Category: News Release

August 26, 2019

Lighthorse wins rematch against National Council, CMN takes win against Higher Ed.

Slow start fuels Lighthorse for late comeback victory

by: Darren DeLaune/MCNPR

OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — It was a wonderful evening for basketball and education as two games were held at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Mvskoke Dome on Aug. 23 in Okmulgee.

The first game for the evening was a match between the MCN College of Muscogee Nation and MCN Higher Education while the nightcap was a rematch from March 8, between the MCN Lighthorse Tribal Police Department and MCN National Council.

Proceeds from the game were used for two $600 scholarships for the CMN Criminal Justice Program.

For the first game between the educational establishments, what looked like an early blowout for the CMN Ravens turned into a closer game than expected as they pulled out a victory for the College.

CMN Criminal Justice Coordinator and Instructor Cheryl Najera said the scoreboard showed a certain team won but overall it was for a scholarship for a student that achieved a victory.

“I absolutely loved what we all did here this evening for the scholarship,” she said. “This is a step closer for a student to be able to help further their education in the Criminal Justice Program.”

MCN Higher Education Manager Pete Coser, Jr. said it was great to see all these different departments and entities working together and giving back to the citizens.

“Anytime the community can build their own assets and in this case build their own scholarships for their community members, it is always a great thing,” he said.

The first game between LTPD and MCNNC ended with a margin of two points and victory for the National Council.

“I’m going to be honest with you, the first meeting was a chance for us to feel them out (MCNNC),” LTPD Deputy Chief Daniel Wind said. “We didn’t play 100 percent. They are our elders and we wanted to show them some respect.”

The first half mirrored the first game as it looked like an early night for the legislators as they jumped out to an early double digit lead.

From then on, the gun-toting, badge wearing officers took matters into their own hands, and like warrants, started serving out points as they stormed back to make it a close game for both teams.

LTPD squeaked out a couple of baskets in the final minute to win the game 31-30.

Najera, Coser and Wind all said these games are for fun and the whole idea is for a student to continue their education and they feel that is going to happen.

“These students can achieve anything and this is a step closer to help them do that,” Najera said.

For LTPD and MCNNC, bragging rights goes to the officers.

Vkkopvnkv tutcenen? (Game three?)

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For Immediate Release
Aug. 13, 2019

Media Contact
Darren DeLaune
O:(918) 732-7617
ddelaune@muscogeenation.com

Muscogee (Creek) Nation partners with University of Oklahoma for social work grant

TULSA, Okla. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation and University of Oklahoma partnered for a grant that would provide stipends to students to earn their Bachelor or Master of Social Work degree.

The application for the grant has been funded and five students were selected for the Workforce Excellence Initiative-University Partnership stipends. Of those five, four are Muscogee (Creek) citizens. Two are College of Muscogee Nation graduates and two work for the MCN Children and Family Services Administration (CFSA).

The recipients were honored with a ‘Signing Day,’ on Aug. 8 surrounded by their families and friends.

Clinical Assistant Professor at OU-Tulsa School of Social Work, Dallas Pettigrew was ecstatic to hear about receiving the funding.

“We won this award on the strength of our relationships,” he said.

Pettigrew said that the relationship between OU and CMN goes back a few years when there were talks on how to get students to transition to a four-year school after leaving CMN.

“We started working together a couple of years ago and we managed to make it workout,” he said.

He also spoke about working with CFSA’s Director Kimee Wind-Hummingbird.

“She wanted to get more people, especially citizens working in social work,” Pettigrew said.

Hummingbird said the intent behind the proposal was to enhance our current workforce and allow for future CFSA employees to receive a Bachelor of Social Work with generous stipends.

“Not only does this grant assist students with the cost of their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from OU-Tulsa, it provides workforce development opportunities with CFSA,” she said.

Pettigrew believes this is only the beginning of having this for the OU, CMN and MCN.

“This is only the beginning,” he said. “We plan on applying for the funding again and we hope to get that.”

Upon graduation, the recipients would be required to work at either CFSA or another child welfare program.

“For the same number of years they were in school, they will work for the tribe,” Pettigrew said.

For more information about CFSA, call: 918-732-7869 or visit the CFSA page: //www.muscogeenation.com/services/children-family-services-administration/.

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For Immediate Release
Aug. 8, 2019

Media Contact
Darren DeLaune
O: (918) 732-7617
ddelaune@muscogeenation.com

Muscogee (Creek) Nation witnesses Governor sign bill at Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY — A momentous occasion for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, state of Oklahoma and other tribes across the state as Oklahoma HB2091 was signed by Governor Kevin Stitt on Aug. 6 in the Blue Room at the state capitol building. Efforts to get the bill introduced began in January. HB 2091 will allow tribal representation to be added to the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board.

