WINNER OF THE OK SPJ, CARTER BRADLEY FIRST The AMENDMENT Mvskoke News & THE NAJA, ELIAS BOUDINOT FREE PRESS AWARDS

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1 Tuccênen WINNER OF THE OK SPJ, CARTER BRADLEY FIRST The AMENDMENT Mvskoke News & THE NAJA, ELIAS BOUDINOT FREE PRESS AWARDS Page 1 THE MAY 15, 2018 KE HVSE MULBERRY MONTH VOL. 48, ISSUE 10 THE OFFICIAL TRIBAL NEWSPAPER OF THE MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION PRODUCED BY Oklahoma states Murphy case could split state into two territories Case scheduled for Supreme Court conference May 10 The State of Oklahoma has filed a brief in the Royal v. Murphy case stating that upholding the appellate court s ruling, threatens to resurrect Oklahoma s pre-statehood status as two Territories rather than one State. (Jessica Wahnee/Mvskoke Creative Intern) by Jessica McBride Managing editor WASHINGTON In U.S. Supreme Court documents filed April 23 in the Royal v. Murphy case, attorneys for the State of Oklahoma argue that allowing the appellate court s decision to stand will rip the state apart. Oklahoma stands on the brink of the most radical jurisdictional shift since statehood, the brief states. The attorneys suggest the state would no longer be able to prosecute crimes involving Native Americans in the eastern half of Oklahoma. Today, Oklahoma exists as Congress envisioned: a unified community of Oklahomans. Unless this Court intervenes, the decision below threatens to resurrect Oklahoma s pre-statehood status as two Territories rather than one State, undoing Congress s promise to the people of Oklahoma over a century ago, the brief states. The Supreme Court website MURPHY 2 An event was held April 26 at the Mound Building in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to help citizens better understand the role of contract health. (Shutterstock Image) What is contract health? Efforts to explain department undertaken by kevin barnett reporter A public forum was held April 26 at the Mound Building in Okmulgee, with the purpose of explaining the role and limitations of Muscogee (Creek) Nation Contract Health Services. CHS, as it pertains to Muscogee (Creek) citizens, is a federally-funded program designed to assist with payments to medical facilities and physicians outside the tribal or Indian Health Service systems. Representatives from partner organizations, IHS and tribal health care facilities were on hand to answer questions and dispel confusions often arising when citizens seek CHS assistance. MCN Contract Health Manager Melinda Yargee said necessity for the event arose from the high volume of applications CHS receives, typically weekly. We wanted to open the communication line between us and our patients, Yargee The outreach event offered citizens and health care facilitators the opportunity for unfettered access and dialogue. We wanted to give patients the opportunity to come and see what contract health is about and who we partner with, she Some issues addressed were the importance of third party resources such as Medicare and Medicaid, reasons for denials, priority structure and claim procedures and processes. The topic of denials was a recurring discussion point throughout the forum. According to Yargee, the top reasons for claim denials are the absence of an authorized referral by an IHS or tribal physician, (in emergency cases) the 72 hour window for call-in notification has passed or there are simply no funds available. Among those in attendance was Creek Health Representative Nathaniel Hill, who found the information both relevant and valuable. Medical, financial billing and insurance, it just covered the whole gamut and will allow us to better advocate for those needing help in the communities, he Future educational outreach events are being considered for the different MCN communities. For additional information or questions, contact CHS at: Now signed into law, Oklahoma House Bill 3375 legalizes ball and dice games in Oklahoma tribal casinos. River Spirit Casino Resort attorneys indicate fall 2018 as projected implementation. (Shutterstock Image) MCN Casinos CEO talks craps, roulette legalization Crofts believes new law will bring new type of players by JASON SALSMAN MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER TULSA, Oklahoma The ball and the dice can now start rolling. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has signed House Bill 3375 into law, legalizing traditional craps and roulette, illegal since 2004 in Oklahoma tribal casinos. Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos CEO Pat Crofts called it a win-win-win. The ball and dice legislation is very positive, Crofts Number one, it s a win for our customers and the customer experience. Number two, it s a win for the state and for education. And number three, it s a win for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation because it will bring increased business, and the guests are going to enjoy it more. MCN casinos have had craps and roulette games, but the outcome is determined by a deck of cards or played electronically. Crofts, who is a veteran of the gaming industry and has spent most of his career in Las Vegas where traditional craps and roulette games are extremely popular, talked about how the ball and dice legislation ushers in a new type of player to the facilities. If you re a true crap player, you want to have the dice in your hand, or catch a hot player that s got hot dice, Crofts It s a totally different experience. As Crofts understands, there will be a waiting period after the last legislative session before the tribe has to make an amendment to the gaming compact with the state. That amendment will then go before the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Indian Gaming Commission for final approval. Crofts said according to their attorneys, it looks like the traditional ball and dice games will be implemented on the floors in fall I wish we could do it tomorrow, Crofts He said MCN had a behindthe-scenes role in advancing the bill on a legislative level. Crofts noted that Jerry McPeak, the Nation s tax commissioner and former state legislator, was helpful in driving the conversation and getting a dialogue with key figures and the governor s office. We told them all the same thing, we need to do this, Crofts Since gaming and the compacts were approved in Oklahoma, the industry has grown. We ve grown into full-service luxury resorts. So the industry has grown, but unfortunately the gaming laws didn t grow along with it. We think this is a really good first step. Muscogee (Creek) Nation Environmental Services hosted its fourth annual Earth Day campaign April 20. (Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern) Environmental Services hosts annual Earth Day event Hicks discusses litter problem in Okmulgee by DEVINEY LUCHSINGER MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST Muscogee (Creek) Nation Environmental Services hosted its fourth annual Earth Day campaign April 20. The department rounded up participants who collected recyclables and picked up litter on the side of the highway. Among these participants was MCN National Council Rep. Randall Hicks. He said the reason he participates in the annual clean up is for mother Earth. If we don t keep it clean, it will be like everything else, polluted, saturated. And that s just bad for the environment, Hicks During the clean up, Hicks said he found empty alcohol bottles, syringes and a small plastic bag with the phrase stay high printed on it. He said finding the illicit items was disheartening, especially in the MCN capital and so close the MCN complex. Hicks said events like the Earth Day clean up are important because it helps participants be more aware of where their trash goes and what littering can do to the environment. It makes you stop and think, do I litter? Hicks After the cleanup, participants were rewarded with a cookout and prizes.

