MCN Employment and Training accepting applications for summer youth
Though program has been modified, E&T expects great turnout
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — Muscogee (Creek) Nation Employment and Training has announced they are now accepting applications for the 2021 Summer Youth Program.
MCN E&T Youth Coordinator Mia Hoskison said this was a difficult year for the program due to the pandemic but they are ready and prepared for next summer.
“Being able to help our youth through COVID-19 was a challenge,” she said. “We had to modify a lot of the things that we would normally be doing with them during that time.”
Some of the modifications included applicants who were immunocompromised or exposed to the COVID-19 virus working from home.
“Our work-from-home program helped the youth who would have a hard time working during the pandemic, be able to work virtually,” Hoskison said. “They had a curriculum and weekly assignments that they had to complete.”
The age requirement for eligibility is 16-21 and last summer they had over 500 applicants participate.
“All things considered, we had a wonderful turnout,” she said. “We want the same number, if not more to apply.”
Hoskison said this next summer, they will be more prepared and ready for any changes to their routine or modifications to the program that may be required.
“We are already working on our curriculum for our work-from-home program, our life skills modules and collaborating with several departments to get everything ready for our youth,” she said.
Hoskison also mentioned for more information or for any applicants from the previous summer who have questions about their incentives, to call her at: 918-732-7775.
Applications can be completed online. To apply, go to: http://bit.ly/MCNSY2021. Applications will be received until March 31, 2021.
For businesses interested in participating as a summer youth work site, email: eta@muscogeenation.com or call 918-732-7773. Work-site requests will be taken until January 31, 2021.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Education and Training receives ACE grant
$4M in funding to be used to establish education options and services
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Education and Training was awarded $4,371,256 from the U.S. Department of Education to be received over the next five years.
The “Accessing Choices in Education” grant was introduced by the U.S. Department of Education to be used by Native American communities to set up a variety of education options and services, including additional course options, apprenticeships, tutoring and other programs, from which parents or students can choose.
Funding received by the Nation will be used for the Muscogee ACE Project to enhance student and family educational choice by creating a Service Provider System website including evidence-based, culturally responsive service options to improve Native American student academic outcomes.
“We are very excited to receive this highly competitive grant,” project director and MCN Federal Programs Administrator Sarah Price said. “Our Nation has distinguished itself as a leader in fostering growth and partnerships with Native students and public education agencies within and outside our Muscogee Reservation.”
“The ACE grant enables us to expand on this vision by providing additional support for students, families, and communities in our mutual pursuit for educational excellence and equity.”
SPS will be developed within the first year to identify needs through Muscogee (Creek) student and family input and needs identified in the areas of culturally responsive programming, college/career readiness fees, resources and supports, tutoring and other educational options for academic support.
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Senior Services to provide COVID-19 Elder Safety Packages for Muscogee (Creek) citizens age 65 or older.
Elders living in either the MCN Reservation or At-Large are eligible. Proof of Muscogee (Creek) citizenship is required.
Items in the care package includes: disposable masks, reusable mask, face shield, multi-purpose disinfectant and other assorted items.
Please allow 4-6 weeks to process applications.
Applicants can request to be mailed an application, complete an application over the phone or curbside pickup. Online applications are for At-Large citizens only.
For more information, please contact: 918-732-7765, 918-732-7731 and 918-732-7699 or email at: elderservices@muscogeenation.com.
(Left to right) Keegan, Koen and Kolby Burgess shares toys, arguments, fights but also shared protection, support and advice. The Burgess boys suit up for the Morris High School football team in Morris, Okla. (Photo Submission)
Brotherhood…on the field and off
Three brothers, one team, bond continues on football field, life
MORRIS, Oklahoma — Growing up with siblings in the house, more than likely they will argue and fight amongst themselves. It is going to happen eventually.
Chances are if someone else picks on a child that has siblings, those siblings are the first to be the protector to make sure nothing happens to their family.
For the Burgess boys’ Kolby, Keegan and Koen, that was a guarantee for them almost every day. Whether it was toys or sports they would argue and fight, but that is what brothers do.
What that did was prepare them for competitive sports, especially this season due to all of them being in high school at the same time. The boys all play football and baseball while two play basketball.
(Left to right) PeeWee Football days Keegan, Koen and Kolby Burgess (Photo Submission)
“We have been playing sports for as long as we can remember,” Kolby said. “It is pretty exciting that we all get to suit up and be on the field together.”
