TUCCÊNENNATIVE AMERICAN JOURNALISM ASSOCIATION ANDTHE SOCIETY MVSKOKE OF PROFESSIONAL NEWS JOURNALIST AWARD WINNING PUBLICATIONPAGE 1

SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 | “OTTOWOSKUCE” LITTLE CHESTNUT MONTH | VOL. 50, ISSUE 17

MCN ANNOUNCES RESERVATION PROTECTION COMMISSIONERS MCN ASSEMBLES ALL NATIVE MVSKOKE RESERVATION PROTECTION COMMISSION TO ADVISE AND DEVELOP POLICY TO SUPPORT SOVEREIGNTY Angel Ellis ensure the public health, safety, REPORTER and welfare of all of those living, or seeking to do business, within OKMULGEE, Oklahoma— the MCN Reservation borders. On July 29 Principal Chief Hill Another duty of the Commis- signed Executive Order 20-03. sion will be its role in collaborat- The order establishes the Mvskoke ing with other governmental sov- Reservation Protection Commis- ereigns including federal, tribal, sion. According to the order press state, county, and municipality release, the commission is already authorities, to ensure criminal, in place and at work. civil adjudicatory, and civil reg- While the State of Oklahoma ulatory jurisdictional issues are has formed a commission with addressed through mutual under- little or no tribal representation, standing and cooperation across the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has the many jurisdictions that cur- exclusively populated its commis- rently exist in eastern Oklahoma. sion with tribal citizens. On Aug. 10 the Executive The order states that Princi- branch announced the appoint- pal Chief Hill will serve as Chair- ments to the commission. The person and will request that the commission is organized in nine Commission provide reports, separate categories with some including findings and recom- commissioners being involved in mendations, on any Executive more than one category depend- Orders, National Council Reso- ing on their backgrounds. lutions, or other governmental actions that need to be taken to RESERVATION– 2 MCN Principal Chief David Hill signs executive order forming Reservation Protection Commission. (Submission) FORMER MCN CHIEF SENTENCED TO PRISON FORMER MCN PRINCIPAL CHIEF GEORGE TIGER WAS SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR IN PRISON FOR BRIBERY

Angel Ellis REPORTER

MUSKOGEE, Oklahoma – Former Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation George Phillip Tiger (70) was sentence to one year and one day in prison for his involvement in a bribery case in which Tiger admitted to receiv- ing federal funds. His charges stem from his time as a board member of the Economic Devel- opment Authority Board (EDA) for the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town (AQTT). Tiger will serve his time in FMC Fort Worth, an adminis- trative security federal medical center, a facility that can accom- modate Tigers’ health issues. In addition to his time prison, Tiger Former MCN Principal Chief George Tiger was sentenced to one year in prison for bribery A cash prize with presented to the first, second, and third place teams. There will also be will have two years of supervised charges. (Submission) raffle prizes and hole contest. (MN File Photo) release, and will pay a $10,000 fine. Tiger will report to serve his ANNUAL “SWING FOR EDUCATION sentence on Sept. 14. tify, plan, initiate, and develop ary 15, 2019, stated he corruptly Tiger was an agent of the tribal economic and industrial solicited, demanded, accepted BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT” AQTT from September 26, 2017 activities on behalf of the AQTT. and agreed to accept a bribe from TOURNAMENT WORKS TO RAISE MONEY FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS through December 4, 2018. His The Indictment to which Tiger Mr. Aaron Terry, intending to duties included serving as the entered his guilty plea alleged that be influenced and rewarded in Morgan Taylor teams. Chairman of the EDA Board. The from on or about September 26, REPORTER “We prefer teams to pre-reg- AQTT formed the EDA to iden- 2017 through on or about Febru- TIGER– 2 ister by the deadline so we know CHECOTAH, Oklahoma – if we need to order extra carts, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation but at this time we do not have Scholarship Foundation Pro- any teams registered,” Wahnee MEDIA DEPARTMENT AWARDED FOR TALENT gram is holding the 7th Annual said. MVSKOKE NEWS, RADIO AND VISION WINS AWARDS FOR OKSPJ “Swing For Education Benefit According to Wahnee there Lani Hansen Golf Tournament” on Friday, is room for around 20 teams. Sept 4. The tournament will be Spectators may be limited due SENIOR REPORTER held at the Fountainhead Creek to COVID-19 social distancing OKMULGEE, Oklahoma– Golf Course in Checotah and is guidelines. An alternative date Members of Mvskoke Media staff open to all. has been set for Sept. 25 if nec- received awards for their talents in Registration will begin at 8 essary. separate areas of the media from a.m. on Friday morning with “Last year we had 22 teams, the Society of Professional Journal- the Shotgun to follow at 9 a.m. but as long as there are carts ists. This tournament is a four-per- available teams can play,” The Oklahoma Society of Pro- son scramble with an entry fee Wahnee said. fessional Journalists Professional of $400 per team which includes All supporting proceeds ben- Chapter supports working jour- cart rental, green fees, and efit the MCN Scholarship Foun- nalists across the state, according lunch. A cash prize will be pre- dation Program and their efforts to OKSPJ website. Due to COVID- sented to first, second, and third to raise money for student schol- 19 the annual awards banquet was place teams. There will also be arships. Advertising opportuni- moved online this year. raffle prizes and hole contests. ties are available. To win an award, staff mem- Pre-registration deadline To request information bers submitted their best work will end Aug 24 although the regarding the advertising, tour- from 2019 to be reviewed and MCN Scholarship Founda- nament or how to register can judged. This year the department tion Program Office Manager contact the MCN Scholarship was recognized with two first-place Rebecca Wahnee stated they will Foundation Program at 918-732- awards, two second-place and one accept registration until Sept. 7754 or the Fountainhead Creek Mvskoke Media staff recognized for their best talents at the Society of Professional Journal- 4 depending on the number of Golf Course at 918-689-3209. MEDIA– 2 ists. (Submission)

• P.O. BOX 580 - OKMULGEE, OK 74447 • 918.732.7720 • MVSKOKEMEDIA.COM • @MVSKOKEMEDIA PAGE 2 THE MVSKOKE NEWS HOKKÔLEN

Reservation Mekko George Thompson Continued from Page 1 Mekko Tyan Morrow MCN NC COMMITTEE REPORTS ON IT INCIDENT Mekko Nelson Harjo CITIZEN REQUEST PROMPTS COMMITTEE INVESTIGATION INTO IT INCIDENT The following is a breakdown Mekko Brian Givens of the commissioners: Lauren King Law Enforcement Robin Soweka and Public Safety Violence Against Sarah Deer Native Women Daniel Wind Missing Indigenous Women Jeff Fife Cherrah Giles Cheryl Renee Bourque Sarah Deer Indian Child Cheryl Renee Bourque Welfare & Social Services General Muscogee (Creek) Shawn Partridge Nation Governance Jospeh Hicks Darrell Proctor Mary Crawford Samuel “Bon” Deere JoEtta Toppah Randall Hicks Creek District A McIntosh District A Muskogee District A Carmin Tecumseh-Williams Sam Alexander Okfuskee District A Business and Commerce Galen Cloud Yonne Tiger Lauren King Tracie Revis RaeLynn Butler Greg Stidham Sarah Price Vivian McCutchen Robert Bible Terra Branson-Thomas Dr. Blue Clark J. Blake Johnson National Council Judicial Affairs Representatives Justice Amos McNac William Lowe Justice Andrew Adams Thomasene Yahola Osborn William Lowe Charles McHenry Wagoner/ Chief Justice In the release announcing the Thomasene Yahola Osborn Lucian Tiger III Okmulgee District A Rogers/MayesDistrict A Richard Lerblance commission, Principal Chief Hill Tukvpvtce District A Tulsa District A Judge Gregory Bigler said, ‘This Commission will make Fact-finding reports ransom paid for IT security incident. (Submission) Judge Shannon Prescott recommendations to build long- Judge Stacy Leeds term changes to policies impact- Angel Ellis May Business, Justice and Finance coin. Legal and ing health, safety, welfare and REPORTER Committee meeting. That meeting’s The authorization to transfer the Regulatory Matters prosperity.’ recording was altered before being funds came from Principal Chief Sonya McIntosh ‘We have selected experts in OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — published causing public outcry. It David Hill. Jeff Fife their field ensuring the best and After a request of Muscogee (Creek) was later restored to its alleged orig- According to subpoena testi- Rhonda Beaver brightest minds have input in this Citizen Dode Barnett the Muscogee inal state. mony from the Nation’s Controller Eddie LaGrone process,’ Chief Hill said. ‘Our goal (Creek) Nation (MCN) National Fact-Finding Committee was Clay Darnell and Attorney General Kevin Agee has always been to build a better Council (NC) Fact finding Com- asked by Barnett to determine why Roger Wiley, the funds were acces- Jesse Allen future for all of Oklahoma by mittee has conducted and reported the National Council was never sible to the Principal Chief’s discre- Government to Government working with tribal, state, county, on their findings about IT security notified of the ransom ware attack tion under Title 37, Section 2-717(D) Relationship and Policy municipal and federal partners, as incident in the form of a response as it has been identified in the of the tribal code. Terra Branson-Thomas well as, the business community.’ letter. fact-finding response. In response to Barnett’s inquiry The request was submitted on ‘Due to the confidential nature as to the legality of the transfer of May 22 and the findings released on of the matter, some members of the funds, the committee said, ‘No; we Tiger they hold.” Aug. 4 confirmed that a $440,512.24 National Council were informally refer to the Nation’s Constitution Continued from Page 1 “While serving as appointed ransom was paid to recover the notified of the issue on April 27 via (see Article V, Section 3 and Article officials within the Ala- Tribe’s IT servers. teleconference,’ the response said. VI, Section 7(d)2) as confirmed by connection with a transaction bama-Quassarte Tribal Town, According to the letter, the secu- ‘Not all National Council Represen- the Nation’s case law (see Childers or series of transactions of the George Tiger and Aaron Terry rity incident occurred on April 24. tatives however were able to partici- v. Bryant, CV-89-11, October 18, AQTT. engaged in various bribery The committee response said, pate in the teleconference.’ 1989 at 182) indicating the acts of Mr. Terry held various exec- schemes with the sole intention ‘Principal Chief and Executive Fact-finding reported on the the Executive Branch (including the utive management and con- of personal financial gain,” said Branch Officials indicated that there nature of the breach and the Tribes Chief and the Controller) are: Only trol positions within the AQTT- Melissa Godbold, Special Agent was a need to maintain confidential- backup systems. to perform the ministerial duty owned business entities. He pled in Charge of the FBI’s Oklahoma ity during the course of the investi- ‘The Nation’s IT data was backed required in processing and paying guilty to one count of Theft by City Field Office. gation based upon legal advice.’ up; however, the attack was actually appropriated budgeted claims.’ An Agent Of An Indian Tribal “The prosecution of these sub- ‘Testimony revealed that the initiated through the back up stor- ‘The Legislative Branch has the Government Receiving Federal jects should serve as a warning Administration officials were age process and then moved into the Constitutional authority through Funds. that law enforcement will not tol- instructed not to disclose the infor- main data center of the Nation.’ the budgetary process to control “Mr. Tiger took advantage of erate officials who abuse their mation until the incident had In the report, the committee government spending,’ the report the position of trust he had been positions of trust.” relented and the negotiations were confirmed that the funds were paid said. given by the people of the Ala- Tiger was able to address the concluded,’ the letter said. to Coveware Inc., the Tribe’s negoti- The report confirmed that bama-Quassarte Tribal Town. Court. He asked if he could speak In an earlier report from the ators selected by the insurance com- the tribe does have insurance that Instead of acting in the best inter- a few words in his native language. Internal Affairs committee, IT was pany that handles such losses. covers such incidents. That cover- ests of those he was appointed Accommodating indigenous lan- confirmed that word of the breach After Coveware Inc. transferred age allows for recovery of the funds to serve Tiger sought out and guage in the court was precedence was mentioned on record in the the funds to Mamba Group by bit expended on the ransom. received unlawful profit for him- for Judge White. Court record self. Terry likewise exploited his was required to be suspended for position as an agent of a tribal the few lines of the Mvskoke lan- MUSCOGEE CITIZEN TO BE FEATURED IN NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME VIDEO government for his own selfish guage since court reporters were TAFV QUIET TO HELP KICK OFF DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH and unlawful gain.” said United not equipped to record and inter- FOR IMMEDIATE States Attorney Brian J. Kuester. pret the communications. “This office and the agencies who “I am deeply sorry to the lead- RELEASE have been involved in this inves- ership, citizens and family of A tigation are committed to iden- and Q,” Tiger said. “I hope my NEW YORK- Tafv Quiett, a tifying, investigating, and pros- error can be used to help others citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) ecuting those who corrupt the make the right decision even Nation from the Fuswvlke (Bird positions of trust and authority when others are not watching.” Clan) and Rekackv (Broken Arrow Tribal Town), will appear in the bright lights of Broadway Media wright won second place in elec- on Saturday, September 12, as Continued from Page 1 tion coverage (online) for her article part of the National Down Syn- ‘Del Beaver Wins Race for Second drome Society’s annual Times third-place award. Chief ’. Square Video presentation. Radio Specialist Gary Fife won Multi-media Specilaists Jerrad The featured photographs two awards. First place for Mvskoke Moore and Reporter Angel Ellis highlight children, teens, and Radio, ‘Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’ and won second place in television adults with Down syndrome, third place Mvskoke Radio in diver- diversity coverage for their presen- reminding the world in a very big sity coverage for his show ‘National tation on Mvskoke Vision ‘Christ- way about the contributions and Issues and Cultural Funds’. mas at Ryal Schools’. milestones of people with Down Senior Reporter Lani Hansen Fife who won two awards said, syndrome. These collective won first place in diversity cover- “I’m proud of our Mvskoke Media images promote the value, accep- age for her article ‘Native Ameri- staff and the acheivements through tance and inclusion of people can Day celebrated throughout the a stressful time. It shows that our with Down syndrome. The above picture of Tafv Quiet at the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade will be featured in Muscogee (Creek) Nation’. people can produce quality jour- the video. (Submission) Managing Editor Rita Court- nalism that can compete.” CITIZEN– 3