2 Page 2 hokkôlen MURPHY Continued from Page 1 states the case was distributed for conference May 10. According to oxfordre.com, during this conference, justices will discuss cases on their list and formally vote whether or not to take the case. According to gov, the Supreme Court does not automatically grant the request to hear the case, but will if the case has national significance, might harmonize conflicting decisions in the federal Circuit courts, and/or could have precedential value. The site states four of the justices have the vote to accept the case, and five of the justices have to vote to grant a stay. There are nine justices on the Supreme Court. Read court documents at: Oklahoma s brief is in response to documents filed by Muscogee (Creek) citizen Patrick Murphy s attorneys claiming the State of Oklahoma has improperly asserted authority over the Muscogee (Creek) Nation reservation for over a century. And while Oklahoma after statehood indeed asserted absolute criminal and civil jurisdiction, it did so in defiance of Congress s statutes, in furtherance of one of this country s most shameful episodes of plunder and exploitation, Murphy s attorneys state. The landmark case will decide what court has the authority to try Murphy for committing murder within the MCN jurisdiction, but not on MCN-owned or trust land. Previously, MCN had jurisdiction over land in trust or restricted status (original allotments), and other parcels within the tribal boundaries were under the jurisdiction of the State of Oklahoma. In the latter half of 2017, the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Congress had not disestablished the MCN reservation created by an 1866 treaty, and therefore the State of Oklahoma lacked the jurisdiction to try and sentence Murphy for murder because he is a Muscogee (Creek) citizen and the crime occurred in Indian Country. The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a brief with the Supreme Court, agreeing with the State of Oklahoma. Contrary to the court s view, Congress disestablished the Creek Nation s historic territory when, in preparation for and granting Oklahoma statehood, it broke up and allotted Creek Nation s lands, displaced tribal jurisdiction, and provided for application of state law and state jurisdiction, the DOJ brief states. Murphy s attorneys state the Dawes Commission never obtained an agreement to cede land from MCN. But the Creek negotiated to avoid cession, ensuring the entire body of Creek lands would remain intact and (with limited exceptions) be allotted to Creek citizens, and that the 1901 agreement would include no language characteristic of disestablishment, such as [e]xplicit reference to cession to the United States, a commitment to compensate the tribe for its land with a fixed sum, or language restoring lands to the public domain, their brief states. A stay has been issued in the case, pending Oklahoma s appeal to the Supreme Court, which means Native American offenders with similar cases are waiting for the potential to have their cases retried in tribal or federal court. According to a Supreme Court media guide, the court receives approximately 7,000-8,000 petitions each term to hear cases. Around 80 of them are granted. The guide states the court usually responds to petitions within six weeks. Mvskoke Media will continue to follow the case as it develops. MNYC MAY Update by Darrell Proctor II MNYC SPeaker Hensci! It has been a busy month for the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council (MNYC). Members of the MNYC participated in the Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair held on April 3 at the Sam Noble Museum. MNYC was well represented in several categories. Charles Mason, Sutv Harjo, Louisa Harjo, Mahiya Ramirez and Tehilla Wind placed 1st in High School Traditional Song. Sutv Harjo placed 1st in Middle School Comic Strip and Louisa Harjo placed 2nd in High School Poster. Mahiya Ramirez placed 3rd in High School Spoken Poetry and Jay Fife placed 1st in High School Spoken Poetry and Spoken Language. Congratulations to all the winners! After our meeting in April, we had an opportunity to speak with our National Council representatives at our National Council Meet and Greet. We appreciate everyone who came out to fellowship with us. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the National Council members and to discuss interesting topics and issues with them. We appreciate all the National Council has done for us and for their continued support throughout the years. On April 21, the MNYC hosted the Mvskoke Veteran s Breakfast at the Mvskoke Dome to honor our Mvskoke veterans and to show our appreciation for all of their service to our country. There was a great turnout and everyone had a good time. Again, we would like to say mvto to all veterans for your service. We would like to say congratulations to MNYC members Nancy Deere-Turney, Jay Fife and Ashleigh TECH, GADGETS, & TRENDS Fixico on being selected as one of this year s United National Indian Tribal Youth Inc. s (UNITY) 25 Under 25! We would also like to congratulate Maddie Lamb for also being selected for this award. Mvto to you all for doing a great job representing the Muscogee (Creek) Nation! As part of the monthly field trips for the Culture and Language Committee, members of the MNYC will take a trip to Buckeye Indian Baptist Church to attend their 4th Sunday service on June 3. The MNYC enjoys learning about Mvskoke culture and looks forward to future cultural trips. It is time for our 3rd Annual Mvskoke Youth Awards! Mvskoke Youth Services is currently accepting nominations for the Mvnettvlke Onaya (Youth Visionary) or Vculvlke Mvnettvlke Emvnicy (Old Who Helps the Young) awards. The Youth Visionary award is for youth ages who are making an impact in their community. The Old Who Helps the Young award is for adults ages 25 and up who work to improve the lives of Mvskoke Youth. All nominees must be enrolled MCN members. In order to submit nominations, go to: bit.ly/mvskokeya. The deadline for nominations is set for May 18. Mvtekusen makit! Mvto! MNYC meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Mvskoke Nation Youth Services Office, which is located at 112 E. 6th St. in Okmulgee. If you or anyone you know is interested in joining MNYC, please contact Youth Services at: or mvskokeyouthcouncil@gmail.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and WE DESIGN. WE PRINT. The repeal of rules regarding net neutrality went into effect on April 23. (MN File Artwork) Tech, Gadgets & Trends A new internet is coming by KEVIN BARNETT There are no gatekeepers deciding which sites you get to access. There are no toll roads on the information superhighway, President Barack Obama said in 2014 promoting the protection of net neutrality. The days of the open internet he was describing may soon be coming to an end. April 23 started the clock ticking for the Obama-era net neutrality regulations. Following a 60-day procedural process, the 2015 rules will be no more, meaning that by summer s end the internet might be a little different than what you are used to. So what is net neutrality? Net neutrality is the basic precept that everything (legal) on the internet is viewed and treated equally by internet service providers. The regulations enacted under Obama were meant as safeguards against ISP s becoming the internet s gatekeepers and in so doing, acted as a form of consumer protection. The rules prevented ISP s like AT&T, for example, from favoring their own content over the content of their competitors by blocking or slowing down (throttling) the traffic to certain sites and/or charging customers extra fees for access to those sites. To illustrate this practice, take the streaming services Hulu and Netflix as examples. Because AT&T is a partial owner of Hulu it has an incentive to slow Netflix traffic or simply begin adding a Netflix fee to any user accessing that site, giving Hulu an advantage over the competition. Neutrality advocates have even posed the possibility of a gradual change to a tiered internet system, modeled like cable company packages. Proponents in favor of deregulation, like FCC Chairman Ajit Pai say that the imposed regulations have cost billions of dollars in investment and consequently stifled innovation and stagnated growth in the industry. Another viewpoint in favor of the repeal addresses the disproportional expense between low and high data consumers. Deregulation would allow for the creation of fast lanes, which could bring down costs for those users not streaming media. However deregulation plays out remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, change is coming. Sterling Cosper, Manager scosper@mvskokemedia.com Jessica McBride, Managing Editor jmcbride@mvskokemedia.com Darren DeLaune, Reporter ddelaune@mvskokemedia.com Liz Gray, Reporter egray@mvskokemedia.com Kevin Barnett, Reporter kbarnett@mvskokemedia.com Jason Salsman, Contributor jsalsman@mvskokemedia.com Chelsie Rich, Advertising & Sales crich@mvskokemedia.com Breanna Viles, Advertising & Sales bviles@mvskokemedia.com Mark Hill, Layout & Design mhill@mvskokemedia.com Like the MN on Facebook: Facebook.com/MvskokeMedia Follow the MN on Visit the MN online at: MvskokeMedia.com Native American Journalist Association Members of the Native American Journalists Association is the official publication of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Its purpose is to meet the needs of the tribe and its citizens through the dissemination of information. Reprint permission is granted with credit to unless other copyrights are shown. Editorial statements appearing in, guest columns and readers letters reflect the opinion of the individual writer and not those of, its advisors or the tribal administration and are subject to editorial discretion. Editorials and letters must be signed by the individual writer and include a traceable address or phone number to be considered for publication. Please contact our office for deadline of submissions to be considered for inclusion. The Mvskoke News reserves the right to edit all submissions for space, style and grammar. Receipt of submissions does not obligate The Mvskoke News in any regard. is mailed from Stigler, Okla., to all enrolled Muscogee (Creek) citizens households upon request. Inquiries should be directed to Mvskoke Media. Please include your tribal enrollment number or last four digits of your social security number accompanied by your date of birth with all correspondence. To submit a change of address or a letter to the editor, call: or jwatters@mvskokemedia.com.