All three boys play both offense and defense during the football games. Senior Kolby, junior Keegan and freshman Koen, see more of each other not only on the gridiron but in the halls of Morris High School.
“It is a good feeling to not only have my brothers at home, on the field but I get to see them throughout school too,” Keegan said.
Keegan and Koen both play quarterback and while Keegan sees time under center, Koen is learning and wants to be ready for when it is time for him to play.
“The game is faster from middle school football to high school football,” said Koen. “When it is my time, I will be ready to help out in any way.”
The younger brothers get advice from Kolby because at one time he played quarterback.
“I play on the offensive line so there are things that I can see that I know they can’t,” Kolby said. “It helps them with their reads and looking at it from a different point of view or angle.”
Keegan said it is a huge help when Kolby gives him the advice.
“When he explains what he sees it helps out,” Keegan said.
While Kolby does protect them when they are on the field, there are still times when the boys get mad at each other, sometimes during the games.
“I do my best to be civil with them in public,” Kolby said. “That does not happen all the time. They get on my nerves, especially Keegan.”
Keegan does admit he gets frustrated at his brother too.
“Kolby frustrates me too, we might have an argument sometimes,” Keegan said.
Koen said he does not get involved when they argue, instead he does something else.
“I am not going to separate them when they get into an argument,” Koen said. “I rather laugh at them.”
After football season, Keegan and Koen will take their talents to the hardwood for the basketball season and then all will suit up on the diamond for baseball.
(Left to Right) High School days Koen, Kolby and Keegan Burgess (Photo Submission)
“Whether one of us plays or all of us plays, we are supporting one another, giving each other tips,” Kolby said. “We help each other and we cheer for each other.”
Their mother Carmen Burgess sees this season as a treat knowing the boys all get to suit up and be together.
“It is really nice to see them suit up on Friday nights,” Carmen said. “It is rare too. There are not a lot of families that have three children all in high school together and playing sports.”
The boys look back on the football season thrilled that they were together, suited up and supporting each other.
“I think it is awesome,” Kolby said. “My younger brothers were with me on the field and I will get to play with them again during baseball.”
Keegan said they always helped each other out in sports and daily lives while Koen could not be more than happier that he is learning from them.
“We all learn and share tips with each other,” Keegan said. “We will keep on doing that.”
Carmen will not have to wait much longer after these boys graduate and go to the next level. She has two young ones that will be ready to fill their older brothers’ shoes.
All the boys are of the Fuswv (Bird) clan and Nuyaka Tribal Town.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation aids families during Thanksgiving Holiday
CARES Act funds to provide meals to tribal citizens
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation will provide meals for up to 4,000 Muscogee (Creek) families Nov. 19 with a special Thanksgiving holiday drive-thru food giveaway.
The Nation will have eight locations participating in the event. Sites include the Mvskoke Dome at the Claude Cox Omniplex in Okmulgee and the following Indian Community Centers: Bristow, Dewar, Eufaula, Holdenville, Muskogee, Okemah and Tulsa.
To obtain a package, participants must be enrolled Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizens. Each citizen must provide a citizenship card or photo or copy of that card. Citizens are limited to one (1) box per household. Recipients are welcome to pick up & deliver a food package to another family with proof of that household’s citizenship.
The event is the second of its kind hosted by the tribe. In October, families received fresh produce, canned vegetables and soups, a variety of grains along with a protein.
“We are blessed to be able to help over 4,000 families this Thanksgiving,” said MCN Tourism & Recreation Office Manager Ryan Logan. “This event and further events will help our tribal members who may have been having to make tough decisions such as having food throughout the month or putting on a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Thanksgiving is when we show our gratitude for all the good things in our lives over the past year, so we want each of our tribal families to have the opportunity to share in such a meaningful holiday.”
“As COVID-19 has made its way through the Muscogee Nation, our priority is to ensure our citizens are taken care of, with this food we can ensure that meals are not a worry for them.”
This event would not be possible without the help of more than 100 volunteers including tribal government employees and community members. The volunteers work tirelessly filling packages one day and loading packages and directing traffic the next.
