The Muscogee Nation

Category: News Release

  • Statement from Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill On Key Components of U.S. Congress’ Spending Bill

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    DAVID W. HILL PRINCIPAL CHIEF

    DEL BEAVER SECOND CHIEF

    Statement from Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill On Key Components of U.S. Congress’ Spending Bill

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – “We in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation are encouraged by the action that Congress took today on two fronts vital to our role in contributing to the safety and security of all people within the boundaries of our reservation. We applaud Congress for reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and for committing resources to support the investments tribal nations are making to implement the U.S. Supreme Court’s sovereignty-affirming McGirt ruling.

    “Through expanded jurisdictional authority and new funding, the VAWA reauthorization provides important tools to help us and other tribal nations throughout the United States pursue justice for and provide support to Indian women who are victims of violent crimes, including domestic abuse, committed by non-Indians. As well, the Act creates new jurisdictional authority for us to prosecute non-Indians who assault Indian law-enforcement officers.
    “We continue to make significant investments to expand our criminal-justice infrastructure to fully implement McGirt as it adds more safety, security and judicial resources for all. We welcome Congress’ recognition that decades of illegal actions by the State of Oklahoma have created the need to expand tribal capacity and are grateful for the addition of vital funding to support these efforts as an extension of the federal government’s trust authority and responsibilities to tribal nations.

    “We are thankful to Oklahoma’s delegation for their leadership on these important issues that deliver benefits to tribal citizens and everyone who lives in Oklahoma.” – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill

    THE MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION

    918. 732.7600 I 800.482.1979 I MuscogeeNation.com

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Confirms New Criminal Court Judge

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Confirms New Criminal Court Judge

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    For Immediate Release
    March 8, 2022
    Media Contact: Jason Salsman

    jsalsman@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Confirms New Criminal Court Judge

    Lisa Otipody-Herbert brings over 23 years of Judicial experience

    (Okmulgee, OK) – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has bolstered its court system, with the confirmation of a new Criminal Court Judge. During a Regular Session meeting on February 26, the National Council confirmed the nomination of Lisa Otipody-Herbert.

    This move is a continuation of the Nation’s commitment to build capacity in it’s judicial branch.

    “We have taken several steps internally in the last year and a half to strengthen our justice system to meet the demands of our post-McGirt responsibilities,” MCN Principal Chief David Hill said. “Whether it be adding officers on the ground, or cooperative agreements, or more prosecutors and Judges in the courtroom, it all goes toward making sure we are doing all we can to have the capacity and resources we need.”

    Otipody-Herbert, a citizen of the Comanche Nation, brings over 23 years of judicial experience to the Muscogee bench and has served several different tribal Nations as a Judge in various capacities.

    “I am so thrilled to serve the (Muscogee) Nation on its criminal dockets,” Judge Otipody-Herbert said. “I think this is such an exciting time, the Nation has a good and established court system, I’m excited to be a part of it.”

    Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the tribal resolution that nominated Judge Otipody-Herbert. Further information on the MCN District Court, including dockets and a court calendar, can be found at

    www.creekdistrictcourt.com or at 918-758-1400.
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    Judge Herbert received her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Phillips University in Enid,

    Oklahoma in 1988. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1993,

    and has pursued graduate work at Oklahoma State University in equine studies. She then furthered her

    judicial education at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada in 2009. She has been active with the

    Oklahoma Municipal Judges Association since 1998, serving as a board member from 2005 to 2010.

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  • MCN response to SCOTUS decision to hear Brackeen case.

    MCN response to SCOTUS decision to hear Brackeen case.

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    For Immediate Release

    February 28, 2022 Media Contact: Jason Salsman: jsalsman@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s agreement to hear Brackeen case that challenges constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act

    OKMULGEE, Okla. – This morning the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari and agreed to hear the case of Haaland, et al, v. Brackeen, et al. challenging the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act despite decades of well-established precedent upholding ICWA and its fundamental purpose of strengthening Tribal sovereignty and protecting the rights of Indian children and families.

    The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is disheartened that ICWA and Tribal rights are once again under attack at the Supreme Court and requiring Tribes and Tribal advocates to defend the fundamental principle that Tribes are political, self-governing entities, not racial groups, and that laws like ICWA are premised on the obligation of the United States to uphold and support Tribal sovereignty.

