98-523: The Muscogee Nation , or Muscogee (Creek) Nation , is a federally recognized Native American tribe based in the U.S. state of Oklahoma . The nation descends from the historic Muscogee Confederacy , a large group of indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands . They commonly refer to themselves as Este Mvskokvlke ( pronounced [isti məskóɡəlɡi] ). Historically, they were often referred to by European Americans as one of
196-661: A Zuni , to be acting director. In July 2017, Weahkee was severely chastised during the United States Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies budget hearings by Senator Jon Tester . Weahkee refused to answer repeated direct questions about whether the 2018 IHS budget proposal was adequate to fulfill the Service's remit. In the December 11, 2019 Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing on
294-707: A 2016 study of provider vacancies in the IHS, conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, about half of the clinics studied identified their remote location as a large obstacle for hiring and retaining staff. Issues surrounding isolation, lack of shopping centers, schools, and entertainment also dissuades providers from moving to these areas. Such vacancies lead to cutting of patient services, delays in treatment, and negative effects on employee morale. A 2021 study found that such problems surrounding Native Americans and reservation inequality may be addressed by growing
392-663: A YMCA. In 1961, the building was designated as a National Historic Landmark. By 1979, tribal sovereignty had been fully renewed and the Muscogee adopted a new constitution. The Creek Council House underwent a full restoration in 1989–1992 and reopened as a museum operated by the City of Okmulgee and the Creek Indian Memorial Association. In 2010, the Muscogee Nation purchased the building back from
490-423: A budget in excess of $ 290 million, has more than 4,000 employees, and provides services within their jurisdiction. The tribe has both gaming (casino related) and non-gaming businesses. Non-gaming business ventures include both Muscogee Nation Business Enterprise (MNBE) and Onefire. MNBE and Onefire oversee economic development as well as investigating, planning, organizing and operating business ventures projects for
588-487: A category where they listed anyone with visible African ancestry, regardless of their proportion of Muscogee ancestry; and "Intermarried Whites." The process was so confused that some members of the same families of Freedmen were classified into different groups. The 1906 Five Civilized Tribes Act (April 26, 1906) was passed by the US Congress in anticipation of approving statehood for Oklahoma in 1907. During this time,
686-534: A crowd of nearly 2,000. While doing so, he said that it was important to maintain buildings like the Creek National Capitol, since people were speculating on what they would use the Capitol for now that its legislative use had expired. His words had an impact, considering the building is still standing to this day. Since then, the building has served as a sheriff’s office, Boy Scout meeting room, and
784-740: A cure to hepatitis C in most cases but are costly. Due to their lack in funding and quality of care, the IHS has not been able to effectively combat the Native American HCV issue, unlike the Veterans Affairs system, which was able to eradicate much of the disease through adequate resources from the federal government. The IHS offers three types of scholarships to Native American students pursuing an education in healthcare: Preparatory Scholarship, Pre-Graduate Scholarship, and Health Professions Scholarship. The Health Professions Scholarship commits undergraduate and graduate students to
882-418: A customer-owner seeks care, their primary care doctor's foremost responsibility is to build a strong and lasting relationship with the beneficiary, and customer-owners have various options through which they can give input and participate in decisions about their health. These options include surveys, focus groups, special events and committees. The board is made up entirely of Alaska Natives who helped design
980-409: A direct ancestor listed on the 1906 Dawes Roll by issuance of birth and/or death certificates. The Citizenship Board office is governed by a Citizenship Board consisting of five members. This office provides services to citizens of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma or to potential citizens in giving direction or assisting in the lineage verification process of the Muscogee people. The mission of this office
1078-482: A federally recognized tribe, residence on tax-exempt land, or active participation in tribal affairs. Federally recognized tribes are annually defined by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Non-Indians can also receive care if they are the child of an eligible Indian, the spouse (including same-sex spouses) of an eligible Indian, or a non-Indian woman pregnant with an eligible Indian's child. The exact policy can be found in
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#17327718176611176-468: A full-time service commitment after their professional training. These scholarships help to staff Indian health programs with Native American professionals. The IHS's Indians Into Medicine (INMED) program offers grants to universities to support Native American students in their medical education through mentorship, tutoring, financial aid, and more. It has also been used to support and encourage students before college to take pre-medical courses. In 1954,