3 Tuccênen Page 3 The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council convened for the quarterly session April 28 at the Mound Building in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. (MN File Artwork) National Council approves social media protocol for representatives during meeting $80,000 appropriated for quarterly Inter- Tribal Council meeting by KEVIN BARNETT A quarterly session of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council was held April 28 at the Mound Building in Okmulgee. The Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to the language in the bills: NCR Selecting Rodney Luellen to serve on the Muscogee Nation Business Enterprise board of directors. Rep. David Hill sponsored the resolution, NCR Selecting Rodney Luellen to serve on the Muscogee Nation Businesses LLC board of directors. Hill sponsored the resolution, which NCR Adopting the rules of procedures of the National Council. Rep. Travis Scott sponsored the resolution, which passed 11-4 with Reps. Randall Hicks, Robert Hufft, Thomasene Yahola-Osborne and Mark Randolph voting against. Mvskoke Media obtained a copy of the rules of procedures that is available to view at: www. mvskokemedia.com. The social media portion states, Representatives shall refrain from discussion of Nation business or disparagement of National Council legislation via the use of social media unless the particular Representative utilizing social media is the sponsor or co-sponsor of the legislation, and the particular Representative is not permitted to quote or address legislation that is not in its final form (meaning the legislation has not yet been assigned to a committee). TR Nominating Anna Clough to serve as a district trial court judge of the Civil District Trial Court Law Division of MCN. Rep. Pete Beaver sponsored the resolution, TR Authorizing the principal chief to execute training services agreement with NDV GL Healthcare USA Inc. for the purpose of internal audits for health care course for the MCN Department of Health. Hicks was postponed for 60 days with a vote of TR Confirming the nomination of Lea Ann Nix to serve on the MCN Citizenship Board. Rep. James Jennings TR Supporting the immediate passage of Oklahoma House Bill Rep. Rufus Scott TR Authorizing between MCN and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services for access to the DHS system. Hicks sponsored the resolution, TR Confirming the nomination of Nolen Robinson Jr. to serve on the MCN Election Board. Rep. Johnnie Greene TR Authorizing the principal chief to execute an updated compact of self-governance and a multiyear funding agreement between MCN and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on behalf of the United States of America. Rep. Joyce Deere sponsored the resolution, TR Authorizing with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the improvement of a roadway within Okmulgee County, Oklahoma by the MCN Tribal Transportation Program. Rep. Del Beaver sponsored the resolution, TR Authorizing between the Nation and the City of Okmulgee for the maintenance of roadway/bridges and associated rights-of-way constructed or improved by TTP. Del Beaver sponsored the resolution, TR Authorizing between MCN, Alabama Quassarte Tribal Town, Kialegee Tribal Town and Thlopthlocco Tribal Town for the method of allocation for the Nation s proportional share of funding for U.S. Housing and Urban Development funds and the Indian Housing Block grant. Randolph TR Authorizing with Twin Hills Public Schools for the maintenance of a walking trail built by TTP. Randolph TR Authorizing the principal chief to execute a temporary operating permit with Jake s Fireworks on behalf of Glenpool Creek Indian Community. Randolph sponsored the resolution, TR Authorizing the principal chief to execute a temporary operating permit on behalf of the Twin Hills Indian Community. Del Beaver sponsored the resolution, which TR Authorizing the adoption of a property management policy and procedure for the MCN Lighthorse Administration. Pete Beaver sponsored the resolution, TR Approving the sale of beer at the Muskogee and Okmulgee Travel Plazas. Hufft sponsored the resolution, NCA Authorizing a $33,000 special appropriation to the Wetumka Creek Indian Community. Rufus Scott sponsored the amendment, which passed15-0. NCA Authorizing a $5,000 donation to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial. Hill which passed 8-7. Reps. Patrick Freeman, Del Beaver, Rufus Scott, Travis Scott, Hicks, Yahola Osborne and Randolph voted against. NCA Appropriating $215,110 to purchase passenger vans for chartered MCN communities. Hicks sponsored the amendment, NCA Authorizing the expenditure of $100,751 awarded from the U.S. Department of Justice Office through the Victims of Crime grant to the MCN Children and Family Services Administration for Child Protective Services. Hicks sponsored the amendment, which NCA Authorizing a $5,000 donation to the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA). Rufus Scott sponsored 14-1 with Yahola-Osborne voting against. NCA Authorizing a $5, donation to Bearden School. Travis Scott sponsored NCA Amending MCN Code Annotated Title 6, Chapter 1 titled, Children. Rufus Scott NCA Authorizing a budget modification in excess of ten percent for the Native Youth Community Project, a grant program housed under the MCN Department of Education and Training. Rufus Scott sponsored NCA Appropriating $30,000 for the eighth annual Spirit of Oklahoma Football Camp. Hill sponsored the amendment, which passed 15-0 NCA Authorizing a $5,000 donation to the Eastern Oklahoma Jump Rope Club. Rufus Scott sponsored the amendment, NCA Authorizing a $3,000 donation to the Hanna Rural Fire Association. Rep. Darrell Proctor sponsored the amendment, which passed 13-2 with Randolph and Yahola-Osborne voting against. NCA Authorizing a $10,000 donation to the American Diabetes Association. Jennings NCA Authorizing a $5,000 donation to Okemah Summer Kids Café. Travis Scott NCA Authorizing a supplemental $31,252 appropriation to the Ag Youth Development Program for costs associated with increased enrollment and student services. Randolph NCA Authorizing the expenditure of $12,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Discretionary Grant and appropriating tribal funds for the tribal match for the purchase and installation of solar-lighted bus shelters. Del Beaver sponsored the amendment, which NCA Appropriating $40,000 to provide financial assistance to Muscogee (Creek) traditional churches for summer church camps. Yahola Osborne NCA Authorizing a $5,000 donation to the United Tribes for Christ Fellowship. Hill which passed 9-5 with Yahola Osborne, Randolph, Freeman, Deere and Hicks voting against. NCA Authorizing an $80,000 appropriation to fund the costs associated with the quarterly Inter-Tribal Council meeting of the Five Civilized Tribes. Pete Beaver sponsored NCA Authorizing a $2,000 donation to a political candidate. Proctor sponsored 9-5 with Rufus Scott, Yahola Osborne, Randolph, Hufft and Hicks voting against. NCA Approving and authorizing the principal chief to execute and file the articles of organization with the MCN Office of the Secretary of the Nation and Commerce to form Fountainhead Creek Golf Course LLC under the MCN Limited Liability Company Act and approving the operating agreement for FCGC. Pete Beaver sponsored the amendment, which passed NCA Repealing MCNCA Title 36, subsection A and B, titled, Tax on Cigarettes. Hill sponsored the amendment, which passed NCA Repealing MCNCA Title 37, subsection 2-901, titled, Comprehensive Annual Budget-Requirements for Inclusion with New Programs. Jennings sponsored the amendment, which passed NCA Amending MCNCA Title 37, subsection 2-215, titled, Mound Building Oversight Committee and Revolving Fund. Del Beaver sponsored NCA Amending MCNCA Title 5, Chapter 2, subchapter 2, titled, Green Corn Ceremonial Assistance. Del Beaver which passed Read explanations of each bill in committee session coverage at: com. Video of the session is available at: Okmulgee, OK Welcomes Guests of the 2018 MCN Festival! Book your rooms now! (918) N Wood Drive Okmulgee, Oklahoma de