    The workers and advocates at MCN’s Children and Family Services work tirelessly every day in support of one of ICWA’s key purposes, “there is no resource that is more vital to the continued existence and integrity of Indian tribes than their children.”

    MCN stands behind the Tribes in the Brackeen case and will work with all of Indian country to present a strong and unified voice in support of ICWA before the Supreme Court.

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  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Sends Hughes County Sheriff a Response to Letter About Cross-Deputization Agreement

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation Sends Hughes County Sheriff a Response to Letter About Cross-Deputization Agreement

    On Feb. 8, the Hughes County, Okla., Sheriff sent a public letter (to the news media, then us) giving notice of her intent to terminate a cross-deputization agreement with Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police. We desire to continue the arrangement – in force since the ‘90s – which has delivered benefit broadly to all who live in the great proportion of Hughes County that is within our reservation. The absence of the agreement between our Nation and Hughes County threatens the safety of victims, officers and the public. Read our response, sent Feb. 15 from our Office of the Attorney General:

    Feb 15, 2022, Letter from MCN AG to Hughes County Sheriff – PDF

  • MCN Statement on the Reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

    MCN Statement on the Reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

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  • An Open Letter from Principal Chief David Hill

    An Open Letter from Principal Chief David Hill

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  • ‘Christmas with Lighthorse’ A Success

    ‘Christmas with Lighthorse’ A Success

    Santa Claus and The Grinch showing holiday cheer with children

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — Santa Claus decided to make a trip south, and along the way pick up his friend from Whoville, The Grinch, to see his friends at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department. While there, LTPD decided to bring their friends from all the MCN Headstarts to say hi to Santa Claus, The Grinch and get to look into one of the mobile units at the police station.

    Several of the children were happy to see Santa Claus, but a little reluctant to see The Grinch, until they realized it was true that his heart has grown three times bigger because of Christmas. Children were able to take pictures with both characters and the smiles were non-stop and contagious. The ‘Christmas with Lighthorse,’ was an event LTPD felt would give the children of the Headstarts something to have fun with and take home to tell their parents.

    “This is a great time with Santa (Claus), The Grinch and most of all our kids here that go to our Headstarts,” MCN LTPD Deputy Chief Daniel Wind said. “The smiles and laughter we are seeing and hearing says it all.”

    Not everyone was able to see Santa Claus and The Grinch but do not fret, they are making one more trip here to LTPD, Monday Dec. 20 to see more friends within the MCN Child Development Centers and spread some Christmas cheer.

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  • Muscogee Citizen to Perform in Tulsa Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

    Muscogee Citizen to Perform in Tulsa Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

    8-Year-Old Brooklyn Gambill among 90 Children selected for this year’s production.

    (Tulsa, OK) – Tulsa Ballet is set to premier its brand new version of the holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, on Friday, December 10. The production will feature 8-year-old Muscogee citizen, Brooklyn Gambill, who will perform for a second time with the first being in 2019.

    “Performing on stage in front of so many people is kind of nerve racking but exciting at the same time,” said Gambill, a third grader at Aspen Creek Elementary in Broken Arrow. Since this year’s production is entirely different from the 2019 version, Gambill had to learn all new choreography with a new teacher and new castmates. “The new costumes I get to wear that come all the way from New Zealand and being up on stage with professional dancers is what I’m most excited about,” said Gambill. Continuing to perform and even one day becoming one of the main professional dancers in The Nutcracker is something that Gambill has her mind set on.

    Like most live entertainment events in 2020, Tulsa Ballet ultimately made the decision to cancel last year’s production due to health and safety protocols brought on by the pandemic. Instead, the company dedicated that time to the reimagining of their 2021 Fall season lineup including a replacement version for the 17-year run of Marcello Angelini’s The Nutcracker. According to a press release, the new version will feature moving scenery, projections, more than one thousand costumes and new choreography by world-renowned choreographers Val Caniparoli and Ma Cong.

    The first of eight performances at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center will premiere on Friday, December 10 and continue through Sunday, December 19. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at TulsaBallet.org.

