Category: Public Notice
2020-2022 Creek Nation TANF/TFAP
Public Notice:
The General Public is invited to review and comment on the 2020-2022 Creek Nation TANF/TFAP (Tribal Family Assistance Plan) regarding the use and allocation of Federal Funds received by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation TANF department for its clients. Your comments should be received no later than August 31st, 2019. The document can be viewed at 300 N. Mission Okmulgee, Ok. 74447.
Chief Floyd provides status update on Impact to communities and properties
Thursday, May 30, 2019
To: Citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation
From: Principal Chief James Floyd
Re: Status update on Impact to communities and properties
Dear Citizens,
There are moments in times like this that I have the opportunity to witness neighbors helping neighbors and our employees going above and beyond during long hours to help lessen this ongoing crisis.
I want to take a moment to express my pride and appreciation for all that each of you have done to step up and lessen the burden on others impacted by the severe weather and flood issues. I know our Nation’s leadership joins me in sharing our heartfelt thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do in the coming weeks.
This latest round of severe weather this week impacted citizens throughout our Nation, as well as left damage to several of our tribal-owned properties. The responsiveness from our team at the Tribal headquarters and our business partners has been remarkable. I would especially like to
recognize the staff of our Arbor Care program for storm damage clean-up and the Emergency Management Water Rescue Team that worked for five days alongside emergency crews in Wagoner County. Our Emergency Manager Coordinator continues to assist the Wagoner County Emergency Operations Center overseeing the operations of Emergency Command Center. I would, also, like to thank Lighthorse Tribal Police for the quick responsiveness in checking our tribal properties.If outstanding needs remain, please do not hesitate to contact our teams to see how we can be of assistance. You may contact Sylvia Tulsa, Office of Risk Management at (918) 732-7795.
The RiverWalk in Jenks remains open. The Citizenship office remains open to serve citizens. The restaurants, retail and Flying Tee are exceeding expectations with guests seeking a view of the Arkansas River. The trail in front of RiverWalk is closed for safety precautions. The parking lot potentially could be impacted by the water, but the buildings remain dry.
The River Spirit Casino Resort management team, operations and security crews continue to work incessantly to protect the Resort from the relentless water released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from the Keystone Dam.
As of Wednesday, May 29, the Corps announced that it can begin reducing the current 275,000 cubic feet per second. The last flood occurrence was in 1986 and the level of release has slowed, which assists in clean up and re-opening.
I had the opportunity to tour River Spirit with Gov. Kevin Stitt and his team to showcase the Steps being taken t
o protect the Resort and to prepare to re-open as soon as the water recedes. I appreciate the Governor’s interest and time to learn more about the $169 million impact the Resort has on the economy, as well as the 1,800 area employees that depend on the Resort for their livelihood. I am actively seeking his support for future Federal Disaster Relief funds to help offset the cost of the operation to protect the Resort from additional damage, as well as the cost to clean and restore the areas impacted by the water.Currently, we estimate the Resort will remain closed through the month of June assuming the water levels diminish as reported by the Corps. We will update this information after a total assessment of the property. The first priority is bringing the power back online as the utilities for the property are contained in underground vaults. Additionally, for the safety of guests and employees, the parking structures and asphalt must be cleaned and repaired prior to reopening.
Leadership at River Spirit Casino Resort is attempting to invalidate false information spreading in the community via social media channels and comments online regarding the structural integrity of the Resort. We hope each of you can assist in helping to ensure correct information reaches our citizens and public:
Construction of the Resort hotel tower and expanded gaming and restaurants were built utilizing 675 heavily reinforced concrete piers, eight feet in diameter that are 80 to 87 feet below the ground and socketed to the bedrock at an elevation level of 588. Additionally, the Resort complex is further protected from land erosion due to the one-inch thick, solid steel sheet piling surrounding the river side of the property from the hotel tower to the theater. The sheet piling begins at the elevation level of 614 and protects the land all the way to the bedrock elevation level of 588.
As designed, there is no possibility the Resort complex can be structurally damaged by the water release. External construction engineers have been on site to review and develop a report regarding the structural integrity of the buildings and land bridges.
I want to reassure the citizens and public that River Spirit, including the 26-story hotel, Margaritaville and Ruth’s Chris restaurants, along with both our gaming floors remain unaffected by the water surrounding our property. Some of the Resort amenities, such as the ground level pool, spa and indoor/outdoor restaurant may be impacted longer for clean-up and repairs.