4 Page 4 ôsten The Muscogee (Creek) Nation District Court held its annual conference, which provides the 12 hours of continuing legal education credit required by the Oklahoma Bar Association. (Jason Salsman/Multiemedia Producer) District Court hosts annual CLE 16th annual Doing Business in Indian Country seminar held by JASON SALSMAN MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER TULSA, Oklahoma The Muscogee (Creek) Nation District Court held the 16th annual Doing Business in Indian Country continuing legal education conference April at River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa. Continuing legal education consists of professional education for an attorney that takes place after their initial admission to the bar. There are no nationwide rules that exist in the U.S. for CLE requirements. It is instead left up to each individual jurisdiction. According to the Oklahoma Bar Association s website, every active member of the OBA 65 and younger who is practicing law in Oklahoma must complete a minimum of 12 CLE credits. MCN District Court Judge Gregory Bigler explained how the MCN conference is a unique and vital take on the traditional CLE that many attorneys attend. It gives us a chance to discuss and educate about things that someone might need to know to practice within the tribal courts or to represent Indians within the Muscogee Nation area, Bigler Several important and timely topics were discussed at this year s event including ceremonial and traditional law, Indian child welfare and children s mental health in the legal system, as well as a background and update on the Royal v. Murphy case. Jonodev Chaudhuri, former MCN Supreme Court chief justice and current National Indian Gaming Commission chairman, was happy to be at the conference to present on the 30th anniversary of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. I m excited to be here because I m Muscogee (Creek) and this conference has been a leading conference in business in Indian Country for many years, Chaudhuri Both in my official capacity and a very personal level, honored to be here. Chaudhuri talked about the significance of having so many legal professionals in a setting where so much information and knowledge is shared on Indian law. It s important to have practitioners who understand the law, Chaudhuri At our agency (NIGC), we re about sound regulation without inhibiting the entrepreneurial spirit of tribes. Part of understanding the law is understanding the historical context of the law. Very excited to see so many folks with an understanding of the government-to-government relationship between tribes and the federal government and state governments. Bigler echoed those sentiments and talked about how vital a knowledge of specific tribal issues, history and law can be for attorneys who may practice in sovereign tribal courts. While there isn t a need for tribal history or knowledge in every instance, it may only be on occasion, but it certainly shades the way we look at certain actions or perspectives or things that we want to accomplish, Bigler Just as you wouldn t think to practice in federal court without knowing about the Declaration of Independence or the Revolutionary War you can t practice very efficiently without understanding the background of the tribal people themselves. The College of the Muscogee Nation class of 2018 graduation ceremony was held April 20 in the Mvskoke Dome in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. (Liz Gray/Reporter) CMN celebrates tenth graduating class Bible discusses CMN s aim for student success by DEVINEY LUCHSINGER MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST On April 20 the College of the Muscogee Nation s tenth graduating class crossed the stage to accept their diplomas at the Mvskoke Dome in Oklmulgee. Robert Bible CMN President said only 14 percent of Native Americans have a bachelor s degree. He said the college is striving to change that statistic. Every year is a new group and we know some of the challenges we face as Muscogee people sometimes, he It s good to give them that first foundation of success He said many students who graduated this year are also enrolled in four-year colleges and other higher learning programs to further their education. Fountainhead property in Checotah, Oklahoma was placed in trust and is open to development. (MN File Photo) Part of Fountainhead property placed in trust Plans moving forward after crucial step by kevin barnett On April 30, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James Floyd met with officials from the U.S. Department of the Interior to sign documents finalizing the application to place a portion of the property located near the Fountainhead Creek Golf Course, located in Checotah, in trust. The documents have been filed with McIntosh County making the 48 acres as trust property open to commercial and gaming development. This adds to a 14 acre adjoining tract of land already in trust. According to MCN Public Relations, the golf course portion of the property is not in trust. Floyd would not speculate on any future plans moving forward with the site but he said all options were being considered. He went further in acknowledging the large public sentiment to rebuild a resort akin to the original that once stood on the site. He said the local city governments and chambers of commerce (Eufaula and Checotah) have been very supportive of any future development. Floyd also said that Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has also entertained the possibility of transferring the operations of the state park over the Nation. He said that McIntosh County has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state and that any development done by the Nation will bring the possibility of other developers thus improving the local economy. If passed Oklahoma State Question 788 would legalize the use and production of medical marijuana. (Shutterstock Image) Growing green in Indian Country MCN department discusses pros, cons of marijuana cultivation by LIZ GRAY State Question 788 will appear on the June ballot for Oklahoma. If passed, SQ 788 would legalize marijuana for medical purposes in Oklahoma. A state-issued medical marijuana license could be obtained through a board-certified physician s signature. A seven percent tax on marijuana sales would be enacted. Revenue from the tax would finance regulatory costs and any surplus would be distributed to fund education and the Oklahoma State Department of Health for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Licenses would permit possession of up to three ounces of marijuana by an individual and eight ounces in residence. Licenses to sell, grow, package, transport and research the plant would also be available. According to Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Director Carly Hotvedt, there are opportunities and restrictions when considering MCN becoming involved in the production and sale of cannabis. The financial benefits that are associated with marijuana cultivation are definitely lucrative, Hotvedt We would be remiss if we did not look into it further. She said it would be a good opportunity for MCN, referencing the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe and their success in the marijuana business. The tribe s NuWu Cannabis Marketplace website states the facility is the largest medical and recreational marijuana marketplace worldwide. We have property that is very, very conducive and would be good to produce cannabis plants, whether it s hemp or medical marijuana, Hotvedt She said the Nation does not have any plans to begin any sort of production of marijuana because of current MCN Code, but would not be required to change the code if SQ 788 is passed. According to MCN Code Annotated Title 14, marijuana in all forms is considered a Schedule I uniform dangerous substance. There is also federal law to consider. Marijuana is considered a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act which was signed by President Richard Nixon in A memorandum issued by U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Attorneys Director Monty Wilkinson prioritizes marijuana law enforcement in Indian Country. The eight priorities are listed in the memorandum, including in the event when a sovereign nation is seeking to legalize the cultivation or use of marijuana. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has been vocal on his stance against marijuana legalization in the news, though in recent news the Trump administration has backed off efforts to crack down on marijuana in states where it has been legalized. There s still the potential for a federal raid on tribal property, Hotvedt In a press release on April 20, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced his support for decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level, with plans to introduce new legislation in the United States Senate. Hotvedt said the Nation is in a holding pattern when it comes to producing cannabis. Oklahoma SQ 788 will appear on the June 26 Primary Election ballot. Join host, Gary Fife, on Mvskoke Radio every Wednesday at 10:00 AM on 1240 AM KOKL The Brew or 1240thebrew.com!

