Category: News Release
Muscogee (Creek) Nation shares culture in the Muscogee Homeland
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 20, 2017CONTACT Neely Tsoodle
PR Manager
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 758-6599
NTsoodle@muscogeenation.comMuscogee (Creek) Nation shares culture in the Muscogee Homeland
MACON, Ga. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation participated in the Ocmulgee National Monument’s Annual Indian Celebration to educate attendees about Muscogee (Creek) culture Sept. 16-17 in Macon, Ga.
The MCN Honor Guards posting of the colors opened the festival. Followed by remarks from Principal Chief James R. Floyd.
“It is such an honor to come to a place where we formerly lived to see it so respectfully presented in the way that they do here at the Ocmulgee National Monument, and so although it is my first time being here it feels like home,” Floyd said.
This was the first time a MCN principal chief has attended the festival.
Ocmulgee National Monument Superintendent Jim David said this was the largest participation by MCN.
“This year’s celebration we were really excited that we have had such tremendous participation by the Muscogee Nation. Of course I was very, very, pleased that Chief Floyd joined us this year,” David said.
Miss Muscogee Nation Amberly Proctor, Jr. Miss Aisha Phillips and National Council Rep. Darrell Proctor were in attendance. MCN led a stompdance exhibition and the Red Stick Gallery sold items from Muscogee (Creek) artists.
Superintendent David said the purpose of the festival is to educate local people about living Native culture.
“The reason we hold this every year is to try to get across to the local people that Native culture is still very much alive, very vibrant,” David said.
Superintendent David said it has been a goal of the park to get more participation by the Nation.
“That has been our goal for all of these years, is trying to get more and more Muscogee participation and once again this being Muscogee homeland that’s why we always start out every year with the honor guard and the princesses and we feel that the Muscogee (Creek) is the host tribe of the event. This is their homeland.”
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Youth to financial education through interactive game
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2017CONTACT Neely Tsoodle
PR Manager
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 758-6599
NTsoodle@muscogeenation.comYouth to financial education through interactive game
Eufaula, Okla. — Eufaula Middle School Students will be receiving a lesson like they’ve never seen before. Volunteers from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Mvskoke Loan Fund, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, and First Family Federal Credit Union will teach students an innovative way how to handle their finances.
It’s called the “Spending Frenzy” a youth financial literacy event, which teaches middle school aged youth how to handle money and make life decisions in an interactive game environment. Thirty-five students have been pre-selected to participate with 25 volunteers facilitating the game. Each participant will be given 50-thousand dollars to spend at different stations such as housing, car dealers and much more. At the end of the event, each student will tally up their finances to see how they fared.
Learning to budget money is an issue for many people, especially young people said Christopher Coburn, CEO of the Mvskoke Loan Fund. “Instilling good habits and financial literacy into youth may save them from financial mistakes and will position them for making good choices in the future,” said Coburn.
The Spending Frenzy will be held Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 12:30 to 3:30 pm at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Eufaula Boarding School gymnasium 716 Swadley Drive, Eufaula, Okla.
If you’d like more information about the program, please contact the Mvskoke Loan Fund at 918-549-2608 or 918-549-2603.
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Muscogee (Creek) Nation to host Superintendent’s Summit/ Education Town Hall
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2017CONTACT Neely Tsoodle
PR Manager
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 758-6599
NTsoodle@muscogeenation.comMuscogee (Creek) Nation to host Superintendent’s Summit/ Education Town Hall
OKMULGEE, Okla. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Education will host a Superintendent’s Summit/Education Town Hall on Thursday, Sept. 7, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Mvskoke Dome on the Claude Cox Omniplex in Okmulgee, Okla.
The summit will bring together superintendents, Indian education coordinators, federal program directors and other interested stakeholders to discuss the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and its implementation and influence on public education in Oklahoma.
Signed into law in December 2015, ESSA replaces the previous federal education policy known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), as the law governing K-12 education in the United States. ESSA focuses on the distinct goal of fully preparing all students for success in college and careers. The summit will also provide an opportunity for tribal leaders, state and federal agencies and LEAs to work together on behalf of Native students and practice open government through transparency, effective communication and interaction to strengthen the quality of our instructional programs.
The summit is a follow-up event to the ESSA Tribal Nations and Public School Collaborative Engagement Workshop held on April 5, 2017 at the River Spirit Casino and Resort in Tulsa, Okla. Over 350 educators and leaders attended the ESSA Workshop from 120 Oklahoma public school districts, 22 tribal nations and included officials from the U.S. Department of Education, Oklahoma State Department of Education, National Indian Education Association, Bureau of Indian Education, National Johnson O’Malley Association and the National Council of Impacted Schools (Impact Aid).