1274-659: A greater percentage of graduates from these THCs chose to work in rural and underserved settings compared to the national average. Expansion of Medicaid under the ACA is dependent on whether or not the state authorizes it. If states do not approve expansion, fewer people receive comprehensive coverage and IHS and tribal facilities do not receive the extra sources of funding. The IHS and tribal clinics can direct money toward provider recruitment with better reimbursement for patient services. Opponents of using Medicaid to alleviate health inequalities argue that it takes responsibility away from
1372-710: A large number of its professional employees from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps . This is a non-armed service branch of the uniformed services of the United States . Professional categories of IHS Commissioned corps officers include physicians, physician assistants, nurses, dentists, therapists, pharmacists, engineers, environmental health officers, and dietitians. Many IHS positions are in remote areas as well as its headquarters outside of Rockville, Maryland , and at Phoenix Indian Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona . In 2007, most IHS job openings were on
1470-525: A nationwide hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody testing program for persons born between 1945 and 1965. This resulted in a fourfold increase in the number of patients screened. IHS facilities of the Southwest reported the largest gains in number of patients tested and the percentage of eligible patients that received testing. In 2017, the incidence rate of acute hepatitis C in Native Americans
1568-461: A non-IHS/tribal medical facility, there is the option to request for coverage via the IHS "Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) Program". Due to limited funds from U.S. Congress, referrals through PRC are not guaranteed coverage. Authorization of these payments are determined through several factors, including confirmation of AI/AN tribal affiliation, medical priority, and funding availability. The IHS National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (NPTC)
1666-529: A section of the United States. A 2010 report by Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Chairman Byron Dorgan , D-N.D., found that the Aberdeen Area of the IHS is in a "chronic state of crisis". "Serious management problems and a lack of oversight of this region have adversely affected the access and quality of health care provided to Native Americans in the Aberdeen Area, which serves 18 tribes in
1764-550: A state, which took place in 1907. The government declared that communal land remaining after allotments to existing households was "surplus". It was classified as excess and made available for sale to non-Natives. This resulted in the Muscogee and other tribes losing control over much of their former lands. In the hasty process of registration, the Dawes Commission registered tribal members in three categories: they distinguished among "Creek by Blood" and "Creek Freedmen,"
1862-579: A substantial percentage of its budget. Over the past twenty years, the gap between spending on federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Natives and spending on Medicare beneficiaries has grown eightfold. This inequity has a large impact on service rationing, health disparities and life expectancy, and can lead to preventive services being neglected. Other issues that have been highlighted as challenges to improving health outcomes are social inequities such as poverty and unemployment, cross-cultural communication barriers, and limited access to care. Data from
1960-631: A tribal college 25% of the survey sample responded yes. The nation includes the Muscogee people and descendants of their African-descended slaves who were forced by the US government to relocate from their ancestral homes in the Southeast to Indian Territory in the 1830s, during the Trail of Tears . They signed another treaty with the federal government in 1856. During the American Civil War ,
2058-483: A variety of other health professionals such as nutritionists, registered medical-record administrators, therapists, community health representative aides, child health specialists, and environmental engineers and sanitarians. It is one of two federal agencies mandated to use Indian Preference in hiring. This law requires the agency to give preference to qualified Indian applicants before considering non-Indian candidates for employment, although exceptions apply. IHS draws
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#17327718176612156-659: Is a fundamental unit of sovereign tribal government. As the Department of the Interior explains, "federally recognized tribes are recognized as possessing certain inherent rights of self-government (i.e., tribal sovereignty)...." The constitution grants to the U.S. Congress the right to interact with tribes. More specifically, the Supreme Court of the United States in United States v. Sandoval warned, "it
2254-439: Is approximately 4.5 years less than the general population of the United States (73.7 years versus 78.1 years). Native communities face higher rates of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease. This is contributed to by the lack of public health infrastructure as well as the considerable distance to healthcare facilities for rural residents. In 2013, the IHS experienced funding cuts of $ 800 million, representing
2352-644: Is composed of administrative leaders and clinical professionals, including pharmacists and physicians, who regulate the IHS National Core Formulary (NCF) to reflect current clinical practices and literature. The NCF is reviewed every quarter and revised as needed based on arising health needs within the Native American communities, pharmacoeconomic analyses, recent guidelines, national contracts, and clinician advice. Fibric acid derivatives and niacin extended release were removed from