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  • 2021 General Election Official Certified Results

    2021 General Election Official Certified Results

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  • Oct. 5 Amicus Brief from Muscogee Nation in support of upholding McGirt decision

    Oct. 5 Amicus Brief from Muscogee Nation in support of upholding McGirt decision

    Oct 05 2021 Amicus Brief of Muscogee Creek Nation

  • 2021 Pending General Election

  • Muscogee Citizen Confirmed as First Native American Federal Judge in Washington State History

    For Immediate Release October 6, 2021
    Media Contact: Jason Salsman
    O: (918) 732-7609
    jsalsman@muscogeenation.com

    Muscogee Citizen Confirmed as First Native American Federal Judge in Washington State History

    Muscogee Citizen Confirmed as First Native American Federal Judge in Washington State History
    Lauren J. King was nominated by President Biden in May, formerly served on Mvskoke Reservation Protection Commission.

    OKMULGEE, OK — The U.S. Senate confirmed Muscogee citizen Lauren J. King as the first Native American federal judge in history for the state of Washington.

    King won the confirmation vote 55-44, and will represent the Western District of Washington. She was nominated by President Joe Biden in May.

    “We’re thrilled to learn of the historical confirmation of Ms. Lauren King to a federal judgeship,” Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill said. “She has been a champion for Indian law, a warrior for sovereignty, and is a proven example of leadership among her peers in the profession. When strong, Muscogee women make history, it’s always a good day.”

    King has most recently led the Native American practice at Foster Garvey PC, where she is a principal at the firm. She was also a member of the Mvskoke Reservation Protection Commission, created in 2020 to identify needs and offer solutions to strengthen sovereignty and implement policy and infrastructure at the Muscogee Nation in the wake of the McGirt decision.

    Ms. King is a member of New Tulsa Tribal Town and is of the Sweet Potato Clan. Her grandmother is the late Anna (Jacobs) King and her great aunt is former Muscogee Nation Council representative Irene Cleghorn. Her great grandfather John Jacobs, was also a lawyer, and served on the House of Kings and House of Warriors.

  • Mvskoke Nation Youth Services Holds Annual Awards

    For Immediate Release October 5, 2021
    Media Contact: Darren Delaune
    O: (918) 732-7617
    ddelaune@muscogeenation.com

     

    Mvskoke Nation Youth Services Holds Annual Awards
    Awards ceremony held virtual for the second year.


    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma     — On Sept. 28, the Mvskoke Nation Youth Services held their annual Mvskoke Youth Awards for the Muscogee Reservation.

    In 2016, MNYS created the Mvnettvlke Onaya Award (Youth Visionary) and Vculvlke Mvnettvlke Emvnicv (Old Who Helps the Young) to celebrate Muscogee (Creek) citizens making a difference in the lives of Mvskoke Youth.

    “The Mvskoke Youth Awards are inspired by the Champion for Change award from the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY),” Director of MNYS Nancy Mason said. “Champions are Native youth who initiate programs, events, or other efforts that are improving lives of fellow youth in Indian Country.”

    This is the second year that the awards were held virtually. Mason said it reaches out to a wider audience.

    “And we are able to celebrate winners from out of state,” she said.

    Here is the list of award winners for 2021:

    Mvnettvlke Onaya (Youth Visionary)

    • Laura Giles – Encouraging Wellness
    • Kenna Najera – Promoting Civic Duty
    • Elizabeth Rowland – Providing Resources
    • Stephanie Zackery – Creating Support
    • Brent Deo – Fostering Advocacy

    Vculvlke Mvnettvlke Emvnicv (Old Who Helps the Young)

    • Rosemary McComb-Maxey – Encouraging Wellness
    • Ashleigh Fixico – Promoting Civic Duty
    • Scott Harjo – Providing Resources
    • Ryan Hill – Creating Support
    • Julie Norem – Fostering Advocacy

    Congratulations to all of our winners. To learn more about the recipients, go to:https://www.mvskokeyouth.com/mvskokeyouthawards.

     

     

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  • The Muscogee Nation to Hold At-Large Citizen Outreach in Dallas

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    July 14, 2021

    The Muscogee Nation to Hold At-Large Citizen Outreach in Dallas

     The event will feature information on programs and services available to at-large citizens

     DALLAS, Texas ­­­­­­– The Muscogee Nation is gearing up to host its first in-person Muscogee At-Large Citizen Outreach Gathering in nearly two years. Muscogee citizens in Texas will get the first visit from the Nation this year which is set to take place at the Dallas Lincoln Centre in Dallas, TX on July 16 and 17. Lunch will be provided on the second day at noon.

