# CLASSIFICATION: #5. CEREMONIAL GROUNDS/CHURCHES > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Amuscogee_creek_nation%3Acf15f62d444d60b0 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text NCA 21-091 CLASSIFICATION: #5. CEREMONIAL GROUNDS/CHURCHES A LAW OF THE MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION REPEALING MCNCA TITLE 5, CHAPTER 2 ENTITLED “FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE,” CREATING NEW LAW IN MCNCA TITLE 5, CHAPTER 2 ENTITLED “FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE” AND AMENDING MCNCA TITLE 37, CHAPTER 2, SUBCHAPTER 1 ENTITLED “REQUIRED ANNUAL BUDGET ITEMS” Be it enacted by the National Council of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation: SECTION ONE. Findings. The National Council finds that: A. Muscogee (Creek) Ceremonial Grounds and Churches hold a special place for the Nation and within the communities. B. It is the Nation’s priority to provide funding to the Ceremonial Grounds and Churches to assist with their needs, as they are the primary sources for spirituality, strength and refuge for Muscogee citizens and families. SECTION TWO. NEW LAW. The following new law shall be codified in Title 5 of the Code of Laws of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation; provided that for purposes of codification of said new law and its inclusion in pocket parts for the Code of Laws of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Attorney General is hereby authorized: (1) to approve any changes related to the manner in which sections, articles, chapters and sub-chapters are designated in this law in order to be consistent with the format in the Code of Laws published in 2010 by West Publishing Company; (2) to include footnoted references to the legislative history in said pocket parts to the Code of Laws; and (3) to note in said pocket parts any editorial correction of minor clerical or grammatical errors in the following new law: TITLE 5. CEREMONIAL GROUNDS/CHURCHES CHAPTER 2. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE § 2-101. Definitions A. “Ceremonial Ground” means the established Muscogee (Creek) Ceremonial Grounds. Page 2 of 15 NCA 21-091 B. “CESO” means the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Contracting and Employment Support Office. C. “Church” means the established Muscogee (Creek) Churches per National Council's list. D. “Church officer’ means deacon, women’s leader or any other officer of the Church Board. E. “LNC Committee” means the Land, Natural Resources & Cultural Preservation Committee. F. “Nation” means the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. G. “RFP” means request for proposal. § 2-102. Eligibility The established Muscogee (Creek) Churches per National Council's official list and the sixteen (16) established Ceremonial Grounds, which are located within the Nation’s reservation, shall be eligible for financial assistance within this Chapter. § 2-103. Ceremonial Ground maintenance assistance | A. Each Ceremonial Ground shall receive Six Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($6,000.00) every four (4) years, beginning with Fiscal Year 2023, for the purchase of tools, equipment and expenses related to the continued safe and healthy environmental maintenance of each respective Ceremonial Ground. B. The Mekko or other authorized person of each Ceremonial ground shall be held accountable for all funds appropriated pursuant to this subsection by submitting to the National Council office receipts within thirty (30) days of expending all funds. If a Ceremonial Ground does not expend the entire appropriation, said Ceremonial Ground shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council in the form of a check. In the event that a the Mekko or other authorized person does not turn in receipts as required, the Ceremonial Ground shall not be eligible to receive Ceremonial Ground maintenance assistance for the next two (2) cycles and the Nation may seek full restitution of any and all funds received. C. Each Ceremonial Ground shall expend funds in accordance with § 2-103.A. In the event that funds are not expended in accordance with the approved assistance, the Ceremonial Ground shall not be eligible to receive Ceremonial Ground maintenance Page 3 of 15 NCA 21-091 assistance for the next two (2) cycles and the Nation may seek full restitution of any and all funds received. D. The appropriation every four (4) years for Ceremonial Ground maintenance assistance shall be established at Ninety-Six Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($96,000.00 § 2-104. Green Corn and Supportive Ceremonial Assistance A. The Mekko or authorized person of each Ceremonial Ground shall complete and submit application for Green Corn and Supportive Ceremonial Assistance for expenses related to its Green Corn and other dances for the season. B. A Ceremonial Ground shall be eligible for assistance in the amount of $10,000.00, which shall be disbursed equally among camps of Ceremonial Ground for the duration of its season by the person(s) authorized by the Ceremonial Ground. C. After completed application is submitted to the National Council office, said application shall be forwarded to the Controller, who shall distribute the funds, and a courtesy copy of said application shall be provided to the Office of Principal Chief. D. The check shall be made out in the name of the Ceremonial Ground. E. Accountability. 1. The Mekko or other authorized person of each Ceremonial Ground shall be held accountable for all funds appropriated pursuant to this subsection by submitting to the National Council office a form with all of the campers’ signatures verifying disbursement of funds. 2. Each Ceremonial Ground shall expend funds in accordance with § 2- 103.A. 3. If a Ceremonial Ground does not expend the entire appropriation, said Ceremonial Ground shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council in the form of a check. 