The Muscogee Nation

Category: Events

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Host Career and Resource Fair

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Host Career and Resource Fair

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

     

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Host Career and Resource Fair

    Attendees Will Receive Resume and Application Assistance Among Other Services

    Okmulgee, Okla.—The Muscogee Nation Human Resources and the Employment and Training Administration are set to host a Career and Resource Fair on September 20th at the Mvskoke Dome in Okmulgee. The purpose of this event is to assist with filling the Muscogee Nation’s present career openings while also providing resume and application services to those currently job seeking.

    Several Muscogee Nation departments will be on hand to relay information regarding resources and services that benefit those currently employed, unemployed and/or actively seeking employment. Departments will also be searching for candidates and conducting on-site interviews to fill their open positions. Local companies and programs from outside the tribe will be in attendance seeking to fill their openings as well.

    ETA Job Placement Specialist, Jessinna Factor, encourages those who plan on attending to “…dress to impress, bring your resume and prepare for an on-site interview.”

    The event is free and open to the public. Even those not currently job seeking are encouraged to attend as there may be resources and other assistance programs that cater to both employed and unemployed individuals. ‘Swag bags’ will be given out to the first 200 attendees, winners for door prizes will be drawn every half hour and refreshments will be served throughout the duration of the event.

    A shuttle service, courtesy of Muscogee Nation Transit, will be provided as a means of transportation for those who live outside of Okmulgee County. Pick-up times and locations can be viewed HERE.

    For more information, call 918-732-7773 or email McnHiringEvent@muscogeenation.com.

    ###

     

  • Muscogee Nation Hosts Second Annual Mvskoke Art Market

    Muscogee Nation Hosts Second Annual Mvskoke Art Market

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    “Star Gorget” by Mvskoke artist, Kenneth Johnson. 2022 ‘Best of Show’ winner.

    Muscogee Nation Hosts Second Annual Mvskoke Art Market

    Artwork by more than 80 artists representing over 20 Native American tribes to be featured.

    TULSA, Okla. – The Second Annual Mvskoke Art Market is set to take place at the River Spirit Casino and Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 22-23. This year’s event is anticipated to be an expanded version of last year’s inaugural success.

    Muscogee Nation Cultural Center and Archives Program Manager, ShaVon Agee and her team worked with the River Spirit staff to add more booth space which increased the featured artist count from 60 to 82. The two-day list of events includes presentations on indigenous creativity and Mvskoke culture, traditional demonstrations and an all-native comedy show. “Our goal was to expand and offer additional programming and cultural presentations to increase attendees’ overall experience. I believe this year’s lineup will be a great success,” Agee said.

    Various works of art from paintings, sculptures, pottery, carvings, textiles and more will be available for viewing as well as purchasing. The Mvskoke Art Market opens to the public at 10 a.m. on both days and admission is free.

    For a full list of events and profiles on featured artists, follow the Mvskoke Art Market’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mvskokeartmarket or visit the Market’s webpage at https://www.dev.muscogeenation.com/mvskokeartmarket/ .

    ###

  • Housing Ownership Assistance program

    Housing Ownership Assistance program

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

    MCN HAF Program – 10/10/2022

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

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

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

  • CR&D Resource Fair – 8/25/2022

  • Deadline for Mvskoke Nation Youth Services Awards extended

    Deadline for Mvskoke Nation Youth Services Awards extended

    Nominations being accepted until Sept. 18

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Mvskoke Nation Youth Services are seeking nominations for their fifth annual Mvskoke Youth Awards to be held Sept. 30.

    MNYS has extended the deadline to Sept. 18.

    MNYS Director Nancy Mason said these awards were created to recognize individuals both youth and adults who have contributed to MNYS and their respective communities.

    “We will have five categories for the nominees,” Mason said. “The categories are ‘Promote Civic Duty,’ ‘Encourage Wellness,’ ‘Provide Resources,’ ‘Foster Advocacy’ and ‘Create Support.’”

    The youth category will be for the ages 12-24 and the adult category will be 25 and up.