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With headquarters in Okmulgee, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation encompasses 11 counties, either entirely or in part in northeast Oklahoma and is the fourth largest tribal government in the U.S. The Nation employs more than 3,000 people and provides vital services such as health care, housing, education assistance, and social services to its citizens as well as operates other programs including culture and language preservation.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation passes legislation for medical marijuana exemption
Law addresses concerns for license holders within the Mvskoke Reservation
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation passed legislation that would allow certain exemptions related to medical marijuana within the reservation boundaries.
NCA 20-083 amended Title 14 Crimes & Punishment section E and W that would exempt medical marijuana license holders from being in possession of a controlled dangerous substance as long as they are in compliance under Oklahoma state law.
The legislation also establishes new law under Title 14 entitled, “Medical Marijuana Exception; Application and Limitations.”
Section A of the new law states, “it shall not be unlawful for any person to grow, process, dispense, test, possess, or use marijuana in any form in the Nation’s Indian country under a valid medical marijuana license issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Health as long as such person is in compliance with all medical marijuana license laws and regulations under Oklahoma State law.”
This action in lawmaking is credited to the Mvskoke Reservation Preservation Commission’s recommendation to provide clarity and eliminate uncertainty as to whether the Nation will enforce any criminal law against anyone who possesses a valid medical marijuana license.
“This is an excellent example of the Nation exercising its sovereignty to amend its criminal law to address public safety issues in the Mvskoke Reservation,” Principal Chief David Hill said. “Furthermore, this is a pro-business action by the Commission and commitment to individuals and entities licensed in medical marijuana endeavors throughout the reservation.”
The Commission will continue to analyze the medical marijuana issue to develop in-depth and long-term recommendations to the National Council that will identify possible regulatory and taxation authority, as well as economic development opportunities concerning medical marijuana.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation traffic code gets an extensive update
Over 90 pages of legislation passed into law for Lighthorse law enforcement
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department has expanded its traffic code to accommodate the increased jurisdictional authority following the McGirt decision.
After the historic decision, MCN Attorney General’s Office researched and drafted the new traffic code as the necessity became apparent for the Nation to strengthen its law to provide safety for all within the reservation boundaries.
The new traffic law has been adopted to provide a more comprehensive code for enforcement within the Mvskoke Reservation.
MCN Code Annotated Title 22 entitled, “Traffic Code” has been repealed and the new law sits under Title 14, “Crimes and Punishments” subchapter, “Jurisdiction; Lighthorse Authority.”
“The new traffic code is far more comprehensive than the existing traffic code,” MCN Attorney General Roger Wiley said. “The new code covers areas of the law not addressed by the existing code. Some of these areas include– driving under suspension; traffic signs and markings; bicycles and pedestrians; unlawful use of a cell phone; required safety equipment as well as many other topics.”
Wiley said other tribal traffic laws as well as model traffic codes adopted by various states were used to develop the new code.
Lighthorse Police officers will be required to become familiar with the various new provisions of our traffic law as well as the expanded traffic rules they will be called upon to enforce.
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — Principal Chief David Hill of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation released the following statement in response to the Initial Findings of the Oklahoma Commission on Cooperative Sovereignty.
“We listened with an open mind to Governor Stitt and the presentation of the report of his Oklahoma Commission on Cooperative Sovereignty and walk away with more questions and concerns.
If fairness were the standard as the Governor states, our tribes would still be on our ancestral lands, not here in Oklahoma. But we can’t rewrite history, and neither can the Governor. His claim that enacting statehood in 1906 eliminated separate tribal reservations is blatantly false and unsupported by decades of laws.
The Governor’s recommendations sadly promote the radical arguments of the special interest supported Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA), which recently called for the disestablishment of Indian reservations in Oklahoma. Many other states with large reservations have worked collaboratively with tribal nations to address a wide array over intergovernmental matters without resorting to federal legislation that undermines sovereignty. We believe that Oklahoma and tribal nations can engage in that same effort.
The governor and his team repeatedly said they don’t have many answers. Given the lack of consultation with our Nation and others, it’s little wonder that they are struggling to find solutions. We asked the Governor over three months ago to work with us to forge partnership agreements that secure the health, safety, well-being and prosperity of all Oklahoma citizens but we never heard back.
Even for a Commission that lacked any tribal voices and representatives, the anti-Indian bias that flows through the Governor’s recommendations is shocking.
It is clear that current law allows us to work as partners with the state to address any and all changes prompted by the Supreme Court decision. Demands for Congress to enact a one-size-fits-all federal mandate won’t solve anything but will undermine tribal sovereignty throughout the Nation.