4. Failure to comply with § 2-104.(E) 1-3 shall prohibit a Ceremonial Ground from receiving this assistance for two (2) years and the Nation may seek full restitution of any and all funds received. . F. The annual appropriation for Green Corn and Supportive Ceremonial Assistance shall be established One Hundred Sixty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($160,000.00). § 2-105. Ceremonial Ground land acquisition assistance Page 4 of 15 NCA 21-091 A. Land acquisitions for Ceremonial Grounds shall be funded through the Ceremonial Ground Land Acquisition Assistance after completion of the Property Acquisition Program. B. Upon approval of the Land, Acquisition Assistance by the LNC Committee, a Tribal Resolution authorizing the purchase of land must be enacted before funds will be released. C. After the Tribal Resolution is enacted, a letter shall be forwarded to the Controller, who shall remit payment, and a courtesy copy of said letter shall be provided to the Office of the Principal Chief. D. The annual appropriation for Ceremonial Ground Land Acquisition Assistance shall be established at One Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($150,000.00). ; § 2-106. Church Heating Expense Grant A. Each Church shall complete and submit application signed by the Pastor or Church officer, if there is no Pastor, for the Heating Expenses Grant to the National Council in order to receive financial assistance up to $750.00 for the purchase of propane or $500.00 for natural gas or electric utilities once per fiscal year. B. Upon receiving a complete application and required documentation, the National Council shall forward said application and documentation to the Controller, who shall remit payment, and provide a courtesy copy to the Office of Principal Chief. C. Each Grant recipient shall submit receipts to the National Council, which will be forwarded to Controller. D. The annual appropriation for the Church Heating Expenses Grant shall be established at Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($50,000.00). § 2-107. Summer Church Camp and Mission Trip Grant A. A Church may apply for the Summer Church Camp and Mission Trip Grant to receive assistance up $2,500.00 for expenses related to a summer Church camp or mission trip every year. B. In order to be eligible for assistance for summer Church camps, the Church must submit a completed application signed by the Pastor of the Church or Church Officer if there is no Pastor. Page 5 of 15 NCA 21-091 C. In order to be eligible for assistance for mission trips, the group must consist of five or more members of the same Church and be Muscogee (Creek) citizens and provide the following to the National Council office: 1. A completed application signed by the Pastor of the Church or Church Office, if there is no Pastor; 2. A line-item budget; 3. Copies of citizenship cards or names with roll numbers of members attending mission trip; and 4. Proof of matching funds D Upon approval of the LNC Committee, the Committee shall provide a copy of the approved application to the Controller, who shall remit payment, and provide a courtesy copy to the Office of Principal Chief. E. Accountability. 1. Each grant recipient shall expend funds in accordance with the § 2- 107.A. 2. Each grant recipient shall forward receipts for total amount of funds allocated to the National Council within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the Church camp or mission trip, which will be forwarded to the Office of the Controller. 3. If grant recipient does not expend the entire appropriation, said grant recipient shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council office in the form of a check. 4. Failure to comply with § 2-107(E) 1-3, shall prohibit grant recipient from receiving this grant for a period of one (1) year and may require full restitution of any and all funds received. F. The annual appropriation for the Summer Church Camp and Mission Trip Grant shall be established at Forty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($40,000.00. § 2-108. Church Passenger Van Assistance Grant A. Churches shall be eligible to obtain assistance for transportation through the Passenger Van Assistance Grant by submitting a letter (on Church letterhead, if applicable) requesting said assistance by the Pastor of Church or Church Officer, if there is no Pastor. B. Only Churches that have not received a passenger van from the Nation are eligible for this assistance. Page 6 of 15 NCA 21-091 C. The National Council office shall accept request letters beginning October 1 of each year. Any request letters received after the ten (10) passenger vans have been awarded shall be held for consideration until the next fiscal year. D. The Nation’s Fleet Department shall secure bids for and purchase ten (10) passenger vans each fiscal year and will notify Churches upon arrival of vans. E. The Church shall be responsible for the tag and insurance and must have both before the van is released to Church. F. The annual appropriation for the Passenger Van Assistance Grant shall be established at Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($325,000.00). § 2-109. Ceremonial Ground and Church Grant A. Ceremonial Grounds are eligible for assistance for tables, benches, bathrooms, showers, new camps, construction/renovation projects and installation of/or repair of water wells or water lines, fencing, surveying, plumbing and electrical issues, but not limited to the aforementioned. B. Churches are eligible for assistance for construction/renovation of their churches and fellowship halls, construction of new camp houses, installation of/or repair of water wells or water lines, plumbing, electrical issues, demolishing, fencing, surveying, exterminator costs, piano and ice machine, but not limited to the aforementioned. C. A Ceremonial Ground or Church may apply for one of the following six grant awards: 1. Grant Award 1 is available once per fiscal year beginning October 1 and shall not exceed $5,000. 