This event will provide a platform to review and discuss the recent tribal consultation process in Oklahoma and offer attendees the opportunity to collaborate and share experiences and strategies to address ESSA provisions and requirements affecting public schools and tribal nations. More than 130,000 American Indian students are in the Oklahoma public schools – the highest number in the United States. It is our obligation and commitment to advance and strengthen educational opportunities for our students that will lead to social and academic success. Moreover, we understand the potential impact that tribal involvement can make in public education. Last year alone, Oklahoma’s 33 tribes with state gaming compacts contributed over $132 million to the state budget, with over $112 million going to the Education Reform Revolving Fund. MCN acknowledges the need to make tribal consultations a priority and commits to providing valuable and constructive efforts in order to build sustainable, collaborative relationships and strengthen education support systems in Oklahoma.
We hope you can join us as we learn more about ESSA and unite to discuss, collaborate and provide opportunities for tribal leaders and LEAs to work together on behalf of American Indian and Alaska Native students.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation and National Parks Service bring ancestors home
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2017CONTACT Neely Tsoodle
PR Manager
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 758-6599
NTsoodle@muscogeenation.comMuscogee (Creek) Nation, National Parks Service bring ancestors home
MACON, Ga. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation took part in a repatriation ceremony on Aug. 30 to return more than one hundred ancestors to their homeland at the Ocmulgee National Monument in Macon, GA. This is the largest repatriation the tribe and the National Park Service at the Ocmulgee National Monument have ever seen.
The remains of 113 people and more than 42-thousand funerary objects were returned to what historians, tribal and cultural leaders called “sacred ground” during a private ceremony at an undisclosed and secured area at the park.
NPS along with tribal cultural leaders from Muskogean tribes from Oklahoma and Florida have worked on the repatriation for more than 15 years. In 2005, the MCN requested the return of the remains and funerary objects from the Smithsonian.
Many of the remains were separated after archeologists removed them from the site around 1930 during one of the largest archeological digs in U.S. History. In 1990, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) passed and allowed tribes to reclaim ancestral human remains and objects.
NPS Superintendent Jim David has worked at the Ocmulgee National Monument for 20 years and it has been one of his largest goals to see the remains, along with their possessions, placed back in their rightful place.
“To see something that I’ve been dreaming of that I’ve been hoping for this long? It got to me, I got very emotional,” said David. “I am not an archeologist, but to me having these human beings sitting in museum drawers, museum boxes, to me makes no sense whatsoever. These people need to be back in the earth where they came from, probably never should have been removed to begin with.”
MCN Historic and Cultural Preservation Manager RaeLynn Butler echoed David’s sentiment.
“There’s so many of our ancestors on shelves. It’s important that in a respectful way we put them back where they belong,” Butler said.
Butler said the repatriation was about reuniting ancestors with their possessions as they complete their journey.
“Loved ones are buried with some of their favorite possessions that were important to them, “ said Butler. “It’s not necessarily to bring them back to Oklahoma, but to put them back from where they were taken from. As tribes, we feel it is our job of historic preservation to make sure we are protecting our resources and our sacred ground and artifacts. We felt the tribes should be the lead on how this would happen,” said Butler.
Members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council, Second Chief Louis Hicks, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and Florida, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town and Kialegee Tribal Town representatives were all present for the ceremony.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation to aid those affected by Hurricane Harvey
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2017CONTACT LaTasha Monahwee
Media Relations Specialist
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 732-7630
LMonahwee@muscogeenation.comMuscogee (Creek) Nation to aid those affected by Hurricane Harvey
Okmulgee, Okla. — Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police, Emergency Management, Social Services, Citizenship and Health System are working to aid the Texas areas affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Lighthorse Police in collaboration with Emergency Management put together a response team to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts.
The response team that consists of eight men, three boats and diving equipment with three people being operate swift water rescue rafts certified technicians.
The team will be leaving the morning of Aug. 29 to travel to the San Antonio area to stage and coordinate with the Oklahoma Emergency Management (OEM).
“They are in dire needs down there now,” said Lighthorse Police Chief Robert Hawkins. “It has gotten to the magnitude they are calling for people, just normal citizens with boats, anything they can use to get people out of the water, out of their homes, off rooftops. They are using as many resources as they can.”
In addition to the response team, the Nation’s Social Services and Citizenship are scrambling to help citizens in the flooded area, fearing lost documents due to the damage. A backup recovery system is being developed to help identify tribal citizens for quicker assess to emergency assistance.