We stand ready, willing and able to work with state and local officials. So, if the Governor is serious about finding real solutions that benefit all Oklahomans, our invitation to work together remains open and we’ll await his call.”
Muscogee (Creek) citizen recognized for COVID-19 efforts
National Indian Health Board names Wyatt ‘Hero in Health’
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The National Indian Health Board has recognized Muscogee (Creek) citizen, Lieutenant Commander Amanda Wyatt, as one of this year’s ‘Heroes in Health.’
The NIHB annually honors outstanding individuals, programs and organizations from across Indian Country whose service and work make a major contribution to improving American Indian and Alaska Native health.
Wyatt is an Advance Practice Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist who was selected for her leadership and contributions to the development of a COVID-19 emergency response hotline for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health.
She served as the sole point of contact for the hotline, providing real-time instruction and guidance on evidence-based practice recommendations, triage, consults, coordination of care, and community services directly related to the effects of COVID-19.
“It is with great respect as a Muscogee (Creek) citizen to receive this incredible honor from the National Indian Health Board,” Wyatt said. “I am grateful for my opportunities to serve Indian Country.”
Wyatt has since transferred into a new position with Indian Health Service as the Director for the Diabetes Center at the Mid-Atlantic Tribal Health Center in Richmond, Virginia.
MCN would like to congratulate and thank Wyatt for her service to all citizens within the Muscogee (Creek) Reservation and Indian Country.
MCN Secretary of the Nation releases out-of-state business relief program
MCN citizen-owned businesses eligible for up to $50,000
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council approved the MCN Coronavirus Citizen-Owned Business Relief Program in June to provide economic development relief grants to MCN Citizen-owned businesses and enterprises for expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic consistent with Title V of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), Coronavirus Relief Fund.
Beginning Oct. 1, out of state MCN citizen-owned businesses can apply for the MCN Coronavirus Citizen-Owned Business Relief Program. Applicants must acknowledge that receipt of the grant may be considered gross income by the Internal Revenue Services and, therefore, may be taxable. As such, MCN may issue a 1099 to the recipient if necessary.
Program Details
MCN Citizen-Owned Businesses are eligible for up to $50,000 in grant support to purchase personal protective equipment, to cover utilities, mortgage or rental expenses, or to make minor renovations that support social distancing. Payroll expenses are also eligible if they are related to closures or additional needs for employees in response to the Pandemic.
Application Requirements
Applicants must verify citizenship and business ownership, including itemized list of expenses related to business interruption and a point of contact for follow up documentation.
Applications for the program can only be obtained through the Secretary of the Nation and Commerce Office (SNC).
If you wish to request an application or for more information, contact Zech Harjo at: zharjo@muscogeenation.com, (918) 549-2767 or (918) 758-8782.
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Mvskoke Loan Fund received awards from The United States Department of Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund – Native American Community Assistance Program in the amount of $540,000.
The NACA Program generates economic opportunity for Native communities by supporting the creation and expansion of Native CDFIs with Financial Assistance (Base-FA) and Technical Assistance (TA) awards.
This allows Native CDFIs, such as MLF, to help create jobs, establish or improve affordable housing and provide accessible financial services and counseling within their communities.
The NACA Program is funded annually from the United States Congress, awards are made each year through a competitive process that spans several months.
MLF CEO Christopher Coburn calls the awards to MLF ‘another win’ for the Nation.
Coburn said winning the competitive award shows that MLF is being recognized as a leader among Native CDFIs and further illustrates growth as a financial institution to better serve MCN citizen clients.
“That brings us to over $828K in awards heading into FY21 with other applications still pending,” he said. “Our best year ever already.”
MLF will dedicate $440,000 to lending capital and $100,000 to lending capital and TA funds focused on Okfuskee County.
For more information about Mvskoke Loan Fund, contact: 918-549-2603, or visit: www.mvskokeloanfund.org.
Social media post gains huge response for donation of walkers
WETUMKA, Oklahoma — Muscogee (Creek) citizen Timothy Yahola, who goes by his middle name Eric, saw a need for elderly Muscogee (Creek) citizens throughout the reservation.
Yahola is a caregiver advocate for the Native American Caregiver Support Program through Muscogee (Creek) Nation. He said he came across several citizens who were in need of walkers and wheelchairs.