2. Grant Award 2 shall be in the amount of $5,001 to $10,000. Applicant shall not be eligible to receive a Grant Award for the next two (2) fiscal years. 3. Grant Award 3 shall be in the amount of $10,001 to $20,000. Applicant shall not be eligible to receive a Grant Award for the next four (4) fiscal years. 4. Grant Award 4 shall be in the amount of $20,001 to $30,000. Applicant shall not be eligible to receive a Grant Award for the next six (6) fiscal years. 5. Grant Award 5 shall be in the amount of $30,001 to $40,000. Applicant shall not be eligible to receive a Grant Award for the next eight (8) fiscal years. Page 7 of 15 NCA 21-091 6. Grant Award 6 shall be in the amount of $40,001 to $50,000. Applicant shall not be eligible to receive a Grant Award for the next ten (10) fiscal years. D. The Ceremonial Ground or Church shall submit a complete application signed by the Mekko or authorized person or Pastor or Church Officer if there is no Pastor, to the National Council office. E. If the assistance request is for renovations/construction, plumbing or electrical issues, the application shall be forwarded by email to Tribal Construction Services. 1. Upon review of the application, Tribal Construction Services may visit the Ceremonial Ground or Church site. 2. If applicable, Tribal Construction Services shall submit an RFP to CESO to secure bids for job. 3. If required amount of bids aren’t secured through CESO, the Ceremonial Ground or Church shall provide bid(s) and submit to the National Council office. 4. Upon:completion of the bid process, Tribal Construction Services shall forward all information/documentation to the LNC Committee, which shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. 5. If Tribal Construction Services is unable to provide assistance, said request may be addressed in § 2-109. F. F. If the assistance request involves contractual services not covered under § | 2-109. E., an RFP shall be submitted to CESO to secure bids for job. . 1. If there aren’t enough bids secured, the Ceremonial Ground or Church shall provide bid(s) to the National Council office. 2. Once the required amount of bids are received, the assistance request shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. G. If the assistance request involves only the purchase of items and/or equipment, a quick quote form shall be completed and forwarded to CESO to secure quotes. H. The grant award limitation set forth in § 2-109.C. may be waived in the event that the LNC Committee determines that repairs or renovations to the property of a church or ceremonial ground are necessary due to damage caused by a natural disaster. I. In the event a Ceremonial Ground or Church would like to change the scope of the awarded assistance from its approved application, the Ceremonial Ground or Page 8 of 15 NCA 21-091 Church must revise its application and submit to the LNC Committee for approval before expending any funds. Je The LNC Committee shall provide a copy of the approved application to the Controller, who shall remit payment to the appropriate vendor, Mekko or designee or Pastor or Church Officer, and provide a courtesy copy of the approved application to the Office of the Principal Chief. K. Accountability. 1. Each grant recipient shall expend funds in accordance with the approved grant. 2. Each grant recipient, if applicable, shall submit the following records to the National Council for expenditures of a Grant award within thirty (30) days of completion of the awarded assistance project or purchase of items and/or equipment: invoices or receipts with proof of payment evidenced by cancelled checks or other bank records. All records shall be forwarded to the Office of the Controller. 3. If grant recipient does not expend the entire appropriation, said grant recipient shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council office in the form of a check. 4. Failure to comply with § 2-109(K) 1-3, may require full restitution and shall prohibit grant recipient from receiving this grant for a period of: one (1) year if received the Grant Award 1; two (2) years if received the Grant Award 2; three (3) years if received the Grant Award 3: four (4) years if received the Grant Award 4; five (5) years if received the Grant Award 5; or six (6) years if received the Grant Award 6. “~oo2900® L. Grant recipients awarded assistance under the former Church and Ceremonial Ground Grant, previous law, shall still be required to adhere to the grant award restrictions in § 2-109.C. M. Tribal Construction Services shall oversee all construction/renovation projects that are processed through CESO. Construction/renovation projects done by Ceremonial: Ground or Church members shall be assisted by Tribal Construction Services. N. The annual appropriation for the Ceremonial Ground and Church Grant shall be established at Three Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($365,000.00). Page 9 of 15 NCA 21-091 § 2-110. Ceremonial Ground Camp and Church Camp House Grant A. Muscogee (Creek) citizens who are members of a Ceremonial Ground or Church and have a camp house/camp shall be eligible to apply for a one time grant award up to the amount of Ten Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($10,000.00). B. Financial assistance will be specifically for the renovation/repair of a . structure of the Ceremonial Ground Camp or Church Camp House, which shall include roofs, floors, walls, windows and doors, as well as, any electric, water, heating or air problems. C. Financial assistance will not be provided for appliances (stoves, refrigerators, ice-makers, etc.) and furnishings (tables, chairs, dishes, etc.). D. The citizen shall submit a complete application signed by the Mekko or authorized person or Pastor or Church Officer, if there is no Pastor, to the National Council office. 