I hope all citizens of the Nation join me in showing pride for the beautiful Resort we built on our historic land on the banks of the Arkansas River. The water will recede and the sun will soon bless our land again.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health (MCNDH) issues measles statement
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health (MCNDH) issues measles statement
OKMULGEE, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Department of Health has confirmed the first case of measles since May 2018 at Saint Francis – Glenpool Emergency Room. The case was confirmed on May 15, 2019.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health (MCNDH) met this morning to discuss and review internal protocols.
“At this time, Muscogee (Creek) Nation is on standby and prepared to provide all necessary services in the event a case of measles presents to one of our facilities,” Chief Medical Officer Dr. Billy Beets said.
MCNDH will continue to partner with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and local county health departments to ensure the safety of the community.
MCNDH will provide updates should the situation develop.
MCN Board Vacancy
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Board VacancyIf you or someone you know is willing to server and be considered for any board position, please send resumes to MCNBoardVacancy@muscogeenation.com.
MCN now accepting Living Legends Nominations
Now Accepting Applications for 2019 Muscogee (Creek) Nation Living Legends Nominees
The 45th Annual Muscogee (Creek) Nation Festival is scheduled this year for June 20-23, 2019. During the four-day Festival, the Living Legends Ceremony will honor five outstanding Muscogee (Creek) citizens as the 2019 Living Legends inductees, during the Festival.
The Nation is currently seeking nominations for deserving Muscogee (Creek) citizens to be considered as one of the five 2019 Living Legends honorees, chosen by this year’s executive-appointed Living Legends Selection Committee.
To nominate an individual, please consider how the citizen has made outstanding contributions to the development of the Nation and quality of life to the citizens on a local, national or international level.
The Living Legends Selection Committee will be accepting the applications for nominees now through the May 31, 2019 deadline.
The five citizens who are selected as this year’s inductees will be recognized at the 2019 Living Legends Ceremony, which will be held Thursday, June 20, 2019, at 11 a.m., in the Ballroom of the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Okla.
Please consider your nominations, carefully, in accordance with the nominees’ eligibility requirements and properly submit applications by one of the three return options, also listed on the nomination form attached.
We anticipate and appreciate your participation in acknowledging and honoring the diligent work of our outstanding Muscogee (Creek) citizens.
If you have any questions, please contact Geebon Gouge at 918-732-7752.
Completed applications may be hand-delivered, emailed to Ggouge@muscogeenation.com; or mailed to the address listed below:
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Liaison
Living Legends
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
918.732.7752 | ggouge@muscogeenation.com | MuscogeeNation-nsn.gov | CreekTourism.com | CreekFestival.com
Nominations must be received no later than Friday, May 31, 2019.
Living Legends Nomination Form
Principal Chief Floyd to deliver State of the Nation Address Jan. 26, 2019 at 10 a.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 23, 2018
Principal Chief Floyd to deliver State of the Nation Address Jan. 26, 2019 at 10 a.m.
OKMULGEE, Okla. – Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James R. Floyd will deliver the State of the Nation Address during the National Council Quarterly Session.
The Quarterly Session will begin at 10 a.m. The meeting willed be called to order by National Council Speaker Lucian Tiger III with the State of the Nation Address to follow.
Chief Floyd will fulfill his constitutional duty as Principal Chief to report on the past year’s success and growth of the Nation.
Chief Floyd’s State of the Nation Address will be followed by the Quarterly Session’s approval of minutes and order of business.
The public is encouraged to attend the annual occasion to learn more about the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s past year and direction for the future.
The event will take place in the National Council Auditorium of the Mound Building, located at 1008 Bear Lane Okmulgee, OK 74447.
A Livestream of coverage will also be available to view on the Nation’s homepage: www.muscogeenation.com.
###
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program releases statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 23, 2019
MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN (WIC) PROGRAM RELEASES STATEMENT
In an effort to provide assurance to families, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Women, Infants and Children Program (MCN WIC) is secure in federal funding at this time. WIC agency directors across the nation have been participating in planning sessions to stay up-to-date on the payment status of federal funds. Right now, it is business as usual for WIC.
We have received numerous inquiries and we want WIC participants to know they can continue to receive services at their usual WIC clinic.
Despite misleading information conveyed on social media, the MCN WIC Program is 100 percent federally-funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and has always served the public regardless of race.
If you would like to apply for WIC, please call 1-800-482-1979 to schedule an appointment.
Released under the authority of:
Katura Bunner,
WIC Program Director
Muscogee (Creek) Nation
918-549-2780
VITA Tax Preparation Assistance
This free tax preparation is by appointment only. Please call the Mvskoke Loan Fund at: (918) 549-2603 for more information or to schedule your appointment.
This tax forms / preparation checklist should help you get organized before filing your next income tax return
Tax Preparation for Personal Information
The IRS needs to know who is filing the tax return, as well as how many people are covered on it.
