The Muscogee Nation

Category: News Release

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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.

     

     

  • 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 40th 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 100th 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

  • 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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  • 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.

  • Principal Chief Floyd to deliver State of the Nation Address Jan. 26, 2019 at 10 a.m.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Jan. 23, 2018

     

    Principal Chief Floyd to deliver State of the Nation Address Jan. 26, 2019 at 10 a.m.

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James R. Floyd will deliver the State of the Nation Address during the National Council Quarterly Session.

    The Quarterly Session will begin at 10 a.m. The meeting willed be called to order by National Council Speaker Lucian Tiger III with the State of the Nation Address to follow.

    Chief Floyd will fulfill his constitutional duty as Principal Chief to report on the past year’s success and growth of the Nation.

    Chief Floyd’s State of the Nation Address will be followed by the Quarterly Session’s approval of minutes and order of business.

    The public is encouraged to attend the annual occasion to learn more about the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s past year and direction for the future.

    The event will take place in the National Council Auditorium of the Mound Building, located at 1008 Bear Lane Okmulgee, OK 74447.

    A Livestream of coverage will also be available to view on the Nation’s homepage: www.muscogeenation.com.

     

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  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program releases statement

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Jan. 23, 2019

     

    MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN (WIC) PROGRAM RELEASES STATEMENT   

    In an effort to provide assurance to families, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Women, Infants and Children Program (MCN WIC) is secure in federal funding at this time. WIC agency directors across the nation have been participating in planning sessions to stay up-to-date on the payment status of federal funds. Right now, it is business as usual for WIC.

    We have received numerous inquiries and we want WIC participants to know they can continue to receive services at their usual WIC clinic.

    Despite misleading information conveyed on social media, the MCN WIC Program is 100 percent federally-funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and has always served the public regardless of race.

    If you would like to apply for WIC, please call 1-800-482-1979 to schedule an appointment.

    Released under the authority of:

     

    Katura Bunner,

    WIC Program Director

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation

    918-549-2780

    kmbunner@muscogeenation.com

  • VITA Tax Preparation Assistance

    This free tax preparation is by appointment only. Please call the Mvskoke Loan Fund at: (918) 549-2603 for more information or to schedule your appointment.

     

    This tax forms / preparation checklist should help you get organized before filing your next income tax return

    Tax Preparation for Personal Information

    The IRS needs to know who is filing the tax return, as well as how many people are covered on it.

    To make this easy, they require:
    • Your Social Security number (bring card)
    • Your spouse’s Social Security number (if married)
    • Social Security numbers for any dependents (bring cards)
    • State issued photo ID and Tribal ID if applicable

    Tax Preparation for Income Information.

    The following documents will help you prepare all the income information that you need to file a federal tax return:
    • W-2 Forms from all employers you (and your spouse, if filing a joint return) worked for during the past tax year
    • 1099 Forms if you (or your spouse) completed contract work and earned more than $600
    • Investment income information (including: interest income, dividend income, proceeds from the sale of bonds or stocks, and income from foreign investments)
    • Income from local and state tax refunds from the prior year
    • Business income (accounting records for any business that you own)
    • Unemployment income
    • Rental property income
    • Social Security benefits
    • Miscellaneous income (including: jury duty, lottery and gambling winnings, Form 1099-MISC for prizes and awards, and Form 1099-MSA for distributions from medical savings accounts)
    • Homebuyer tax credit
    • Green energy credits
    • IRA contributions
    • Mortgage interest
    • Student loan interest
    • Medical Savings Account (MSA) contributions
    • Self-employed health insurance
    • Moving expenses
    Tax Preparation for Credits and Deductions There are many tax credits and tax deductions for various expenses, which are designed to help lower the amount of tax that an individual has to pay:
    • Education costs
    • Childcare costs
    • Adoption costs
    • Charitable contributions/donations
    • Casualty and theft losses
    • Qualified business expenses
    • Medical expenses
    • Job and moving expenses
    • Gambling winnings and losses information

    Tax Preparation for Direct Deposit

    Are you interested in having your tax refund directly deposited into your bank account?