THE MVSKOKE NEWS The Mvskoke News is an editorially independent publication. Its purpose is to meet the needs of the tribe and its citizens through the Rita Courtwright, Managing Editor | [email protected] dissemination of information. Reprint permission is granted with credit Like MM on Facebook: to The Mvskoke News unless other copyrights are shown. Editorial statements appearing in The Mvskoke News, guest columns Lani Hansen, Senior Reporter | [email protected] Facebook.com/MvskokeMedia and readers’ letters reflect the opinion of the individual writer and not Follow MM on Twitter: those of The Mvskoke News, its advisors or the tribal administration Angel Ellis, Reporter/Layout | [email protected] @MvskokeMedia and are subject to editorial discretion. Editorials and letters must be signed by the individual writer and include a traceable address or Morgan Taylor, Reporter | [email protected] Follow MM on Instagram: @MvskokeMedia phone number to be considered for publication. Please contact our Jerrad Moore, Multi-Media Producer | [email protected] office for deadline of submissions to be considered for inclusion. The Visit MM online at: Mvskoke News reserves the right to edit all submissions for space, style Clinton Sinclair, Videographer | [email protected] MvskokeMedia.com and grammar. Receipt of submissions does not obligate The Mvskoke News in any regard. Gary Fife, Radio Specialist | [email protected] The Mvskoke News is mailed from Stigler, Oklahoma to all enrolled Muscogee (Creek) citizens’ households upon request. Inquiries should

Chelsie Rich, Mvskoke Markets | [email protected] Native American Journalist Association be directed to Mvskoke Media. Members of the Native American To submit a change of address or a letter to the editor, call: 918-732- Breanna Dawson, Advertising & Sales |[email protected] Journalists Association 7720 or email: [email protected].

• P.O. BOX 580 - OKMULGEE, OK 74447 • 918.732.7720 • MVSKOKEMEDIA.COM • @MVSKOKEMEDIA TUCCÊNEN THE MVSKOKE NEWS PAGE 3 URGENT NEED FOR NATIVE AMERICAN FOSTER HOMES WITHIN MCN RESERVATION MCN HOPES TO ENCOURAGE CITIZENS TO OPEN THEIR HOMES TO PROVIDE SAFE HOMES AND ADVOCATE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN FOSTER CHILDREN Morgan Taylor REPORTER

OKMULGEE, Oklahoma - With each day that passes, there is a large fluctuating number of chil- dren within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation boundaries who are with- out a family or even a stable home. The MCN Children and Family Services Administration want to make citizens aware of the urgent On July 16, Sheriff Chris Elliott met with Creek Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Chief Daniel need for foster homes. According to Wind to discuss the recent US Supreme Court Decision, which established the legitimacy of Certification, Placement, Recruit- Native American Reservations in Eastern Oklahoma. (Submitted) ment and Training Coordinator MCN RAMPING UP JUSTICE POST SCOTUS Robin Wind the program is in a dire need of foster homes. COUNCIL APPROVES A $2.2M EXPANSION IN TRIBAL LAW “We currently do not have ENFORCEMENT IN WAKE OF SCOTUS RESERVATION OPINION enough homes available to take on all the children in foster care within Angel Ellis Tukuputce District-Seat A our reservation,” Wind said. “With REPORTER Representative Anna Marshall the latest data for 2020 there are asked about the cooperation currently 2,909 Indian children in The MCN Children Family Services Administration asks that clients and future clients please OKLAHOMA CITY— The between non-tribal agencies. foster care in Oklahoma and 863 of call the office for services as it is still closed to the public. (Submission) MCN National Council approved “Are you having a lot of coop- those children reside in the MCN a supplemental appropriation for eration between the local police reservation. Its also important to our foster homes to grow to main- an advocate for foster care.” the MCN Lighthorse on Aug. 4 departments and county sheriffs, point out those numbers fluctuate tain the children in our reservation. To become a foster care pro- that would allow a substantial are they able to help out,” Mar- daily.” Of course we need our citizens help vider, a member of a federally rec- expansion for the department’s shal said. The purpose of the MCN CPRT to get there. As our homes increase, ognized tribe living within the staff after the recent SCOTUS Wind said that there was program is to find tribal fami- so will our program.” MCN reservation must be certified opinion confirming the reserva- cooperation but some agencies lies to nurture and meet the needs With the lack of foster homes with MCN Children and Family tion boundaries of the MCN is that have not cross-deputized of our MCN children who have most of the current foster homes Services Administration. still intact. before or are new to cross depu- been placed into custody by state are at a full capacity with minimal “A family member of a Mus- “What we are asking for is the tation are unsure of how to pro- or tribal courts. This program pro- openings for children. cogee (Creek) child can also be cer- supplemental budget to bring on ceed with calls and forward them vides assistance in completing the “There are currently 12 cer- tified through our program if the 39 additional officers and support to the MCN Lighthorse. application and will provide train- tified foster homes and of course child is staying in the home,” Wind staff,” Lighthorse Chief Daniel “We have been making the ing for foster care providers while that number also fluctuates when said. Wind said. “The department is rounds during the week as much providing a stable, caring, and nur- families adopt and then that home The MCN Certification, Place- giving 100% of their energy and it as we can to explain what is hap- turing home for any Muscogee closes or when more homes are cer- ment, Recruitment and Training is taking a toll.” pening,” Wind said. “Some of the (Creek) child whose safety cannot tified.” Program provide what is needed According to Wind, staff will smaller counties are still call- be assured in their own home. Citizens, or even those who live to the family. The program pro- include 10 investigators, 6 dis- ing us and our mandate is to Although the McGirt v. Okla- within the MCN reservation are vides healthcare assistance, child- patchers, 20 officers, a clerk and respond.” homa case may have brought on encouraged to help in any way pos- care assistance, necessary counsel- two captains. Wind said that daily his changes to the MCN as a whole, sible. This can include dropping ing and parental training as well as Wind said that the MCN department is called out and then Wind says there have not been any meals by, care packages, supplies a monthly reimbursement to help Lighthorse has had to cover more his department calls out the FBI. changes in the tribes foster care or anything a family might need to provide for the child. area since the SCOTUS opinion. In addition to the increase in program particular to findings of help provide for the children. Please contact the MCN Chil- “This will help us make sure staff with Lighthorse, other signs the case. “We ask citizens to consider dren and Family Services Admin- our department does not get too indicate that the tribe is bolster- “The need for foster families opening their homes to our chil- istration for more information on overworked,” Wind said. ing its justice systems. has always been huge,” Wind said. dren,” Wind said. “Not everybody how to become a foster care pro- In addition to the extra work- A new appointment to the “Any tribal child welfare systems can do that so we ask them to be vider at (918)732-7869 or email load, Wind said his department judicial branch, increasing the including the state are always need- helpers to the families that they Robin Wind at rwtiger@mcn-nsn. has been impacted by COVID- interagency agreements between ing foster homes. The hope is for may know that are fostering and be gov 19. Wind was actually in quaran- tribal law enforcement and state, tine for COVID-19 attending the county and cities, and new legis- meeting remotely. Wind is not the lation for child welfare services Citizen ing human rights organization October. The video presentation only member of the department are few of the areas the tribe is Continued from Page 2 for all individuals with Down will be followed by the New York to have been affected. focusing its attention. Addition- syndrome. NDSS programming City Buddy Walk, which will take Okfuskee District -Seat B ally, the Principal Chief has a set a “This video is a terrific way includes the National Advocacy place virtually due to COVID-19. Representative Travis Scott asked commission to report on current to showcase some of the incred- & Policy Center, which seeks to Buddy Walk events will be Wind if all his staff were currently needs and strategies. ible individuals with Down syn- create systemic change through held virtually in more than 150 patrolling and if the department One such interagency agree- drome living in our communities engaged advocacy; the National cities across the country, as well had to incur a lot of overtime. ment for Lighthorse took place on across the country,” said NDSS Buddy Walk® Program, which as select international locations, Wind said that the depart- July 16. Wagoner County Sher- President & CEO Kandi Pickard. honors and celebrates individu- this fall with over 325,000 people ment is unable to do overtime iff Chris Elliott met with Creek “It is something the community als with Down syndrome in local participating around the globe. pay. His department instead Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police looks forward to every year.” communities across the world, For information about the reimburses time with comp time. Chief Daniel Wind to discuss the The photo of Tafv was and other programs that provide NDSS Buddy Walk Program, “Everyone is definitely, lend- SCOTUS decision. The two enti- selected as one of 500 photo- support, informational resources visit www.buddywalk.org or call ing a hand, it’s particularly hard ties discussed the plans for them graphs that will appear in the and community engagement 800-221- 4602. on our dispatch and records man- to work together to provide law video, streamed on NDSS social opportunities for individuals ABOUT NDSS ager,” Wind said. enforcement in the area’s where media from the heart of Times with Down syndrome and those The National Down Syn- Tulsa District–Seat B Repre- their jurisdictions overlap. Square. who love and support for them. drome Society (NDSS) is the lead- sentative Lucian Tiger III asked For Wagoner County, the two The Times Square Video pre- Visit www.ndss.org for more ing human rights organization about the hiring process timeline agencies determined that the best sentation kicks off Down Syn- information about NDSS pro- for all individuals with Down of new officers. way for the safety and security of drome Awareness Month in grams and resources. syndrome. NDSS programming Wind said that he estimated the public to be maintained was October. The video presentation “This video is a terrific way includes the National Advocacy the staff onboarding could be through cross deputation. will be followed by the New York to showcase some of the incred- & Policy Center, which seeks to complete within the next three ‘While some subjects remain City Buddy Walk, which will take ible individuals with Down syn- create systemic change through months. up in the air, one remains the place virtually due to COVID-19. drome living in our communities engaged advocacy; the National Rep. Tiger said that he was same, Sheriff Elliott and the Wag- Buddy Walk events will be across the country,” said NDSS Buddy Walk® Program, which not in support of carrying the oner County Sheriff’s Office are held virtually in more than 150 President & CEO Kandi Pickard. honors and celebrates individu- funds forward as the legislation committed to the safety and secu- cities across the country, as well “It is something the community als with Down syndrome in local allowed. He asked what amount rity of our citizens,’ the sher- as select international locations, looks forward to every year.” communities across the world, of funding was needed to get the iffs’ statement said. ‘To this end, this fall with over 325,000 people The photo of Tafv was and other programs that provide department through the remain- all WCSO Deputies have been participating around the globe. selected as one of 500 photo- support, informational resources ing of FY 2019-2020 budget. cross-deputized with the Creek For information about the graphs that will appear in the and community engagement Wind said that had done fig- Nation, and likewise the Creek NDSS Buddy Walk Program, video, streamed on NDSS social opportunities for individuals ures for a backup plan to get the Nation Lighthorse are being visit www.buddywalk.org or call media from the heart of Times with Down syndrome and those department through the next few cross-deputized in Wagoner 800-221- 4602. Square. who love and support for them. months with less staff. But that County.’ ABOUT NDSS The Times Square Video pre- Visit www.ndss.org for more with all the equipment, vehicles ‘This allows both agencies to The National Down Syn- sentation kicks off Down Syn- information about NDSS pro- and supplies, and that if those work together seamlessly in keep- drome Society (NDSS) is the lead- drome Awareness Month in grams and resources. funds were allocated the money ing our people safe.’ would be expended within the While the tribe is early into next 60 days. the budgeting for the FY2020-21, Principal Chief David Hill there has been a preliminary esti- told the council that so far, each mation of what the cost of the sov- department other than, tribal ereign justice system expansions courts, MCN Attorney General, could have on the tribe. Not all Social Services, and MCN Light- law enforcement agencies are as horse are being asked to make a quick to enter into the collabo- ten percent cut to their budgets. rative agreements with the Mus- This adjustment would be cogee (Creek) Nation. used to offset the projected The tribe has yet to make any increased needs in the tribal agreements with any law enforce- courts, MCN Attorney General, ment agencies in Okmulgee Co. Social Services, and MCN Light- Mvskoke Media will continue to horse. He said the estimated follow the impacts of the SCOTUS shortfalls range from a low esti- opinion reaffirming the MCN mate of $2M and a high estimate reservation boundaries and make of $10M. updates as they become available.