2450-656: Is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Okmulgee is the capital of the Muscogee Nation and also serves as the seat of government. The Executive branch is led by the Principal Chief, Second Chief, Tribal Administrator, and Secretary of the Nation. The Principal Chief and Second Chief are democratically elected every four years. Citizens cast ballots for both the Principal Chief and Second Chief as they are elected individually. The Principal Chief then chooses staff; some of which must be confirmed by
2548-503: Is headed by a director; As of 27 September 2022 , the current director is Roselyn Tso . Reporting to the director are a chief medical officer (Dr. Loretta Christensen, M.D. as of 2022 ), deputy directors (Field Operations, Intergovernmental Affairs, Management Operations, and Quality Health Care), and Offices for Tribal Self-Governance, Urban Indian Health Programs, and Direct Service and Contracting Tribes. Twelve regional area offices each coordinate infrastructure and programs in
2646-401: Is largely administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). While trying to determine which groups were eligible for federal recognition in the 1970s, government officials became aware of the need for consistent procedures. To illustrate, several federally unrecognized tribes encountered obstacles in bringing land claims ; United States v. Washington (1974) was a court case that affirmed
2744-403: Is not... that Congress may bring a community or body of people within range of this power by arbitrarily calling them an Indian tribe, but only that in respect of distinctly Indian communities the questions whether, to what extent, and for what time they shall be recognized and dealt with as dependent tribes" (at 46). Federal tribal recognition grants to tribes the right to certain benefits, and
2842-623: Is provided by the Indian Health Service, either through IHS-run hospitals and clinics or tribal contracts to provide healthcare services. The passing of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act of 1976 expanded the budget of the IHS to expand health services. The IHS was able to build and renovate medical facilities and focus on the construction of safe drinking water and sanitary disposal facilities. The law also developed programs designed to increase
2940-417: Is responsible for providing direct medical and public health services to members of federally recognized Native American Tribes and Alaska Native people . IHS is the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for American Indian people. The IHS provides health care in 37 states to approximately 2.2 million out of 3.7 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). As of April 2017,
3038-558: Is sponsored by the nation. It educates and encourages tribal members to grow their own traditional foods for health, environmental sustainability, economic development, and sharing of knowledge and community between generations. The Muscogee Nation also operates a Communications Department that produces a twice-monthly newspaper, the Mvskoke News, and a weekly television show, the Native News Today . The tribe operates
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3136-591: Is to verify the lineage of descendants of persons listed on the 1906 Dawes Roll. In doing so, research is involved in the whole aspect of attaining citizenship. The Director of the Citizenship Board is Nathan Wilson. A 2023 Muscogee court ruling found that descendants of black slaves held by Muscogee nation members can be granted citizenship in the nation. The Nation operates its own division of housing and issues vehicle license plates. Their Division of Health contracts with Indian Health Services to maintain
3234-577: Is used by the BIA to publish the list of "Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs". Tribes in the contiguous 48 states and those in Alaska are listed separately. Indian Health Service The Indian Health Service ( IHS ) is an operating division (OPDIV) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). IHS
3332-831: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, states could choose to expand Medicaid benefits. Many Native Americans stood to benefit from this expansion of healthcare coverage. IHS and tribal facilities rely on beneficiaries like Medicaid to help cover the Congressional underfunding of the IHS itself. During the formation of the ACA, tribal leaders pushed for the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and further provisions for AI/NA recipients, which facilitated IHS Medicaid funding. The ACA also authorized funding to support residency training programs in tribal or IHS facilities through teaching health centers (THCs). Such initiatives support provider retention as
3430-562: The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services developed a mandate for tribal consultation regarding policy action in an effort to improve the quality of care for tribes. Another economic proposition to improve healthcare is to surpass consultation status for tribes when it comes to Medicaid policy and make them integral to the final decision making. This would help ensure that Medicaid programs are culturally aware and can treat behavioral medical issues better. Life expectancy for Native Americans
3528-660: The Creek National Capitol is a National Historic Landmark . It now houses the Creek Council House Museum , as more space was needed for the government. During the prosperous final decades of the 19th century, when the tribe had autonomy and minimal interference from the federal government, the Nation built schools, churches, and public houses. At the turn of the century, Congress passed the 1898 Curtis Act , which dismantled tribal governments in another federal government attempt to assimilate