“This past year, our program was able to purchase wheelchair and walkers for the citizens,” Yahola said. “Problem is we cannot fulfill all the needs for everyone.”
He said he was bringing supplies to one citizen when she requested a sitting walker because her own had a broken wheel.
“I asked to look at her walker and take it with me with hopes of being able to fix it,” Yahola said.
Fortunately, he found another wheel for her walker and was able to fix and return it to her.
“That was when the lightbulb inside my head turned on,” he said.
From there, Yahola said he made a post and plea on social media’s Facebook to anyone willing to donate old walkers to help out other people.
“People have responded to the post,” he said.
A lot of the donations that he has received needed parts or a good cleaning, when he was done with that he delivered to whoever needed a walker.
“We make sure to look it over and they are in good use before we give them to the people,” Yahola said.
Yahola said he knew that people were going to help when he made the post and had an understanding about tribal citizens.
“Us Natives, especially (Muscogee) Creeks, we don’t throw nothing away,” he said laughing. “People were ready to help and that is where holding onto stuff all these years have paid off.”
MCN Acting Secretary of Community and Human Services Shawn Partridge said she is overjoyed at what MCN employees do to help out their citizens.
“I saw his post and then I saw the response from everyone who wants to help shows me what employees, like Eric, do to go above and beyond to help out to people who are in need,” Partridge said. “His willingness to think ‘outside of the box,’ in providing services shows that he is a great person.”
Yahola said he is going to keep accepting donations for the walkers for as long as possible.
“People will keep getting older,” he said. “When that happens, they will need help getting around at times and that is why I want this to keep going.”
Yahola said he wants to help as many people as possible, not just in the areas where he works but all of MCN.
“Please get ahold of us if anyone is needing a walker,” he said.
Yahola can be reached by cell at: 918-698-3022 or call his office number at: 918-549-2459.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Announces Appointments to Mvskoke Reservation Protection Commission
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill has announced the appointment of an expansive group of experts, professionals and authorities to serve on the Mvskoke Reservation Protection Commission. The commission has been tasked to comprehensively undertake research, analysis and fact-finding to determine what actions and changes are necessary to develop new economic development, public safety, and social services policies that ensure a better future for tribal members and our neighbors.
“This Commission will make recommendations to build long-term changes to policies impacting health, safety, welfare and prosperity,” Chief Hill said. “We have selected experts in their field ensuring the best and brightest minds have input in this process. Our goal has always been to build a better future for all of Oklahoma by working with tribal, state, county, municipal and federal partners, as well as, the business community.”
The Commission will review the following areas to offer suggestions and changes:
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Indian Child Welfare and Social Services
Business and Commerce
Judicial Affairs
Legal and Regulatory Matters
Government to Government Relationships and Policy
Violence Against Native American Women and Missing Indigenous Women
General Muscogee (Creek) Nation Governance
Justice Andrew Adams, the Chief Justice of the Santee Sioux Nation of the Nebraska Supreme Court and past chair of the Federal Bar Association Indian Law Section, commented on his appointment to the commission: “We stand united in the belief the jurisdictional clarity brought by the recent Supreme Court offers all citizens of Oklahoma – tribal members and citizens – a unique opportunity to build a safer and more prosperous future. I look forward working with other members of this commission on engaging in outreach and constructive dialogue with our government partners at all levels.”
FVPP Acting Director appointed to Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board
Tania Bardin selected for tribal representation on review board
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma—The Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board has selected Muscogee (Creek) Nation Family Violence Prevention Program Acting Director Tania Bardin to serve as the tribal representative in combating fatalities related to domestic violence in the state.
Oklahoma state legislation passed in 2019 expanded the board to includea Native American domestic violence survivor representative.
“I consider it a privilege and a responsibility to have been appointed to Oklahoma’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board,” Bardin said.“It is with humility and hope that my participation will provide a voice for our Tribal communities.”
The purpose of the DVFRB is to prevent future domestic violence fatalities by identifying gaps in services and crafting recommendations to improve the coordinated response of individuals, organizations and agencies within the state.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is excited about this appointment and the opportunity created to have Native American voices addressing a subject that greatly impacts our tribal communities.
Commission will focus on long-term growth, security and prosperity in the region
OKMULGEE — Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill announced an Executive Order July 29 establishing the Mvskoke Reservation Protection Commission.