• P.O. BOX 580 - OKMULGEE, OK 74447 • 918.732.7720 • MVSKOKEMEDIA.COM • @MVSKOKEMEDIA PAGE 4 THE MVSKOKE NEWS ÔSTEN OKLAHOMA NATIVE FILMMAKER GETS RECOGNIZED BY ACADEMY OF ARTS STERLIN HARJO IS ONE OF 819 ARTISTS APPOINTED TO THE ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS AND SCIENCES

Lani Hansen “Then Love and Fury is currently Americans who have also been SENIOR REPORTER being shown on a couple of vir- appointed to the Academy. tual film festivals.” “It was a really good honor HOLDENVILLE, Oklahoma– Mekko is about a man who gets because there is not a lot of us Native filmmaker Sterlin Harjo out of prison after 19 years and there representing Native people,” recently was appointed into the links up with some friends who Harjo stated of his appoint- Academy of Motion Picture Arts are in a Native homeless commu- ment. “It shows them an amount and Sciences. nity in Tulsa . He has to learn to of respect for my work and me. The Academy invited more survive living on the streets, and It also shows them the industry than 800 artists to join as mem- hardships he has to deal with and is changing and they have to be bers of the organization. The overcoming the hardships he has more inclusive because stories are Academy is a professional honor- faced, explained Harjo. becoming more diverse.” ary organization with the stated When Sterlin is needing ideas Now that Harjo and other goal of advancing the arts and for new films he thinks back on Native producers or filmmakers sciences of motion pictures. stories he grew up hearing. Harjo are apart of the Academy it shows Harjo, who is Creek and Sem- was surrounded by storytellers on that the industry is interested in inole began filmmaking in his his Native and non-native family their work. He feels that others early 20’s. His first two feature sides. Both of his grandma’s knew should be encouraged because films were ‘Four Sheets to the how to tell stories, and just from there is a lot of work out in the Wind’ and ‘Barking Water.’ He listening to those inspired him to world now in film. then made his first feature doc- write some of his films. “It’s been an exciting time and umentary called, ‘This May Be “I think it’s very important to I’m excited to bring stories from the Last Time’ which premiered show native people in different Creek and Seminole country to in 2014. He recently completed light, and I think we’ve been rep- the world,” Harjo said. “That’s another documentary ‘Love and resented badly in film or tv but I what my main goal has been is to Fury’ which came out this year, hope to change that,” Harjo said. tell these stories.” but it was his feature film ‘Mekko’ The appointment to the Acad- Harjo is currently working which got him the invite to join emy means Harjo will get a vote on a television show pilot called the Academy. for future Oscar awards, accord- ‘Reservation Dogs’ created by “Mekko can be watched on ing to the Oscars website. He Harjo and Oscar winner Taika Native Filmmaker Sterlin Harjo joins Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Amazon Prime,” Harjo said. follows after a few other Native Waititi. (Submission)

If you have any information munition’s worker in McAlester related to James Fish, or sur- during WWII before retiring. viving relatives, please contact His father, David Cum- Pete Fish at (918) 287-6662 or mings, came to Indian Territory his son, Tim Fish, at (608) 381- from Alabama with his mother, 9373 or by email at tfish42@ Sinhotosey, in the latter stages gmail.com. of the Trail of Tears in 1842. Tulsa Creek Indian mation contact the TCIC office they had 3 children; Mitchell David founded Hillabee Baptist Community Election at 918-298-2464. Fish, James Williams Fish, and Seeking Information Church, fought in the Honey Tulsa Creek Indian Com- Pusler Peter “Pete” Fish. James for Book on Creek Citizen Springs battle in the Civil War, munity’s upcoming Election is Seeking Information on Fish also had a brother by the I’m writing a book based on and later became a cattleman set for September 24th, 2020 Long Lost Family Member name of Peter Fish who had 2 my father, Thomas Cummings, and businessman before his 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The positions Pusler Peter “Pete” Fish, sons by the names of Sandy and who was a World War I vet- death in 1928. of Chairperson, Secretary, and full-blooded Creek tribal Waite Fish and one daughter by eran from McIntosh County. He Some chapters of my book Treasurer is for one 2-year term member, is seeking information the name of Eloweda Fish (Wil- fought in the Argonne-Meuse will describe life in the Creek beginning October 1st, 2020 related to his father, James Fish, liams). The parents of James offensive that led to the Armi- Nation between 1850 to 1920. to September 30th, 2022. New who passed on from this world and Peter were Jimsey Fish stice. He also lived through the I’m seeking photos, personal Board officers will take their on 02/09/1943 from Tuberculo- (DOD 01/19/1916) and Mahoye 1918 influenza pandemic while accounts, etc., that will help Oath of Office on October 1st sis while he was 3 years of age. (Scott) Fish (DOD 06/08/1935). stationed in Fort Dix, N.J. describe the Creek people of and take office effective Octo- James Fish was married Mahoye (Scott) Fish also had a He survived the economic that era. I can be reached at ber 1st, 2020. For more infor- to Annie Mae Thomas of child from a previous marriage disasters of the Dust Bowl and tommy_cummings@yahoo. Wetumka, OK and together by the name of Pusler Butler. Depression and worked as a com.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM

The Caregiver Support Program provides support to those individuals who give hours of their time to their loved ones.

Who are the Caregivers? Anyone who provides care and/or support services for an older individual who, for reasons of illness or frailty, cannot manage independently without assistance.

Care givers can be adult children, spouses, partners, other relatives, friends, and neighbors. Grandparents or older relatives raising a child under the age of eighteen are also considered caregivers.

ELGIBILITY: 1. Applicant must be 18 years or older and meet the definition of a family caregiver. 2. Elder must be age 55 years or older and unable to perform at least two activities of daily living. 3. Applicant and elder must reside within the Creek Nation service area. 4. Either the applicant or elder must be a member of a federally recognized tribe.

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANCHILDREN: 1. Granparents or older relatives raising a child under the age of eighteen or a disabled adult, 19 – 54 years of age are also eligible. 2. Elder must be age 55 years or older and must reside within the Creek Nation service area. 3. Elder or child must be a member of a federally recognized tribe. 4. Elder must be the primary care provider of the child; however, legal guardianship is not required.

SERVICES PROVIDED:

• Information • Assistance in Accessing Services • Respite Service • Referrals • Support Groups • Lending Closet

For additional information and how to apply, you may contact a Caregiver Advocate near you or visit the Muscogee (Creek) Nation website. Toll Free: 1.800.482.1979 | www.mcn-nsn.gov

• There are no home assessments being done at this time due to COVID safety measures. • All applications and time sheets can be placed in one of the drop boxes located at either Okmulgee or Wetumka Food Distribution Centers, mailed, faxed, or emailed.