MCN is one of two only tribal governments in the state reported to send assistance.
“Whenever we have citizens in need, we have an obligation and responsibility to lend aid,” said Principal Chief James Floyd. “We are well trained and have the resources to help, it’s our duty to react and do what we’ve been asked to do, for our citizens and for everyone in danger or those who have been affected,” Floyd explained.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is the fourth largest tribe in the Nation and more than five percent (4,169 citizens identified) are located in Texas.
MCN Health Systems is also working to aid hurricane victims by sending three commission officers.
Emergency Management Supervisor James Nichols said they are glad to help.
“We don’t want to sit back and watch we want to be able to help. If we can take our resources down and help the people that are in the effected area, which is huge, then that’s what we want to do,” said James Nichols.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation presents at national environmental convention
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2017CONTACT LaTasha Monahwee
Media Relations Specialist
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 732-7630
LMonahwee@muscogeenation.comMuscogee (Creek) Nation presents at national environmental convention
TULSA, Okla. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN) presented at the 2017 seventh annual Tribal Lands and Environment Forum: A National Conversation on Tribal Land and Water Resources (TLEF) at the Cox Center in Tulsa, Okla.
TLEF is a forum to share knowledge, improve management and protection of tribal lands and human health. It offers opportunities for discussion of budget and policy issues as well as providing training sessions.
Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Executive Director Ann Marie Chischilly spoke about the size of this year’s conference.
“This conference is really exciting because we have a truckload of people coming in from all over the country. This year we have around 450 folks,” Chischilly said.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Environmental Services Director James Williams led a tour of MCN and was one of the opening keynotes at the conference as well as MCN National Council Rep. Del Beaver. Beaver was formerly the environmental services director.
“We were able to arrange a tour for them of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and also be one of their opening sessions. We were keynote speakers and so this is really good,” Williams said.
The MCN tour included stops at the Recycling Center, the Mvskoke Dome, the College of the Muscogee Nation and the Mound Building.
“A lot of them [the tours] went to places that have wastewater treatment plants, but on ours we stressed sustainability in building and energy efficiency, and so they were real interested in what we are doing at the tribe,” Williams said. “They were interested in what we are doing at the college with geothermal, with the Mound renovation, with the WIC building being a recycled building.”
Williams said his conference presentation touched on a raised garden bed project, composting, solid waste program and energy efficiency.
“It incorporated some of the buildings where we can do some energy efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption,” Williams said.
Williams said that environmental services are important because everyone is affected. “Anywhere we go the environment is going to touch us, whether we breathe the air, drink the water, have good land to build on, to live on.”
Muscogee (Creek) Nation partners with Dynamic Recruiting Specialists to find jobs with SeneGence International
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2017CONTACT LaTasha Monahwee
Media Relations Specialist
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 732-7630
LMonahwee@muscogeenation.comMuscogee (Creek) Nation partners with Dynamic Recruiting Specialists to find jobs with SeneGence International
BROKEN ARROW, Okla.—SeneGence International, a direct-sales cosmetics and skin care firm and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Employment and Training hosted a hiring event on Tuesday, August 15 to fill warehouse positions in the Broken Arrow and Sapulpa warehouse sites.
The event was a collaborative effort by the city of Broken Arrow, Northeastern State University, Dynamic Recruiting Specialists, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Employment and Training Program, which was held on the NSU BA campus.
Jessinna McBee the workforce coordinator for the MCN Department of Employment and Training said SeneGence came to us to specifically recruit tribal citizens. “It’s been pretty good. About half the folks that turned out were Creek citizens,” McBee said. The hiring event was not just for tribal citizens, but for the public as well.
More than half of the job applicants that showed up walked away with a job. The warehouse positions reportedly pay $10-$12 dollars an hour and more skilled and higher paying positions are expected in the near future.
Those that will be hired will report to work around the middle of Sept. later this year.
If you are interested in SeneGence career opportunities or jobs available through the MCN Employment and Training program please call (918) 732-7111.
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Muscogee (Creek) Nation Attorney General comments regarding dual citizenship hearing
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2017CONTACT LaTasha Monahwee
Media Relations Specialist
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 732-7630
LMonahwee@muscogeenation.comMuscogee (Creek) Nation Attorney General comments regarding dual citizenship hearing
•District Court hears petition on Hobia candidacy, citizenship
OKMULGEE, Okla. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation District Court held a hearing Aug. 17, regarding the dual enrollment and National Council candidacy of Jeremiah Hobia, who is the current mekko of the Kialegee Tribal Town.