    “They need to be Muscogee (Creek) citizens who have impacted the lives of Mvskoke youth,” Mason said.

    She said they notify the nominees that someone was thinking about and nominated them for the award. It lets them know that they are doing the work and being recognized.

    “It is important to be recognized for the work that they do,” Mason said. “We know they are not out there doing the work for the recognition but we know they are doing the work because that is who they are and what they do.”

    The event will be at 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 30 on Facebook Live: @MvskokeYouth.

    For more information call: 918-549-2557, or visit: www.mvskokeyouth.com/mvskokeyouthawards.

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation cancels Living Legends ceremony

    For Immediate Release

    July 2, 2020

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation cancels Living Legends ceremony

    Ceremony cancelled this year due to public health and safety concerns

     OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — For the health and safety of our Muscogee (Creek) citizens and especially our elders, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has decided to cancel the annual Living Legends ceremony.

    COVID-19 has created an unprecedented situation that requires the Nation to take a look at the well-being of our elders and what means need to be taken in order to protect them. The Nation has determined it would not be in the best interest of our people to risk public health and safety by holding the event this year.

    MCN apologizes for this inconvenience while also asking its citizens to continue practicing healthy social habits including social distancing, wearing masks when in public and proper hand hygiene.

    ###

  • 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.

    ###

  • 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/.

    ###

  • 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.

    ###

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

  • Lighting up holiday cheer in Okmulgee

    For Immediate Release
    Dec. 10, 2019 
    Media Contact: Liz Gray
    O: (918) 549-2453
    C: (918) 758-8106
    egray@muscogeenation.com

    Lighting up holiday cheer in Okmulgee

    Christmas Tree lighting ceremony held at Muscogee (Creek) Nation Council House

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Council House celebrated their 2nd annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Okmulgee prior to the city’s “Festival of Lights” Christmas parade.

    Carolers from Belvin Baptist Church sang Christmas songs in both English and Mvskoke language.

    A special appearance was made by MCN’s own Santa Claus during the ceremony.

    “I was pleased to see all the younger attendees meet our Santa,” Principal Chief James Floyd said. “The Nation is happy to host and bring cheer, anything we can do to set the holiday spirit.”

    ###

  • Battle of the Dome: Bacone vs Haskell

    For Immediate Release
    Dec. 4, 2019 
    Media Contact: Liz Gray
    O: (918) 549-2453
    C: (918) 758-8106
    egray@muscogeenation.com

    Battle of the Dome: Bacone vs Haskell

    Basketball event to include youth camp, alumni meeting

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Warriors and Fighting Indians will face off in the Bacone College vs. Haskell Indian Nations University: ‘Battle at the Dome’ Dec. 7 at the Mvskoke Dome located at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Claude Cox Omniplex.

    Games begin at 2 p.m. with the women’s game tipoff and the men’s game will begin at 4 p.m.

    Prior to the games, there will be plenty of activities as BC will host a youth camp for youth ranging from 3rd-8th grade and an alumnus meet and greet for Bacone and Haskell.

    BC Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects and Director of Youth Clinic Nicole Been said the college is honored to host the event.

    “Our overall goal is to create a phenomenal event that showcases two historic Native American serving institutions, give back to the community through our free youth clinic and bring our people together in an amazing atmosphere to celebrate a game that is valuable to our culture,” Been said.

    After the contest, players will be available for autographs. Registration is full for the youth camp.

    Alumni can RSVP for the meet and greet via email or phone at: alumni@bacone.edu or (918) 781-7277.

    For more information, please contact MCN Tourism and Recreation at: (918) 732-7991.

    ###

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation invites community to share holiday cheer, games and gifts 

    For Immediate Release
    Nov. 21, 2019 
    Media Contact: Liz Gray
    O: (918) 549-2453
    C: (918) 758-8106
    egray@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation invites community to share holiday cheer, games and gifts 

    Walk into a Winter Wonderland at the Mvskoke Dome

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tourism and Recreation Department is providing holiday fun for the family with the Christmas Carnival Dec. 6 at the Mvskoke Dome.