    If so, you will need to provide two things:
    • Your bank account number
    • The bank’s routing number

    Last Year’s Tax return

    To assist in the accuracy of preparing your return, please bring a copy of last year’s tax return which will help for comparison purposes.

  • Veteran Reflects on Attendance to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I

    (photo courtesy of John Sloan)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Jan. 15, 2018

      

    Veteran Reflects on Attendance to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I

    OKMULGEE, Okla. — For one Muscogee (Creek) veteran, John Sloan, it was the opportunity of a lifetime when he made the trip to Suresnes, France to attend the Commemoration Ceremony of the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I.

    Mr. Sloan is a Vietnam veteran who was specifically chosen by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to attend the commemoration at the Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial Nov. 11, 2018.

    The Suresnes American Cemetery is located just outside of Paris, France and is where the remains of 1,541 Americans, who died in WWI, are buried today.

    (photo courtesy of John Sloan)

    Since his return, and having time to reflect, Sloan said it was a spiritual and humbling experience to be able to honor the men and be in the presence of their graves.

    “You hear people referring to areas of ground being sacred or something but I remember distinctively when I was walking around these graves, I could feel the ground trembling,” Sloan said. “You start to feel a little bit of spirituality. You could actually feel that these soldiers were here and it was just an awesome feeling when you look at the headstones out there. Then to see these specifically say ‘Oklahoma Creek Indian’, it’s just really heartbreaking and it just was heartbreaking really standing there being able to honor them.”

    The Nation’s Veterans Affairs Service Office Director Ken Davis said the decision was made that one veteran would be sent to France to represent the Nation overall and honor the four citizens who are buried there.

    “So, our tribe had made a decision that we wanted to commemorate this and honor our men who fought and were killed over there in action,” Davis said. “We looked at them and we decided to send one man, one that will represent us overall who we are and what we’ve done. So, we looked at about 30 different veterans and we chose John Sloan for the following reasons: one, he was a draftee in the Vietnam War and John went; he didn’t resist. He went willingly, raised his hand and took the oath of office. He was an infantryman in Vietnam, was awarded four Purple Hearts for four different occasions of being wounded in Vietnam. We decided to send John Sloan over there to represent the entire Muscogee (Creek) Nation and he did.”

    Second Chief Louis Hicks said Sloan did a great job representing the Nation while on the trip.

    “I think it’s great that we could send somebody over there other than Chief Floyd or myself,” Second Chief Hicks said. “He did a great job with it and I want to thank him; we appreciate it.”

    The four citizens who were Killed in Action during WWI were William S. Harjo, Private First Class, U.S. Army; Sam Beaver, Private, U.S. Army; Washington L. Perryman, Private, U.S. Army; and Oscar Tiger who Died of Disease while in action. Their remains are buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, France.

    The Nation has seven citizens total who were KIAs killed in France during WWI. The others’ remains were brought back to the U.S.

    During Sloan’s visit to France, he was able to take Oklahoma soil to leave on each of the graves, as a way to honor our men who never returned home.

    “Because you know, I knew these men would never come home,” Davis said. “So, why not take home to them? Do I think it makes them rest easier in my own beliefs? Yeah, I do. John, he poured the soil on top of the cross and poured it over the actual grass. This is something that needed to be done.”

    Out of the seven known KIAs, six are full-blood Mvskoke and the seventh is half.

    Davis said although there are only seven known citizens who were KIAs from WWI, it is likely there are more out there. Unfortunately, it’s an extensive process to verify records and get in touch with the soldiers’ families to find out more information.

    As far as military records and specifically for the U.S. Army, an unfortunate fire in Saint Louis, Mo., in 1973 destroyed 90 percent of the records of those with last names A through J, which has made VASO’s search even more difficult.

    For VASO, referencing the final list of the Dawes Rolls has been a significant resource in identifying our Nation’s WWI and WWII veterans. Viewing local court house records within the tribal jurisdiction has also been helpful in the search.

    For more information on the services the Nation provides veterans, visit VASO’s website at: www.muscogeenation.com/services/veterans-affairs.