MCN Attorney General’s Office released the following statement:
“At today’s hearing, Judge Bigler ordered the parties to have a hearing before the MCN Citizenship Board on Monday regarding the citizenship of Mekko Jeremiah Hobia. Upon the Citizenship Board making a decision, the parties will return before the District Court to further address the citizenship of Mekko Hobia and his candidacy for the National Council. The Attorney General was originally asked by the MCN Election Board whether Mekko Hobia can run for the Office of the National Council. It is our opinion that Mekko Hobia cannot and should not be eligible to hold office at MCN for two reasons. The first is that the MCN Constitution clearly prohibits dual enrollment in multiple federally recognized tribes. Mekko Hobia is currently enrolled with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and also enrolled with the Kialegee Tribal Town, which is a federally recognized tribe. As a dual enrollee, Mekko Hobia would not meet the citizenship requirement to be a candidate for the National Council. For this reason, it is our opinion that Mekko Hobia should not have been certified as a candidate for the National Council. Since the Election Board did not remove Mekko Hobia from the certified list of candidates, the Attorney General asked the MCN District Court to remove Mekko Hobia from the certified list of candidates for the National Council and from the MCN Citizenship Roll. Ultimately, we believe this very important matter regarding dual citizenship can be resolved through the amendment process set forth in the MCN Constitution. However, it is the opinion of this office that the MCN Constitution as it currently reads clearly does not allow dual enrollment in multiple federally recognized tribes.
Secondly, as a matter of public policy, this office is also concerned with the potential conflict of interest that is created by a person holding an office at another federally recognized tribe and holding an office at the MCN. On occasion, an individual holding a position of leadership in two federally recognized tribes will be subject to dealing with competing interests. Often, Tribes are competing for the same limited funding resources in areas like health, education, and competitive economic markets. Additionally, an individual holding leadership in two federally recognized tribes will be privy to very sensitive and confidential information that should not be shared between tribes. Due to these potential conflicts of interest, we believe that an officer of another federally recognized tribe should not be eligible to hold office at the MCN. Potential conflicts of interest make it impractical for a person to serve two federally recognized tribes.”
The Citizenship Board meets Aug. 21 to discuss the matter.
***Update 8/21/17 5:00pm***
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Citizenship Board held a special board meeting Aug. 21 at 2:00 p.m. regarding the dual citizenship of Jeremiah Hobia.
The MCN Citizenship Board will return their findings to the MCN District Court. The judge will hear the case on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 1:30 p.m. to deliver the outcome of Mekko Hobia’s eligibility to run for Office of the National Council and removal from the MCN Citizenship Roll.
***Update 8/23/17 2:40 p.m***
August 23 at 1:30 p.m., Muscogee (Creek) Nation District Court Judge Gregory H. Bigler heard the contraversial dual citizenship and National Council candidacy case of Jeremiah Hobia. Before a packed courtroom, the judge heard both sides and made no ruling and stated he will render a decision no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, Aug 24.
The judge asked Hobia for any further comment and he had no reply.
Today’s court proceedings took approximately 13 minutes.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Public Relations will keep you updated with any new information.
***Update 8/24/17 6:30 p.m.***
Statement on Citizenship/Election Board Petition from the MCN Attorney General:The Office of the Attorney General respectfully disagrees with the MCN District Court’s decision to deny its Petition for Writ of Mandamus. At this time, the Office of the Attorney General is evaluating the options available to it regarding these issues. Our main concern remains the conflict of interest that is created by a person holding an office at MCN while also holding an office at another federally recognized tribe. The seriousness of the conflict of interest issue and the fast approaching election make this an urgent issue that should be addressed as quickly as possible.Muscogee (Creek) Nation releases statement about raid at Embers Grill site
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2017CONTACT Neely Tsoodle
PR Manager
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 732-7617
ntsoodle@muscogeenation.comMuscogee (Creek) Nation releases statement about raid at Embers Grill site
OKMULGEE, Okla.— On August 16, 2017 the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse served a search
warrant for 68-year-old Bim Stephen “Steve” Bruner of Tulsa for possession of unlicensed gaming devices
at the property known as Embers Grill in Broken Arrow, Okla. around 6:30 p.m. Lighthorse searched the
premise and spotted Bruner. Bruner was immediately arrested and taken into custody without resistance.The MCN Attorney General released the following statement:
“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse police force has served an arrest warrant for Steve Bruner and a search
warrant on the Embers Grille property related to criminal charges filed against Mr. Bruner for the possession of unlicensed
gambling devices and for maintaining an unlicensed gambling premise, both of which are violations of the
Nation’s criminal statutes. Upon executing the warrants, numerous electronic gaming machines and other gaming
related equipment and devices were found inside the Embers Grill building. The Nation has also seized the property
since it is related to the commission of these crimes. The Nation has also obtained an emergency temporary restraining
order against Mr. Bruner, the Kialegee Tribal Town, and the developers to prevent further development at the site.The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has followed through with the commitments stated in its June 6, 2017, letter to
Mr. Steve Bruner to take any and all actions necessary to prevent unlicensed gaming within the Nation’s jurisdiction.