    This free event will be held from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

    “We’re excited to kick off the Christmas season and provide a fun and festive night here at the Mvskoke Dome for the community and our citizens,” MCN T&R Marketing Coordinator Jason Salsman said.

    Bring the kiddos and enjoy free professional pictures with Santa Claus, play holiday-themed games like ring toss and cake walk; then cozy up with some hot cocoa.

    Show off your holiday-decorating skills by competing in the gingerbread house and Christmas cookie decorating contests.

    An assortment of vendors offering everything from clothing and jewelry, to baked goods and candles will be available to those wanting to pick out unique and beautifully crafted gifts for friends and family.

    “There will be something for everyone, and at a time of the year when every dollar counts, we’re glad to provide this experience mostly free of charge,” Salsman said.

    ###

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

    For Immediate Release
    Sept. 25, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ###

  • Growth not just a breakout session for Diabetes Awareness Summit

    September 6, 2019       

    by: Liz Gray/MCNPR

    Growth not just a breakout session for Diabetes Awareness Summit

    Diabetes Prevention Program manager promotes feedback to increase diabetes prevention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ###

    Diabetes Prevention Program Manager Dewayne Tiger.

    Kathy Brown presents check from ADA to Principal Chief James Floyd

    Keynote speaker David Garrett, DPM presented “Small and Simple Things: Footcare,” to summit attendees.

    Emcee Darren DeLaune and his dancing partner demonstrate Bachata.

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Departments Assistant in Back to School Needs

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Aug. 3, 2018

     

     Muscogee (Creek) Nation Departments Assistant in Back to School Needs 

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – With the 2018-2019 school year approaching for schools across the Muscogee (Creek) Nation jurisdiction, departments within the Nation are assisting citizens with their back to school needs.

    Several departments sponsored the Back to School event, which was held Friday, Aug. 3, 2018, at the Mvskoke Dome for any school aged citizen of a federally-recognized tribe.

    Last year, MCN Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) department hosted the first ever event but this year the department partnered with the MCN Office of Child Care, Employment and Training and Children and Family Services to expand the event.

    The event provided 700 free backpacks filled with school supplies to the first 700 to preregister.

    The backpacks included basic school supplies needs such as paper, notebook, binders, markers, crayons and other items.

    MCN TANF Youth Programs Coordinator Lauren Randall said it may not cover a complete school supply list but the program hopes it’s a helpful start.

    “I know going back to school and getting school supplies is expensive,” Randall said. “I have three kids of my own so I know what the cost is. We thought it’d be a good way for our program to give back.”

    Although the only the first 700 to preregister received backpack and supplies, the event was open to other families to enjoy the event.

    The event had waterslide, pony rides, obstacle courses and inflatables for the children, along with free food and haircuts, which were provided by Okmulgee’s local Upscale Salon and Renovations Salon.

    Several other departments set up booths to provide information on program resources including WIC, Children and Family Services, Lighthorse Police Department, LIHEAP, School Clothing Program and more.

    Nurses from the Sapulpa Indian Clinic were on site printing off shot records and discussing the importance of immunizations.

    Although it was a one-day event, programs such as the School Clothing Program, are available to assist MCN citizens with school needs throughout the year.

    From Jan. 3, 2018 – Dec. 28, 2018, any Muscogee (Creek) citizen enrolled in a certified Head Start Program through 12th grade and citizens enrolled full time in a college or technical school is able to receive funding to assist in school clothing costs each year.

    The program is not limited to citizens within the MCN jurisdiction.

    In order to receive the stipend, proof of citizenship must be provided, as well as a completed application.

    Grade school students must have a portion of the application completed by school officials verifying parent/guardianship and address.

    College and technical school students are required to provide a letter from the school registrar office on official letterhead stating full-time enrollment.

    Citizens who are homeschooled also receive assistance by providing receipt of textbook purchases or a copy of the curriculum as proof of homeschooling.

    Head Start through 5th grade students receive $200 per calendar year and 6th through 12th grade students receive $250.

    College or technical school applicants receive $150 in assistance.

    Applications are available online to print and return at www.muscogeenation.com/services/school-clothing/.

