all applicable services and eligibility requirements available to them; all while conforming to the laws and regulations on state, federal and tribal levels.
In addition to putting out-of-area citizens in touch with the appropriate programs and point of contacts, the outreach efforts also consist of hosting quarterly events in various locations, both in and out of state.
Each outreach event provides an opportunity for citizens in the area to learn more about available services in person and speak with the knowledgeable staff members of each program.
The MCN At-Large Citizen Services Guide is also a resource for citizens to use as a reference and lists each program and the summarized details such as eligibility, contacts, deadlines and updates.
The MCN At-Large Citizen Services Guide is available online, to view or as a PDF download, which can be found on the Nation’s website at: www.muscogeenation.com/in-state-at-large.
For more information on upcoming At-Large Quarterly Outreach events or other inquiries, contact the At-Large Citizens’ Office at 918-732-7752.
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February 21, 2019
MCN Celebrates Hanna Indian Community Center Groundbreaking, Construction of Nation’s First Prototype Community Building
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 19, 2019

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

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February 21, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Host Upcoming Regional, Area State Basketball Games at Mvskoke Dome
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 1, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Host Upcoming Regional, Area State Basketball Games at Mvskoke Dome

OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is pleased to announce the Mvskoke Dome will be one of the host sites for the upcoming regional and area games for the 2019 Oklahoma High School Basketball Playoffs in Okmulgee, Okla.
The Mvskoke Dome will host the majority of the Class B regional tournament games, including the Regional Championship games, Feb. 14-16, 2019.
During the regional tournament there will be games scheduled throughout two sessions. The afternoon session games are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., followed by the evening session with games at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Leading up to the State Championship games, the Mvskoke Dome will also host the Class 3A Area Tournament Feb. 28 through March 2, 2019. A schedule of game times will be announced on a later date.
The Mvskoke Dome was chosen as a host site by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association, based on a list of criteria the gym must meet to be considered including the gym size, overall condition of the facility, parking and location among other considering factors.
Recent renovations were made to the facility with the goal of becoming a contender in hosting events such as the regional and area tournaments.
The upgrades include new hardwood installation to the gymnasium flooring, as well as the addition of 1,602 stadium seats throughout.
The Director of Tourism & Recreation Kyle Lee said the past year has been set aside for completing the Mvskoke Dome upgrades for the opportunity to host various sporting events.
“We recently just wrapped up hosting our first Okmulgee County Tournament and that was huge success and it exposed a lot of people to the Dome for the first time,” Lee said. “We hope to continue to build on this momentum and bring more sporting events and visitors to the area.”
Lee said it’s an exciting opportunity for the Nation to be presented by OSSAA with the opportunity.
Principal Chief James R. Floyd is also looking forward to hosting the upcoming regional and area playoff games and all future sporting events in the upgraded facility.
“It is a great opportunity for the Nation to work with these organizations and different entities of the community to create partnerships and positive environments that bring communities and schools together,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “We look forward to continued partnerships and the opportunity to host other large events like this.”

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February 1, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Hold the Hanna Indian Community Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 5, 2019
UPDATED: Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Hold the Hanna Indian Community Center Groundbreaking Ceremony Feb. 19, 2019 at 10 a.m.
HANNA, Okla. – Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation will hold the Hanna Indian Community Center Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new facility construction, which will be the first prototype building for the Nation’s 25 chartered communities.
The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. with Principal Chief James R. Floyd, Second Chief Louis Hicks and other tribal dignitaries taking part in the groundbreaking at the future building site.
The new 5,200 square foot facility will replace the current community center and will be used for both tribal and non-tribal purposes once complete.
The Nation’s Tribal Construction Services will oversee the building construction being done by the Native American construction firm, 1Architecture.
The $1.2 million construction project is funded through an appropriation passed by the National Council in NCA 18-015.
The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public and will be held at the Hanna Indian Community Center’s current location, which is three miles East of the Post Office near Highway 52 in Hanna, Okla.

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* This is an updated version of a previously dispersed media alert. Please note, the date and time of the event have been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019 at 10 a.m.