1. If the member is not going to do the renovation/repair, said application shall be forwarded by email to Tribal Construction Services. a. Upon review of the application, Tribal Construction Services may visit the Ceremonial Ground or Church site. b. Tribal Construction Services shall submit an RFP to CESO to secure bids for job. c. Ifthe required amount of bids aren’t secured for the job, the member shall provide bid(s) and submit to the National Council office. d. Upon completion of the bid process, Tribal Construction Services shall forward all information/documentation to the LNC Committee, which shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. 2. \f the member is going to do the renovation/repair, said member must submit a line item budget and two quotes for supplies/materials with completed application. E. The LNC Committee shall provide a copy of the approved application to the Controller, who shall remit payment to vendor or Mekko or authorized person or Pastor or Church Officer, if there is no Pastor, and provide a courtesy copy of said application to the Office of Principal Chief. F. Muscogee (Creek) citizens who are members of more than one Ceremonial Ground or Church are allowed to use this program only once at the Ground or Church of their choice. G. Accountability. Page 10 of 15 NCA 21-091 1. Each grant recipient shall expend funds in accordance with the approved grant. 2. Each grant recipient, if applicable, shall submit the following records to the National Council within thirty (30) days of completion of renovation/repair: invoices or receipts with proof of payment evidenced by cancelled checks or other bank records. All records shall be forwarded to the Office of the Controller. 3. If grant recipient does not expend the entire appropriation, said grant recipient shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council office in the form of a check. 4. Failure to comply with § 2-110(G) 1-3 may require full restitution of any and all funds received. H. Tribal Construction Services shall oversee all construction/renovation projects that are processed through CESO. Construction/renovation projects done by Ceremonial Ground or Church members shall be assisted by Tribal Construction Services. I. The annual appropriation for the Ceremonial Ground Camp and Church Camp House Grant shall be established at One Hundred Seventy Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($170,000.00). § 2-111. Lawnmower Grant A. Each Ceremonial Ground and Church shall complete an application between October 1 — December 31 and submit it to the National Council in order to receive financial assistance for lawnmowers. B. Ceremonial Grounds and Churches may receive a Lawnmower Grant every five years (this includes purchases, past and future). — C. All lawnmowers shall be purchased through the Nation’s Fleet Department. D. The annual appropriation for the Lawnmower Grant shall be established at Seventy-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($75,000.00). § 2-112. Christmas Assistance A. On October 15 of every year, Ceremonial Grounds and Churches are eligible to apply for Christmas Assistance in the amount of Five Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($500.00) for Christmas candy and gifts or other expenses related to Christmas. Page 11 of 15 NCA 21-091 B. In order to receive assistance Ceremonial Grounds/Churches shall complete an application signed by the Mekko or authorized person/Pastor or Church Officer, if there is no Pastor. Completed applications shall be forwarded to the Office of the Controller, who shall remit payment. C. Accountability. 1. Each Ceremonial Ground/Church shall expend funds in accordance with the § 2-112.A. 2. Each Ceremonial Ground/Church shall submit receipts to the National Council by January 31. The receipts will be forwarded to the Office of the Controller. 3. If a Ceremonial Ground or Church does not expend the entire appropriation, said Ceremonial Ground or Church shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council office in the form of a check. 4. Failure to comply with § 2-112(C) 1-3, shall prohibit a Ceremonial Ground/Church from receiving this grant for a period of one (1) year and may require full restitution of any and all funds received. D. The annual appropriation for Christmas Assistance shall be established at Fifty-Eight Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($58,000.00). § 2-113. Emergency Assistance A. Emergency Assistance may be provided to the Ceremonial Grounds and Churches if they are not eligible for the Ceremonial Ground and Church Grant or Ceremonial Ground Camp and Church Camp House Grant. B. Ceremonial Grounds and Churches may apply for Emergency Assistance for the following: 1. Leaking roofs, health and safety hazards and electrical, HVAC, and plumbing issues; 2. Construction or repair of ramps for handicap accessibility; 3. HVAC’s, lawnmowers and bells if stolen from the Church or Ceremonial Ground; 4. Renovation/construction of Ceremonial Ground camp/Church camp house if damaged by a disaster, for example: a fire, flood, tornado, earthquake or other disasters on a case-by-case basis. a. The renovation/construction of a Ceremonial Ground camp shall not exceed Ten Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($10,000.00). Page 12 of 15 NCA 21-091 b. The renovation/construction of a Church camp house shall not exceed Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($50,000.00). 