    Whitney Tiger-Smith of the Tribal Liaison’s Office for Citizens At-Large, says “I’m so excited to bring our employees and resources to the Dallas area. This will be a time to gather and have fellowship with our fellow citizens in Texas. It is also an opportunity for our at-large citizens to learn about different programs and resources available to them regardless of their residence being outside of the reservation boundaries.”

    Tiger-Smith also mentioned that the Muscogee Nation particularly enjoys holding these outreach gatherings for the at-large citizens that may feel a ‘disconnect’ from their tribal nation. Tiger-Smith added, “There will also be cultural activities and demonstrations for the attendees to partake in so that they can get more of a hands-on learning experience about their tribe.”

    The event will include representatives from various programs and services such as: Citizenship, Election Board, Realty Trust Services, Social Services, Contracting and Employment Support, Higher Education, College of the Muscogee Nation, Mvskoke Language Program, Cultural Archives, Cultural Preservation, Mvskoke Media and Tourism & Marketing.

    Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Principal Chief, David W. Hill, and Second Chief, Del Beaver, as well as Representatives from the Muscogee (Creek) National Council.

    The Tribal Liaison’s Office for Citizens At-Large was created to provide tribal services outreach particularly to those living outside of the Muscogee Nation Reservation boundaries. For more information about upcoming outreach gatherings or services and resources available to Muscogee Citizens At-Large, please contact Whitney Tiger-Smith at 918-732-7613.

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  • Muscogee Nation Proclaims Sovereignty Day on 1-Year Anniversary of Historic U.S. Supreme Court McGirt Decision

    Muscogee Nation Proclaims Sovereignty Day on 1-Year Anniversary of Historic U.S. Supreme Court McGirt Decision

    For Immediate Release July 9, 2021

    Media Contact: Jason Salsman jsalsman@muscogeenation.com

     

    Muscogee Nation Proclaims Sovereignty Day on 1-Year Anniversary of Historic U.S. Supreme Court McGirt Decision

    U.S. Court Ruling Confirmed the Muscogee Nation’s Sovereignty, Territorial Boundaries in Eastern Oklahoma

    Muscogee Nation Marks Year of Post-Ruling Operational Expansions, Partnerships

    OKMULGEE, Okla. — Today the Muscogee (Creek) Nation declared July 9 as “Muscogee Nation Sovereignty Day.” The date marks the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, McGirt v. Oklahoma, confirming the sovereignty and territorial boundaries of the Muscogee Nation.

    “Generations of Mvskokvlke (Muscogee) will always look to this historic day as a reminder of our remarkable past, our perseverance and survival and our inherent right to exist as a sovereign nation that pre-dates both the United States and Oklahoma,” reads the proclamation that Principal Chief David W. Hill ratified today.

    The protected reservation, established in a treaty between the United States and the Muscogee Nation, encompasses much of Eastern Oklahoma, including Tulsa. The parties formed that treaty coincident with the United States’ forced relocation (later known as The Trail of Tears; 1834) of the Muscogee Nation and its citizens from their cultural homeland in Georgia and Alabama to Eastern Oklahoma.

    “We celebrate and hold sacred the sovereignty of the Muscogee Nation and our inherent authority to exercise jurisdiction within the borders of our reservation,” Hill said.

    As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling a year ago, the Muscogee Nation has taken actions in support of its jurisdictional authority and its efforts to work collaboratively with non-tribal entities toward the safety and economic prosperity of all peoples within Oklahoma:

    · Doubled its cross-deputization agreements law-enforcement agencies to more than 60, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol;

    · More than doubled police officers on the ground;

    · Bolstered its law-enforcement budget in the initial six-month, post-ruling period with an additional $7 million in tribal funds through special appropriation and supplemental legislation;

    · Commissioned a mobile-command unit to serve as the collaborative headquarters in cases that call for multiple agencies reporting;

    · Bolstered its prosecutorial capacity through broad actions, including a $1 million budget increase for the Muscogee Nation Attorney General’s Office and adding five prosecutors, a criminal investigator, as well as additional legal assistants and records clerks;

    · Added district-court judges to the Muscogee Nation Tribal Bench;

    · Amended pertinent and critical areas of Tribal Code to be more compliant and uniform with State statutes; and

    · Convened a commission of more than 40 experts in law, tax, land and minerals, social services and law enforcement to work through the array of issues relevant to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.