February 1, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James Floyd Delivers State of the Nation Address
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 1, 2019

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James Floyd Delivers State of the Nation Address
OKMULGEE, Okla. – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James R. Floyd delivered the State of the Nation Address during the National Council Quarterly Session Jan. 26, 2019.
Principal Chief Floyd began the address by noting the 40^th anniversary of the ratification of the MCN constitution, which reaffirmed the Nation’s sovereignty.
Taking it back to the start of his career with the Nation in 1978 with less than 100 employees, Principal Chief Floyd put today’s numbers in perspective by reporting the Nation now employs more than 5,000 and has a payroll that exceeds $169 million.
He also disclosed on the Nation’s financial security by stating the Permanent Fund has grown to more than $372 million since it was created.
“As your Principal Chief, I repeat my promise to you to not borrow or decrease our base, but to increase it and to increase the interest for our vital needs,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “We must keep this foundation in place for a strong future for our Nation.”
Progress in healthcare was acknowledged with acclaim to the opening of the Creek Nation Community Hospital in Okemah, Okla., and the Eufaula Indian Health Center, a joint-venture development with Indian Health Service.
Principal Chief Floyd conveyed in his address the difficult decision making that took place when he came into office, as it relates to refining the financial and operational deficit in the Nation’s healthcare system.
“… I am glad to report that our healthcare system is financially sound,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “We can now place a greater focus on programs that will improve the overall health in our communities. We had to make tough decisions to get there but now it is rewarding to know we did what was right to serve our people and to protect our sovereignty; the greatest promise I can make to you.”
The address also celebrated the passage of the Stigler Act Amendments of 2018, as Principal Chief Floyd shared what a humbling opportunity it was to present the U.S. Senate with testimony for the act, as the Nation was the only tribe to testify on the legislation.
In respect to the Nation’s sovereign rights, he continued the address by praising the diligent work of tribal entities that lead to the MCN District Court prosecution of the first non-Native domestic violence offender under the Violence Against Women Act implementations.
“I want everyone, citizen and non-citizen alike, to know we are serious about combating domestic violence and will take action to the fullest extent of the law to eliminate it,” Principal Chief Floyd stated.
He also acknowledged the Office of Attorney’s General staff for their dedicated work in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Carpenter v. Murphy as it relates to criminal prosecution within the Nation’s jurisdictional boundaries.
Principal Chief Floyd expressed his gratification for the Muscogee (Creek) veterans and all veterans for their service to our country. He then shared the story of Vietnam veteran John Sloan’s trip to France as he attended the Commemoration of the 100^th Anniversary of the End of World War I that took place Nov. 11, 2018.
Employee and Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizen Darren DeLaune was recognized by Principal Chief James R. Floyd Jan. 26 during the State of the Nation address on the MCN Tribal Complex in Okmulgee, Okla.
Sloan was chosen among 30 citizens that were considered to represent the Nation and visit the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, France, where the graves of four citizens who were killed in action during WWI are located.
Sloan was able to sprinkle Oklahoma soil on each of the four citizens’ graves and leave them with the Nation’s flag.
Looking at the year ahead, Principal Chief Floyd announced the development of the Master Site Plan, which will guild the Nation’s expansion in Okmulgee, Okla., over the next 20 years. The plan includes securing funding that will not draw from the Permanent Fund or require high-interest loans.
He said he is hopeful the Nation will break ground on the first buildings in 2020, which include a Museum and Cultural Center on the Okmulgee Country Club property, as well as new venues at the Claude Cox Omniplex.
In closing, Principal Chief Floyd expressed his commitment to the continued improvements to the Nation and the betterment of the citizens.
“Many of you know that we started with few resources but we have always had our greatest resource, our people,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “It is your strength that flows through us and your struggles to overcome that ensure us today. It is our people that have always kept us moving forward.”