The new members will be appointed by the State Attorney General and one of the members must be an American Indian survivor of domestic violence from a list of three names submitted by the Native Alliance Against Violence.

MCN Principal Chief James Floyd was on hand to witness the governor signing the bill.

“We will have somebody there to provide the Indian perspective, and tribal perspective,” he said.

Floyd believes the rate of violence against Native American women is higher than any other race.

“And is probably less known than others,” he said.

MCN Family Violence Prevention Program Director Shawn Partridge said this bill being signed is a benefit to all tribes across Oklahoma.

“Any work that is being done to improve the safety of Native people is going to benefit Muscogee (Creek) Nation and our citizens,” she said.

According to NAAV’s website, more than half of all Native women experience physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime and are also more than likely to experience violence perpetrated by one or more non-Indian perpetrators.

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For Immediate Release
July 23, 2019

Muscogee (Creek) Nation holds dedication for state-of-the-art bridge

TWIN HILLS, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Construction and MCN Federal Roads Program in partnership with Premier Steel have completed construction on a bridge that is the first of its kind. The road leading to Concharty United Methodist Church became impassable this spring due to recent flooding in the area. This road is known to present problems as it has washed away twice this year.

“We were fortunate to be able to donate this project for the benefit of the community and the members of Concharty United Methodist Church and replace it with a more sound construction option,” Principal Chief James R. Floyd said.

Premier Steel reached out to MCN Secretary of Interior Jesse Allen about the development of their Fast Cast Bridge System, which provided an opportunity to model cutting edge technology in a rural community.

“It was our honor at Premier Steel to work with Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Construction department and Federal Roads Program to provide the Fast Cast Bridge for installation for the Concharty Bridge,” Premier Steel President Andy Vanaman said. “We believe the Fast Cast Bridge, which was installed in one day, will revolutionize bridge replacement and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is leading the way.”

The new Concharty Bridge construction was efficient in time and cost.

“A box culvert of this size would cost $50,000-60,000 and normally take two months. This is a turn-key job at $40,000 and takes a week to complete,” Tribal Construction Manager Steve Emerson said.

The Fast Cast Bridge System uses concrete, rebar and steel framing to create a bridge able to withstand a heavier load than a typical concrete bridge and rated for use on federal highways. The Concharty Bridge is more than a means for transportation, it is a passage to preserve the longstanding fellowship of the Muscogee (Creek) people.

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 For Immediate Release
July 19, 2019

Media Contact:
Liz Gray
O: (918) 549-2453
C: (918) 758-8106
egray@muscogeenation.com

Inter-Tribal Council unanimously pass three resolutions at July quarterly meeting

TULSA, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation hosted the quarterly meeting of the Five Civilized Tribes Inter-Tribal Council  July 10-12 at the River Spirit Casino Resort.

During the meeting the ITC addressed three resolutions, which passed unanimously. The first resolution passed opposed Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s attempt to repudiate the State-Tribal Gaming Compact.

The Model Tribal Gaming Compact is a 15-year agreement approved by a vote of Oklahoma citizens in November 2004 in relation to Class III gaming and exclusivity fees paid to the state. Gov. Stitt issued a letter July 5 addressed to tribal leaders for renegotiation of a new gaming compact.

“It is the position of the Inter-Tribal Council and Five Civilized Tribes that the Compacts will automatically renew on January 1, 2020,” the Council declared in their resolution. “The [ITC] do hereby memorialize our intent to reject the State’s attempt to unlawfully and unilaterally terminate the Compact.”

The next resolution supports the expansion of Opportunity Zones in Indian Country. Currently, the Opportunity Zones created through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 has been problematic as it places the authority with states’ governors and has caused tribal nations to be disregarded by their respective states when creating these zones.

ITC supports the expansion across Indian Country, “so that tribal nations have the same economic development opportunities as the rest of the country and to further improve the quality of life for Native peoples.”

The final resolution urged the state of Oklahoma to remove the cap on Itemized deductions for gaming losses. The state passed a law creating an overall cap of $17,000 on deductions from state income taxes, which includes deducting gaming losses. This deters gaming players and negatively affects tribal gaming in Oklahoma therefore the ITC “supports the continuation of the federal standard that calculates taxable income by deducting total gaming losses from total winnings,” urging the state to pass and sign legislation removing the cap and include retroactive legislation so casino players can accurately record their income.

Prior to the addressed resolutions, each of the ITC leaders provided updates of their respective tribal nations.

MCN Principal Chief James Floyd introduced the new MCN Ambassador Jonodev Chaudhuri to ITC and also addressed the Margaritaville closure due to flooding in the months of May and June.

“We are very thankful to host you here because we didn’t know if we were able to do this 30 days ago,” Floyd said.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker gave his final update as principal chief. The newly-elected Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. will be greeted during the next ITC meeting set to be hosted by the Choctaw Nation.

Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton dedicated his time to Choctaw’s involvement within the community, with hosting a veteran’s eligibility summit and a summer feeding program with 10 sites within their boundaries that have provided 13,000 meals and 500 snacks.

Batton announced the economic development of the Choctaw Nation with the opening of a coffee shop in Talahina, Oklahoma.

“This last quarter we opened our first version of what we call our Starbucks café, our Rustic Roast that created about 30 different jobs,” he said.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Anoatubby used part of his update to announce the Chickasaw Nation’s new transportation service center in Ada, Oklahoma.

“They offer access to affordable transportation within our communities,” Anoatubby said. “They provide 43,000 rides for medical appointments, job interviews, worksites and 100s of rides to Native Americans and community members during the year.”

Seminole Nation Principal Chief Greg Chilcoat updated the ITC on the Seminole Nation Language Department’s stride to reach the community.

“Everyday we strive to do something better, something stronger, to be a better example to others as we all move forward,” Chilcoat said.

The Choctaw Nation will host the next ITC meeting Oct. 9-11, 2019.

For Immediate Release
July 15, 2019

Media Contact:
Liz Gray
O: (918) 549-2453
C: (918) 758-8106
egray@muscogeenation.com

Hofmeister acknowledges Muscogee (Creek) Nation as leader in investing in state’s educators

TULSA, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Education hosted its EDGE Conference July 10, at the River Spirit Casino Resort.

Over 250 educators from across the state attended the collaborative opportunity for tribal nations and Oklahoma education agencies to focus on the children they have in common in the classroom.

Recent reports revealed that Oklahoma has a high concentration of children suffering from higher Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores. The ACE test consists of questions about experiences commonly associated with childhood trauma.

“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has been a leader in investing in teacher professional development around working with children that have had hardship, abuse and neglect in Oklahoma classrooms,” Oklahoma State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said. “All of us working together I know we can solve this and we can help see kids break the cycle of trauma.”

The conference held presentations about moving from trauma-informed to healing-centered practices, conducting tribal consultation, understanding the Johnson O’Malley Modernization Act and Native EDGE; the Nation’s response to Oklahoma’s eight-year strategic plan for the state’s education.

“A critical component of Native EDGE is this idea of working alongside the state department and the U.S. Department of Education and building these connections with those other agencies for public education,” MCN Department of Education Federal Programs Administrator Sarah Price said.

Price said building bridges with agencies allows MCN as a tribal nation to conduct research, gather data and work alongside school systems about culturally-responsive teaching. The combination of trauma-informed instruction and collaboration with teachers’ in their own classroom help to pave the way from theory to practice.

As a component of Native EDGE, MCN hosted a teacher fellowship prior to the Edge Conference with a professional development opportunity for educational experts interested in the fields of culturally-responsive teaching, student-centered learning practices and building classroom communities.

Thirty-one participants from four school districts: Eufaula, Dewar, Weleetka and Wetumka, sought assistance from the fellowship with cultural sensitivity and methods to connect with Native students.

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Media Contact
Amanda Rutland
O: (918) 732-7615
arutland@muscogeenation.com

TRIBAL LEADERS SIGN JOINT RESOLUTION OPPOSING GOVERNOR STITT’S REPUDIATION OF THE STATE-TRIBAL GAMING COMPACTS

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 12, 2019)– The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes (ITC)  provided a unified, formal and firm response to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s recent repudiation of the Oklahoma Model Tribal Gaming Compact through a joint resolution signed by the leaders of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole Nations.  The Tribal leaders unanimously agreed and adopted the resolution at the Inter-Tribal Council meeting today at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Okla.

The ITC is an organization that unites the tribal governments of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole Nations.

Leaders of all five nations, which collectively represent more than 750,000 Native people, jointly signed the resolution outlining a clear and strong response to Governor Stitt’s letter dated July 5, 2019, proposing the Tribes negotiate a new Class III gaming compact.

Tribal leaders expressed their disappointment in the action by Gov. Stitt to take a matter of such great importance to the media before engaging in respectful and purposeful conversations given the complexity of the compacts and the law.  The ITC memorialized through the joint resolution their collective intent to reject the state’s attempt to unlawfully and unilaterally terminate the compact.

The gaming industry has become a significant driver of Oklahoma’s economy, employing over 55,000 Oklahomans, primarily in rural areas, and paying more than $1.5 billion in exclusivity fees over the past 15 years, mostly for public education. In response to the exclusive fee arrangement outlined in the compacts, Tribes have invested hundreds of millions of those dollars into education, roads, health care, public safety, and tourism to support the betterment of our state for the benefit of all residents.  The tribes’ investments have allowed the state to channel tax revenue to other high priority needs.