    “The Muscogee Nation will continue to work in collaboration with federal and state law-enforcement agencies to ensure that public safety is maintained throughout the territorial boundaries of the Muscogee Nation and that the rights and interests of all individuals within our borders are respected and protected,” the Sovereignty Day proclamation states.

    “We will continue to explore every available avenue to work in good faith and partnership toward a better Oklahoma,” Hill said. “It is the position of the Muscogee Nation that we are more efficient when we work in partnership and avoid spending time and resources in a continued fight for the sovereignty that the highest court of the United States has clearly confirmed.

    “We will realize our greatest potential only when all sovereigns are working together and in collaboration, not by seeking ways to weaken our jurisdiction or return to a broken system of the past,” Hill said.

    About the Muscogee (Creek) Nation

    Muscogee (Creek) Nation is a self-governed Native American tribe with headquarters in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The Muscogee Nation is one of the Five Tribes. Its sovereign territory covers 4,867 square miles in 11 Oklahoma counties. With 92,000 Muscogee Nation citizens, it constitutes the fourth-largest tribe within the United States. The Muscogee Nation government is comprised of an executive branch, a legislative body and a tribal court system. www.muscogeenation.com

  • Broken Arrow Pays Homage to Muscogee Tribal Town Roots in New Mural

    For Immediate Release
    May 14, 2021
    Media Contact: Darren Delaune
    O: (918) 732-7617
    ddelaune@muscogeenation.com

    The grant funded art project will celebrate the tribe and city’s connected histories

     BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma ­­­­­­– The Museum Broken Arrow is adding some large-scale beauty to it’s home in the Rose District. Work is underway on a mural that will be painted on the south wall of the two-story building.

    Executive Director Julie Brown said the museum’s mission is to preserve and showcase history and what better way to represent both, than having a mural that depicts the city’s story.

    “We have a big wall on the south side of the building and we thought that is a perfect spot for a mural,” she said. “This mural could be something that touches on the high points of our history.”

    There are numerous images outlined on the mural that reflect different aspects of Broken Arrow history including sports, agriculture and military service. One of the focal points of the mural that centers the project, is an homage to the shared heritage of the city with the Muscogee Nation.

    “It is a Muscogee princess that is on the mural,” Brown said. “We always knew that we wanted as a focal point something related to the Muscogee Nation.”

    Brown said she spoke with the Muscogee Nation Cultural Center and Archives Department to get more information about the subject on the center piece of the mural.

    “The goal is to have a powerful image, a stoic image,” Brown said.

    The mural’s artist, Carlos Barboza, is originally from Costa Rica and now lives in Yukon, OK.  Barboza’s appreciation for Native culture and art, motivated him to put his name in the hat vying for a chance to paint the mural. He applied for the project, and the competition was narrowed down to three finalists. The artists had to put a design together and the community voted on the winner.

    “I am always on the lookout for new and interesting jobs, and I have done something similar to this in Yukon,” Barboza said. “I love working on things that show the history of the city that I am working in.”

    Barboza said he does a lot of research, when preparing for projects such as this. He jumped at the opportunity to showcase a slice of Muscogee life on the mural.

    “I came to the museum and took a tour of the place,” he said. “That is how you get a picture of everything that’s going to be included in the mural.”

    Brown said they received grants from the Broken Arrow Community Foundation and the City of Broken Arrow to complete the project.

    The location of this mural is at 400 S. Main Street, and a wrap party unveiling the finalized work will be Thursday, June 3 from 5 – 7 PM.

    To see more of Barboza’s work, go to: https://www.carlosbarboza.com.

    To reach The Museum Broaken Arrow, call 918-258-2616.

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  • Muscogee Nation official statement on Supreme Court decision in US vs. Cooley

    Muscogee Nation official statement on Supreme Court decision in US vs. Cooley

    The Muscogee Nation applauds the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision today in United States vs. Cooley, to overturn the Ninth Circuit decision limiting tribal law enforcement authority. With the affirmation of our reservation status, now more than ever, it is imperative that Tribal Nations are empowered to exercise their sovereignty without limitations that impede tribal efforts to protect the public. To have the greatest impact on public safety for all who live and travel within our borders, our officers must not be restricted in performing their duties to protect and serve. This continues a welcome trend from the highest court in recognizing that the greatest benefit for prosperity in our lands is through adding resources and building capacity together. Further this demonstrates, as did the historic McGirt decision, that tribal sovereignty is not only a living and integral part of America’s story, but is a critical piece to a better future for this country.