3626-525: The Department of War from the early 19th century until the Office of Indian Affairs came into creation and took over the mission. After the mission again changed departmental authority to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare's Public Health Service in 1955, the IHS was established. The original priorities were stated to be IHS employs approximately 2,650 nurses, 700 physicians, 700 pharmacists, 100 physician assistants and 300 dentists, as well as
3724-593: The Five Civilized Tribes of the American Southeast. The Muscogee Nation is the largest of the federally recognized Muscogee tribes. The Muskogean-speaking Alabama , Koasati, Hitchiti , and Natchez people are also enrolled in this nation. Algonquian -speaking Shawnee and Yuchi (language isolate) are also enrolled in the Muscogee Nation, although historically, the latter two groups were from different language families and cultures than
3822-602: The Muscogee article. List of federally recognized tribes This is a list of federally recognized tribes in the contiguous United States . There are also federally recognized Alaska Native tribes . As of January 8, 2024 , 574 Indian tribes were legally recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) of the United States. Of these, 228 are located in Alaska and 109 are located in California. 346 of
3920-403: The 1950s, the BIA in 1978 published final rules with procedures that groups had to meet to secure federal tribal acknowledgment. There are seven criteria. Four have proven troublesome for most groups to prove: long-standing historical community, outside identification as Indians, political authority, and descent from a historical tribe. Tribes seeking recognition must submit detailed petitions to
4018-475: The 2014 National Emergency Department Inventory survey showed that only 85% of the 34 IHS respondents had continuous physician coverage. Of these 34 sites, only 4 sites utilized telemedicine while a median of just 13% of physicians were board certified in emergency medicine. The majority of IHS emergency department from the survey reported operating at or over capacity. Tribal reservations are often sequestered in unfavorable and isolated locations. According to
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4116-755: The 20th century. The following Muscogee groups have gained federal recognition as tribes: the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town , Kialegee Tribal Town , and Thlopthlocco Tribal Town of Oklahoma; the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana , the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas , and the Poarch Band of Creeks in Alabama. The Muscogee Nation did not reorganize its government and regain federal recognition until 1970. This
4214-552: The 574 federally recognized tribes are located in the contiguous United States. Federally recognized tribes are those Native American tribes recognized by the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs as holding a government-to-government relationship with the US federal government . For Alaska Native tribes, see list of Alaska Native tribal entities . In the United States , the Native American tribe
4312-457: The 574th tribe to gain federal recognition on December 20, 2019. The website USA.gov , the federal government's official web portal, also maintains an updated list of tribal governments . Ancillary information present in former versions of this list but no longer contained in the current listing has been included here in italic print. The Federal Register
4410-690: The 9,000 loyalists who were leaving. After defeating the Confederacy, the Union required new peace treaties with the Five Civilized Tribes, which had allied with that insurrection. The Treaty of 1866 required the Creek to abolish slavery within their territory and to grant tribal citizenship to those Creek Freedmen who chose to stay in the territory; this citizenship was to include voting rights and shares of annuities and land allotments. If
4508-501: The BIA's Office of Federal Acknowledgment. To be formally recognized as an Indian tribe, the US Congress can legislate recognition or a tribe can meet the seven criteria outlined by the Office of Federal Acknowledgment. These seven criteria are summarized as: The federal acknowledgment process can take years, even decades; delays of 12 to 14 years have occurred. The Shinnecock Indian Nation formally petitioned for recognition in 1978 and
4606-814: The City of Okmulgee for $ 3.2 million. It now serves as a museum of tribal history, which is open to the public and exhibits Native American History and culture. In 2004, the Muscogee Nation founded a tribal college in Okmulgee, the College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN), one of only 38 Tribal Colleges in the US. CMN is a two-year institution, offering associate degrees in Tribal Services, Police Science, Gaming, and Native American Studies. It offers Mvskoke language, Native American History, Tribal Government, and Indian Land Issue classes as well. The CMN offers financial aid through FAFSA and offers on-campus housing. For
4704-532: The Council House, was built in 1878 and is located on a landscaped city block in downtown Okmulgee. Exterior walls of the symmetrical Italianate building are constructed of rough-faced sandstone in a coarse ashlar pattern with paired brackets at the cornice. The building measures 100 by 80 feet with two identical entrances on both the north and south elevations. A bracketed porch with a balcony above covers each entrance and 6-over-6, double-hung sash windows line
4802-507: The Creek Freedmen moved out to United States territory, they would be granted United States citizenship, as were other emancipated African Americans. The Muscogee established a new government in 1866 and selected a new capital of Okmulgee . In 1867 they ratified a new constitution to incorporate elements of the new peace treaty, and their own desire for changes. They built their capitol building in 1867 and enlarged it in 1878. Today