To make this easy, they require:
• Your Social Security number (bring card)
• Your spouse’s Social Security number (if married)
• Social Security numbers for any dependents (bring cards)
• State issued photo ID and Tribal ID if applicableTax Preparation for Income Information.
The following documents will help you prepare all the income information that you need to file a federal tax return:
• W-2 Forms from all employers you (and your spouse, if filing a joint return) worked for during the past tax year
• 1099 Forms if you (or your spouse) completed contract work and earned more than $600
• Investment income information (including: interest income, dividend income, proceeds from the sale of bonds or stocks, and income from foreign investments)
• Income from local and state tax refunds from the prior year
• Business income (accounting records for any business that you own)
• Unemployment income
• Rental property income
• Social Security benefits
• Miscellaneous income (including: jury duty, lottery and gambling winnings, Form 1099-MISC for prizes and awards, and Form 1099-MSA for distributions from medical savings accounts)
• Homebuyer tax credit
• Green energy credits
• IRA contributions
• Mortgage interest
• Student loan interest
• Medical Savings Account (MSA) contributions
• Self-employed health insurance
• Moving expenses
Tax Preparation for Credits and Deductions There are many tax credits and tax deductions for various expenses, which are designed to help lower the amount of tax that an individual has to pay:
• Education costs
• Childcare costs
• Adoption costs
• Charitable contributions/donations
• Casualty and theft losses
• Qualified business expenses
• Medical expenses
• Job and moving expenses
• Gambling winnings and losses informationTax Preparation for Direct Deposit
Are you interested in having your tax refund directly deposited into your bank account?
If so, you will need to provide two things:
• Your bank account number
• The bank’s routing numberLast Year’s Tax return
To assist in the accuracy of preparing your return, please bring a copy of last year’s tax return which will help for comparison purposes.
MCN to hold grand opening of newly-renovated 1878 Creek Nation Council House on Nov. 17
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Muscogee (Creek) Nation to Hold Grand Opening of Newly-Renovated 1878 Creek Nation Council House on Nov. 17
WHAT: The Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Cultural Center & Archives Department invites the public to attend the Grand Opening of the Creek Nation Council House in its original 1878 sandstone structure at the center of the historic Okmulgee town square in Okmulgee, Okla.
The Nation began the renovations in March 2017 with an appropriation from the Muscogee (Creek) National Council, which funded 60 percent of the renovation costs and the remaining 40 percent funded through Historic Tax Credits.
Dating back to forced removal of Muscogee people from their Southeastern homelands, the Nov. 17 Grand Opening will be a momentous day for the tribe as it continues to preserve the Mvskoke culture and acknowledge the strength of the Mvskoke people throughout history.
From losing possession of the Council House to the U.S. Department of Interior in 1906; then purchasing the building and regaining ownership from the City of Okmulgee in 2010; to acquiring its collections back into possession in 2013; the Nation is pleased to begin sharing its story as the Council House opens permanently, Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, to the public.
WHO: Muscogee (Creek) citizens, community members and tribal dignitaries will join MCN Principal Chief James R. Floyd and Second Chief Louis Hicks for the Grand Opening ceremony and dedication prayer.
After the dedication ceremony and prayer, those in attendance will have the opportunity to tour the Council House and view the exhibits displayed throughout.
WHEN: The day will begin with a historic meeting as the Council House will hold the Muscogee (Creek) National Council General Session at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, directly followed by the Grand Opening celebration.
WHERE: The Creek Nation Council House is located at 100 W. 6th Street Okmulgee, OK 74447.
A livestream of the General Session meeting and Grand Opening ceremony will be available to view on MCN’s YouTube channel: The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Public Relations.
For more information, contact the MCN Cultural Center & Archives office at 918-549-2434.
###
recognize the staff of our Arbor Care program for storm damage clean-up and the Emergency Management Water Rescue Team that worked for five days alongside emergency crews in Wagoner County. Our Emergency Manager Coordinator continues to assist the Wagoner County Emergency Operations Center overseeing the operations of Emergency Command Center. I would, also, like to thank Lighthorse Tribal Police for the quick responsiveness in checking our tribal properties.
o protect the Resort and to prepare to re-open as soon as the water recedes. I appreciate the Governor’s interest and time to learn more about the $169 million impact the Resort has on the economy, as well as the 1,800 area employees that depend on the Resort for their livelihood. I am actively seeking his support for future Federal Disaster Relief funds to help offset the cost of the operation to protect the Resort from additional damage, as well as the cost to clean and restore the areas impacted by the water.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Board Vacancy