5. Other as determined by the LNC Committee. C. Documentation must be provided for stolen or damaged items or equipment and disasters, for example: police report, fire report, weather report, emergency management report and photographs of disaster or damaged items or equipment. D. The Ceremonial Ground or Church shall submit the following to the National Council office: 1. A completed application signed by the Mekko or authorized person or Pastor or Church Officer, if there is no Pastor, which will be provided by the National Council; 2. Aline item budget for total cost, if applicable; and 3. No less than two itemized quotes with the same items/materials that shall match the line item budget of total cost, if applicable; D. If the emergency request is related to repairs or construction, the application shall be forwarded by email to Tribal Construction Services. 1. Upon review of the application, Tribal Construction Services may visit the Ceremonial Ground or Church or site. 2. After assessment is completed, if request is deemed an emergency: a. Tribal Construction Services may provide assistance upon approval by the LNC Committee; or b. Tribal Construction Services shall submit an RFP to CESO to secure bids for job. 1. Upon completion of the bid process, Tribal Construction Services shall forward all information/documentation to the LNC Committee, which shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. 4. If the emergency request is time sensitive, Tribal Construction Services may address the situation and utilize funds from its budget without approval of the LNC Committee. 5. Tribal Construction Services shall oversee all jobs regarding construction related emergencies. E. If the emergency request involves contractual services not covered under § 2-113. D., an RFP shall be submitted to CESO to secure bids for job. Page 13 of 15 NCA 21-091 1. If there aren’t enough bids secured, the Ceremonial Ground or Church shall provide bid(s). 2. Once the required amount of bids are received, the emergency request shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. F. If the emergency request involves only the purchase of items and/or equipment, a quick quote form shall be completed and forwarded to CESO to secure quotes. 1. If there aren’t enough quotes secured, the Ceremonial Ground or Church shall provide quote(s). 2. Once the required amount of quotes are received, the emergency request shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. G. Emergency requests that are due to failure to plan, such as stolen HVAC equipment in the winter and request being submitted the following spring or summer, shall not be deemed as an emergency and will not be addressed. H. All purchases and contractual and sub-contractual services for emergency requests shall be in compliance pursuant to MCNCA Title 16, Chapter 9, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Contracting and Employment Support Act. I. The annual appropriation for the Emergency Assistance shall be established at One Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($150,000.00). § 2-114. Contract and Terms and Conditions All renovations and construction projects funded through the programs in this Chapter that involve an outside contractor(s) are required to use the Contract and Terms and Conditions, which shall be provided with application, if applicable. § 2-115. Funding A. Funding for Ceremonial Grounds and/or Churches shall be established at the following per fiscal year beginning Fiscal Year 2022 and annually thereafter: 1. One Hundred Sixty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($160,000.00) for the Green Corn and supportive ceremonial assistance; 2. One Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($150,000.00) for the Ceremonial Ground Land Acquisition Assistance; 3. Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) for the Heating Expense Grant; Page 14 of 15 NCA 21-091 4. Forty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($40,000.00) for the Summer Church Camp and Mission Trip Grant; 5. Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand and No/100 _ Dollars ($325,000.00) for the Church Passenger Van Assistance Grant; 6. Three Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($365,000.00) for the Ceremonial Ground and Church Grant: 7. One Hundred Seventy Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($170,000.00) for the Ceremonial Ground Camp and Church Camp House Grant; 8. Seventy-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($75,000.00) for the Lawnmower grant; 9. Fifty-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($58,000.00) for Christmas Assistance; and 10.One Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($150,000.00) for the Emergency Assistance. B. Funding for the Ceremonial Ground maintenance assistance shall be established at Ninety-Six Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($96,000.00) every four years beginning with Fiscal Year 2023. SECTION THREE. AMENDMENT. MCNCA Title 37 §8§ 2-109 and 2-118 shall be amended to read as follows: § 2-109. Green-Gern Ceremonial_Ground Maintenance Assistance The annual appropriation for the Greea—Cera Ceremonial Ground Maintenance Assistance shall be established by the enactment of NCA 92-082 at sventy-four ninetysix thousand dollars ($2496 ,000.00) beginning with the FY 20023 Comprehensive Annual Budget and annually every four years thereafter. § 2-118. Comprehensive Financial Assistance Grant-Pregram for Ghurehes—and Ceremonial Grounds and Churches The Principal Chief is—hereby—autherizedto—place appropriation for Financial Assistance for established Ceremonial Grounds and Churches shall be established at one million, five hundred forty-three dollars ($4+,000.000-00)($1,543,000.00) in-the Greek_Nation’s-beginning with the FY 200822 Comprehensive Annual Budget, and annually eee fe nance the” Comprehensive “AssistanceGrantProgramfor 3 . Any unexpended funds at the end of each F iscal Year shall be returned to the Tribal Treasury. SECTION FOUR. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall become effective October 1, 2021 upon proper approval and execution in accordance with the requirements of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Constitution. Page 15 of 15 NCA 21-091 ENACTED by the Muscogee (Creek) National Council on this 28 day of August, 2021. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Speaker of the Muscogee (Creek) National Council has hereto attached his signature. VK, Af Randall Hicks, Speaker National Council Muscogee (Creek) Nation CERTIFICATION I, the undersigned, certify that the foregoing is a true extract from the minutes of the Muscogee (Creek) National Council comprised of Sixteen members with Fourteen members attending this meeting on the 28" day of August 2021 and that the above is in conformity with the provisions therein adopted by a vote of 13 in favor, 0 against and that said Law has not been rescinded or amended in any way and the above is the signature of the Speaker of the National Council. NVicror Strobe Alicia Stroble, Recording Secretary Muscogee (Creek) National Council APPROVAL |, the Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, hereby affix my signature on this f, day of 5 , 2021 to the above Law, NCA 21-091 authorizing it to become a Law under Article VI., Section VI., of the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. One LA) Wi) David W. Hill, Principal Chief Muscogee (Creek) Nation NCA 21-091 CLASSIFICATION: #5. CEREMONIAL GROUNDS/CHURCHES A LAW OF THE MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION REPEALING MCNCA TITLE 5, CHAPTER 2 ENTITLED “FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE,” CREATING NEW LAW IN MCNCA TITLE 5, CHAPTER 2 ENTITLED “FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE” AND AMENDING MCNCA TITLE 37, CHAPTER 2, SUBCHAPTER 1 ENTITLED “REQUIRED ANNUAL BUDGET ITEMS” Be it enacted by the National Council of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation: SECTION ONE. Findings. The National Council finds that: A. Muscogee (Creek) Ceremonial Grounds and Churches hold a special place for the Nation and within the communities. B. It is the Nation’s priority to provide funding to the Ceremonial Grounds and Churches to assist with their needs, as they are the primary sources for Spirituality, strength and refuge for Muscogee citizens and families. SECTION TWO. NEW LAW. The following new law shall be codified in Title 5 of the Code of Laws of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation; provided that for purposes of codification of said new law and its inclusion in pocket parts for the Code of Laws of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Attorney General is hereby authorized: (1) to approve any changes related to the manner in which sections, articles, chapters and sub-chapters are designated in this law in order to be consistent with the format in the Code of Laws published in 2010 by West Publishing Company; (2) to include footnoted references to the legislative history in said pocket parts to the Code of Laws; and (3) to note in said pocket parts any editorial correction of minor clerical or grammatical errors in the following new law: TITLE 5. CEREMONIAL GROUNDS/CHURCHES CHAPTER 2. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE § 2-101. Definitions A. “Ceremonial Ground” means the established Muscogee (Creek) Ceremonial Grounds. Page 2 of 15 NCA 21-091 B. “CESO” means the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Contracting and Employment Support Office. C. “Church” means the established Muscogee (Creek) Churches per National Council's list. D. “Church officer” means deacon, women’s leader or any other officer of the Church Board. E. “LNC Committee” means the Land, Natural Resources & Cultural Preservation Committee. F. “Nation” means the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. G. “RFP” means request for proposal. § 2-102. Eligibility The established Muscogee (Creek) Churches per National Council’s official list and the sixteen (16) established Ceremonial Grounds, which are located within the Nation’s reservation, shall be eligible for financial assistance within this Chapter. § 2-103. Ceremonial Ground maintenance assistance A. Each Ceremonial Ground shall receive Six Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($6,000.00) every four (4) years, beginning with Fiscal Year 2023, for the purchase of tools, equipment and expenses related to the continued safe and healthy environmental maintenance of each respective Ceremonial Ground. B. The Mekko or other authorized person of each Ceremonial ground shall be held accountable for all funds appropriated pursuant to this subsection by submitting to the National Council office receipts within thirty (30) days of expending all funds. If a Ceremonial Ground does not expend the entire appropriation, said Ceremonial Ground shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council in the form of a check. In the event that a the Mekko or other authorized person does not turn in receipts as required, the Ceremonial Ground shall not be eligible to receive Ceremonial Ground maintenance assistance for the next two (2) cycles and the Nation may seek full restitution of any and all funds received. C. Each Ceremonial Ground shall expend funds in accordance with § 2-103.A. In the event that funds are not expended in accordance with the approved assistance, the Ceremonial Ground shall not be eligible to receive Ceremonial Ground maintenance Page 3 of 15 NCA 21-091 assistance for the next two (2) cycles and the Nation may seek full restitution of any and all funds received. D. The appropriation every four (4) years for Ceremonial Ground maintenance assistance shall be established at Ninety-Six Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($96,000.00 § 2-104. Green Corn and Supportive Ceremonial Assistance A. The Mekko or authorized person of each Ceremonial Ground shall complete and submit application for Green Corn and Supportive Ceremonial Assistance for expenses related to its Green Corn and other dances for the season. B. A Ceremonial Ground shall be eligible for assistance in the amount of $10,000.00, which shall be disbursed equally among camps of Ceremonial Ground for the duration of its season by the person(s) authorized by the Ceremonial Ground. C. After completed application is submitted to the National Council office, said application shall be forwarded to the Controller, who shall distribute the funds, and a courtesy copy of said application shall be provided to the Office of Principal Chief. D. The check shall be made out in the name of the Ceremonial Ground. E. Accountability. 