    For more information, contact the School Clothing Program at schoolclothing@muscogeenation.com. Completed applications may be faxed to 918-549-2478.

    For more information on other MCN departments and programs available, visit www.muscogeenation.com.

     

    ###

  • Mvskoke Loan Fund to Offer QuickBooks Training to Continue Business Boot Camps Series

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    May 24, 2018

     

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Mvskoke Loan Fund is continuing its Business Boot Camps series by offering its next free business training event, which will cover QuickBooks Accounting Software training.

    QuickBooks is used by companies large and small to assist in all aspects of accounting, including managing sales, expense reports, accounts payable and receivable, as well as payroll and federal taxes.

    Mvskoke Loan Fund Chief Executive Officer Christopher Coburn said QuickBooks is by far the easiest and cheapest accounting software that is widely accepted.

    Coburn said this free training event is just another tool offed by Mvskoke Loan Fund to assist in making a business successful.

    “A lot of what gets people in trouble is they don’t know how to account for their money and create and track what they are spending,” Coburn said. “They can’t create the financial reports, profit and loss statements or cash flow statements that are needed.”

    The QuickBooks training is the second of four trainings offered through the Business Boot Camps being offered through September 2018. The next two events will cover social media/marketing and networking for businesses.

    Coburn said the series is named Business Boot Camps because much like the military, they are short and difficult but they can save your life in the business field.

    The upcoming QuickBooks trainings will be held at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Complex in the Tribal Conference Room of the McCombs Building from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on the following dates: May 30, June 13, July 11 and August 15.

    The classes are limited to 12 per class and laptops will be provided.

    Preference is given to Indianpreneurship graduates.

    For more information and to reserve a spot, please contact Mvskoke Loan Fund at 918-549-2603.

     

    ###

                                                                                                   

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation to host workshop on Carlisle Indian Industrial School history

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Feb. 27, 2018

    CONTACT:
    Kyla McKown
    Public Relations Specialist
    918-758-8106 C
    918-549-2453 O
    KMcKown@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation to host workshop on Carlisle Indian Industrial School history

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Historic and Cultural Preservation Department will be hosting the Carlisle Indian Industrial School Community Sharing Workshop, which is free and open to the public.

    The Carlisle Indian Industrial School located in Carlisle, Pa., was the first federally funded off-reservation Indian boarding school, which became the model of 24 other government boarding schools including Chilocco and Haskell.

    Through a grant funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, Dickinson College and the Cumberland County Historical Society of Carlisle, Pa., have worked the past few years archiving records from the boarding school and presenting the documents to schools and communities.

    A total of 104 Muscogee (Creek) citizens attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School from 1879 – 1918. Among the more than 10,000 students, more than 70 tribes had children who attended, including the Five Civilized Tribes.

    MCN has invited the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes to attend the workshop, as well.

    The workshop will begin with a documentary of the history of the school followed by photographs, newspaper clippings, as well as a list of known Muscogee (Creek) students who attended.

    The enrollment handout will include as much information known including home addresses, date of enrollment and names of relatives.

    Barbara Landis, CIIS Archives and Library Specialist for the Cumberland County Historical Society, said the slides of photographs and the handout of names usually sparks discussion from workshop attendees as they begin to recognize names.

    “It’s very much a sharing time for us,” Landis said. “The school closed in 1918. Therefore, there are no living informants or direct experiences at the Indian school. So, these records serve as the voice on many levels of the students who attended the school. Even though they are heavily sanitized, we are still finding a lot of information that is new to us.”

    The last portion of the workshop is a tutorial from Dickinson College Archivist, Jim Gerencser, who will go through the website and how to navigate the archives for particular tribes. Attendees are encouraged to bring laptops for personal searches.

    The Carlisle Indian School Digital Resource Center data can be viewed on the website at http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu.

    The workshop will be held at the MCN Mvskoke Dome, 200 Preston Dr. Okmulgee, Okla. 74447, March 9, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

    For more information, contact the Historic and Cultural Preservation Department at 918-732-7733.