4900-612: The Creek Nation Community Hospital and several community clinics, a vocational rehabilitation program, nutrition programs for children and the elderly, and programs dedicated to diabetes, tobacco prevention, and caregivers. The Muscogee Nation operates the Lighthorse Tribal Police Department, with 43 active employees. The tribe has its own program for enforcing child support payments. The Mvskoke Food Sovereignty Initiative
4998-456: The Dawes Commission roll in the category of "Creek by Blood". Persons proving they are descended from persons listed as Creek by blood can become citizens of the Muscogee Nation. The 1893 registry was established to identify citizens of the nation at the time of allotment of communal lands and dissolution of the reservation system and tribal government. The 1979 vote on citizenship excluded descendants of persons recorded only as Creek Freedmen in
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#17327718176615096-494: The Dawes Rolls. This decision has been challenged in court by those descendants, according to the 1866 treaty of " Creek Freedmen ." The Freedmen were listed on the Dawes Rolls. Some descendants can prove by documentation in other registers that they had ancestors with Muscogee blood. The Freedmen had been listed on a separate register, regardless of their proportion of Muscogee ancestry. This classification did not acknowledge
5194-506: The IHS Indian Health Manual (IHM). To apply for benefits through the IHS, individuals can enroll through the patient registration office of their local IHS facility. Individuals should be prepared to show proof of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe. "Direct Care" refers to medical and dental care that American Indians and Alaska Natives receive at an IHS or tribal medical facility. If patients are referred to
5292-648: The IHS and begin self-determination. Poverty and a lack of resources can thus make Self Determination difficult. The IHS receives funding as allocated by the United States Congress and is not an entitlement program, insurance program, or established benefit program. The 2017 United States federal budget includes $ 5.1 billion for the IHS to support and expand the provision of health care services and public health programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The proposed 2018 budget proposes to reduce IHS spending by more than $ 300 million. This covers
5390-519: The IHS consisted of 26 hospitals, 59 health centers , and 32 health stations. Thirty-three urban Indian health projects supplement these facilities with various health and referral services. Several tribes are actively involved in IHS program implementation. Many tribes also operate their health systems independent of IHS. It also provides support to students pursuing medical education to staff Indian health programs. The provision of health services to members of federally recognized tribes grew out of
5488-591: The IHS funds that would have been used for IHS health services and instead manage and use this money for the administration of health services outside of the IHS. The benefits and drawbacks of Tribal Self Determination have been widely debated. Many tribes have successfully implemented elements of health-related Self Determination. An example is the Cherokee Indian Hospital in North Carolina. This community-based hospital, funded in part by
5586-693: The Indian Health Transfer Act included language that recognizing tribal sovereignty and the Act additionally "afforded a degree of tribal self-determination in health policy decision-making." The Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) allows for tribes to request self-determination contracts with the Secretaries of Interior and Health and Human Services. The tribes take over IHS activities and services through an avenue called ‘638 contracts’ through which tribes receive
5684-452: The Muscogee had lost more than 2 million acres (8,100 km) to non-Native settlers and the US government. Later, when Muscogee communities organized and set up governments under the 1936 Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act , some former Muscogee tribal towns reorganized that were in former Indian Territory and the Southeast. Some descendants had remained there and preserved cultural continuity. Others reorganized and gained recognition later in
5782-503: The Muscogee. Other federally recognized Muscogee groups include the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town , Kialegee Tribal Town , and Thlopthlocco Tribal Town of Oklahoma; the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana , the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas , and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama. The Muscogee Nation is headquartered in Okmulgee, Oklahoma , and serves as the seat of tribal government. The Muscogee Nation's Reservation status
5880-472: The Native American people. The related Dawes Allotment Act required the break-up of communal tribal landholdings to allot land to individual households. This was intended to encourage adoption of the European-American style of subsistence farming and property ownership. It also was a means to extinguish Native American land claims and prepare for admitting Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory as
5978-502: The Navajo reservation. 71% of IHS employees are American Indian/Alaska Native. The IHS also hires Native/non-Native American interns, who are referred to as "externs". Participants are paid based on industry standards, according to their experience levels and academic training, but are instead reimbursed for tuition and fees if the externship is used for an academic practical experience requirement. The Snyder Act of 1921 (23 U.S.C. 13)