1. The Mekko or other authorized person of each Ceremonial Ground shall be held accountable for all funds appropriated pursuant to this subsection by submitting to the National Council office a form with all of the campers’ signatures verifying disbursement of funds. 2. Each Ceremonial Ground shall expend funds in accordance with § 2- 103.A. 3. If a Ceremonial Ground does not expend the entire appropriation, said Ceremonial Ground shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council in the form of a check. 4. Failure to comply with § 2-104.(E) 1-3 shall prohibit a Ceremonial Ground from receiving this assistance for two (2) years and the Nation may seek full restitution of any and all funds received. F, The annual appropriation for Green Corn and Supportive Ceremonial Assistance shall be established One Hundred Sixty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($160,000.00). § 2-105. Ceremonial Ground land acquisition assistance Page 4 of 15 NCA 21-091 A. Land acquisitions for Ceremonial Grounds shall be funded through the Ceremonial Ground Land Acquisition Assistance after completion of the Property Acquisition Program. B. Upon approval of the Land, Acquisition Assistance by the LNC Committee, a Tribal Resolution authorizing the purchase of land must be enacted before funds will be released. C. After the Tribal Resolution is enacted, a letter shall be forwarded to the Controller, who shall remit payment, and a courtesy copy of said letter shall be provided to the Office of the Principal Chief. D. The annual appropriation for Ceremonial Ground Land Acquisition Assistance shall be established at One Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($150,000.00). § 2-106. Church Heating Expense Grant A. Each Church shall complete and submit application signed by the Pastor or Church officer, if there is no Pastor, for the Heating Expenses Grant to the National Council inorder to receive financial assistance up to $750.00 for the purchase of propane or $500.00 for natural gas or electric utilities once per fiscal year. B. Upon receiving a complete application and required documentation, the National Council shall forward said application and documentation to the Controller, who shall remit payment, and provide a courtesy copy to the Office of Principal Chief. C. Each Grant recipient shall submit receipts to the National Council, which will be forwarded to Controller. D. The annual appropriation for the Church Heating Expenses Grant shall be established at Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($50,000.00). § 2-107. Summer Church Camp and Mission Trip Grant A. A Church may apply for the Summer Church Camp and Mission Trip Grant to receive assistance up $2,500.00 for expenses related to a summer Church camp or mission trip every year. B. In order to be eligible for assistance for summer Church camps, the Church must submit a completed application signed by the Pastor of the Church or Church Officer if there is no Pastor. Page 5 of 15 NCA 21-091 C. In order to be eligible for assistance for mission trips, the group must consist of five or more members of the same Church and be Muscogee (Creek) citizens and provide the following to the National Council office: 1. A completed application signed by the Pastor of the Church or Church Office, if there is no Pastor; 2. A line-item budget; 3. Copies of citizenship cards or names with roll numbers of members attending mission trip; and 4. Proof of matching funds D Upon approval of the LNC Committee, the Committee shall provide a copy of the approved application to the Controller, who shall remit payment, and provide a courtesy copy to the Office of Principal Chief. E. Accountability. 1. Each grant recipient shall expend funds in accordance with the § 2- 107.A. 2. Each grant recipient shall forward receipts for total amount of funds allocated to the National Council within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the Church camp or mission trip, which will be forwarded to the Office of the Controller. 3. If grant recipient does not expend the entire appropriation, said grant recipient shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council office in the form of a check. 