CAREGIVER ADVOCATES & MAILING ADDRESSES: Jenny Smith Eric Yahola 3001 N. Wood Dr. | P.O. Box 580 614 Spokoke Circle Okmulgee, OK 74447 Wetumka, OK 74883 Phone: 918.549.2459 Phone: 918.698.3022 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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Voting ‘No’ were Representa- tives Mark Randolph, Joyce Deere and Anna Marshall. The MCN Department of Housing requests approval of the purchase from Truco Real Estate –Multi, LLC of the eight-unit complex for the price of $875,000.00. The MCN Department of Housing will be utilizing the Indian Housing Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Land, Natural Resources, and Cultural Preser- Block Grant CARES COVID- vation Committee meeting was held Aug 11 by teleconference. (Submission) 19 funding. To be purchased on or before July 30. MCN FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT TR 20-127 Confirmation FOIA APPROVED, ELECTRIC CHARGING STATION, INTERNET of the nomination of Skye McNiel to serve on the Mus- CONNECTIVITY IN THE WORKS FOR THE MCN cogee (Creek) Nation Public Morgan Taylor ing was awarded the 2018 Gaming Commission. Spon- REPORTER Indian Community Develop- sored by Patrick Freeman Jr. ment Block Grant. NCA 19-109 Adopted15-0. OKMULGEE, Oklahoma approved the expenditure of Skye McNiel will serve on – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation the funds. The MCN Depart- the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Council Meeting was held July ment of Housing is request- Public Gaming Commission 23 via teleconference. ing approval of a construction until the term ending on June The National Council contract with McCoy Roofing 30, 2024. Malachi Harris is an athlete at Checotah Public Schools and was required to return for addressed the following leg- Company, LLC for the rehabil- TR 20-128 Confirmation traditional school. (Submission) islation, the interpretation of itation of 34 apartment units of the nomination of Kevin which is attributed to language located in Eufaula, OK. Prin- Agee to serve on the Mus- in the bills. cipal Chief authorized to exe- cogee International LLC (MI, CHECOTAH SR RETURNS FOR CLASS TR 20-114 Authorization cute final documents necessary LLC) Board of Directors. Spon- SCHOOL IS IN SESSION AND SOME SCHOOLS HAVE of Principal Chief to execute in the rehabilitation of the 34 sored by Travis Scott. Failed memorandum of understand- apartment units. 5-9-1. Voting ‘No’ were Rep- RETURNED TO A CLASSROOM SETTING ing between the Muscogee TR 20-121 Authorizing the resentatives Lucian Tiger III, Morgan Taylor Harris and his mother Michelle (Creek) Nation Depart- construction of an electric Joyce Deere, Patrick Free- REPORTER Jones claim that Checotah Public ment of Health (MCNDOH) charging station at the Mus- man Jr, Joseph Hicks, Adam Schools did offer an option for vir- and Oklahoma State Depart- cogee (Creek) Nation head- Jones, Anna Marshall, Darrell CHECOTAH, Oklahoma – tual learning but required athletes ment of Health on behalf of quarters in Okmulgee, OK. Proctor, Mark Randolph and With the fall semester closing in, to attend traditional school to be the MCNDOH. Sponsored by Sponsored by Darrell Proctor. Charles McHenry. James Jen- many schools have started back. able to participate in sports activ- James Jennings. Adopted 15-0. Adopted 15-0. nings abstained. Some have taken a virtual approach ities. That being said, a majority The Oklahoma State DOH The MCN Department of Legislation failed. this year due to the COVID-19 of students returned for the tradi- is preparing for the delivery of Environmental Service has TR 20-129 Confirmation pandemic and some schools have tional school this year at Checotah. this vaccine by recruiting pro- received funds from Volkswa- of the nomination of Andrew returned to a classroom setting. “I would feel better if he could viders, like MCNDOH, who gen as part of the Indian Tribe Ewton to serve on the Gaming According to Checotah high do virtual,” Jones said of her son. make up the infrastructure of Mitigation Trust. The MCN Operations Authority Board. school senior Malachi Harris the “But in order to play sports they vaccine storage and adminis- Department of Environmen- Sponsored by Patrick Free- traditional setting is not so tradi- were required to go traditional. I tration in Oklahoma to ensure tal Services has developed a man Jr. Adopted 14-1. Voting tional his year. Like that of most made sure he had extra masks and vaccine administration can be project to construct an electric ‘No’ was Representative Travis schools, Checotah was let out for hand sanitizer.” implemented in a quick and charging station top promote Scott. spring break in mid-March and Jones does not want her son efficient manner. MCNDOH electric vehicle use by the tribal Andrew Ewton will serve on did not return for the remainder of to miss out on the memories and desires to enter into the Mem- administration, tribal citizens, the Gaming Board Operations the school year due to the outbreak activities of being a high school orandum of Understanding and the general public. The upon receiving his gaming of COVID-19. Checotah Public senior. between the MCNDOH and the cost to construct the charging license and will expire after Schools started the 2020-2021 “Him being involved in sports Oklahoma State DOH. station will be paid for from three years of the date of the school year on Aug 13. and it being his senior year, tradi- TR 20-115 Confirmation the Indian Tribe Mitigation license. “The last time we were at school tional school is something he has of the nomination of Jason Trust Funds in the amount of NCA 20-017 Creation of a was March 13,” Harris said. “I to do unless the town closes down Nichols to serve on the Mus- $187,652.00. new Chapter 9, entitled “Free- missed my friends and being able again,” Jones said. “He worked so cogee (Creek) Nation citizen- TR 20-122 Approval and dom of Information Act” in to play football.” hard to get where he’s at I’d hate ship board. Sponsored by Joyce authorization of the Principal MCNCA Title 37 “Tribal Gov- Harris claims he is excited about to see it disappear. Like last year, Deere. Adopted 14-1. Voting Chief to pursue all available 2.5 ernment.” Sponsored by Mark attending school this year and does most of the kids did not get to ‘No’ was Representative Joseph GHz band spectrum and licens- Randolph. Adopted 15-0. not feel nervous about going. receive their scholarships because Hicks. ing authority over eligible rural The MCN believes in the “It is different because we do they didn’t get to play their senior The Council confirms the tribal areas of the Muscogee importance of having informed have to wear masks and use social sports.” nomination made by Princi- (Creek) Nation. Sponsored by citizenry and finds it vital that distancing,” Harris said. “During Jones works in healthcare so pal Chief of Jason Nichols to Thomasene Yahola Osborn. MCN citizens be entitled to lunch some people have to go at dif- she is familiar with the situation at serve on the MCN Citizenship Adopted 15-0. information pertaining to the ferent times and have to find differ- hand. Board. Term will begin upon The MCN needs to address affairs of it government. The ent places to sit.” “At school they have imple- confirmation and will expire the serious need for adequate purpose of the Chapter is to When it comes to having the mented sanitization more by put- June 1, 2025. public broadband and inter- ensure access to public records choice, Harris said he would choose ting hand sanitizer at the end of TR 20-119 Authorization net connectivity of the Nation by Muscogee (Creek) citizens. going to school over a virtual learn- each hall and having a station right of Principal Chief to execute and its citizens at a reasonable Full legislation can found ing program. Regardless of a tradi- when you walk in the door,” Jones a memorandum of agreement cost, and to provide admin- http://www.mcnnc.com/ tional school setting, some things said. “You can’t miss it.” between the United States of istrative authority and over- images/pdf2020/bills/NCA20- are still undecided like that of Jones and Harris say other than America Indian Health Ser- sight to deploy, operate, main- 017.pdf and should be read by homecoming according to Harris. starting school a little later than vice (IHS) and the Muscogee tain and expand the use of 2.5 a citizen wishing to exercise “I am somewhat worried about normally scheduled, masks wear- (Creek) Nation for the con- GHz band spectrum within this right to avoid punishable having to miss the next half of the ing, and sanitization, they hope the struction, improvement, the jurisdiction of the MCN. crimes and fines defined in the year,” Harris said. “I would have to school year is as normal as possible. installation, and rehabilitation The National Council approves Chapter. miss track and prom.” of domestic water supply and the Principal Chief to pursue NCA 20-036 Amendment of wastewater disposal facilities licensing authority over eligi- MCNCA Title 37 Chapter 2-203 for 18 Native American owned ble rural tribal areas for the 2.5 to alter distribution of funds. homes located within with GHz band spectrums and to Sponsored by Lucian Tiger. Muscogee (Creek) Nation ser- operate and manage the licen- Adopted 15-0. vice area. Sponsored by Darrell sure on behalf of the Nation Due to the Covid-19 pan- Proctor. Adopted 15-0. and also authorizes Chief to demic, funds will be insuffi- IHS will provide labor, provide any necessary doc- cient to fund the FY 2021 Com- materials, connection fees, uments to the Federal Com- prehensive Annual Budget of equipment, and supplies nec- munications Commission in the Nation. It is in the best essary to construct all water relation to acquisition of the interest of the Nation to tem- supply and waste disposal facil- licensure. porarily alter the funds of dis- ities and contribute $106,131.00 TR 20-124 Authorization of tribution of gaming revenue for the Project. The MCN will the Principal Chief to submit to fund the operations of the provide necessary easements, an application for participation Tribal Government. After 2021, rights-of way, or other land in the National Flood Insur- National Council may revisit interest deemed necessary as ance Program with the Depart- the distribution percentages well as permit IHS representa- ment of Homeland Security, for the future operation of the tives land access. The MCN will Federal Emergency Manage- Nation. designate a project representa- ment Agency. Sponsored by NCA 20-037 Repealing tive to coordinate the MCN’s Charles McHenry. Adopted MCNCA Title 16 Chapter 11, participation. MCN will pro- 15-0. entitled “Mvskoke Media” and vide assistance in complying Certain areas of the MCN creating a new Title 49, enti- with National Historic Preser- are subject to flooding, caus- tled “Independent Muscogee vation Act, the Native Ameri- ing serious damages to prop- (Creek) Press” and amend- can Graves Protection Act, and erties. Participation in the pro- ing MCNCA Title 16 Chapter the Repatriation Act. MCN will gram will require the Nation to 1 entitled “The organization contribute $199,999.00, funded develop a flood plain manage- of the Executive Office of the from Nation’s Comprehensive ment program and will allow Principal Chief.” Sponsored by Annual Budget Indian Health the Nation to seek funding for Mark Randolph. Adopted 15-0. Service Line, to be used with the mitigation of lands within MCN’s Press, Mvskoke IHS funds. the Nation that flood or have Media shall be independent TR 20-120 Authorization potential of flooding. and publish independent news of Principal Chief to execute TR 20-125 Authorization of wile operating on the princi- a contract with McCoy Roof- the Muscogee (Creek) Nation ples of a free press as outlined ing Company, LLC on behalf Department of Housing to pur- by the Society for Professional of Muscogee (Creek) Nation chase and eight unit apart- Journalist (SPJ) and Native Department of Housing. Spon- ment complex in Coweta, OK American Journalism Associ- sored by Thomasene Yahola for the purpose of rental hous- ation (NAJA) Code of Ethics. Osborn. Adopted 15-0. ing. Sponsored by Charles MCN Department of Hous- McHenry. Adopted 12-3. COUNCIL– 7