In its June 6 letter the Nation advised Mr. Bruner of the possible consequences of his and others’ attempts to open an
illegal casino on his property located south of the Creek Turnpike and west of South 129th East Avenue. Mr. Bruner
and others associated with the casino development have continued to disregard the Nation’s laws and regulations by
bringing unlicensed gaming machines and other gaming related equipment on to the site and moving forward with
opening the facility, resulting in the actions taken by law enforcement this evening. The fact that gaming machines
and other gaming equipment were found on the premises makes it clear that all earlier statements that gaming was
only being considered were false, and the intent of the parties involved has always been to open an unlicensed casino.
The Nation will continue to take all actions necessary to prevent unlicensed gaming within its jurisdiction.”The MCN Office of Public Relations will have more as information as it becomes
available. For media inquiries, please call Neely Tsoodle at: (918)732-7617.***Update 8/17/17 4:45pm***
Bruner made his initial appearance at 11:00 am, in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation District Court in Okmulgee, Okla. Bruner was charged with one count of unlicensed possession of a gambling device and one count of gambling on premises.
Bruner did not enter a plea and chose to stand mute. The District Court entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. Bruner was released on $2,500 bail.
If found guilty, Bruner could face up to one year in prison and/or a $5,000 fine for each count.
Bruner is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment Sept. 18.
***Update 8/29/17 8:03pm***
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Attorney General’s Office released a statement Aug. 29, in reference to the Kialegee Tribal Town and Red Creek Holdings, LLC, suit against MCN files in Tulsa Federal court Aug. 24.
The statement reads as follows:“The Nation is pleased with the decision of the federal district court to dismiss the Kialegee Tribal Town and Red Creek Holdings, LLC, filing. The Nation has only sought to enforce its laws in this matter and the filing of all actions in federal court by the other parties have solely been an attempt to avoid the Nation’s jurisdiction and the consequences of violating the Nation’s laws.”Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizen publishes book influenced by Mvskoke culture
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2017CONTACT LaTasha Monahwee,
Media Relations Specialist
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 732-7630
lmonahwee@muscogeenation.comMuscogee (Creek) Nation citizen publishes book influenced by Mvskoke culture
•Author inspired to share tribal heritage
OKMULGEE, Okla. – It took six years of research, dedication and hard work to complete her first book. Kaylee
Morrison, a Mvskoke (Creek) citizen of Broken Arrow started writing a book as a way to learn more about her
heritage. On a whim Morrison included her grandmother Nancy Smith and together they went straight to the
Cultural and Preservation office to seek help. It was there she was inspired to write “Joshua and the Biggest Fish.”“It’s a story of coming of age for a young boy,” explained Morrison. The book is based on a character named
after her grandmother’s own grandfather whose name was Joshua. “Joshua was tired of being called Cepane (Little
boy) and wants to be referred to as a man. So he decides to catch the biggest fish,” to prove it Morrison said.Morrison dedicated her first two books to Principal Chief James Floyd and Second Chief Louis
Hicks today as a way to thank the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation for its help and support over the
years. “It is so refreshing see our young people achieve. We are proud of Ms. Morrison’s accomplishments
and we will gladly and proudly push her book within our schools,” Floyd said.Morrison talks about the parallels that Joshua and she went through coming into adulthood. She repeated the
fact that she started this book as a teen and finished as a young lady. In this tale of coming of age, Joshua finally
made the biggest catch of his life and was honored by the adults, just as Morrison was revered with the completion
of her book. It’s geared towards grade-schoolers with the hopes that youngsters will be motivated as she was.