5 cahkêpen Page 5 The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources donated hay bales to the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. (Liz Gray/Reporter) Muscogee (Creek) Nation departments have a variety of options of youth summer camps. (MN File Photo) MCN supplies CheyenneArapaho with hay MCN offers a variety of youth summer camps Department donates resources to tribes Camps offer everything from mental by LIZ GRAY wellness, recreational fitness to gun safety The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources donated several bales of hay to the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes in western Oklahoma. The donation is in support of the agriculture producers in the area who have experienced loss due to recent wildfires. I thought it would be a good to get in touch with Cheyenne Arap- aho since so much of their jurisdictional boundaries cover that same area, DANR Director Carly Hotvedt She said DANR contacted the emergency management coordinator and ranch manager at CAT to ask if they would be willing to accept the donation of hay. They said definitely there was a need and they would be more than happy to accept anything we would be willing to donate, Hotvedt DANR employees headed to Concho April 20 to deliver the hay. by Jason salsman multimedia producer The dog days of summer are approaching. Kids are out of school and for parents of those not yet old enough for summer jobs, finding activities to keep them busy can be difficult. Thankfully, several Muscogee (Creek) Nation departments have got it covered with a variety of summer camps available in MCN Behavioral Health Services will be hosting Dare to be Great, a series of youth wellness camps covering the seven dimensions of wellness: physical, mental, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental and occupational. The camps will take place at the Wetumka Creek Indian Community May 22-24, Morris Creek Indian Community May 30 Jun 1, Tulsa Creek Indian Community June 5-7, and Eufaula Creek Indian Community July These camps are for ages 8-15 and will only be accepting the first 30 registrants per camp. Drop off each day will be from 8-8:30 a.m. and pick up will be from 5-5:30 p.m. For more info and to register contact: patricia. alexander@creekhealth.org or joe. martel@creekhealth.org. The MCN Diabetes Prevention Program is hosting Mvskokvlke Pride Diabetes Summer Youth Day Camps that will include activities such as a field trip to SKYZONE trampoline park, laser tag, inflatables, archery and other exciting games. The camps will take place in Sapulpa July 10-12, contact Duane Meadows , Okemah July 16-19, contact Duane Meadows, Okmulgee July 17-19, contact William Fixico , Eufaula July 10-12, contact Kimberlee Little , and Koweta July 24-26, contact Taylor Thompson These camps are for ages and only the first 35 registrants will be accepted per camp. Priority will be given to first time campers. The Native Youth Community Project will be hosting Mvskoke Horizons, a free college prep program for school year 10th, 11th or 12th grade students. The program will cover information on financial aid, college applications, admissions essays and more. This will be an overnight camp from July in Okmulgee at a to-be-determined local hotel. Only 50 applicants will be accepted for this camp and the deadline to apply is May 4 at: bit.ly/mvskokehorizons18. For more information on Mvskoke Horizons contact Erin Bunner or Jay Fife at: The MCN Lighthorse Tribal Police Department is hosting the Summer Safety Camp, which will cover topics of drug awareness, first aid, gun safety, prescription drug safety and cultural awareness. The camp will take place at LTPD headquarters in Okmulgee and will be June 3-7 from 8 a.m. 5:30 p.m. daily. This camp will only be accepting the first 40 registrants, with a deadline for applications May 31. For more information or for an application call: The Oklahoma City Thunder Youth Basketball Hustle Camp will make a stop at the Mvskoke Dome in Okmulgee, Oklahoma July 31. (Camp Website) May is recognized as Arthritis Awareness Month. (Shutterstock Image) May observed as Arthritis Awareness Month Symptoms and ways to manage disease by darren delaune reporter Can arthritis affect other areas of the body? What is arthritis? Most people know it as only when their joints are hurting but it is a way to refer to joint pain or disease. While it is very common, it is not understood. One thing to know is that there are over 100 different types of arthritis and conditions related to it. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation issued a press release recognizing the month of May as Arthritis Awareness Month. How many people are affected by arthritis? In the release, it stated there are over 50 million adults and 300,000 children who have some form of arthritis. It is most common in women and occurs more frequently as people get older. According to U.S. Centers for Disease for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015, Oklahoma had over 813,000 people with arthritis. What are the symptoms to arthritis? Symptoms will come and go. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. They include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. When these symptoms occur, it makes things such as walking more difficult to do. Daily activities can be affected because of arthritis and it can also cause permanent joint damage. Is arthritis visible? Some forms of arthritis can be visible. One example is knobby finger joints. However, the damage from arthritis can only be seen through x-ray. Yes. Arthritis can affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys and skin along with joints. What is the common type of arthritis? Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It affects a person when the cartilage, which is the cushioning surface at the end of the bones wears away. Because of that, bone will rub against bone, which causes pain and swelling. Over time, the joints can lose strength. Can osteoarthritis be managed? Yes. Balancing activity with rest can help manage arthritis along with using hot and cold therapies. Regular physical activity when arthritis is not flaring up can help. Strengthening the muscles around the joint can give added support. Also, overthe-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicines can help as well. Overall, osteoarthritis can be prevented by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding injury and repetitive movements. Thunder teams up with MCN for Hustle Camp One-day camp for ages 6 to 14 by JASON SALSMAN MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER OKMULGEE, Oklahoma The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tourism and Recreation Department is teaming up with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City Thunder Youth Basketball will host a summer Hustle Camp at the Mvskoke Dome for one day only, July 31. The camp will include a morning session for ages 6-9 and an afternoon session for ages Each camper will receive a Thunder camp T-shirt, water bottle and basketball. The camp will be conducted to help kids from ages 6-14 grow in the fundamen- tals of the game and engage in hands-on, team-oriented drills. Cost for the camp will be $65 per camper and will include a 10 percent discount for Muscogee (Creek) citizens. All citizens have to do is use the online code MVSKOKE when registering online. Camp registration is online only at: FIND US on 1PM on LOCATED IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN OKMULGEE Are there cures for arthritis or can it be prevented? According to the CDC, there are no cures for most types of arthritis and the disease cannot be prevented. What can be done? If a person thinks they might have arthritis or if they are diagnosed and want to manage it, contact a health care provider in your area. The MCN Department of Health has six clinics throughout the MCN jurisdiction. The gallery sells products designed by Muscogee (Creek) Nation artists S. Grand Avenue Okmulgee, OK REDSTICK GALLERY is owned by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation P.O. B o x O kmulg ee, O K M v skoke M M v skokemedia