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FREEDMEN CASE APPEALS TO MCN SC in 2012 and in 2016 the MCN entered an agreement with the TWO FREEDMEN CASES WORK THROUGH THE MUSCOGEE Flying Tee to build and lease (CREEK) NATION COURTS the facility located on the Riv- erwalk. Flying Tee sold their Angel Ellis 1866. business operations to Golf- REPORTER MCN Citizenship board Suites Tulsa, LLC. GolfSuites claims their denial of his enroll- Tulsa, LLC has offered to pur- OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — ment is lawful and that his chase the property, 600 River- Two cases seeking to establish claims are untimely. At this walk Terrace, Jenks, from the rights to citizenship are making time the MCN Supreme Court MCN for $6,550,000.00. their way through the Mus- has not given an opinion on the TR 20-148 Authorizing the cogee (Creek) Nations (MCN) case. Principal Chief to execute court system. One of those In the MCN District Court Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Land, Natural Resources, and Cultural Preser- a ground penetrating radar cases is an appeal to the MCN Grayson and Kennedy, both vation Committee meeting was held Aug 11 by teleconference. (Submission) application with the City of Supreme Court on behalf of Ron direct lineal descendants of the Tulsa. Sponsored by Darrell Graham, and the other is a peti- Dawes Rolls as Creek Freedmen, PROPERTY IN JENKS APPROVED TO BE Proctor. Passed 4-0. tion to the MCN District Court make the claim that the deter- A Muscogee (Creek) family on behalf of Rhonda Grayson minations of their ineligibility SOLD BY COMMITTEE has requested a Ground Pene- and Jeffrey Kennedy. for MCN Citizenship is unlaw- SECURITY CAMERAS, SUPPORT FOR SACRED SITES, AND trating Radar survey at Oak- In 2019 Graham’s case was ful based on 1866 treaty rights. FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE AG YOUTH PROGRAM lawn Cemetery in Tulsa, OK dismissed from the MCN Dis- While the Grahams citi- in order to locate unmarked trict Court. Now Graham is zenship was denied in 2002, Morgan Taylor enrolled in their county 4-H gravesites. The Oakland Cem- appealing to MCN SC seeking Grayson and Kennedy’s appli- REPORTER or local FFA and engaged in etery is owned by the City of the same end. The MCN Citi- cations for citizenship were the shooting sports programs. Tulsa thus the Nation’s Cul- zenship Board has submitted a denied in 2019. OKMULGEE, Oklahoma This grant will allow a part- tural Preservation Department brief in response to the one filed Both Kennedy and Grayson — A Muscogee (Creek) Nation nership with the state and pro- must obtain written permis- by Graham. have exhausted MCN Citizen- National Council Land, Nat- vide training, PPE, and a clay sion from the City of Tulsa to Graham’s case is focused ship Board remedy and received ural Resources and Cultural pigeon thrower. perform a GPR at survey at the on the 1979 Constitution that a final declination of enroll- Preservation Committee meet- TR 20-144 Authorizing the location. requires “Creek by blood” ment. Their petition claims, ing was held Aug. 11 by tele- Principal Chief to execute a NCA 20-061 Reaffirm- prerequisite for citizenship. “the 1975 MCN Draft Consti- conference. contract with Techsico Native ing support for the protection Graham claims that section of tution stripped individuals on All passed legislation will Technologies for the purchase of Muscogee (Creek) sacred the constitution is unlawful go before the full Council and installation of security site of Hickory Ground near and violates the Creek Treaty of FREEDMEN– 8 during the regular session. cameras. Sponsored by Darrell Wetumpka, Alabama and LNC addressed the follow- Proctor. Passed 4-0. authorizing a special appropri- ing legislation, the interpreta- The MCN Department of ation for the cost of the nec- RETRACTION tion of which is attributed to Housing is requesting to pur- essary measures. Sponsored RETRACTION: Students the Department of Education language in the bills: chase and install security cam- by Darrell Proctor. Motion Can Seek Assistance Through must be spent by the end of the TR 20-142 Authorizing the eras at five rental sites and made do-pass. Passed 4-0. For- MCN Education year.’ Principal Chief to execute a contract with Techsico Native warded to the MCN Business, In the August 15 issue Secretary of Education, cooperative agreement-pass Technologies for $203,609.00. Finance and Justice Commit- of Mvskoke News, page 6, Dr. Monte Randall advised through federal assistance TR 20-146 Authorizing the tee Meeting. Mvskoke Media published Mvskoke Media on August 20 grant application with the Principal Chief to execute a Every other year the Coun- the article ‘Students Can Seek the paragraph should have read Oklahoma Department of purchase and sale agreement cil choses to vote on an appro- Assistance Through MCN Edu- the deadline for applications is Wildlife Conservation. Spon- and related documents for the priation for the continued cation.’ actually December 1 and the sored Darrel Proctor. Motion sale of property in Jenks, OK. support of the ceremonial The article states incorrectly deadline to have all receipts made do-pass. Passed 4-0. Sponsored by Darrell Proc- grounds Hickory Ground near in paragraph 8 that ‘the dead- turned in is on December 31. The MCN Division of Agri- tor. Co-Sponsored by Lucian Wetumpka, Alabama. line to apply for the funding is This story has been cor- culture and Natural Resources Tiger III. Executive session was All legislation passed will December 31; with the CARES rected online at www.mvskoke- requesting to add funding called and went on for 20 min- go before the National Coun- Act Regulations all funding for media.com to the Ag Youth Program, a utes before returning to regu- cil in the next full session. Live shooting sports component lar session. Passed 4-0. and previously recorded meet- to go along with the archery The MCN purchased the ings can be viewed at www. program for those students Riverwalk property in Jenks mcnnc.com

August 20, 2020 Through our conversa- Mvskoke Media tion I submitted all info upon P.O. Box 580 her request. She stated she Okmulgee, OK 74447 would put the info through for Attention Editorial payment as of August 2020. Dear Editor, There still has not been a pay- I am writing a follow-up ment made or a letter returned on the article submitted by regarding my status. Mark Maxey’s complaint of the I understand I should not Energy Program administered rely on this program for pay- through MCN Social Services. ment of my account but due to (Referenced Aug. 15 issue page COVID-19 it has become diffi- 2) cult plus I am unable to stretch As a senior citizen, this pro- out this payment until the next gram is very important in my application is due. HELP US SALUTE OUR circumstances. My employ- Just like Mr. Maxey this has ment is part-time where the happened frequently. Last year company I work for I may only when it happened the energy MUSCOGEE VETERANS record 8 hours a week, this program made two payments making it difficult to be able to because it was time for the pay my bills. second application. If there is a I submitted my application problem with the system there Please email the following to May 2020. After checking my should be a review of what’s utility company after a month wrong and work on repairing [email protected] there was no payment. I made the problem. several attempts to the energy Again as Mr. Maxey has dept. to follow up on my appli- stated when there is a problem -Name cation but no response. Finally and its not being solved send it -Branch July 2020, I returned a call from up the ladder for further inves- Mrs. West who stated applica- tigation. -Years Served tions sent in May were lost Sincerely, through a computer problem. Linda Wilson -150 word bio -1 High Resolution Photo Human Services Response to letter to the Editor All of the information is due on All programs at Muscogee present staff and the distribution TH (Creek) Nation were affected by of the workload. OCTOBER 16 NO LATER THAN 5 P.M. the network crash in May 2020. • Tribal Energy is not As a result, previously submitted an emergency program. All pro- documents have had to be re-re- gram applicants sign a certifica- to be placed in our Special Veterans quested and resubmitted. tion stating “I understand that • Human Services was LIHEAP and Tribal Energy are Edition on November 1. assigned the Coronavirus Assis- not emergency programs and tance Program, and as a result, that I must continue to pay my staff from Human Services pro- regular utility bill.” The certifica- grams were reassigned to work tion further states “I understand the Coronavirus Assistance Pro- that applications may take up to gram. This impacted our regu- 90 days or longer to process.” lar programs by distributing the • Human Services offers workload among the remaining several other programs that staff. address emergency situations • Human Services has such as cutoffs for utilities. had several staff members test • Humans Services positive for Coronavirus during notified citizens regarding the the last few months, and as a network issue, and resubmit- result, the infected staff have ting applications and documents been on administrative leave. was displayed on the main MCN This has undoubtedly impacted page.

• P.O. BOX 580 - OKMULGEE, OK 74447 • 918.732.7720 • MVSKOKEMEDIA.COM • @MVSKOKEMEDIA KÔLVPÂKEN THE MVSKOKE NEWS PAGE 7 MCN EUFAULA DORMITORY TAKES MEASURES FOR COVID DURING THE UPCOMING YEAR DORM WILL NOT HOUSE STUDENTS FOR THE FIRST NINE WEEKS OR ACCEPT NEW ENROLLEES FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR Morgan Taylor REPORTER EUFAULA, Oklahoma –The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Dor- mitory has made a decision regarding the recent COVID pandemic to follow CDC guidelines and not open the dorm housing to students for the first nine weeks or accept new enrollees for the school year. Eufaula Dormitory Admin- istrator, Tony York says they had originally planned to move the students back in the dorms before the scheduled start date of Aug 13; but that was not the case. A meeting had taken place between York, Secretary of Education Dr. Monte Randall, and Secretary of Health Shawn Terry and his team to decide what was best and safe for stu- dents. “A decision was made that it what not in our students best interest to open at this time,” MCN Eufaula Dormitory has decided not to house students for the first nine weeks. (Submission) York said. “We have made a deal with Eufaula Public dents live as far away as Okla- ioral health and counseling dents directly to these particu- back in Jan, installing air puri- Schools, and our kids that are homa City yet those students services normally provided, lar appointments but are here fiers, and providing PPE.” previously enrolled at the dor- are not athletes and do not par- students can still receive those for questions and referrals and The students have not been mitory are still going to be ticipate in sports. as needed. to help in any way we can,” to the dorm since mid-March enrolled at Eufaula Schools and “We only have six students “Counselors are still avail- York said. after spring break. receive virtual learning for the who participate in sports that able to students or if parents The Dorm also received Although students and first semester.” require daily transportation,” need resources,” York said. a distribution of CARES Act staff alike were excited for The school has provided York said. “That’s pretty feasi- “We have a wonderful behav- money. They are using these the return of the students to each student with a Microsoft ble and we do not have to run ioral health team here at the funds to provide all the needs the dorms, York would like to Chromebook to aid in their all of our buses with the small dorm.” of the operations for the first show appreciation for the fam- virtual learning. number of students we house.” “We provide all their needs nine weeks. ilies for being understanding “Here at the Eufaula Dorm, According to York, Dr. Ran- when they are residents at “Money has been used to during this time. we are going to try to fill in the dall had expressed concerns of the dorm,” York said. “Even provide each student with a The Muscogee (Creek) gaps by providing hotspots so the dormitory students being though we won’t be as directly hotspot and internet access, Nation Eufaula dormitory is they will have Internet access. able to participate. involved we will still be avail- funds have been put towards a five-day residential care for We are also going to deliver “We have been allowed able for resource and referral.” the transportation services Native American students meals weekly to all of our stu- to keep our staff on board to The MCN Creek Nation being provided daily by the from first grade to seniors in dents. Our athletes will still be provide these transportation Youth Wellness has also part- Dormitory and the meals being high school. The students who able to participate as well and needs, to be liaisons for tech- nered with the Eufaula Dormi- provided,” York said. “It has reside within the dorm set- we will be providing transpor- nology needs and providing tory to send out weekly hand- been providing the technology ting typically come from, dif- tation to take them to practice lunches and breakfast for these outs to the students concerning for the staff that is teleworking. ferent areas of the state yet all and back home.” students,” York said. youth wellness. We are upgrading our HVAC students attend Eufaula Public York claims that some stu- When it comes to behav- “We are not able to take stu- system for when the kids come Schools.