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#17327718176616076-537: The Nuka System approach when planning their new or revamped health centers and systems. Some tribes are less optimistic about the role of Self Determination in Indian healthcare or may face barriers to success. Tribes have expressed concern that the 638 contracting and compacting could lead to "termination by appropriation", the fear that if tribes take over the responsibility of managing healthcare programs and leave
6174-690: The Principal Chief and confirmation by the National Council. Annually, the Court selects from its members a Chief Justice and Vice-Chief Justice. The Justices are as follows: The Muscogee Nation also has its own Bar Association, referred to as the M(C)N Bar Association. The Board members include President Shelly Harrison, Vice President Clinton A. Wilson, and Secretary/Treasurer Greg Meier. The M(C)N Bar Association has Facebook and Twitter accounts for members to stay connected. In 2023,
6272-630: The Supreme Court Room, on the west side. The capitol served as a meeting place for the legislative branches of the Muscogee Nation until 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. Tribal business in the capitol ended in 1908, when Congress authorized the possession of tribal lands, effectively ceasing tribal sovereignty. From the time of statehood to 1916, the Council House served as the Okmulgee County Courthouse. In 1926, Oklahoma Native Will Rogers visited Okmulgee to entertain
6370-675: The accusations against Weber, promoting him to medical director of the IHS hospital in Pine Ridge, South Dakota after the accusations were made. In January 2021, Elizabeth Fowler of the Comanche Nation, was named as Acting Director. Ms Fowler had been Executive Director of the IHS Oklahoma City Area since 2019. The current director, Roselyn Tso , was nominated to the position by President Joe Biden in May 2022, and
6468-638: The addition of six tribes in Virginia under the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017, signed in January 2018 after the annual list had been published. In July 2018 the United States' Federal Register issued an official list of 573 tribes that are Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs . The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana became
6566-509: The allottees. From 1981 to 2001, the Muscogee had membership rules that allowed applicants to use a variety of documentary sources to establish qualifications for membership. In 1979 the Muscogee Nation Constitutional Convention voted to limit citizenship in the Nation to persons who could prove descent by blood, meaning that members had to be able to document direct descent from an ancestor listed on
6664-453: The chronic underfunding of IHS programs. They do not see any benefit in being handed the responsibility of a "sinking ship" due to the lack of a satisfactory budget for IHS services. Other tribes face various barriers to successful Self Determination. Small tribes lacking in administrative capabilities, geographically isolated tribes with transportation and recruitment issues, and tribes with funding issues may find it much harder to contract with
6762-416: The exterior walls. The hipped roof is crowned with a square wooden cupola, which originally housed bells to call tribal leaders to meetings. The inside of the building is centrally divided by a stair hall, creating an east and west side. The stairs lead to a similarly divided second story. The House of Warriors had a large meeting room on the east side, while the House of Kings had a meeting room, referred to as
6860-407: The federal government with only the job of funding these programs, then the federal government could easily "deny any further responsibility for the tribes, and cut funding". The fear of potential termination has led some tribes to refuse to participate in Self Determination contracting without a clear resolution of this issue. Some tribes also renounce Self Determination and contracting because of
6958-400: The fishing treaty rights of Washington tribes; and other tribes demanded that the U.S. government recognize aboriginal titles . All the above culminated in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 , which legitimized tribal entities by partially restoring Native American self-determination . Following the decisions made by the Indian Claims Commission in
7056-594: The formulary in February 2017, but there were no changes made to the NCF during the May 2017 meeting. The complete National Core Formulary can be found on the IHS website. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey provides national prevalence data for hepatitis C but excludes several high risk populations including federal prisoners, homeless individuals and over one million Native Americans residing on reservations. To address this concern, in 2012 IHS implemented
7154-590: The government to provide comprehensive health services. They argue that underfunding of the IHS would still be persistent and possibly intensify under Medicaid expansion as patients go to private providers. Some tribal members assert that provisions under Medicaid are not what was promised to the Native American people as they are based on expanding affordability via insurance and not on providing comprehensive health services that are fully covered. By relying on services reimbursed by Medicaid, this increases participation in private health services instead of public. Due to
7252-418: The incoming administration to appoint new leadership". In 2009, Indian Health Service pediatrician Stanley Patrick Weber was accused of sexually abusing boys under his care at IHS facilities across a two-decade span. Weber resigned in 2016 and in 2020 was sentenced to five life terms in prison for the crimes. A 2019 report commissioned by IHS found that IHS officials did not properly investigate or follow up on
