Muscogee (Creek) Nation postpones resolution opposing Cherokee sovereignty measure
By Staff, Cherokee 411
Okmulgee, Okla.(September 8, 2025 ) - A resolution that would have put the Muscogee (Creek) Nation on record opposing proposed congressional language affecting the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians was postponed indefinitely by a 9-4 vote during the National Council’s Aug. 23 Regular Session.
The measure, MCN Tribal Resolution 25-079, declared opposition to language drafted by U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., that would limit the UKB’s rights within the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Dode Barnett, with Rep. Patrick Freeman Jr. as co-sponsor, and had previously cleared the Business, Finance and Justice Committee by a 3-0 vote on Aug. 14.
“This is about sovereignty, and specifically about standing with the United Keetoowah Band,” Barnett said. She recalled how few allies came to the Muscogee Nation’s defense during its fight over Hickory Ground in Alabama. “I didn’t want Keetoowah to be alone in this battle as well.”
Under Mullin’s draft, only the Cherokee Nation would have jurisdiction within the Cherokee Nation Reservation, and no land could be taken into trust without the Nation’s consent. The UKB argues the language undermines its sovereignty and conflicts with a January 2024 Department of Interior memorandum, which found the UKB has jurisdiction over its trust lands and rights under the Treaty of 1846.
UKB Chief Jeff Wacoche told council members the proposed language was “a blatant attack on our sovereignty.” He warned it would block economic development and deny the tribe access to the courts.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., addressing the Council, defended his tribe’s stance. “What is happening in the Cherokee Nation reservation is an assault on our history, on our treaties, on our reservation, on our very identity,” Hoskin said, adding that Muscogee support for the resolution would strain the friendship between the two tribes.
Some Muscogee council members objected to being placed in the middle of the dispute. Rep. Robert Hufft said the conflict “never should have been brought before the Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council,” warning that any action would be viewed as taking sides. Rep. Sandra Golden, who voted to postpone, said she wanted a more “inclusive” resolution.
The motion to indefinitely table the resolution was supported by nine members, with Barnett, Freeman, Rep. Mark Randolph and Rep. Robyn Whitecloud voting against.
As of press time, Sen. Mullin’s office had not responded to a request for comment.