Council Nation Risk Management – Continued from Page 5 Arbor Care Services Program to purchase a freightliner for- The Mvskoke Media set to have estry truck. Sponsored by Dar- an Editorial Board of three rell Proctor. Adopted 15-0. members, in place by Septem- MCN Risk Management – ber 30. Arbor Care Services request NCA 20-040 Authorization funds $142,819.00 to purchase Write Your of the expenditure of grant 2020 Freightliner XT Pro 56 funds awarded from the Okla- Forestry Truck to provide homa State University Founda- better services. tion, 2020 Rural Health Inno- NCA 20-047 Creation of a Own Legacy vation Challenge Grant for new Chapter 10 in MCNCA the benefit of Mvskoke Nation Title 28 entitled “Acquisi- Youth Services. Sponsored by tion of Property.” Sponsored Quit with the Oklahoma Joyce Deere. Adopted 15-0. by Charles McHenry. Adopted The MCN Youth Services 15-0. Tobacco Helpline was awared the Oklahoma Creation of a law establish- State University Foundation, ing guidelines that will enable 2020 Rural Health Innovation all the Nation’s Departments Challenge (RHIC) Grant in the involved in the purchase of Now more than ever, quitting commercial amount of $1,000.00 to coor- property to operate in a more tobacco is one of the most important positive dinate the HeLP (Healthy Life efficient manner. changes you can make for your health. Plan) Conference for pregnant NCA 20-048 Authorization and parenting youth and young of the expenditure of COVID- adults. 19 supplemental grant funds Thankfully, help isn’t far away. NCA 20-042 Authorization awarded form the Native Amer- of a budget modification to ican Agriculture Fund (NAAF) The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers transfer funds from the Koweta for the benefit of the Mvskoke Pharmacy Refill Center Budget Loan Fund (MLF). Sponsored FREE patches, gum or lozenges, along with to the Clinic Pharmacy FY 2020 by Adam Jones III. Adopted Quit Coaching and phone or email support. Budgets on behalf of the Mus- 15-0. To learn more, call 1-800-QUIT NOW or visit cogee (Creek) Nation Depart- The funds of $27,806.20 will OKhelpline.com. ment of Health. Sponsored by be used for the MLF to provide James Jennings. Adopted 15-0. support to he Grantee for activ- The MCNDOH requests a ities to address needs of the budget modification to transfer communities and individuals $1,400,000.00 from the Koweta the Grantee is working with. Pharmacy Refill Center Budget NCA 20 -050 Amendment of LOZENGES to the Clinic Pharmacy FY NCA 20-038 (a law of the Mus- 2020 Budgets. cogee (Creek) Nation autho- NCA 20-043 Authoriza- rizing the expenditure of tion of a budget modifica- Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and tion to transfer funds from the Economic Security Act.) Spon- Nation’s Information Tech- sored by Lucian Tiger. Adopted nologies Program Budget to 11-4. Voting ‘No’ were Repre- the Muscogee (Creek) Nation sentatives Patrick Freeman Jr, Department of Health Infor- Charles McHenry, Thomasene mation Technologies Program Yahola Osborn and Travis Budget for FY2020. Sponsored Scott. by Anna Marshall. Postponed The Office of the Princi- Introducing My Life, My Quit 15-0. pal Chief shall provide reports MCNDOH requests a weekly to the MCN National Help for teens is here. Now, 13-17-year-olds budget modification to trans- Council. Mvskoke Media is to can receive free live text, phone or web chat. fer $1,503,921.00 to ensure the document all expenditures of How? Just visit MyLifeMyQuit.com or text unique cyber security needs of the CARES Act Funds. the Health System are met ade- The full agenda with leg- “Start My Quit” to 855-891-9989. quately. islation can be viewed on the NCA 20-045 Appropriating National Council website at funds for the Muscogee (Creek) www.mcnnc.com

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SCOTUS AFFIRMS RESERVATION, UPHOLDS JURISDICTION TO PROTECT NATIVE WOMEN Stong Hearts Major Crimes Act Congress has not said other- Previous actions by the fed- wise, we hold the government NATIVE HELP STAFF eral government, such as the to its word.” Supreme Court of the Land Major Crimes Act of 1855, cre- SCOTUS Upends Previously Legal experts are calling ated a legal framework that Held Legal Opinions McGirt v. Oklahoma (McGirt) resulted in jurisdictional con- Although many experts the most significant Federal fusion when responding to and agree that the SCOTUS opinion Indian Law case of the cen- prosecuting crimes in Indian was accurate and reflected the tury. On July 9, the Supreme country. Through the Major original intent of the treaties Court’s McGirt decision Crimes Act of 1855, the U.S. in question, non-Native legisla- upheld the treaty affirmed res- government assumed concur- tors argued that Native people ervation borders of the Mus- rent jurisdiction over “serious left Indian territory of their cogee (Creek) Nation. The crimes” committed by a Native own accord and as such for- ruling upended previously held American in Indian country. feited title to the reservation. legal opinions that jurisdiction Even basic assistance such as Further, that due to the lack over major crimes transferred officers responding to 911 calls, of Native inhabitants, the res- from federal courts to state was impacted as it could be pos- ervation ceased to exist. In courts. Further, that jurisdic- sible that the law enforcement reality, Native people were con- tion in fact belongs to a federal responding to a call might not tinuously forced out of Indian or tribal court. be the officer who had jurisdic- Territory by white settlers and “This ruling is critical in tion over that crime. the U.S. government. Regard- the prosecution of domestic In the McGirt case, the State less, the crux of it all as pointed violence crimes against Native of Oklahoma wrongly assumed out by SCOTUS was that only Let us print your banners, women,” said StrongHearts jurisdiction when it convicted an act of Congress could dises- Native Helpline Director, Lori Jimcy McGirt for violent sex tablish a tribal reservation, see business cards, brochures, Jump (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe crimes on the reservation of Solem v. Bartlett (1984). of Chippewa Indians). “Juris- the Creek Nation’s reserva- StrongHearts Stands copies, etc. diction or lack of jurisdiction tion. McGirt appealed his case with Survivors is at the heart of why rates of asserting that the State of Okla- StrongHearts Native Help- violence are so high for Native homa didn’t have authority line recognizes the importance Americans living on trust or over a tribal member on tribal of the McGirt decision for vic- Contact reservation lands.” land. tims and survivors of vio- The reservation boundaries Deadlock Tie Breaker lence. Tribal nations are one [email protected] of the Muscogee Creek Nation There were two crimi- step closer to holding all per- were at stake, but the ruling has nal cases brought before the petrators accountable for com- or a significant impact on who has SCOTUS, but in one instance mitting crimes against Native jurisdiction over major crimes there was a conflict of inter- people on tribal lands. Strong- call 918-732-7720. as they relate to both Native est. Prior to his role on the Hearts’ mission is to restore and non-Native perpetrators SCOTUS, Associate Justice power to Native Americans on tribal land. Neil Gorsuch had presided impacted by domestic, dating And, if the Supreme Court over Sharp v. Murphy in a fed- and sexual violence by pro- had decided to judicially dises- eral appellate court. The case viding a system of safety, sov- tablish the Creek Nation’s res- involved a tribal member who ereignty and support with a ervation, the majority of those had committed murder on the vision to return to our tradi- lands within the Nation’s his- Creek reservation. tional lifeways where our rel- torical boundaries would no He also contended that a atives are safe, violence is longer be considered “Indian state court didn’t have jurisdic- eradicated and sacredness is country.” tion. In Murphy’s 2018 appeal restored. Violence Against Women Act to the SCOTUS, Gorsuch ulti- To explore your options for Further, that disestablish- mately had to recuse him- safety and healing, visit strong- ment of an existing reserva- self; and without Gorsuch, the heartshelpline.org for one- tion would not only serve to potential for deadlock on the on-one chat advocacy or call diminish tribal land but also SCOTUS prevented its natural 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762- would eliminate the same conclusion. Thus, the Murphy 8483) daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. tribal jurisdiction that Con- case was hinged upon the out- CT. As a collaborative effort gress recently, and intention- come of McGirt. of the National Domestic Vio- ally, reaffirmed with regard In the landmark ruling, lence Hotline (The Hotline) to crimes of domestic violence Gorsuch wrote the majority and the National Indigenous committed by non-Natives in opinion, “Today we are asked Women’s Resource Center, the 2013 reauthorization of the whether the land these treaties after hours callers can connect Violence Against Women Act. promised remains an Indian with The Hotline by choosing Fortunately, this was not the reservation for purposes of option one. court ruling. federal criminal law. Because

Freedman Their petition claims that depriving Creek Freedmen their Continued from Page 6 the MCN’s denial of the Creek full MCN citizenship rights Freedmen citizenship breached be declared a violation of the the Creek Freedman Rolls and the MCN 1866 treaty, and vio- Treaty of 1866.’ their descendants of MCN citi- lates the U.S. constitution. Additionally, the petition zenship,” and “prevented lineal The petition asks that the asks the court to award attor- descendants from becoming Court declare Creek Freed- ney’s fees, disbursements and citizens of the MCN.” men are eligible for Creek cit- costs to the Muscogee (Creek) According to court records izenship, guarantees the right Nation. the draft constitution was later to full and equal citizenship, While these case have been adopted in 1979. the Creek Freedmen be legally filed in the courts, no dock- The petition also sites the indistinguishable from other ets are published with hearing recent SCOTUS opinion as one citizens, on the same basis as all dates because the MCN Dis- of their arguments that the citizens including the right to trict Court is still operating MCN Treaty of 1866 is bind- vote, receive funds and benefits under a COVID-19 Administra- ing where it pertains to Creek available to all citizens, and the tive Order since May 18. Those Freedmen. right to run for and hold MCN administrative orders require ‘There has been no act of office. reduced staff operations. Other Congress expressing any intent The petition ask that no than emergency hearings, no to abrogate Article 2 of the federal statute or supersed- hearings will be set except upon Creek Treaty of 1866,’ the peti- ing treaty be able to modify the grant of the judge. tion said. ‘The MCN cannot Creek Freedmen Descendants Mvskoke Media will con- unilaterally extinguish the citizenship rights granted in the tinue to the follow the cases and Freedmen’s rights under the 1866 treaty. provide updates as they become Creek Treaty of 1866.’ It further asks, ‘actions available.