6 Page 6 Epâken William McIntosh (L) represents a faction of Mvskoke who were more willing to work with settlers during a pivotal period of European occupation for the tribe while Menawa (R) is a common figurehead of hardline traditionalists. (Sterling Cosper/Manager) Bedrock of the Industrial Revolution, impact on culture New technology, neighbors effects on Mvskoke society by STERLING COSPER MANAGER During the colonial period, the introduction of new tools, weapons and ways of life by settlers in modern North America also brought changes to the indigenous people of the area. These aspects fostered curiosity and new ambition among the existing inhabitants at an economic and cultural cost they did not fully grasp as a collective body at the time. Before occupation, the goods of Mvskoke people were produced and distributed through a system controlled by hereditary chiefly elites according to Households of Hegemony: Early Creek Prestige Goods, Symbolic Capital and Social Power. They also commanded large armies and worked to expand their influence geographically and politically. While this is a generally accepted summary of the pre-contact Mvskoke economy and political structure, University of Georgia Archaeology Professor Dr. Victor Thompson is not fully convinced. In one sense, we as archaeologists have sort of focused in on the platform mounds and things like that as indicators of status and of chiefly authority and it s not that these models are wholly incorrect, I just think there s a lot more to explore there, he Thompson believes the existing model is over-simplified. The thing is though that I don t think you can say that there is one Mississippian economy, he There were economies. While not fully discounting the existing broadly accepted interpretation, Thompson said the motives and factors behind it need further exploration. You had your subsistence economy where households are producing pretty much everything that they need and then they are overproducing a bit for tribute and trade and interaction happens, he But really understanding the mechanisms behind it, we just don t have a handle on it. Tributes and gifts (Photos and Layout by Mark Hill/Graphics Supervisor) It is commonly accepted that tributes and gifts served a variety of purposes depending on the time period and groups who were interacting. According to Households, while the tribal towns that later made up the Creek confederacy largely were autonomous, early accounts by Spanish explorers state that larger more powerful towns held some oversight of smaller ones and extracted a tribute of goods from them. Accounts from the expeditions of Hernando de Soto are considered some of the earliest European records of Creek society. The following expeditions by Juan Pardo were conducted with a large amount of exchange items for his party to make ties with tribes. This was a consistent practice by Mvskoke before and after contact. It was also used as a means for them to form diplomatic relations with other tribes and was heavily adopted by the British as part of their effective strategy that led them to be their preferred trading partners according to Deerskins and Duffles: Creek Indian Trade with Anglo America. Within the Mvskoke hierarchy, gifts were also given by those atop the chain of command to lower chiefs as a means to maintain and establish ties as well as inflict social debts upon them and others that they wished to gain and maintain influence over, according to Households. Firearms are largely considered as one of the most sought after items by the Mvskoke due to their use for military dominance, protection and efficient hunting. Households states chiefs maintained their role as distributors post-contact by being the centralized point for the flow of goods from Europeans to their people. Records indicated they maintained some level of control over the use of firearms to as far as the late 1770s. In exchange, those who used the chiefs guns were expected to pay tribute to them through a share of their deerskins haul. At first, guns served another purpose of power in Mvskoke society due to their lack of reliability. Firearms are valued less for their kind of practical purpose and more symbolic purposes because they were this extraordinarily exotic item and they were also just simply not that functional early on. If you see a 17th century musket, I mean they broke frequently. They were ineffective in damp weather, totally useless when it rained, difficult if not impossible to aim, UG History Department Professor and Head Claudio Saunt This symbolic power is commonly interpreted as a sign of prestige, a sentiment supported by Muscogee (Creek) Nation Historic and Cultural Preservation Department Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Officer Emman Spain. Households interprets this as the converting of economic capital into symbolic capital through the ability to create and maintain influence with resources. This influence faces constant challenges however and requires the constant flow and influence over goods to maintain it with internal and external sources putting pressure on the quantity and quality of these resources. The influence of trade As more settlers got into the trade business, this system became harder for chiefs to maintain with so many opportunities for those lower in the hierarchy to do business directly with the colonists. Households states that those most likely to challenge existing leadership are opportunistic gurus, ambitious youth or disgruntled minorities. This phenomenon could be seen on the European side with colonists rebelling against local governments and the Crown, as well as with young Mvskoke hunters who ignored the traditional process for bringing their haul back to tribal leadership and for proper distribution, cleaning and rituals. They knew that they could get something for a deerskin so they d take the deerskin and leave the deer and that really affected I think our medicine people, our values and everything because we forgot that part. I think that really came into play with ceremonialism of our people, it kind of weakened it, former HCP Cultural Advisor David Proctor The introduction of new economic opportunities for individual Mvskoke citizens led to a breakdown in the communal societal structure that had existed pre-contact. So much for the deer that used to be preserved and taken to the people to eat, you know we just want the skin. That greed set in so the more skin they got, whatever they want they could get and that changed the whole environment and thinking of the tribe, HCP Archives and Records Technician Melissa Harjo-Moffer According to Deerskins and Duffles, white traders caused incidents due to poaching and drinking on tribal land, as well as with citizens leading to violent incidents and deaths, which also caused tensions between the leadership of the colonies and tribes. Colonists unfair and illegal trading practices such as the use of alcohol as a trade commodity or as a free door prize incentive at trading posts, false scales and general competitive animosity, as well as supply and retaliatory raids on settlers by rogue Mvskoke furthered these issues. Many of these problems did not arise until the amount of settlers increased causing an influx in private traders outside of the large companies that had longstanding trade relationships with the tribe. Many Mvskoke, especially private citizens welcomed the competitive market, but it came at a cost towards the stability of Creek society. I feel like a lot of times people think that all of the Creek Nation was like this and everyone did this but there was really, just like any community, people doing things on their own outside of what the cultural rules were, HCP Manager RaeLynn Butler Affective kinship relationships The large companies solidified their trading relationships with tribes through owners marrying the female relatives of Mvskoke leadership. There was quite a few things that, as the trading went on we started to have mixed-blood families. And the mixed-blood families would send their kids off to be educated and they would come back and more or less start working with the people in going a particular direction to work for a trading company, Proctor While this generally led to more stable trading practices, it also came at an internal cultural cost to the Creeks. On the upside, many of the mixed-blood offspring of these arrangements went on to be influential merchants, leaders and diplomats that helped the tribe handle difficult negotiations with Europeans. So you needed to establish what anthropologists call an affective kinship relationship with your trading partner. In other words that person needs to be your friend or your affective brother, Saunt The biggest example of this was Alexander McGillvray, as mentioned in Mvskoke Media s previous overview of the Creek historical economy. He was a great leader and everything but on this backside over here he s saying, well, I got to keep my store open man. He said, I love you Creek people. Let s stay traditional but you guys gotta come to my store; I got a sale going on. To me, not only McGillvray, but other people came into the country who married Creek people, Proctor McGillvray was able to handle many tense situations with the British and American governments and even helped secure arms for a planned uprising against the settlers. However, he also got on the wrong side of several hardline traditionalists for making these deals without full consensus of other tribal leaders, according to Deerskins and Duffels. So he was the son of a Scottish deerskin trader and a Creek woman from the Wind Clan and he lived with the Creeks but he spoke English; he lived in Charleston for a number of years. He could read and write in English and so he grew up with some of these different kinds of values, Saunt These actions and his profession lead to skepticism about his true intentions. Let s keep dancing. Let s keep praying and everything. Let s keep our traditions going, but while you re going over to your stompgrounds, stop by and get saltmeat. Put it on credit, that kind of thing. They had good intentions but to me they quit thinking Creek just like we are today, Proctor Effects on values, traditions Hunting practices were not the only subsistence traditions that changed. Mvskoke were actively encouraged by settlers to pursue private commercial agriculture over communal farms and surpluses. They were pushing more industrial type of work, you know domesticate animals, we were always growing food but to be more industrialized farming and to do things differently, bringing new crops, Butler The active encouragement of acculturation continued with direct efforts against the use of tribal languages and