     

  • Muscogee Nation Receives Initial Fiscal Recovery Funds from American Rescue Plan

     

    Muscogee Nation Receives Initial Fiscal Recovery Funds from American Rescue Plan

     OKMULGEE, Oklahoma ­­­­­­– The Muscogee Nation government has received initial payment of Fiscal Recovery Funds of the American Rescue Plan from the U.S. Treasury in the amount of $421,354,068.50. This initial distribution was formulated through the pro rata share of the total certified tribal enrollment. The deadline for distribution of the funds is December 31, 2024.

    “The Muscogee Nation appreciates the Biden Administration and members of Congress passing this bi-partisan relief effort for tribal nations,” Principal Chief David Hill said. “This funding allows us greater flexibility and planning, and with this amount we can meet immediate need as well as setting our Nation on a solid foundation for several generations of prosperity and progress.”

    The administration and the National Council have received initial Treasury guidelines on how the funds can be utilized, with final guidance expected in July. Tribal officials will meet this week to begin discussions on a distribution plan. Muscogee citizen input on how best to disperse the funds will be sought through survey engagement before anything is finalized.

    The Muscogee Nation will look to address several areas of need with the funds including, but not limited to: direct assistance, health care, housing, education, business recovery, tribal infrastructure and rural development.

    The Nation will receive an additional allocation at a later date and will announce that amount when it has been finalized.

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  • Lauren King Statement

    For Immediate Release
    May 13, 2021
    Media Contact: Jason Salsman
    O: (539) 286-4559
    jsalsman@muscogeenation.com

     

    Muscogee Nation statement on the nomination of Lauren J. King for the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington

    The Muscogee Nation applauds President Biden’s judicial nomination of Lauren King for the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. As a Muscogee citizen and a woman, this nomination continues a welcome trend of Native women at the forefront of consideration for positions of leadership and influence in our country. Ms. King has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the legal field that includes positions as a Judge, practitioner and instructor. Her work on behalf of our Nation, both on our Mvskoke Reservation Protection Commission and in defending the preservation of sacred ceremonial sites, will be impactful for generations to come. Her example of hard work, pursuing education and dedication to her craft, is a valuable teaching tool and motivation for our young Muscogee women to reach their greatest potential. Her experience, leadership and integrity leaves us confident that she will be fair and impartial, and we eagerly anticipate her confirmation to the federal bench.

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  • The Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department FY 2021 Budget Approved

    For Immediate Release
    April 7, 2021
    Media Contact: Jason Salsman
    O: (539) 286-4559
    jsalsman@muscogeenation.com

     

    The Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department FY 2021 Budget Approved

    Newly approved budget to be utilized towards increased costs brought on by McGirt

    OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee Nation National Council passed legislation in an Extraordinary Session on March 30. NCA 21-034 approves the Lighthorse Police Department’s comprehensive annual budget for Fiscal Year 2021 and continues to move MCN forward on its commitment to maintaining and improving public safety and law enforcement efforts for both natives and non-natives residing within the 11-county reservation following the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic ruling last July.

    Before its passage, the Lighthorse Police Department had been operating on a continuing budget at FY 2020 approved amounts. The FY 2021 budget was approved with a $2.3 million increase from the previous FY.

    With the newly approved budget, the Lighthorse Police Department hopes to utilize the increase in funds towards a number of needs brought on by the Supreme Court’s decision. Some examples of those needs include employing more deputies and pay increases for current deputies in order to remain competitive with other police departments in the surrounding areas.

    “I want to thank the National Council for passing this budget and getting our Lighthorse Police the resources to continue meeting the responsibilities our reservation status requires of us,” Principal Chief David Hill said. “I’m proud of the work LHPD has done in increasing cross-deputization agreements, adding officers on the ground, and taking on a greater role. This budget will stabilize their efforts and empower even more growth and progress.”

    The Lighthorse Police Department currently has 60 cross-deputization agreements in place throughout the reservation and 64 full-time officers. Both numbers are nearly doubled from before the Supreme Court decision.

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