Poarch Band casino expansion draws criticism from Muscogee (Creek) Nation

WETUMPKA, Ala. — A proposed casino expansion by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians has come under fire from another tribe over concerns of grave exhumation

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, headquartered in Okmulgee, Okla., is protesting the location of the Alabama tribe’s proposed $246 million expansion project, claiming it desecrates Hickory Ground, the last pre-removal capital of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council. In 2007, the two tribes signed a memorandum of understanding that the grounds, which were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, would be preserved “in perpetuity.”

“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is committed to protecting the burial and ceremonial grounds of our ancestors,” Principal Chief George Tiger said. “We have attempted to convey to the Poarch Band why it is wrong to disturb the peace of our ancestors and burial grounds. However, the Poarch Band does not seem to share our cultural values and respect our traditional ways.”

In a statement released Thursday, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians denied the Oklahoma tribe’s concerns, claiming the proposed site is outside the ceremonial grounds.

"As an Indian nation with close cultural, if not familial ties to the Muscogee Nation, we are disappointed by recent statements that do not accurately reflect Poarch’s efforts to maintain the site and preserve a relationship with the Muscogee Nation,” Robbie McGhee, the tribe’s treasurer and head of the government affairs office, said. “We have honored our agreement to preserve the ceremonial ground, just as we honor the history and cultural significance of our shared heritage."

The expansion project includes plans for a 20-story hotel with 285 rooms, a full-scale casino with more than 2,500 electronic gaming machines, a resort-style pool and space for live entertainment.

The only federally-recognized tribe in Alabama, the 3,000-citizen Poarch Band of Creek Indians also operates casinos in Montgomery, Ala., and Atmore, Ala.