ceremonial practices. It was more foreign religion coming in, which said that the traditional ways were wrong and ended up again kind of dividing our people more and more and even those lower towns ended up just converting to Christianity and no longer having the ceremonial way of life, Butler More passive changes such as the incorporation of more efficient European tools by Mvskoke also led to changes in other areas. It changed gender relations because suddenly things that women were making like a lot of the textile production was now shifted really overseas so they were now buying textiles that were made in England. So it affects gender relations. The importance of pottery production declines because they are now buying these copper and tin kettles from overseas, Saunt Commercial hunting furthered changes in gender roles. Traditionally, women already had significant roles as the anchors in the matrilineal clan system and heads of households, both of which served as micro-governments within the tribal towns, according to Households. Men spent time with traditional stickball games, war, politics, ceremonies, construction and field clearing. But the onset of the skin-trade led them to be away from their towns for longer periods while women picked up more of these functions. Later on, this led to a significant breakdown of the traditional family structure. The clan system caused significant difficulty in securing retribution arrangements for the actions of rogue Mvskoke. Leaders like McGillvray tried to arrange agreeable terms for settling crises between his people and colonial leaders but he had to get the approval of the perpetrators clans and have them impose the sentences for their crimes, according to Deerskins and Duffels. Clan leaders were not always sympathetic to the concerns of Europeans over their own however, and this led to an unprecedented level of pressure and politicking on behalf of McGillvray to comply with traditional ways while also rendering satisfactory justice for colonial complainants. The frustration of the colonists later manifested in American policy that pushed the breakup of communal land use and consensus government that had been a formidable obstacle in their efforts to deal with the tribe. This also occurred through the efforts of enculturated Mvskoke leaders and the feeling of a need for a more unified front by many people of influence within the tribe. Well from my perspective, I think it was extraordinarily resilient and because it was not really centralized and it became more centralized later on, especially into the 19th century, Saunt Theory about the factors at play The tribe did not fully unify through this transition period with some wishing to adapt and assimilate to the settlers and others wishing to hold on to their traditions. The communal way of living gave way to the introduction of the competitive concept of European capitalism. While internal competition and conflict with other tribes always existed, the new element of foreign goods as well as military and political pressure put this in high gear. I m interested in, one of the things I m writing right now about is this concept of cooperation and how people act collectively. And so that s sort of the theme of the Archaeology of Georgia book, it s not just sort of a here s what archaeologists have found but it s an examination of cooperation and acting collectively over time and how these kinds of traditions have deeper roots. And yes, there s the other side of it, which is competition, Thompson Thompson presented a theory he had been mulling over. I think part of that is the way in which groups perceive change and risk and how they deal with that collectively. To some extent there will be competing interests in a group but then there s also some pressure to act collectively and when that happens then that can engender big changes. Exactly how that plays out with the coming of Europeans and the new commodities and world systems that were seemingly disconnected, he He said there is evidence that these competing internal pressures, coupled with external factors may relate to the overt disagreements that later occurred. One of the ethnohistorical accounts there in the 16th century, there are several accounts of people wanting to be politically integrated or actually one group wanting to politically integrate another group and them resisting that because they weren t buying into whatever the big idea was; whether it s being subject to this person s authority and things like that. And particularly on the fringes of those polities, that s where you get that sort of conflict, these areas in between, Thompson Thompson held to his skeptical view on these working ideas. Part of those mechanisms, we don t understand them very well, you know of why certain conflicts develop, he I mean part of it could be due to just different longer-term histories of I m in this group, you re in this group.

7 kôlvpâken Page 7 The Trump administration s lawyers believe that exempting Native Americans from Medicaid work rules would raise constitutional and federal civil rights law concerns. (MN File Photo) Race-based Medicaid policy ignores tribal sovereignty Administration sees tribes as race of people, not sovereign governments by JASON SALSMAN MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER WASHINGTON Indian Country has seen challenges to tribal sovereignty before. But in the case of the Trump administration s latest assertion regarding Medicaid work rules and how they should apply to Native Americans, the thought of tribes as separate sovereign governments may be completely ignored altogether. In a story published April 22 in Politico, the Trump administration contends the tribes are a race rather than separate governments, and exempting them from Medicaid work rules which have been approved in three states and are being sought by at least 10 others would be illegal preferential treatment. According to Politico, the administration s lawyers believe that exempting Native Americans from Medicaid work rules would raise constitutional and federal civil rights law concerns. Health and Human Services administrator Seema Verma backed the assertion with a tweet on April 4 saying, doctors know that helping individuals rise out of poverty can be the best medicine! Arkansas, Kentucky and Indiana all have been allowed to institute work-requirements for Medicaid eligibility and other states are following suit in seeking similar mandates. Requirements would call for participants to work anywhere from 20 to 80 hours a month to continue receiving their health insurance. Jacqueline Pata, the executive director of the National Congress of American Indians, agrees with Trump s lawyers that it raises Constitutional concerns, but not in their interpretation. The new policy on Medicaid work requirements does not honor the duty of the federal government to uphold the government-to-government relationship and recognize the political status enshrined in the Constitution, treaties, federal statutes and other federal laws, Pata said in an article in Indian Country Today. Our political relationship is not based upon race. According to the ICT article, Medicaid and its eligibility expansion due to the Affordable Care Act, have become crucial for Indian Health Service funding. The article states that since the expansion, around 237,000 American Indians and Alaskan Natives in 19 different states have become insured, with Medicaid making up 13 percent of the IHS budget. According to a letter from the Tribal Technical Advisory Group for Medicare and Medicaid, American Indians and Alaska Natives, are among the nation s most vulnerable populations, and rely heavily on the IHS for health care. However, the IHS is currently funded at around 60 percent of need, and average per capita spending for IHS patients is only $3,688. Although analysis clearly shows that more restrictions will lead to less Native Americans with access to health care, most troubling for tribal leaders nationwide may be the stance of the administration that tribal health programs are race-based. Some see this as a clear indication that historical precedence concerning the U.S. and its relationship to tribal Nations may be changing. The United States has a legal responsibility to provide health care to Native Americans, Mary Smith, who was acting head of IHS during the Obama administration and is a member of the Cherokee Nation, told Politico. It s the largest prepaid health system in the world they ve paid through land and massacres and now you re going to take away health care and add a work requirement? With a school of nearly 100 students, Ryal Public Schools, located south of Henryetta, Oklahoma, knows it needs more funding from the state to make improvements for the school, students and community. (Darren DeLaune/Reporter) The Ryal Public School family School hurts from lack of funding, looks to move forward by DARREN DELAUNE HENRYETTA, Oklahoma The Oklahoma teacher walkout ended around mid-april. Were there any improvements? Some legislators would say yes, while some would say no. Some people from around the state disagree that the problem has been solved. With a student enrollment of nearly 100 students, an age three to eighth grade institution located south of Henryetta knows they need more funding for their school. Ryal Public School Superintendent Lynn Maxwell might be one of the few educators that is glad the walkout is over. She said