“As the only tribal nation whose lands were directly at issue in the Supreme Court case, we are mindful of our responsibility to play a primary leadership role in ensuring that the Court’s decision results in greater prosperity and safety for all,” Principal Chief David Hill said.
The United States Supreme Court ruling on July 9 affirmed the territorial boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Reservation, a determination that has positive implications not only for MCN, but for everyone within the Nation’s boundaries and for all governmental and private entities who wish to work collaboratively toward a brighter future for all Oklahomans.
“Members of our task force have already been hard at work addressing immediate jurisdictional issues, implementing new agreements and ensuring the continuity of government services,” Hill said. “But to give both Creek Nation and our neighbors the gains in public safety and economic prosperity made possible by the Court’s decision, we must develop thoughtful, comprehensive plans for long-term cooperation.”
The commission will be made up of Muscogee (Creek) citizens and conduct in-depth analysis of major subject areas that will include, but are not limited to: Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Indian Child Welfare and Social Services, Government-to-Government Relationships and Policy, Judicial Affairs, Legal and Regulatory Matters, Business and Commerce, and Violence Against Native Women and Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women.
Principal Chief Hill will serve as Chairperson and will request that the Commission provide reports, including findings and recommendations, on any Executive Orders, National Council Resolutions, or other governmental actions that need to be taken to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare of all of those living, or seeking to do business, within the MCN Reservation borders.
Another key aspect of the Commission will be its role in collaborating with other governmental sovereigns including federal, tribal, state, county, and municipality authorities, to ensure criminal, civil adjudicatory, and civil regulatory jurisdictional issues are addressed through mutual understanding and cooperation across the many jurisdictions that currently exist in eastern Oklahoma.
“We have a great deal of respect for our sister sovereigns here in Oklahoma,” Hill said. “Our Nation has a long history of diplomatic relations with other sovereigns, from Spain and England long before the existence of the United States, to states such as Alabama and Oklahoma, towns and municipalities such as Tulsa and Okmulgee, and our sister tribal nations.”
“Our creation of this Commission is just a next step in what we know will be a successful intergovernmental framework to ensure the safety, health and prosperity of those who live and work on, in or near the borders of our Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation.”
Praising the establishment of the commission was the mayor of the MCN’s capital city of Okmulgee.
“I see a great opportunity for a lot of positive action we can take between the City and Creek Nation regarding the McGirt ruling,” Mayor Richard Larabee said. “The Tribe having the formal recognition of their reservation status just reaffirms what an asset they are to our community, and I look forward to working with Chief and Second Chief in keeping Okmulgee rising.”
The commission will be effective immediately, and will continue its work for one year unless modified by Executive Order. The commission will issue its initial report no later than six months from the date of the commission’s first meeting.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David W. Hill responds to today’s federal court ruling on tribal gaming compacts.
“We’re pleased to see that the court’s ruling this morning reflects our steadfast assertion that the compacts automatically renewed on January 1. This decision further strengthens the opportunities opened up by the recent Supreme Court decision as we work with our state and local partners to implement agreements that will improve public safety, economic stability and build a better Oklahoma.
I want to thank our attorneys for the tireless work done on behalf of all the tribes who stood in agreement in our united effort. The Muscogee (Creek) National Council was crucial in providing the input and tribal resources needed to stand up for the plain language of our agreements. This outcome is a testament that tribal governments working together can achieve great victory and our cohesion with our fellow sovereigns is effective when we’re committed to a cause that benefits us all.”
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court decision on McGirt v. Oklahoma:
“The Supreme Court today kept the United States’ sacred promise to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of a protected reservation. Today’s decision will allow the Nation to honor our ancestors by maintaining our established sovereignty and territorial boundaries. We will continue to work with federal and state law enforcement agencies to ensure that public safety will be maintained throughout the territorial boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.”
Muscogee (Creek) Nation cancels Living Legends ceremony
Ceremony cancelled this year due to public health and safety concerns
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — For the health and safety of our Muscogee (Creek) citizens and especially our elders, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has decided to cancel the annual Living Legends ceremony.
COVID-19 has created an unprecedented situation that requires the Nation to take a look at the well-being of our elders and what means need to be taken in order to protect them. The Nation has determined it would not be in the best interest of our people to risk public health and safety by holding the event this year.
MCN apologizes for this inconvenience while also asking its citizens to continue practicing healthy social habits including social distancing, wearing masks when in public and proper hand hygiene.