     

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  • MCN Principal Chief Floyd Returns NCA 18-184 as Veto with Objections, States Improvements Needed

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Jan. 4, 2018

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief Floyd Returns NCA 18-184 as Veto with Objections, States Improvements Needed

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – Following the Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council’s vote to adopt NCA 18-184 during the Dec. 15, 2018 Regular Session, Principal Chief James R. Floyd, pursuant to the Nation’s Constitution, has returned NCA 18-184 as a Veto with objections.

    The legislation would repeal NCA 18-180 and restore the Independent Media Act as defined in NCA 15-218 and amended in NCA 15-242, both enacted in 2015 that deemed Mvskoke Media an independent statutory agency and created a three-member Editorial Board to oversee the operations of Mvskoke Media.

    Chief Floyd supports Mvskoke Media’s free press rights while continuing the Nation’s efforts to better serve citizens and be good stewards of tribal funds by ensuring departmental accountability and efficiency.

    Prior to the Dec. 15 Regular Session, National Council members were provided a substitute bill from the Executive Office to consider in place of NCA 18-184. However, members of the Council stated additional time to review the substitute documents was needed.

    Chief Floyd spoke to the Council during the Dec. 15 Regular Session and referenced the substitute bill as he highlighted the recommended changes in the legislation.

    “I think it represents the position of a number of people and a diverse group of people in that regard,” Chief Floyd said. “We have met and incorporated the comments of these groups and have a workable bill. So, that’s where we stand with the substitute bill.”

    As outlined in Chief Floyd’s veto message to National Council Speaker Lucian Tiger III dated Jan. 4, 2019, the legislative objections to NCA 18-184 is that it does not address the operational inefficiencies identified since passage of NCA 18-180, does not designate Mvskoke Media as solely a news organization, does not address proper financial oversight on Mvskoke Media’s $1.57 million budget and does not adequately address the Editorial Board requirements.

    Since passage of NCA 18-180 operational efficiencies have been identified that affect the use of tribal funds. Principal Chief Floyd states he intends to address these issues. He will prepare a plan and submit a report to the National Council on the actions taken. NCA 18-184 places Mvskoke Media as an independent statutory agency free from political influence. This arrangement does not allow for the implementation of the necessary improvements.

    Principal Chief Floyd stated, “I believe the purpose of Mvskoke Media should be about covering and reporting the news. Only seven of the 18 Mvskoke Media positions are dedicated to news reporting”. Financial analysis has identified that approximately half of Mvskoke Media’s $1.57 million budget is not for news reporting. “I believe that any legislation going forward should designate Mvskoke Media as solely being a news organization,” Principal Chief Floyd said.

    The veto message noted repealing NCA 18-180 returns financial responsibilities of Mvskoke Media to a single individual, the Mvskoke Media Manager. “I believe as a tribally funded program, any legislation pertaining to Mvskoke Media should address financial oversight,” stated Principal Chief Floyd.

    Each of the past three years Mvskoke Media’s annual funding from the Nation has been in excess of $1.5 million, yet outside of annual budget hearings no review or oversight is provided for. Under prior legislation the Editorial Board mainly served to review editorial content.

    NCA 18-184 does not address the possibility of there being no enrolled Muscogee (Creek) citizens being both available and meeting the specific requirements to serve on the Editorial Board. Under prior legislation the Editorial Board had specific requirements for experience and degrees. While these requirements may be responsibly placed, the legislation does not address if citizens meeting the requirements are not available to serve due to other restrictions.

    Introduced by Council Rep. Adam Jones III and co-sponsored by Reps. Pete Beaver and James Jennings, NCA 18-180 was adopted during the Nov. 8 Emergency Session in a 7-6 vote of the National Council. Following passage, NCA 18-180 was signed into law by Principal Chief Floyd, which effectively placed Mvskoke Media under the Executive Branch in the Department of Commerce, along with Public Relations and the Department of Tourism and Recreation.