• P.O. BOX 580 - OKMULGEE, OK 74447 • 918.732.7720 • MVSKOKEMEDIA.COM • @MVSKOKEMEDIA ÔSTVPÂKEN THE MVSKOKE NEWS PAGE 9 ROYALTY PROGRAM LOOKING TO TRANSFORM INTO A YOUNG AMBASSADOR PROGRAM A DISCUSSION FORUM WAS HELD TO MAKE CHANGES FOR THE ROYALTY PROGRAM TO MAKE INTO AMBASSADORS PROGRAM Lani Hansen SENIOR REPORTER OKMULGEE, Oklahoma– Mvskoke Royalty Coordinator Shelby Botone and the Public Relations Department Mul- timedia Specialist Liz Gray hosted an open discussion forum over a new program for Mvskoke Ambassadors pro- gram. A virtual open discussion was held on Friday, Aug. 14 about changes in the pageant and competition program and new Mvskoke Ambassadors program. Botone and Gray were joined by former prin- cesses and other citizens. Before the discussion the topic was placed on the Health, Education and Welfare Com- mittee session. In a HEW committee ses- A discussion forum was held by Public Relations and Royalty Coordinator to talk about changes for a new ambassador program. (Submission) sion NCA 20-055 stated, ‘A law of the Muscogee (Creek) canceled this year, they took Botone wants to have more why we kept the legislation gram. Nation creating new law in the opportunity of making ambassadors in the future, open just for flexibility pur- “I would love to have a part- MCNCA Title 16, Chapter 8, changes and rejuvenate the because there was discussion poses,” Botone said. nership with the youth coun- Subchapter 2 entitled “Young program. Botone wants to gear about At-large ambassadors. The ambassadors roles cil,” Gray stated. Mvskoke Ambassador Pro- towards a leadership competi- There is also plans to have an would be the same as what the A male member of the youth gram and Competition” and tion rather than using the term At-large representative to help royalty does now; travel to pro- council was actually on the repealing MCNCA Title 37, “pageant.” They also want to out with those future ambassa- mote the nation in govern- discussion forum and stated, subchapter 2-119 entitled, stick to the term ambassador dors. ment or cultursl level, summer he was appreciative of them “Mvskoke (Creek) Nation Pag- instead of “royalty” and “prin- Gray said, “Especially with internship (possibly), spend extending the ambassador pro- eant and Royalty.” cess.” At-large, instead of adding so some time in Washington gram to males but did not sup- In this committee session “The legislation doesn’t many positions we can expand D.C. shadowing ambassador port it. He believes having a Botone and Gray both made state it but we are going to the requirements for each posi- Jonodev Chaudhuri. male ambassador would take the comment to postpone keep Miss Muscogee (Creek) tion. I know the elimination of “Those were some of the away the Mvskoke women. indefinitely for more open dis- Nation,” Botone said. “That Jr. Miss was disussed, we were discussions but we do want to “I feel like the discussion cussion. position will stay relatively the thinking of expanding the age focus on them learning how went really well,” Botone said. During the open discus- same. There is no changes we range for Miss from 16 to 24. our government works as far “I’m glad we’re having this. dis- sion, Botone went into expla- wanted to do but add require- It is a scholsrship program so as writing legislation shadow- cussion just because it’s bring- nation of what some of the ments during the reign.” if they are concurrent enrolled ing council and varius depart- ing up a lot of input from other changes were for the program. The scholarship will still into college, trade or voca- ments in our Nation,” Botone citizens.” One of the changes for the pro- be awarded to the ambassa- tional school they can do that.” stated. This was the first discus- gram is to open an ambassador dors selected. They will select With the legislation there “We want them to promote sion meeting out of more for role to a young man. however many ambassadors to was discussions made about their platform,” Gray added. the new ambassador program, “We just wanted an oppor- represent with what the budget repealing the program, but In this discussion one par- Botone wants it to be ongoing tunity to promote our young allows. it was originally amended. ticipant stated this is what for some time. men and for them to be role “We were just going to focus Botone said they were advised the youth council does. Gray For more information and models for the community on the two ambassadors this so much terms would have to talked about giving youth as ideas reach out on social media as well,” Botone said. “This year, which we’ve had just two be changed, and that is why many opportunities as pos- @MvskokeRoyalty, or contact was our main purpose of the in the past years,” Botone said. they began with repealing. sible. She believes the youth Royalty Coordinator Shelby change.” “But its something we can dis- “We’re all for growing the council could be a stepping Botone at sbotone@mcn-nsn. Since the pageant had to be cuss.” program in future years that’s stone for the ambassador pro- gov

“I’m Bored” & Adolescents MUSCOGEE NATION DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ESTABLISHED 1970 Primed for Learning and Addiciton

In the last article we talked about adolescents will become addicted 1 ½ faster than children and adults due to a higher level of LTP (Long Term Potentiation – the chemical cocktail we all use to learn). This is why it is very important to prepare our adolescents to be mindful of boredom, learn from their mistakes, learn how to not let their feelings control them, know the risks of addiction, and learn to set future goals and the steps to achieve those goals.

Most adolescents do not realize how their brains are wired and how they are primed for addiction. Often all they are told is “don’t do drugs”, “stay away from drugs”, “they are bad for you”, “it is a gateway to a life of addiction”, “just say no”, “drugs will destroy your future”, “this is your brain on drugs…”, etc.

We all have heard these slogans but these slogans and adolescents often don’t mesh well. Adolescents are developmentally wired to question, doubt, wonder, explore, and try new things out. This is part of learning to be an adult. So, telling an adolescent what to or not to do is not that effective. We must change our approach and turn our statements into information and questions.

• Give information about how they are wired to learn. These articles can be used to help them understand what is going on in their brain. How their brain is being wired to build new neuropathways/roads they will be using the rest of their life.

• Ask questions with information. o Have you ever wondered why there is such a strong push towards the adolescent market? They know if they get a teen to try or use their product, they have a very high likelihood of a user for life. • Nicotine – 80-90% of adult users (smokers, vapers, dippers, chewers) started as a teen • Alcohol – 47-72% of adults with alcohol related problems/addictions started as a teen • Gambling – 6-23% of adults with gambling addiction started as a teen • Illegal drugs – 24-72% started as a teen (excluding Marijuana) • Pornography – 12-68% of adults whose addiction affects their marriages, relationships, work, nances started as a teen (Percentage variance was between differing sources. Data is self-report from participants. www.cdc.gov, www.nbci.gov, www.addictioncenter.com, www.drugastatistics.org)

MONEY is the driving force why adolescents are a big focus. The potential lifetime amount of money the addict will pay is insurmountable. Someone is getting rich off of another’s addiction.

• Ask questions about future goals, dreams, aspirations. This can be small to larger goals. Adolescents are in that transition between child and adult. Part of this process is learning how to see a bigger picture. Adolescents often struggle seeing only one answer, one way, one solution. Teaching the adolescent to see a bigger picture is really hard but the best way is to do this is through future questions. o What is your goal this year in school? o What is your goal when you get bored to avoid a potential lifelong mistake? o What is your goal/dream in 5 years? What would you like to be doing? Where would you like to be? o What kind of person do you want to be when you are older? Reputation? o What is your goal/desire to build your tribal legacy? o What is your goal when you are offered/tempted to try a highly addictive product? o What success story do you want to be able to tell someone in the future?

Questions usually get the frontal lobe (the logical thinking part of the brain) to work and that is a huge goal of raising a thinking adult. These questions will help the adolescent see beyond the now and see where they want to be. To help them solidify this process you will need to ask part two of the question. What will you do (in speci c situations, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.) to achieve this goal?

The answer you are given opens up a huge learning opportunity. • If they say “I don’t know”, then they are primed to learn. You may need to ask “would you like my help?” • If they say “I’ll just do it” but cannot tell you how, they are in essence telling you I know what I want but I don’t know how to get there. A follow up questions to this response could be “what small steps are you going to do to help you achieve your goal?” • If they respond with a good answer you may still want to follow up with the more speci c question “what small steps are you going to do to help you achieve your goal?”

Our adolescents are our future and we need to do our best to protect, prepare, and educate them for success. The next part of this article will be about those who are already using and what you can do to help.

If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety, worry, fear, stress, or even depression and you feel like talking to someone about would help, contact Muscogee (Creek) Nation Behavioral Health at 918-758-1910. • Text “Creek” to 741-741 if you or someone you know is in a crisis. Or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline Number at 1-800-273-8255. Mvto!

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“Code Talkers”, after the Amer- PROPERTY IN JENKS APPROVED TO BE ican Indian men who served as intelligence translators during SOLD BY COMMITTEE World War II. At first, it might be taken as a name to honor the SECURITY CAMERAS, SUPPORT FOR SACRED SITES, AND Navajo soldiers who were known FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE AG YOUTH PROGRAM for their part in the war. But those officials said the name Lani Hansen Nation transitioned to online and would be to honor all tribes who SENIOR REPORTER has identified Docusign, Inc. as the served in such a capacity. There vendor to assist with online enroll- were other tribes who used their OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — A ment, financial aid, course work own languages in the same way. Muscogee (Creek) Nation National and staff documents during the Not to be a stick-in-the-mud, Council Health, Education and COVID-19 Pandemic. Do Pass. but wouldn’t that bring us back Welfare Committee meeting was Passed 4-0. to where we started, using Native held Aug. 12. TR 20-140 To execute a certain people as mascots? Probably not All passed legislation will go lease agreement between the Mus- LAW ENFORCEMENT, SIOUX REZ CLOSED, much chance of it happening before the full Council during the cogee (Creek) Nation Department anyway. regular session Aug. 29. of Health and Stryker Sales Corpo- CODE TALKERS Speaking of Code Talkers, HEW addressed the follow- ration. Sponsored by Representative MCGIRT DECISION CHANGES, NO “BIKERS ON HIGHWAYS Indian Country Today reports, ing legislation, the interpretation of Joyce Deere. THROUGH SIOUX COUNTRY, CODE TALKERS DISCUSSIONS a newly marketed beer can have which is attributed to language in Muscogee (Creek) Nation folks down in Dine lands getting the bills: Department of Health purchases Gary Fife this ‘Cherokee or Creek’ grand- upset and some who are support- TR 20-137 Execute a grant of lim- their endoscopy equipment from RADIO SPECIALIST mother stuff. The cops say they ive of the new beer can featuring ited waiver of sovereign immunity Stryker Sales Corporation, and now hear this all the time. No proof, the face of a Code Talker wearing in favor of the Wal-Mart local com- MCNDOH want to execute the OKMULGEE, Oklahoma— no luck. You should probably his military-tribal regalia. “Code munity grant, for the sole purpose of agreement. Do Pass. Passed 4-0. With all the energy being given carry your tribal membership Talker Pale Ale” is brewed by the complying with Wal-Mart require- NCA 20-053 Authorizing the to classroom and agencies work- card. Fake claims will be inves- descendant of one of the Code ments to support the execution of a expenditure of grant funds awarded ing on a ’virtual’ basis, I was tigated and could be prosecuted. Talkers. grant agreement between Wal-Mart from the Institute of Museum and thinking about how this piece The police will enforce the He says, “This can release and and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Library Services for the benefit of might be done the same way: laws against offenders. During design was done out of a good Sponsored by Representative Mary the College of the Muscogee Nation. “Virtual Emvpanayv?” this meeting, they repeatedly place in my heart, without any Crawford. Sponsored by James Jennings. Nah. That’s too much work said, “This is not a ‘get out jail malice.” Opponents of the bev- The Wal-Mart Local Commu- The funds will increase the and I get a headache just thinkin’ free’ situation for Indians or erage and image say alcohol has nity grant supports the Nation’s material of the library such as addi- about it. So, off we go in the usual those who claim to be. damaged many Native lives and tribal programs with a limited tional books, audiovisual material fashion, the antique method of The Hill reports, the Chey- they should not be used to pro- waiver of sovereign immunity. Post- and periodicals to support the cur- writing down hard copy. enne River Sioux denied access mote the brew. poned Indefinitely. 4-0. riculum. Do Pass. Passed 4-0. In the past week or so, the to motorcycle riders and tour- Former Principal Chief TR 20-138 To submit a grant NCA 20-055 Creating a new law MCN tribe, local law enforce- ists wanting to cross the reserva- George Tiger has been sentenced application to the U.S. Department in MCNCA Title 16, Chapter 8, Sub- ment agencies and prosecu- tion on Interstate 90, ` to attend to a year and a day in federal of the Interior, Bureau of Indian chapter 2 entitled, “Young Mvskoke tors have had conferences going the annual biker rally in Sturgis, prison after pleading guilty to Affairs, Fiscal Year 2020 Living Ambassador Program and Compe- on trying to work out how the South Dakota. The tribes their charges of embezzlement. He got Languages Grant Program for the tition” and repealing MCNCA Title McGirt decision affects arrests checkpoints were set up to pre- a reduced sentence after health Mvskoke Language Program. Spon- 37, sub 2-119 entitled, “Mvskoke and prosecutions. Since a big vent the spread of coronavirus. concerns were presented. sored by Mary Crawford. (Creek) Nation Pageant and Roy- chunk of Oklahoma has been The Hill also reports that The feature film about the The Mvskoke Language Pro- alty.” Sponsored by Representative declared still in reservation the action by this tribe and the murders of Osage oil rights hold- gram seeks funding to further Anna Marshall. status, federal jurisdiction pre- Oglala Sioux tribe was a reaction ers will begin filming next year. document and expand access the The Public Relations Depart- vails for Indians on Indian land. to a conflict with the state gover- The Tulsa World reported that Mvskoke Language by making ment evaluated areas of improve- In other words, when city or nor ‘regarding the legality of the “Killers of the Flower Moon.” resources available and to hire a lan- ment for the Pageant and Royalty. state cops stop an Indian person traffic checkpoints.’ The production schedule was guage instructor. Do Pass. Passed This new ambassador program on reservation land (which is a The Washington D.C. delayed by concerns over the 4-0. through a competitive process will big chunk of Oklahoma now) a (also known as Disney- Covid-19 virus. TR 20-139 To execute an order allow all young Mvskoke citizens federal agency, such as the U.S. land-On-The-Potomac) foot- That’s all for the moment. My form, Master Services Agreement to gain understanding of leadership Attorney’s Office or the Federal ball team is still the “Football production schedule was delayed and Service schedule for signa- values. Bureau of Investigation must be Team”. No new name change has by concerns over the Covid-19 ture with Docusign, Inc. to provide Comment was made by Royalty given the case for processing. been chosen yet for the former virus, too. on-line enrollment, financial aid, Coordinator Shelby Botone and PR That’ s for members of feder- ‘R-Skins.’ There are a lot of sug- Disclaimer: The views course work and staff documents Liz Gray to postpone indefinitely ally recognition tribes. If you’re gestions, but one from an official expressed are those of the author for the College of the Muscogee for more open discussion. Postome not a legal member, you’re out at the Navajo Dine Nation bears a and not necessarily those of the Nation. Sponsored by Representa- Indefinitely. 4-0. of luck. Claims of Indian ances- little thought. Muscogee (Creek) Nation or tive James Jennings. For audio of committee meet- try must be proven. None of The idea was to use the name Mvskoke Media. The College of the Muscogee ings visit www.mcnnc.com The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Election Office