During Friday’s general session of the ITC, the tribal leaders detailed the extensive legal history and complexity surrounding gaming compacts and highlighted the current compact, which was approved by Oklahoma voters on November 4, 2004, and approved by the U.S. Secretary of Interior.

The tribes also detailed their concerns that Gov. Stitt made no proposal of any terms, nor presented a framework, for any renegotiation. That noted, the ITC pledged their support for the continuation of the exclusive fee structure and amounts outlined in the current compact. They underscored their confidence in the legal reality that the compact does not expire, but in fact renews on January 1, 2020.

Joint Statement from the Five Tribal Leaders:

“We have considered the state of Oklahoma a trustworthy partner through the years. Working together we have made strides in building a better, stronger and more prosperous Oklahoma for the benefit of the hundreds of thousands of members of our Tribes who live and work here as well as all residents of this great State.  We can trace the starting point of our constructive partnership to the carefully crafted and balanced approach represented in the current compact negotiated in a respectful manner between the State of Oklahoma and the sovereign Tribes residing in Oklahoma. This compact represents a continuing and mutually beneficial partnership. The recent action of Governor Stitt puts into question his sincerity to work with us in a cooperative manner moving ahead. We are resolute in our position, and it is our hope Governor Stitt and his advisors will not attempt any bad faith interference on the compact which could set back the progress we have achieved by working together.”

Bill John Baker, Principal Chief, The Cherokee Nation

Bill Anoatubby, Governor, The Chickasaw Nation

Gary Batton, Chief, The Choctaw Nation

James R. Floyd, Principal Chief, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Greg P. Chilcoat, Chief, The Seminole Nation

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Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes Joint Resolution

 For Immediate Release
July 1, 2019

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

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tax Commission addresses new Oklahoma state law

OKMULGEE, Okla. – Effective July 1, a new Oklahoma state law require drivers to carry up-to-date certificates of registration in their vehicles at all times and also includes drivers who choose to sell their vehicles to keep their tag.

The new state law applies to ALL drivers, including those who are registered through the Muscogee (Creek) Nation tag agency.

MCN Deputy Tax Commissioner Jennifer Langley said the new law does not affect policy and procedure for Muscogee (Creek) citizens’ vehicle registration.

“It has always been the policy of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to retain the paper registration in the vehicle and it has always been policy to remove and retain your vehicle license plate when selling a vehicle and then inform our office,” Langley said.

Muscogee (Creek) citizens in need of a replacement vehicle registration may contact the MCN Tag Agency at: 918-756-6374.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2019

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

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reintegration Program celebrates opening of welding school

HENRYETTA, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reintegration Program held a ribbon cutting for their career services center on June 26 in Henryetta, Oklahoma.

RiP Manager Tony Fish said the MCN RiP Career Services Welding School is a concept five years in the making with the event signifying the growth and accomplishments of the program and its students.

The welding program is an 8-week course in partnership with MCN RiP, MCN Workforce, MCN Employment and Training and the Oklahoma Department of Career Technology Education with collaboration with MCN Vocational Rehabilitation.

A total of 11 students are currently enrolled in the program’s first class with expected graduation in mid-July. The program requires a minimum enrollment of 10 students and a maximum of 15 students.

The welding program offers technical education in SMAW and MIG welding, which would prepare students for most applications of welding in various industries.

“The way we are set up we actually have employers waiting in line to hire people,” Fish said.

Through career fairs, participants are able to go through the process of application, interview and drug testing for jobs in one setting.

MCN RiP assists citizens participating in the program through their department with the cost of tuition. Any Muscogee (Creek) citizen can participate in the welding school program with out-of-pocket payments or assistance through other programs such as MCN Employment and Training and MCN Vocational Rehabilitation.

For more information about the welding program, citizens may contact:

MCN Reintegration – (918) 652-2676

MCN Employment and Training – (918) 732-7773

MCN Vocational Rehabilitation – (918) 623-1197

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For Immediate Release
June 27, 2019

Media Contact
Amanda Rutland
O: 918.732.7615
arutland@muscogeenation.com

Muscogee (Creek) Nation releases statement regarding U.S. Supreme Court decision in Murphy case

OKMULGEE, Okla. — Today, JUNE 27, the U. S. Supreme Court announced its decision to hold additional oral arguments in the Murphy case during the next session in October.  The Muscogee (Creek) Nation released the following statement in response to the Court’s decision:

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation respects and welcomes the Court’s decision calling for additional argument.  The Nation remains steadfast in its conviction that the 1866 Creek Reservation has never been disestablished and very much looks forward to this opportunity to present further arguments to the Court this Fall.

In the meantime, the Nation will continue to serve all citizens within its borders, Indian and non-Indian alike; to make its strong economic impact felt within Oklahoma, which exceeded $860 million in 2017; and to enjoy a positive and productive relationship with the State of Oklahoma.

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