    “I have remained dedicated to upholding the rights of Mvskoke Media’s free press,” Chief Floyd said. “I have not intervened in the daily operations of news reporting or restricted the independence of Mvskoke Media to pursue and report any news story.”

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    Below is the letter to National Council Speaker Lucian Tiger III

    PDF Version of Letter

  • MCN Convicts First Non-Native Offender Through Violence Against Women Act Implementations

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Jan. 4, 2018 

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Convicts First Non-Native Offender Through Violence Against Women Act Implementations

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – As a Violence Against Women Act implementation, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation convicted its first non-Indian offender by exercising the sovereign power to prosecute domestic violence crimes and protective order violations committed against Natives in Indian Country.

    The VAWA Reauthorization 2013 provisions allow the Nation to use its “Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction” authority to prosecute domestic violence, dating violence and protective order violations as long as all statutory requirements have been met.

    “This conviction shows that we are serious about Indian domestic violence and we will investigate these claims and take action to the fullest extent of the law to eliminate the domestic violence among our people,” Principal Chief James R. Floyd said. “We want to make it known that we do not condone these actions and there are consequences.”

    The Nation is one of only 23 tribes in the country exercising SDVCJ, which stipulations require the case involve a defendant who committed the crime in Indian Country and had sufficient ties to the Native victim, as defined in Section 1304 of VAWA Reauthorization 2013.

    On Nov. 4, 2018, MCN Lighthorse Police Department arrested Antonio Martinez-Juarez for violating a protective order and committing domestic violence against a tribal member on trust land.

    “Thanks to the prompt response by Lighthorse Officer Troy Dodd and Sargent Leroy Arnold, as well as their knowledge of the Nation’s VAWA provisions, the Nation’s Attorney General’s Office had the evidence necessary to file charges against Martinez-Juarez for his violent actions,” MCN Prosecutor Shelly Harrison said.

    Martinez-Juarez was booked into the Okmulgee County Jail where he remains on a hold for a detainer placed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigration status.

    During his Dec. 18 court hearing, Martinez-Juarez was convicted of Count 1: Domestic Abuse in the Presence of a Child; and Count 2: Violation of a Protective Order.

    He was subsequently sentenced on Count 1 to one year in the custody of Lighthorse with time suspended except 90 days with credit for time served; and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. For Count 2, he received a $300 fine and a one-year sentence in Lighthorse custody with time suspended provided he remains in compliance with the rules and conditions of supervised probation.

    Additionally, Martinez-Juarez was ordered to complete and follow all recommendations of a domestic violence assessment and substance abuse evaluation, as well as pay all associated court costs.

    “We are confident that Judge Greg Bigler’s sentence sends a clear message that the Nation takes domestic violence seriously and that we will take the necessary steps to protect our citizens,” Prosecutor Harrison said.

    In an effort to strengthen the justice system in sexual assault and domestic violence crimes, VAWA was first passed by Congress in 1994 for communities to increase victim support and services and impose tougher penalties on offenders.

    Since the beginning of VAWA, there has been reauthorizations in 2000, 2005 and 2013, with the 2013 provisions being the most impactful for tribes as it removed the jurisdictional gap that hindered the domestic violence protections available to Native women.

    The latest reauthorization stemmed from July 2011 when the U.S. Department of Justice holding extensive meetings with tribal leaders and presenting a legislative proposal to Congress that addressed alarming statistics of unprosecuted and unpunished cases of domestic violence against Native women.

    The DOJ National Institute of Justice reported American Indian and Alaska Native women are five times as likely as non-Hispanic Caucasian women to experience physical violence by an inter-racial intimate partner.

    According to the NIJ, “more than half (55 percent) of American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetimes – and 90 percent of these victims report being victimized by a non-Indian perpetrator, while only 18 percent report being victimized by an Indian.”

    As a result of the 2013 reauthorization, the Nation began exercising SDVCJ March 28, 2016 with efforts from Lighthorse law enforcement, tribal court prosecution and an extensive victim support outreach, the MCN Family Violence and Prevention Program.

    The FVPP services include offering victims with assistance filing protective orders, emergency shelter, safety planning, Sexual Assault Nurse Exams among other advocacy efforts.