(Photo: Submission) Muscogee (Creek) citizen Jade McPeak pictured at the National Junior Miss United States Agriculture Pageant in Orlando, Florida.
Muscogee (Creek) citizen crowned as National Junior Miss United States Agriculture in Orlando
Darren DeLaune/Multimedia Specialist
McPeak, ray of sunshine in ‘Sunshine State’
CHECOTAH, Oklahoma — The new 2020 National Junior Miss United States Agriculture is Muscogee (Creek) citizen Jade McPeak of Checotah, Okla.
Ten-year-old McPeak was crowned as the National Junior Miss (NJM) Agriculture over the weekend of June 20 in Orlando, Florida. Several contestants from across the country competed in the two-day event.
McPeak said she brought some of her culture to the event when she had to do her introduction.
“I introduced myself in Creek,” Jade said. “My [great] grandpa [French Wildcat], and my JOM (Johnson O’Malley) teacher taught it to me.”
McPeak is already Oklahoma’s Junior Miss Agriculture but she felt that she could do good at the national competition.
“Being how she won the Oklahoma Junior Miss, she was able to compete for the national title,” her mother, Emmy McPeak said.
Away from pageants, Jade’s hobbies are showing her cattle and goats and taking care of them.
“I also like playing basketball and softball,” she said.
Jade has been active in the McIntosh County 4-H program for over three years. Throughout her reign as Oklahoma Junior Miss Agriculture, she was able to advocate for agriculture by reading to elementary students throughout her region and also attending several livestock shows.
Jade said she is going to enjoy being the NJM for 2020-2021 reign.
“I get to go other state pageants and crown their state winner,” Jade said.
National Director of the Miss United States Agriculture, Ciera Ingram believes events such as this pageant will help build strong leaders for the future.
“The idea behind the Miss United States Agriculture Pageant Program is to celebrate the agriculture industry and our local farmers all while promoting self-esteem, building strong leaders and awarding scholarships to encourage a continuous pursuit of education,” Ingram said. “As well as incorporating our motto: Teach. Inspire. Advocate.”
Jade hopes to continue teaching her generation during her reign and after about where food comes from and how it gets to their table.
Jade is the daughter of Jason and Emmy McPeak and is of the Hotvlkvlke (Wind Clan) and Koweta Tribal Town.
Mvskoke Nation Youth Council celebrates five years of service
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek Nation is pleased to recognize the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council as they celebrate five years of service. MNYC was founded on June 20, 2015 by a group of Muscogee (Creek) citizens ages 12-24 after several months of planning and working together.
These youth have continued to fulfill the purpose of the MNYC, which is to empower Mvskoke youth by listening and taking action, enhance their voice by promoting positive changed and informed decisions, and affect all generations and sustain the Mvskoke way of life.
After one year of being in existence, MNYC was chosen as the 2016 Youth Council of the Year by the United National and Indian and Tribal Youth organization.
The MNYC members have logged thousands of hours of service and created service projects focused on bringing awareness to issues that affect Native youth like suicide, drugs and alcohol, and teen dating violence.
MNYC members have also created events to celebrate Vietnam veterans, promoted intergenerational activities with their elders and cultural activities like the Mvskoke Youth Games.
“Being part of the MNYC for the past five years has taught me self-confidence and that I can be the change,” MNYC founding member Jasmyne Jack said.
Over the last five year, approximately 93 youth have been a member of MNYC at one time or another. The individual MNYC members are recognized on a local and national level for their leadership. The group includes a Center for Native American Youth Champion for Change, four UNITY 25 Under 25 recipients, Mvnettvlke Onaya (Youth Visionary) award recipients, multiple tribal royalty titleholders, several WeRNative Ambassadors, honor students, tribal employees, musicians, artists, athletes and more. They are a diverse group with the common goals to make a difference for the Nation.
“These youth are so passionate about helping others and about keeping the Mvskoke culture alive and well,” Mvskoke Nation Youth Services Director Nancy Mason said. “I’m so proud of each of them for what they have accomplished individually and together.”
“I am most proud of each of them for their person growth. Receiving awards are nice, but I try to remind them that just trying is half the battle of becoming better.”
For more information about MNYC, contact Youth Services at: (918) 549-2557 or youthservices@muscogeenation.com.
Away from pageants, Jade’s hobbies are showing her cattle and goats and taking care of them.