“I hope they are inspired to learn more about their heritage, “ said Morrison. “If you stay at it, it will get done.”The book offers easy to read Mvskoke words and its meaning. “Joshua and the Biggest Fish” is currently in its distribution
stage and should be available at local schools and at the tribal library. “It was really cool talking to the Chiefs
and seeing them proud makes me proud. So it’s really cool to finally get it out to show it to everyone,” said Morrison.###
***UPDATE 8/25/17 1:15 p.m.****Muscogee (Creek) citizen will have book launch. Kaylee Morrison will be signing her book “Joshua and the Biggest Fish” Oct 12,6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., at Bernsen Community Life Center in Tulsa.Muscogee (Creek) Nation Election Board PSA aimed to increase voting
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2017CONTACT LaTasha Monahwee,
Media Relations Specialist
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 732-7630
lmonahwee@muscogeenation.comMuscogee (Creek) Nation Election Board PSA aimed to increase voting
•MCN Election Board targets voter apathy
OKMULGEE, Okla.—The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Election Board launched a campaign
to increase voter turn out in the upcoming election for National Council Representatives.With the approval of MCN Principal Chief James R. Floyd, the MCN Election Board has addressed
this issue on social media and local television, as well as the Nation’s newspaper, Muscogee Nation News.“Voter apathy is at an all time high”, said MCN Election Board manager
Nelson Harjo, Jr. Nelson also added, “In recent elections less than ten percent of our registered citizens voted”.He hopes to change this low participation with the next election.
The MCN primary election is schedule for Sept. 16, 2017 with a general election for needed districts.
For more information call the MCN Election Board at (918) 732-7631College of the Muscogee Nation receives high school completion partnership grant
New initiative from the American Indian College Fund and AT&T to help about 200 Oklahoma students graduate high school and succeed in college
Okmulgee, Okla. August 4, 2017 —Congressman Markwayne Mullin, AT&T and the College of the Muscogee Nation joined together to celebrate AT&T’s recent $600,000 contribution to the American Indian College Fund, the nation’s largest American Indian scholarship organization. The contribution will support approximately 200 Oklahoma Native American and low-income students as they work toward high school graduation and advancing their education or joining the workforce.
The College Fund initiative’s goal is to increase the number of American Indian and low-income students who graduate from high school. By partnering with tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) as well as high schools located on or near Indian reservations, the College Fund connects students to programs and supportive services that will help them finish high school, persist in higher education and thrive in the 21st century knowledge economy. AT&T’s $600,000 contribution will span two years and serve a total of about 700 Native students in three states — Arizona, Nebraska and Oklahoma.
In Oklahoma, impacted TCUs and high schools include College of Muscogee Nation in Okmulgee, Wilson High School, Okmulgee High School and Morris High School.
The College of the Muscogee Nation identified Morris and Wilson High Schools as ideal partners for the grant program because both have a large Native American population and close proximity to CMN.
“American Indians face many unique challenges to getting an education, and Native youth experience some of the lowest high school graduation rates nationwide,” said Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund. “This support from our longtime collaborator AT&T will allow the College Fund to help more students earn a high school diploma, access postsecondary education, and learn about their language, culture, and history.”
“This contribution will allow the College of Muscogee Nation to reach many more Native students in our efforts to improve the high school graduation rate and help students think about what their postsecondary experience could look like,” said Robert Bible, President, College of Muscogee Nation. “We look forward to working with the College Fund and AT&T on this important initiative to increase Native student success in Oklahoma.”
“By connecting more Native students to educational opportunities that help them graduate high school, the College Fund and College of Muscogee Nation is helping put these students on track for personal, academic and career success,” said Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2). “It’s great to see what’s possible when private, public and non-profit groups work together to tackle this issue and leverage their resources and expertise to effect change. I’m honored to be here to celebrate AT&T’s contribution, which will help increase opportunities for these students.”
The contribution from AT&T seeks to help Native students overcome barriers to education and deliver evidence-based interventions that help students stay on track to graduate and reach their goals beyond high school. The company has contributed $7.5 million over the last five years to support education in the Native community.
“AT&T has a long history of supporting Indian Country and the College Fund, and we’re proud to be a part of initiatives that are improving Native communities’ quality of life by creating the leaders and workforce of tomorrow,” said Steve Hahn, president, AT&T Oklahoma. “This contribution continues AT&T’s commitment to supporting and connecting Native American communities and building a diverse pipeline of tech talent.”
In addition to the College Fund contribution, AT&T also announced a $450,000 commitment to George Washington University in Washington D.C. to establish the AT&T Center for Indigenous Politics and Policy, its first-ever public policy center dedicated to indigenous learnings. The contribution builds on AT&T’s support of the GW Native American Political Leadership Program, which provides a semester in Washington, D.C. for Native American college students. AT&T also supports the GW Native American INSPIRE Pre-College Program, which brings Native American high school and college students to the GW campus for three weeks to learn about intergovernmental relations between tribal governments and the federal government.