    Additional information on the FVPP services can be found on the Nation’s website at: www.muscogeenation.com/services/family-violence-prevention-program/.

     

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  • Memo from MCN Secretary of Health Regarding the MCNDH Year in Review

  • Certification of Initiative for Referendum to reject NCA 18-180 filed December 21, 2018

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Celebrates as the Stigler Act Amendments of 2018 Reaches Final Step, Awaits President’s Signature to Become Law

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Dec. 21, 2018

     CONTACT:
    Kyla McKown
    918-549-2453 O
    918-758-8106 C
    kmckown@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Celebrates as the Stigler Act Amendments of 2018 Reaches Final Step, Awaits President’s Signature to Become Law

    WASHINGTON D.C. – December 20, 2018, marked a historic day for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation as H.R. 2606, the Stigler Act Amendments of 2018, passed the U.S. House in a 399-0 roll call vote advancing the legislation to the White House to await signature from President Donald Trump signing it into law.

    After more than 20 years of unsuccessful attempts from the Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma to amend the Act of August 4, 1947, known as the Stigler Act, passage of H.R. 2606 is a significant victory as it pertains to the restricted fee status of land for members of the Five Civilized Tribes.

    The legislation has been a prominent objective for the Nation’s current administration under Principal Chief James R. Floyd, who aggressively advocated for the bill since it was first introduced.

    Before Chief Floyd took office, he quickly realized the substantial need for amendments to the Stigler Act through various encounters with citizens.

    “For far too long, citizens of the Five Civilized Tribes have needed relief from these antiquated blood quantum requirements,” Chief Floyd said. “Every time I had to go to Washington, D.C., I made sure I hit every office I needed to and talked about this bill so they didn’t forget. This is a big deal that will affect a lot of our families.”

    The success of the bill is the result of extensive lobby efforts among the Five Civilized Tribes, as well as Oklahoma congressional leaders making the legislation a priority of the U.S. 115th Congress.

    The bill, specifically of Native Interest, was first introduced May 23, 2017 by Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) and co-sponsored by Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02). Congressman Cole, co-chair of the Native American Caucus, is also a citizen of Chickasaw Nation and Congressman Mullin, a Cherokee Nation citizen, is vice-chair of the Native American Caucus.

    “Thanks to the extraordinary leadership of Congressman Tom Cole, Congressman Markwayne Mullin, Sen. James Lankford and Sen. James Inhofe, and the entire Oklahoma delegation, a solution to a problem that has afflicted thousands of Oklahoma tribal families is now attainable,” Chief Floyd said.

    The current law requires citizens of Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Seminole citizens, to have at least one-half Native American blood quantum in order to maintain restricted status of land from original allotted land parcels passed down by ancestors.

    Removing the blood quantum requirement will significantly impact these tribal citizens by allowing lineal descendants by blood of the original enrollees named on the Five Tribes membership rolls to maintain restricted fee status on family land as it’s passed on to succeeding generations.

    The new law will also ensure that citizens of the Five Civilized Tribes in Oklahoma are treated the same as citizens of all other U.S. federally-recognized tribes, who under federal law were never governed to meet any arbitrary blood quantum requirement to keep ancestral land in restricted fee status.

    Theses revisions to the Stigler Act will positively affect Muscogee (Creek) families by potentially resolving nearly 300 cases in probate. Increasing the number of resolved title issues will also assist in correspondence and access to contact information related to oil and gas property leases.

    In anticipation of the H.R. 2606 passage, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Realty Trust Services has been working to create a course structure to educate citizens on the new revisions. Courses will include information on updated requirements, restricted lands, probates, rights of ways and other areas of land into trusts.

    Realty Trust Services Manager Sonya McIntosh said the department will begin by offering an informative class to administration and landowners during the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes Quarterly Meeting Jan. 9 – 11, 2019.

    Once the course work is finalized, the Realty Trust Services will begin offering scheduled classes to citizens that can later be condensed and placed on the Nation’s website, www.muscogeenation.com.

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