Voter Registration forms can be found on the Tribal Website under Election Board Primary Election Eligibility Checklist for Voter Registration o You are a tribal member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Early Voting o 18 years of age at the date of the election Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 o You have fully completed the voter registration form Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 o You have provided the accurate mailing address and physical Election Day address o You signed your registration form Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021

How To Submit The Voter Registration Form General Election o Email to [email protected] or Fax to: 918-938-0799 Early Voting o Save form attachments as: PDF Document, Word document Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021 end with .doc or .docx, JPG file, or PNG file o Mail to the following address: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021 MCN Election Office PO Box 580 Okmulgee, OK 74447 Election Day Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021

PO Box 580 Okmulgee, O K 74447 Toll Free: 1-800-482-1979 Email: [email protected] Local: 918-732-7631 Fax: 918-938-0799

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MCN Polling Sites Address

1. BRISTOW COMMUNITY: 710 South Main Bristow, OK. 74010

2. CHECOTAH COMMUNITY: 500 Owens Ave. Checotah, OK. 74426

3. DEWAR COMMUNITY: 903 E 6th Dewar, OK. 74431

4. DUSTIN COMMUNITY: Intersection of Broadway Ave & Sparks Ave Dustin, OK. 74839

5. GLENPOOL COMMUNITY: 13839 South Casper Glenpool, OK. 74033

6. HANNA COMMUNITY: E of Hwy 52 on E1250 Rd Hanna, OK. 74845

7. HOLDENVILLE COMMUNITY: 224 East Poplar St. Holdenville, OK. 74848

8. KOWETA COMMUNITY: 3092 E 141st St S Coweta, OK. 74429

9. MUSCOGEE COMMUNITY: 335 N 4th St Muskogee, OK. 74401

10. OKEMAH COMMUNITY: 1100 S Woody Guthrie Okemah, OK. 74859

11. SAPULPA COMMUNITY: 1020 N Brown Sapulpa, OK. 74067

12. TULSA COMMUNITY: 8611 S. Union Ave. Tulsa, OK. 74132

13. TWIN HILLS COMMUNITY: 8110 N. Hwy 52 Okmulgee, OK. 74447

14. WELEETKA COMMUNITY: 603 S Chickasaw Weleetka, OK. 74880

15. WETUMKA COMMUNITY: 608 N Creek Wetumka, OK. 74883

16. EUFAULA COMMUNITY: 800 Birkes Rd Eufaula, OK 7443

17. OKMULGEE COMMUNITY: 2701 N Miami Okmulgee, OK 74447

18. RYAL PUBLIC SCHOOL (Yardeka): 110535 S 3960 Rd Henryetta, OK 74437

• P.O. BOX 580 - OKMULGEE, OK 74447 • 918.732.7720 • MVSKOKEMEDIA.COM • @MVSKOKEMEDIA PAGE 12 THE MVSKOKE NEWS PALEN HÔKKÔLÔHKÂKEN

In accordance with the following legislation: NCA 20-050 A LAW OF THE MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION AMENDING NCA 20-038 (A LAW OF THE MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURES OF CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT ("CARES ACT") FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY TO ESTABLISH THE MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUND PROGRAM.) SECTION 7. REPORTING. A report shall be provided bi-weekly by the Office of the Principal Chief to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council and Mvskoke Media documenting all expenditures of the CARES Act funds.

First distribution of CRF, received 05-06-2020 $282,266,728.86 Second distribution of CRF, received 6-20-2020 $22,958,566.24 Third distribution of CRF, received 6-18-20 $7,250,073.54 Interest income as of 7-31-2020 $114,267.94

Total received/earned $312,589,636.58

On June 30th the Tribe distributed $88,529,496.37 to MCN Gaming for CRF related expenses, total expends and encumbrances from the CRF fund as of Aug. 17 equals, $96,683,785. The following report has been submitted for the publication date of Sept. 1. ACCOUNT PROGRAM NAME/ AMOUNT EXPENDED ENCUMBERED CASH BALANCE NUMBER ACCOUNT NAME BUDGETED

Secretary of Nation 59220 GRANTS 95,000,000 88,529,497.37 - 6,470,503.63

Tourism & Recreation 53000 SUPPLIES 30,000 26,646.00 - 3,354.00

Contracting Employment 59220 GRANTS 7,500,000 66,960.00 - 7,433,040.00

Information Technology 53000 SUPPLIES 1,511,100.00 199,797.92 232,381.88 1,078,920.20 53010 SOFTWARE/LICENSES 2,010,000.00 - 560,031.04 1,449,968.96 54000 CONTRACTUAL 935,010.00 208,761.25 106,248.75 620,000.00 55210 COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER 98,661.57 27,229.64 - 71,431.93 55300 BLDG MAINT/REPAIRS 102,630.43 2,630.43 - 100,000.00 85500 EQUIPMENT 4,042,000.00 - 1,096,807.12 2,945,192.88

Fleet Management 50100 SALARY & WAGES - PT/OTHER 50,000.00 273.00 - 49,727.00 51100 FRINGE - PT/OTHER 6,075.00 33.17 - 6,041.83 53000 SUPPLIES 3,943,925.00 154,745.11 128,460.82 3,660,719.07 57000 INDIRECT COSTS 6,550.00 - - 6,550.00

Social Services 5000 SALARY & WAGES -FT 113,107.65 29,815.73 - 83,291.92 51000 FRINGE - FT 74,997.53 16,786.26 - 58,211.27 53000 SUPPLIES 4,000.00 - - 4,000.00 53010 SOFTWARE/LICENSES 8,000.00 4,000.00 - 4,000.00 54000 CONTRACTUAL 92,000.00 - 91,559.78 440.22 57000 INDIRECT COSTS 17,450.58 3,905.86 - 13,544.72 59071 DIRECT ASSIST - INCOME SUPPORT 36,198,000.00 597,000.00 - 35,601,000.00 59072 DIRECT ASSIST - HARDSHIP 30,000,000.00 556,500.00 - 29,443,500.00

Food Distribution 53000 SUPPLIES 530,000.00 16,227.54 32,029.99 481,742.47 59050 FOOD PURCHASES 450,000.00 177,715.28 336,385.26 -64,100.54 85170 CONSTRUCTION 50,000.00 - - 50,000.00 85400 VEHICLES 250,000.00 91,700.00 - 158,300.00

Community Research & Development 55210 COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER 45,000.00 - 43,093.30 1,906.70

Secretary of Education 53000 SUPPLIES 2,560,000.00 487.00 - 2,559,513.00 59073 DIRECT ASSISTANCE - ED SUPPORT 9,600,000.00 2,722,450.00 - 6,877,550.00

Cultural Center & Archives 53000 SUPPLIES 2,500.00 - 2,425.00 75.00

Tribal Construction 50100 SALARY & WAGES - PT/OTHER 85,608.00 - - 85,608.00 51100 FRINGE - PT/OTHER 10,701.00 - - 10,701.00 53000 SUPPLIES 25,000.00 - - 25,000.00 57000 INDIRECT COSTS 11,214.65 - - 11,214.65 85010 ARCHITECT & ENGINEERING 844,140.00 - - 844,140.00 85170 CONSTRUCTION 14,052,860.00 - - 14,052,860.00 85500 EQUIPMENT 73,000.00 - - 73,000.00

Office of Tax Commission 53000 SUPPLIES 12,051.00 - - 12,051.00 85500 EQUIPMENT 11,700.00 - - 11,700.00

Citizenship Board 53000 SUPPLIES 350,485.00 - 62,394.00 288,091.00 53010 SOFTWARE/LICENSES 12,999.00 6,500.00 - 6,499.00 54000 CONTRACTUAL 551,000.00 500,500.00 - 50,500.00 85500 EQUIPMENT 85,516.00 33,258.00 16,000.00 36,258.00

Election Board 53000 SUPPLIES 1,132.00 - - 1,132.00 53010 SOFTWARE/LICENSES 42,109.00 - - 42,109.00 85500 EQUIPMENT 15,900.00 - - 15,900.00

District Court 53000 SUPPLIES 5,550.00 - 2,550.00 3,000.00 54000 CONTRACTUAL 160,683.68 - - 160,683.68

TOTAL 211,582,657.09 93,973,419.56 2,710,366.94 114,898,871.59

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