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State of the Nation Address PDF
FY19 First Quarter Report
February 1, 2019
FY19 1st Quarter Report
January 26, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Citizen, Employee Recognized for Saving Citizen’s Life
Photo L to R: Second Chief Louis Hicks, Darren Delaune, Emergency Management Supervisor James Nichols & Principal Chief James R. Floyd.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 25, 2019

Muscogee (Creek) Citizen, Employee Recognized for Saving Citizen’s Life
OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation presented an Outstanding Service award to Darren Delaune, a citizen and employee of the Nation, for the heroism he displayed while saving the life of another citizen.
It was Delaune’s quick response and CPR training from the MCN Office of Emergency Management that saved a citizen’s life on Dec. 5, 2018.
Delaune, a Mvskoke Media reporter, was interviewing the citizen for his newspaper article when the citizen began experiencing a medical episode. Delaune performed CPR and tended to them until the ambulance arrived.
Since that day, the Office of Principal Chief and Second Chief began planning a recognition ceremony to present Delaune with the award for Recognition of Outstanding Service for performing a selfless act of heroism while on the job by demonstrating his resourcefulness of CPR to save a life.
Principal Chief James R. Floyd and Second Chief Louis Hicks presented Delaune with the award and thanked him for the selfless act.
“Personally, I am very pleased,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “We talk about helping each other and you really demonstrated it. It’s a unique opportunity to be able to recognize somebody for doing something as significant as this and I think sometimes we overlook it. So, we wanted to make sure we presented this to Darren [Delaune] because you saved somebody’s life.”
During the ceremony, Principal Chief Floyd noted the significance of the life-saving event, as Delaune was interviewing the citizen for the work they’re doing on a project with the Mvskoke Language Program.
The Mvskoke Language Program has been working with the citizen on a project to create an audio recording of The New Testament of the Holy Bible in the Mvskoke language.
“This wasn’t just an ordinary thing,” Principal Chief Floyd said. “You helped preserve the life of the person who is preserving the language and for everybody in the Nation. So, I am very proud of you.”
The Office of Emergency Management Supervisor James Nichols also praised Delaune for his actions.
“It’s all about early recognition and starting your training as quick as possible to save somebodies life and that’s what you were taught in our class and that’s what you put to use,” Nichols said. “So, I’m proud of you and everybody is.”

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January 25, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Human Resources offers review sessions for new policy update
For Immediate Release
Jan. 24, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Human Resources offers review sessions for new policy update
OKMULGEE, Okla. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Human Resources department offered two policy review and question and answer sessions Jan. 23 in the Mound Building on the Tribal Complex. The review sessions followed the release of an updated policy and procedures manual earlier in the month.
The new digital policy and procedures manual took three year to complete with numerous additions and modifications. The sessions covered larger changes to policy and allowed for audience questions.
“We wanted people to know what some of those major changes were,” Human Resources Manager and Acting Tribal Administrator Dean Hughes said, “We would attempt to explain the [policy changes] or maybe detail that out, in more detail than they would get by just reading the policy.”
During the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Human Resources Policy and Procedure Review session, employees worked in small groups to answer policy questions.
Changes
Verification of Employment Requests
All verification requests made over the phone will be limited to current employment status, current or last job title and dates of employment. Written requests will be completed if accompanied by the employee or former employee’s signature. The information will still be limited to employment status, current or last job title, dates of employment and annual salary.
MCN departments requesting release of personal information such as address, phone number, date of birth, etc. is limited to Lighthorse Tribal Police and Risk Management.
Miscellaneous Leave
Changes to leave include the addition of domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking leave, breastfeeding support, leave for blood donors and volunteer firefighters and medical emergency volunteers.
Leave accrual
There has been a change in the amount of leave accrued. Employees hired after Jan. 9, 2019 will begin accrue annual leave as follows:
60 days through five years: four hours per pay period
five years to 10 years: six hours per pay period
10 years and over: eight hours per pay period.
Employees, hired before Jan. 9, 2019, are grandfathered into the previous leave accrual amounts.
Donated Sick Leave
The donated sick leave policy has been removed due to multiple instances of abuse.
Camera, Video and Voice Recording
Regarding the recordings of meetings, all parties have to be aware of the recording and accepting of the recording.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Employees who are taking a prescribed controlled substance that could impact their work performance should report this to their supervisor. Employees who test positive for legal drugs may be required to submit a medical evaluation to determine the impact on their work performance.
There are more changes than those listed within this article. Please view the policy and procedures manual for all the changes. The updated policy and procedures manual, can be viewed on the Human Resources page of the MCN website.
During the afternoon session, HR Labor Relations Coordinator Melissa Culley said general policies are secondary to departmental policies.
HR is open to feedback and concerns. Polices and procedures will be reviewed by an HR committee once a quarter.
January 24, 2019