Other examples of the company’s commitment to enhancing the education and quality of life for Native American youth include:
- Murrow Indian Children’s Home, a program that recruits inter-tribal elders and trains them to serve as foster grandparents and cultural mentors to children living at the Murrow Indian Children’s Home in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
- The College Fund internship program works with AT&T to identify and recruit candidates from tribal colleges and universities for internships.
- Seminole State College’s President’s Leadership Class provides freshmen and sophomore students educational and cultural experiences to better prepare them for the workforce upon college graduation.
- Project Circle Teacher helps low-income Native American high school students at reservation schools receive instruction in mathematics.
- Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation funds books and school supplies for graduates of the Indian University of North America Summer Program in South Dakota.
- National Center for American Indian Organizations works to advance the economic interests of Indian Country.
- Oyate Networking Project helps fund school supplies for 500 Native American students on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Office of Child Support Announcement
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Office of Child Support is excited to announce we are expanding our outreach services to assist Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizens living in our Tulsa jurisdictional area. Beginning April 18, 2017, we will be available to take applications, meet with customers, and answer any questions concerning our tribal child support services, every Tuesday from 10 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Citizenship Office Conference Room, located at 1000 Riverwalk Terrace, Suite 200, Jenks, Oklahoma – directly north of the Flying Tee.
Our staff continues to be available at the Southern Regional Office, located at 333 S. Washita, Wetumka, Oklahoma the first Monday of each month, from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. to assist our citizens living in the southern jurisdictional area with their child support needs.
Please visit our website to download an application or for more information about the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Office of Child Support at www.mcnchildsupport.com, or call us at 918.295.0800.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Behavioral Health awarded $8 Mil to treat substance abuse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2017
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Behavioral Health awarded $8 Mil to treat substance abuse
OKMULGEE, Okla. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health (MCNDH) Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is pleased to announce the receipt of an $8,291,875 five-year grant, including annual funding of $1,658,375. This opportunity is funded by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT).
This grant will fund a new program known as Many Paths-SBIRT through MCNDH BHS. The new program will focus on a practical approach called “Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment,” or “SBIRT,” and will support earlier diagnosis and treatment of substance misuse.
Studies show that SBIRT can be a cost effective way to prevent serious complications from substance abuse. Many Paths- SBIRT will screen adults in primary care for substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUD).
On February 6, 2017 a pilot program was implemented into the Koweta Indian Health Center.
“This is a chance at early intervention and prevention for American Indian people in our communities” said Michael Burnside, SBIRT Project Director.
Mr. Burnside went on to say “Many Paths is a non-judgmental approach to work with adults who suffer from alcohol and substance use disorders”.
If you have any questions about Many Paths-SBIRT please contact Muscogee (Creek) Nation Behavioral Health Services at 918-758-1910.
President signs bill to place Fountainhead Property in trust for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation
OKMULGEE, Okla. – Anderson Indian Law firm owner and Muscogee (Creek) citizen Michael J. Anderson announced Dec. 19, that President Obama has signed a land transfer bill that will authorize the Secretary of Interior to accept approximately 18.3 acres of land in trust for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation after purchase from the Army Corps of Engineers located in Eufaula, OK. Anderson Indian Law served as the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s legislative representative on the bill.
Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) worked the legislative process forward through the House Transportation Committee, Chairman Bud Shuster, and ultimate passage on December 8, 2016 in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN)(Section 1317).
Chairman James Inhofe of the Senate Energy and Public Works Committee is also to be commended for his work in ensuring passage of this legislation through the United States Senate on December 11, 2016. Senator James Lankford also played a critical and timely role in the passage of this bill. The Oklahoma delegation rose to the challenge of supporting this important legislative priority for the Nation.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James R. Floyd identified and corrected a number of deficiencies in the prior versions of the bill and along with Second Chief Louis Hicks both of who conducted a number of trips to Washington, DC to lobby for passage of the bill.
The most important correction was allowing the land to be transferred directly in trust to the Nation. The prior versions of the bill required the transfer to go through the long and cumbersome BIA land intro trust process.
The transfer of Fountainhead Army Corps land will provide future economic opportunities for the Nation and fulfills a legislative goal Chief Floyd established at the start of his Administration.
Today is a great day for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation as it continue to promote the Nation’s self-determination, land recovery and economic development. Anderson Indian Law is proud to have played a role in this landmark achievement.
Out of state citizen makes donation during Christmas season
(Photo by: Amanda Rutland/MCNPR) Muscogee (Creek) Nation Children and Family Services Staff Steve Wahnee Holly Dunn, Second Chief Louis Hicks, Muscogee (Creek) citizen Cindy Yahola and her daughter Aspen with the toy and clothing donation to the Children and Family Services department.