7350-478: The inherent sovereign authority of the Muscogee Nation, the Nation's citizens ratified the modern Muscogee Nation Constitution on October 6, 1979. The Supreme Court was re-established by Article VII. The Court is vested with exclusive appellate jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters that fall under Muscogee jurisdiction and serves as the final interpretive authority on Muscogee law. The Court consists of seven justices who serve six-year terms after nomination by
7448-486: The legislative branch known as The National Council. The current members of the executive branch are as follows: The legislative branch is the National Council and consists of sixteen members elected to represent the 8 districts within the tribe's jurisdictional area. National Council representatives draft and sponsor the laws and resolutions of the Nation. The eight districts include: Creek, Tulsa, Wagoner, Okfuskee, Muskogee, Okmulgee, McIntosh, and Tukvpvtce (Hughes). Under
7546-535: The nomination of Weahkee as director of the Indian Health Service, Sen. Tester, a former chairman and former vice chairman of the committee, told Weahkee, "I think you're going to get confirmed ... And you should get confirmed." Weahkee was finally confirmed to the post on April 21, 2020, by a voice vote in the Senate. In a letter dated January 11, 2021, Weahkee informed tribal and urban Indian leaders that he had been asked to tender his resignation by January 20, "to allow
7644-669: The number of Native American professionals and improve urban Natives' health care access. Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act of 1976 and Title V of the Indian Health Care Amendment of 1980 have increased the access to healthcare Native Americans living in urban areas receive. The IHS now contracts with urban Indian health organizations in various US cities in order to expand outreach, referral services, and comprehensive healthcare services. The Indian Health Service
7742-406: The official IHS website, and it is recommended for patients to contact their particular IHS facility to confirm services provided since benefits may differ by location. To qualify for health benefits from the IHS, individuals must be of American Indian and/or Alaska Native descent and be a part of an Indian community serviced by IHS. Individuals must be able to provide evidence such as membership in
7840-403: The provision of health benefits to 2.5 million Native Americans and Alaskan Natives for a recent average cost per patient of less than $ 3,000, far less than the average cost of health care nationally ($ 7,700), or for the other major federal health programs Medicaid ($ 6,200) or Medicare ($ 12,000). An integral focus of economic and health policy for Native American healthcare is Medicaid . Under
7938-485: The rural nature of reservations and lack of communication about the system, the enrollment and logistical processes involved in having Medicaid can also pose a barrier to Native Americans signing up, and disrupt members' eligibility status. Some proposed that to avoid these disruptions, the federal money from Medicaid directed to tribe members could be directed straight to the IHS budget, allowing funding to go directly to tribes and giving them say over eligibility. In 2011,
8036-497: The special government-to-government relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes. This relationship, established in 1787, is based on Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution , and has been given form and substance by numerous treaties, laws, Supreme Court decisions, and Executive Orders . Health services for the needs of American Indian and Alaska Natives in the United States were first provided through
8134-414: The spring trimester in 2018, individual student enrollment was 197. A needs assessment survey revealed that a majority of Muscogee citizens were interested in attending the tribal college. Of 386 tribal citizens from the 8 districts, 86% of those were interested in attending college responded that they would attend a tribal college. When asked if they had others in their family who were interested in attending
8232-430: The states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa," according to the report. Between 2015 and 2017, the agency saw five different directors. Rear Admiral Chris Buchanan, a Seminole , served as acting director from January–June 2017. Prior to Buchanan, the office was headed by attorney Mary L. Smith ( Cherokee ). Yvette Roubideaux ( Rosebud Sioux ), was appointed director of IHS by President Obama in 2009; she
8330-700: The system and actively participate in running it effectively. Following the implementation of the Nuka System of Care in Alaska Native health, successes in improved standards of care have been achieved, such as increases in the number of Alaska Natives with a primary care provider, in childhood immunization rates, and customers satisfaction in regard to respect of culture and traditions. In addition, decreases in wait times for appointments, wait lists, emergency department and urgent care visits, and staff turnover have been reported. The North Carolina Cherokee Indian Hospital in 2012 as well as other tribes have implemented
8428-493: The total population of Muscogee citizens reached exactly 100,000 persons, a significant increase from 2019 when the total population was 87,344, of which 65,070 resided in Oklahoma with 11,194 of that number living in the City of Tulsa. The population is essentially evenly split in half by gender, with most citizens being between the ages of 18 and 54 years old. The criteria for Citizenship are to be Creek by Blood and trace back to