although the $6,000 is a great raise for teachers, it was only going to be for one year and that troubled her. That s just for one year, she In year two that money goes to healthcare and the teacher still has to have that raise by law. She said that would put the funding burden on the school and thinks RPS would go under because of it. I can t afford that, Maxwell She said legislators who are not for education are going to put up a never ending fight for funding. Even if you get a piece of what you need (funding), the next day they (legislators) are chiseling away at it, Maxwell Maxwell said parents have been wonderful to work with in support of the school and the well-being of their child. We want to know how to accommodate their children and to help them enjoy the school, she Maxwell said at the end of the school year, RPS receives some funding from the state to spend on textbooks. Why at the end of the year? she She wants to know why the school could not have the extra money at the beginning of the year because that is when the budget needs to be made for the school year. Each fund has certain guidelines, Maxwell When you buy something you have to know which fund it is going to come out of. Maxwell said she tried to buy resources for her teachers because the material they are working with is outdated. They are no longer available, she She said she will have to buy new books, which are very expensive. Even the funding she receives at the end of the year does not go very far. If they would send us that money at the beginning of the year, it would be so much more helpful, Maxwell Or tell us that we can buy it for next year, but we can t. We have to buy it for this year. The books and material are not the only needs for RPS. Maxwell said there has to be padding in the schoolyard so her students can play. RPS is doing a fundraiser to pay for that. She also said they need to replace the doors and locks for safety reasons. We are looking for funding for the replacements, Maxwell She mentioned RPS has applied for a grant and are waiting for approval to replace the vent-a-hood in the school cafeteria. Maxwell said the school adapts to their circumstances and do what they can until they get the resources. We do a lot of fundraising, she We do our best to make it work. Maxwell said there are more things they are trying to take care of and they are doing what they can to meet those needs. She knows RPS is a small community, but to her and everyone else it is a family. Very much so, she I have been told by parents and everyone else that it is not a school, it is a family. Maxwell said her, the staff and everyone at the school knows it is tough not getting the funding needed for the school. Some have to reach into their own pockets to help out. She also knows teachers from other schools will leave for other states so they can get more funding, a raise and appreciation. She explains why no one at RPS has left. We have some of the best kids here, Maxwell I have said that for many years. We care about them and if Ryal goes under, their whole culture will go under. She said at RPS, if the custodian is out sick, the students volunteer to clean up the school. What kids do that, Maxwell What kids would offer to help with some duties such as collecting the trash? Our kids do. Maxwell said Ryal is her home. She knows she could make more money in another state, but she knows the quality time with her family would be lost if she chose to do that. That is not what we want, she Maxwell is hoping for an alternative education program for high school students at RPS and is currently working to add the program. Muscogee (Creek) Nation Behavioral Health Services provides services for those suffering with mental health issues. (Shutterstock Image) Chief proclaims May as Mental Health Awareness Month Risky Business theme highlights importance of recognizing unhealthy habits, behaviors by LIZ GRAY Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James Floyd released a proclamation declaring the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is essential to everyone s overall health and well-being, Floyd stated in the proclamation. MCN Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Services declared this year s mental health month theme as Risky Business. The purpose is to educate about habits and behaviors that can increase the risk of developing or intensifying mental illnesses. Risky behavior signs include compulsive sex, recreational drug use, obsessive internet use, excessive spending or disordered exercise patterns. BHSAS is encouraging the use of the hashtag #RiskyBusiness as a way for people to vocalize and educate others to help recognize symptoms or possibly help others who may be suffering and need help figuring out if they are showing signs of mental illness. The department stressed the importance of early intervention. It is important to understand early symptoms of mental illnesses, MCN Suicide Prevention Program Project Coordinator Rena Hernandez said in a MCN Department of Health press release. We can help reduce the burden of mental illnesses by identifying symptoms and warning signs early and provide effective treatment. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: TALK (8255). For more information about services contact, BHSAS at:

8 Page 8 Community Calendar 2018 Rentie Bruner Reunion The 2018 Rentie Bruner Reunion will be held June A weenie roast will begin at 6 p.m., June 29 at Middle Creek #1 Church in Lamar. On June 30, a garage sale will begin at 8 a.m., welcome and registration at 10 a.m. and lunch at 11 a.m. Please bring a covered dish and lawn chairs. The event will have games, elder and veteran honors and videos. For more information, call: Native Bible study offered by mail Discovery Bible School is offering a free Bible study by and for Natives called Native New Day. They are sent by mail and those who are interested may contact us at P.O. Box 14208, Tulsa, OK Bingo The Tulsa Creek Indian Community will host a bingo night and food sale beginning at 6 p.m., June 1. It is $12 for 10 games and two specials: $6 half pack additional for each special. For more information, call: Candidate filing The Okmulgee Creek Indian Community is accepting letters of intent to run for OCIC chairperson, secretary or treasurer. Letters are to be mailed to P.O. Box 1695, Okmulgee, OK The candidate-filing deadline is July 27. The election is Sept. 10. In Memoriam Jack Case Funeral services were scheduled for April 26 at First United Methodist Church for Jack Case of Artesia, New Mexico. Case, 91, passed away on April 21 at San Pedro Nursing Facility in Artesia. Pastor Monty Leavell officiated the service with burial to follow at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers were Eddie Guy, Reggie Guy, Graham Guy, Chris Kuykendall, Mike Anderson and Chuck Wagner. Honorary pallbearers were Eric Case and the CVE Board of Directors and employees. Visitation was on April 25 at Terpening and Son Mortuary. Jack was born on August 31, 1926 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma; the son of Willie and Susie Lee (Doyle) Case. On Jan. 21, 1947 he married Doris Moore. They came to Artesia in 1949 from Oklahoma. He was co-owner of I & W Oil Service and a member of First United Methodist Church. Jack was also a member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Lion s Club, Roping Club and the Men s Golf Association. He played baseball for the Chicago Cubs farm team the Seminole Oilers and basketball with an independent team in Oklahoma. He played REA basketball, baseball and softball in Artesia in the 1950s and 1960s. He was known for his Loco Hills Little League teams and umpired Little League after he stopped coaching. Jack was an avid horseman. He served on CVE Board of Director s for 39 years. He loved attending his grandchildren s sporting events and activities. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons Jack Case Jr. and Eric Neal Case; brothers Bill Case, Walt Case and Ted Case; and sister Juliaun Cash. Survivors include his wife Doris Case of Artesia; daughter Debbie Guy and her husband Eddie; brother Wally Case of Lodi, California; grandchildren Eric Case, Dani Kyukendall and husband Chris, Reggie Guy and wife Staci and Graham Guy and wife Kindra; great-grandchildren Jackson Guy, Mollie Guy, Gracen Kuykendall, Daegan Kuykendall, Joleigh Guy and Darla Guy. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Building Fund P.O. Box 1492 Artesia, NM or the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Foundation P.O. Box 580 Okmulgee, OK Arrangements were entrusted to Terpening and Son Mortuary. Please remember Case online at: Cenvpâken May 13 19, 2018 Events Near You Brought to you by Muscogee (Creek) Nation Behavioral Health ( ) Tuesday, May 15 th 6:30PM: Free Showing of Paper Tigers documentary at the Crystal Theater in Okemah and the Roxy Theater in Muskogee Wednesday, May 16 th 7AM 3PM: Prescription Drug Take Back at the Okmulgee County YMCA 4PM 5PM: QPR Suicide Prevention Training at St. John s in Sapulpa Thursday, May 17 th 11AM 1PM: Okmulgee County Resource Luncheon at First Baptist Church in Okmulgee 11AM 2PM: LGBTQI-2 Spirit Native American Cultural and Resource Event and Indian Taco Sale from the Dennis R. Neil Equality Center in Tulsa Friday, May 18 th QPR Suicide Prevention Lunch-n-Learn Trainings in Okmulgee, Wagoner, and Eufaula Saturday, May 19 th 8AM: MCN Health & Wellness Run at the Mvskoke Dome