MUSCOGEE CREEK NATIONAL COUNCIL INAUGURATION CEREMONY

OKMULGEE - On Saturday, January 2, 2010, the Legislative Branch of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation took oath to become Session Palen-Epohkaken (16)  of the Muscogee Creek National Council.  The Inauguraton was held during a Special Session that was called by the Previous Speaker of the National Council, Thomas Yahola.  The Consitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation states, 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.  

During the inauguration ceremony, Representative Roger Barnett was selected by his colleagues to become the next Speaker of the National Council.  Speaker Barnett is of the Wind Clan and belongs to the Concharty United Methodist Church and Kvncate Tribal Town.  He has one son Eco, and two daughters, Chenoa & April.  Roger has served as National Council Representative in 1998-1999 and served consecutively from 2002 to present. "I want to carry out what has been started as Speaker of the National Council" said Speaker Roger Barnett.  "In this leadership role with the Legislative Branch, I would like to work with each Representative in accomplishing their objectives.  I take it personal when it comes to the concerns of the citizens" spoken by Speaker Barnett.

Representative Samuel Alexander was selected to become the Second Speaker of the National Council during the ceremony.  Second Speaker Alexander is of the Eco (Deer) Clan and was elected to the National Council in 2005, 2007 & 2009 representing the Tulsa District.  Mr. Alexander founded and continues to operate a small CPA firm in Wagoner.

David Hill became the Sergeant at Arms as well during the inauguration.  Mr. Hill is of the Beaver Clan and belongs to New Tulsa/Okfuskee Ceremonial grounds.  He is married to wife Monica and has three daughters ShaRee, ShaLae, and ShaVon, two grandchildren; Blaine (Cepane) and ShaLyn (Hokte).  Mr. Hill has served as a Creek District Representative from 208 to present.

We are currently waiting on another seat to be filled for Tulsa District Seat A with the runoff between Carol McHenry-Williams and Jerry Wilson.  The Special General Election shall be held on Saturday, January 16, 2010.