    ###

  • MCNDH hosts free suicide prevention conference

    Media Alert

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Nov. 12, 2017

    CONTACT Neely Tsoodle
    PR Manager
    P.O. Box 580
    Okmulgee, OK 74447
    (918) 758-6599
    NTsoodle@muscogeenation.com

     

    MCNDH hosts free suicide prevention conference

    Okmulgee, Okla. — Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health is hosting a free conference focusing on Suicide Prevention. This is the first conference of its kind presented by the MCNDH, with more than 400 participants pre-registered. The 2017 Hope Conference theme is “Restoring Hope Throughout our Nation” and will be held November 15 and 16 at River Spirit Casino and Resort & Convention in Tulsa, Okla.

    The conference is open to anyone who has been affected by suicide, health and behavioral professionals and those who want to learn more about suicide prevention.

    MCN Health have identified alarming statistics among our Native population which is one of the topics covered along with the growing numbers of suicide among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ).

    The event will feature licensed professionals presenting and offering tips from a medical perspective such as identifying risks and how to handle a situation. It will also provide education and training relating to wellness, mental health, new initiatives and research.

    There will be a preconference training the day before the conference on Tuesday, Nov. 14. You may register online at eventbrite.com or register in person on site. Morning sessions start at 8 a.m.

    If you’d like to learn more about this event please call 918-758-1930. For media inquiries, please call Neely Tsoodle at 918-758-6599 or ntsoodle@muscogeenation.com

    Information about Suicide Among Youth and Young Adults

     

  • Message of Hope

    The Mvskoke Nation Youth Services Program and MCN Behavioral Health are partnering on Messages of Hope.  This is a social media campaign to post positive messages to encourage someone who may be struggling.  See the attached flyer for details on how to participate.  Contact Youth Services if you have questions at 918-549-2557 or YouthServices@muscogeenation.com.

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Announces Living Legends Honorees

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Announces Living Legends Honorees
    News Release

    OKMULGEE – The last 4 years the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has held a Hall of Fame Gala, “Hall of Fame Inductees” were acknowledged for their accomplishments that brought recognition to the tribe. This year the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is proud to announce the returning of the “Living Legends” Ceremony, which was created by Principal Chief A.D. Ellis during the 2005 Festival. The Living Legends Ceremony honors Muscogee (Creek) citizens who have made significant contributions to the tribe.

    This year the “Living Legends” committee has selected Perry Anderson, Lillian Thomas, Wotko Long, and Josephine Wildcat Bigler. The qualifications to be selected as a “Living Legend” are:

    • Must be an enrolled Muscogee (Creek) Citizen
    • Must be over 55 years of age, and
    • Must have brought recognition to and/or made outstanding contributions to the quality of life and development of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation on a local, national, or international level. All industries considered including, but not limited to: ceremonial/religious leaders, arts, public affairs, business/professional, education, voluntary service.

    The four honorees will be recognized in a ceremony on Thursday, June 23, at 5:00PM in the Mvskoke Dome located on the campus of the Claude Cox Omniplex. Dinner will be served immediately following the ceremony.

    PAST HONOREES
    LIVING LEGENDS
    2005 – Hepsey (Randall) Gilroy, Rev. Harry Long, R. Perry Beaver, Amos McNac
    2006 – Bob Arrington, Helen Coon, Phillip Coon, Edwin Moore
    2007 – Lizzie Bruner, Jimmy Anderson
    2008 – Wilbur Gouge, Johnnie Brasuell
    2009 – Dr. James King, Michael Berryhill
    2010 – Patrick Moore, Dr. Pete Cosar
    2011- Jimmy Alexander, Monte Deer

    HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
    2012 Joy Harjo, Simon Harry, Elsie Mae Martin, Allie P. Reynolds
    2013 Dr. Phyllis Fife, Jack Jacobs, George Thompson
    2014 Peggy Berryhill, Eli Grayson, William Sampson
    2015 Chebon Dacon, Sarah Deer, Jerome Tiger

    Living Legends Awards to take place June 23 @ 5:00 pm at the Claude Cox Omniplex in Okmulgee, OK.