March 13, 2015

Hesci Muscogee (Creek) Citizens!

Since an inflammatory story in a recent media outlet and a National Council meeting earlier this week, I have listened with concern to questions raised by members of our Nation. I weighed thoughtfully the feedback of experts in our constitutional law, and I refrained from acting or communicating in haste.

I learned of the article, which I believe was encouraged by a small group of citizens that includes the previous Chief and those who have publicly announced candidacy for the position to which I am currently entrusted, while I was out of town to receive the American Indian Leadership Award at the National Reservation Economic Summit. The fourth nationally recognized award presented to MuscogeE~ (Creek) Nation during my administration.

I have an extensive and diverse record of serving my fellow citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in both an official capacity as an elected official and personally. I take my responsibility to the Nation with due solemnity, am very proud of contributions my office and staff have achieved while serving the citizens of the Nation. I feel both humbled and blessed to serve in a leadership role in improving the quality of life for all MCN citizens.

I can state categorically that I have acted at all times in accordance with our constitution and the best interests of ALL Creek citizens.

Be reminded, that due to the unique history of Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the citizens of tribal towns are also citizens of the MCN. My long record of service to Muscogee (Creek) citizens thus has necessarily overlapped to include those Creeks who also happen to be dual members of our Nation and of tribal towns.

Moreover, many Creek citizens have suffered disproportionately from economic distress and very high unemployment. Having grown up in similar conditions, I feel a call on my heart and have honored a responsibility throughout my career to do all that I could to alleviate these harsh conditions. As a businessman, a councilman and now as your Chief, I am committed to bringing jobs and economic development to our distressed localities for all Creeks and non-

Creeks alike. Under my administration, more than 800 new jobs have been created and the Permanent Fund is near $300 million, an increase of approximately 30%.

This is why, while still a private citizen in 2009, I embraced an opportunity to serve in a consulting capacity to an initiative that aspired to improve the economic development and potential for jobs. In so doing, I understand now that my services and intentions may be misinterpreted.

In both 2010 and 2011 there was no legislative action taken by the National Council regarding the Kialegee Tribal Town gaming facility. Ultimately they chose a site in Broken Arrow near our premier gaming facility. I opposed approval of the project. As the seated Principal Chief, I acted in the best interests of the MCN and fully upheld my oath of office.

Throughout my time on the council and between my election and oath of office, the business agreement I held with the Kialegee project group was not a secret. I repeat: not a secret. This item was brought to the attention of the council and was met with no objections at the time. This was a business consulting contract. The absence of any action taken by our Nation's attorney general speaks volumes for the lack of constitutional merits of this topic and the resulting story.

Moving forward I encourage citizens, including National Council members, with questions to reach out to my office staff and I will address any remaining inquiries. I have every confidence that this matter will be resolved when cooler heads prevail, all the facts are brought to light and the untruths or misinterpretations are shown to be what they truly are. My staff and I are eager to move past the unproductive political squabbling and focus on the important business of helping our people.

In closing, I want to personally thank many of you for your words of encouragement and prayers for comfort. That is the Mvskoke Way!

MVTO!

George Tiger Principal Chief
_____________

Enclosure:

Fact Sheet

The facts surrounding this topic are

My biggest concern and first response to the inflammatory story in a recent media outlet is to the citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

My business agreement with a Kialegee business client was never a secret. The agreement was brought to the attention of National Council members in 2010 and in 2012 upon being elected Chief, and at both times the National Council did not consider it an issue or concern. It was agreed that it was a private business agreement.

I was not an official member of the National Council, according to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Constitution, until I was sworn into office.

• I took the oath for the office of tribal councilor on January 2, 2010. “The term of office shall begin at the first meeting of the National Council following the first day of January and the oath of office shall be taken at the first meeting,” according to MCN Constitution Article VI Section .3

My consulting business agreement for the Kialegee project terminated when I took the oath of office for National Council member January 2, 2010.

I did not take project fees after that date. Former business associates did provide campaign donations.

The National Council hastily called an emergency meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 the same day that I was out of state receiving the award on behalf of the MCN, our National Council and all our tribal members.

To be clear: two of those calling for my resignation have also announced their intentions to run for principal chief in the 2015 tribal elections.

The council has called for an NCR next week. I have every confidence that the merits of this activity will be proven unsubstantiated.

 

There is a lot of misinformation circulating, including:

Prior to my involvement, the developer was in discussion with other Tribal Towns regarding a possible casino project. At the time the agreement was signed, no site had been identified.

A recent story falsely reported that I testified in court on behalf of Kialegee project supporters. I never testified. I came to the proceedings to observe.

There is a difference between payments for services and campaign contributions. I understand my opponents do not like this distinction, but it is factual.

A recent timeline crafted by the press suggests I was responsible for a veto on inaccurate merits. The veto was based upon timing and absence due to travel and after a vote of the National Council as a whole the veto stood.

A recent media story falsely printed more statements. The story purports that the lender's terms for our Nation's River Spirit Casino forbids opening of another casino in the area. This is 100 percent false per our fully executed loan agreement.

– Editor's note: See related story here