For immediate release
Dec. 14, 2016
Out of state citizen makes donation during Christmas season
OKMULGEE, Okla. — Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizen Cindy Yahola and her daughter Aspen drove from Lebanon, Tennessee Dec. 8 to make a surprise visit at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Children and Family Services office on the MCN Tribal Complex in Okmulgee. Yahola had packed the trunk of her car full with toys, clothes, and games to donate.
For the past four years, Yahola has conducted the toy drive out of her home to give to the Nation, but said this is the biggest donation yet.
“The first year was kind of small, the next year was a little bigger, and last year was even bigger and now this year we’ve got this much,” Yahola said while gesturing to the plastic bins of toys.
Yahola received some help collecting items this year from a friend.
“This year I had a friend of mine that is a news writer for one of the local papers and she did an article. I had people I didn’t even know coming to my house this year with toys and stuff,” Yahola said. “I was aware of the cutbacks from the layoffs. I let the newspaper know that so I think that might have helped generate more.”
Yahola said she just wants to help her tribe.
““It warms my heart to be able to do something because like I said, nobody ever thinks of the Native kids [in Tennessee] and the Natives are near and dear to my heart,” Yahola said. “It is a way for people to know of the Native culture because they don’t get it out there.”
Children and Family Services Administrative Assistant April Welch said this donation would make Christmas for a lot of children.
According to Welch, the donation would go to children in tribal custody as well as other needy families.
“These are going to go to kids in tribal custody or that are on our case plan currently. Also, because there is such an abundance that we are willing to look into reintegration is doing a drive, Domestic Violence [Prevention Program], they help their children,” Welch said. “So, definitely going to share the wealth here and share with our citizens.”
Federal Grant allows purchase of new buses for MCN Head Start
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James Floyd meets with MCN Head Start students Dec. 2, as the new buses arrive at the MCN Okmulgee Head Start Center in Okmulgee, Okla.
For immediate release
Dec. 2, 2016
Federal Grant allows purchase of new buses for MCN Head Start
OKMULGEE, Okla. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Head Start Program was awarded a one-time Health and Safety grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families in August. This grant was used to purchase three new 29-passenger buses.
These buses will be used at the Eufaula, Okemah and Tulsa centers.
Eufaula Center Lead Teacher Kay Romero said the center has had the same buses for the six years she has worked at the center. She also said the new bus will be able to help the low-income families they serve in different ways.
“Without these buses a lot of our kids would not have a way to school,” Romero said.
Romero also said that the buses can be used to transport parents and children to health appointments if the family lacks transportation.
“Our FWS, field service worker, or center supervisor can take them to appointments,” Romero said.
MCN Principal Chief James R. Floyd said that during the first months of his administration a programs needs assessment was done.
“A review of our programs identified the age and condition of our Head Start fleet as a critical issue that must be addressed as a priority,” Floyd said. “We currently have 12 buses in the program and to date have managed to replace five older, high mileage buses with new ones and will continue to seek grants and explore other funding resources to complete this effort.”
Floyd also said it was the Nation’s responsibility to ensure the safety of students.
“These buses carry the Nation’s most precious resource, our children, and we recognize the vital need and immense responsibility of transporting our students,” Floyd said “and will adhere to the strictest standards to maintain a high level of safety and dependable operation for the children and families we serve.”
Two additional buses were purchased with an appropriation from the MCN National Council earlier in the year for the Checotah and Okmulgee centers.
The MCN Head Start Program is a multi-site program with a funded enrollment of 289 children and families and is organized under the MCN Department of Education & Training.
MCN Department of Health issues information about realignment
For immediate release
Oct. 4, 2016
MCN Department of Health issues information about realignment
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health (MCNDH) initiated a necessary realignment of human resources impacting 15% of personnel or 178 healthcare positions. The realignment was needed to efficiently balance human resources with clinical services. Currently, 55 healthcare employees were transferred to other positions within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation while 123 employees were displaced.
Services effected by the realignment include the closure of the 22 bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Physical Rehabilitation Center (MCNPRC) and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Home Health Agency. Notice has been provided to both state and federal authorities and all required steps to close inpatient rehabilitation and home health services will be completed in a timely manner.
Other services offered located on the MCNPRC campus are not affected. The 8 bed Skilled Nursing Facility, 4 bed Long Term Acute Care Hospital, and outpatient therapy services including aquatics, cardiac rehabilitation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy will remain open to serve patients.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is committed to maintaining high quality care and patients should expect to experience a stronger, more needs-focused health system in the future.
Any further changes will be announced.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