8526-481: The tribe related to non-gaming business. Gaming enterprises consist of 9 stand alone casinos ; the largest being River Spirit Casino Resort featuring Margaritaville in Tulsa . The revenue from both gaming and non-gaming business are reinvested to develop new businesses, as well as support the welfare of the tribe. The Muscogee Nation also operates two travel plaza truck stops. The Creek National Capitol, also known as
8624-697: The tribe split into two factions, one allied with the Confederacy and the other, under Opothleyahola , allied with the Union. There were conflicts between pro-Confederate and pro- Union forces in the Indian Territory during the war. The pro-Confederate forces pursued the loyalists who were leaving to take refuge in Kansas. They fought at the Battle of Round Mountain , Battle of Chusto-Talasah , and Battle of Chustenahlah , resulting in 2,000 deaths among
8722-493: The tribe's casino revenues, is guided by four core principles: "The one who helps you from the heart", "A state of peace and balance", "it belongs to you" and "Like family to me" "He, she, they, are like my own family". The hospital is based on the adoption of an Alaska Native model of healthcare called the "Nuka System of Care", a framework that focuses on patient-centered, self-determined health service delivery that heavily relies on Patient participation . The Nuka System of Care
8820-435: The unions and intermarriage that had taken place for years between the ethnic groups. Prior to the change in code, Muscogee Freedmen could use existing registers and the preponderance of evidence to establish qualification for citizenship, and were to be aided by the Citizenship Board. The Muscogee Freedmen have challenged their exclusion from citizenship in legal actions which are pending. Historic Muscogee people are listed in
8918-644: Was affirmed in 2020 by the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Sharp v. Murphy , which held that the allotted Muscogee Nation reservation in Oklahoma has not been disestablished and therefore retains jurisdiction over tribal citizens in Creek , Hughes , Okfuskee , Okmulgee , McIntosh , Muskogee , Tulsa , and Wagoner counties in Oklahoma . The government of the Muscogee Nation
9016-430: Was an era of increasing Native American activism across the country. In 1979 the tribe ratified a new constitution that replaced the 1866 constitution. The pivotal 1976 court case Harjo v. Kleppe helped end US federal paternalism. It ushered in an era of growing self-determination . Using the Dawes Rolls as a basis for determining membership of descendants, the Nation has enrolled more than 58,000 members, descendants of
9114-641: Was confirmed by the United States Senate in September 2022. A network of twelve regional offices oversee clinical operations for individual facilities and funds. As of 2010, the federally operated sites included 28 hospitals and 89 outpatient facilities. The IHS provides a variety of health services in outpatient and inpatient settings, with benefits including pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, immunizations, pediatrics, physical rehabilitation, and optometry. A more extensive list can be found at
9212-566: Was developed by the Southcentral Foundation in 1982, a non-profit healthcare organization that is owned and composed of Alaska Natives. The Nuka System's vision is "A Native community that enjoys physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness". Every Alaska Native in the health system is a "customer-owner" of the system and participates as a self-determined individual who has a say in the decision-making processes and access to an intimate, integrated, long-term care team. When
9310-405: Was higher in comparison to any other racial/ethnic group (1.32 cases per 100,000). Native Americans have the highest rate of hepatitis C related deaths (12.95% in 2015) in comparison to any other racial/ethnic group. Despite this prevalent need, IHS currently does not include any new direct acting anti-retroviral (DAA) hepatitis C medications on its National Core Formulary. New DAA drugs provide
9408-549: Was re-nominated for a second four-year term in 2013 but was not re-confirmed by the Senate. After she stepped down in 2015, she was briefly replaced by Robert McSwain ( Mono ). Roubideaux was also preceded by McSwain, who had served as director for eight months. Trump's nominee for the post, Robert M. Weaver of the Quapaw Tribe , withdrew from consideration after questions arose about his resume. In June 2017, HHS Secretary Alex Azar appointed Rear Admiral Michael D. Weahkee,
9506-624: Was recognized 32 years later in 2010. At a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing, witnesses testified that the process was "broken, long, expensive, burdensome, intrusive, unfair, arbitrary and capricious, less than transparent, unpredictable, and subject to undue political influence and manipulation." The number of tribes increased to 567 in May 2016 with the inclusion of the Pamunkey tribe in Virginia who received their federal recognition in July 2015. The number of tribes increased to 573 with
9604-927: Was the first formal legislative authority allowing health services to be provided to Native Americans. In 1957, the Indian Facilities Act authorized funding for community hospital construction. This authority was expanded in 1959 with the Indian Sanitation and Facilities Act , which also authorized construction and maintenance of sanitation facilities for Native American homes, communities, and lands. ExpectMore.gov lists four rated areas of IHS: federally administered activities (moderately effective), healthcare-facilities construction (effective), resource- and patient-management systems (effective), and sanitation-facilities construction (moderately effective). All federally recognized Native American and Alaska Natives are entitled to health care. This health care
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