4. Failure to comply with § 2-107(E) 1-3, shall prohibit grant recipient from receiving this grant for a period of one (1) year and may require full restitution of any and all funds received. F. The annual appropriation for the Summer Church Camp and Mission Trip Grant shall be established at Forty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($40,000.00. § 2-108. Church Passenger Van Assistance Grant A. Churches shall be eligible to obtain assistance for transportation through the Passenger Van Assistance Grant by submitting a letter (on Church letterhead, if applicable) requesting said assistance by the Pastor of Church or Church Officer, if there is no Pastor. B. Only Churches that have not received a passenger van from the Nation are eligible for this assistance. Page 6 of 15 NCA 21-091 C. The National Council office shall accept request letters beginning October 1 of each year. Any request letters received after the ten (1 0) passenger vans have been awarded shall be held for consideration until the next fiscal year. D. The Nation’s Fleet Department shall secure bids for and purchase ten (10) passenger vans each fiscal year and will notify Churches upon arrival of vans. E. The Church shall be responsible for the tag and insurance and must have both before the van is released to Church. F. The annual appropriation for the Passenger Van Assistance Grant shall be established at Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($325,000.00). § 2-109. Ceremonial Ground and Church Grant A. Ceremonial Grounds are eligible for assistance for tables, benches, bathrooms, showers, new camps, construction/renovation projects and installation of/or repair of water wells or water lines, fencing, surveying, plumbing and electrical issues, but not limited to the aforementioned. B. Churches are eligible for assistance for construction/renovation of their churches and fellowship halls, construction of new camp houses, installation of/or repair of water wells or water lines, plumbing, electrical issues, demolishing, fencing, surveying, exterminator costs, piano and ice machine, but not limited to the aforementioned. C. A Ceremonial Ground or Church may apply for one of the following six grant awards: 1. Grant Award 1 is available once per fiscal year beginning October 1 and shail not exceed $5,000. 2. Grant Award 2 shall be in the amount of $5,001 to $10,000. Applicant shall not be eligible to receive a Grant Award for the next two (2) fiscal years. 3. Grant Award 3 shall be in the amount of $10,001 to $20,000. Applicant shall not be eligible to receive a Grant Award for the next four (4) fiscal years. 4. Grant Award 4 shall be in the amount of $20,001 to $30,000. Applicant shall not be eligible to receive a Grant Award for the next six (6) fiscal years. 5. Grant Award 5 shall be in the amount of $30,001 to $40,000. Applicant shall not be eligible to receive a Grant Award for the next eight (8) fiscal years. Page 7 of 15 NCA 21-091 6. Grant Award 6 shall be in the amount of $40,001 to $50,000. Applicant shall not be eligible to receive a Grant Award for the next ten (10) fiscal years. D. The Ceremonial Ground or Church shall submit a complete application signed by the Mekko or authorized person or Pastor or Church Officer if there is no Pastor, to the National Council office. E. If the assistance request is for renovations/construction, plumbing or electrical issues, the application shall be forwarded by email to Tribal Construction Services. 1. Upon review of the application, Tribal Construction Services may visit the Ceremonial Ground or Church site. 2. If applicable, Tribal Construction Services shall submit an RFP to CESO to secure bids for job. 3. If required amount of bids aren’t secured through CESO, the Ceremonial Ground or Church shall provide bid(s) and submit to the National Council office. 4. Upon completion of the bid process, Tribal Construction Services shall forward all information/documentation to the LNC Committee, which shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. 5. If Tribal Construction Services is unable to provide assistance, said request may be addressed in § 2-109. F. F. If the assistance request involves contractual services not covered under § 2-109. E., an RFP shall be submitted to CESO to secure bids for job. 1. If there aren’t enough bids secured, the Ceremonial Ground or Church shall provide bid(s) to the National Council office. 2. Once the required amount of bids are received, the assistance request shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. G. If the assistance request involves only the purchase of items and/or equipment, a quick quote form shall be completed and forwarded to CESO to secure quotes. H. The grant award limitation set forth in § 2-109.C. may be waived in the event that the LNC Committee determines that repairs or renovations to the property of a church or ceremonial ground are necessary due to damage caused by a natural disaster. I. In the event a Ceremonial Ground or Church would like to change the scope of the awarded assistance from its approved application, the Ceremonial Ground or Page 8 of 15 NCA 21-091 Church must revise its application and submit to the LNC Committee for approval before expending any funds. J. The LNC Committee shall provide a copy of the approved application to the Controller, who shall remit payment to the appropriate vendor, Mekko or designee or Pastor or Church Officer, and provide a courtesy copy of the approved application to the Office of the Principal Chief. K. Accountability. 1. Each grant recipient shall expend funds in accordance with the approved grant. 2. Each grant recipient, if applicable, shall submit the following records to the National Council for expenditures of a Grant award within thirty (30) days of completion of the awarded assistance project or purchase of items and/or equipment: invoices or receipts with proof of payment evidenced by cancelled checks or other bank records. All records shall be forwarded to the Office of the Controller. 3. If grant recipient does not expend the entire appropriation, said grant recipient shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council office in the form of a check. 4. Failure to comply with § 2-109(K) 1-3, may require full restitution and shall prohibit grant recipient from receiving this grant for a period of: one (1) year if received the Grant Award 1; two (2) years if received the Grant Award 2; three (3) years if received the Grant Award 3; four (4) years if received the Grant Award 4; five (5) years if received the Grant Award 5; or six (6) years if received the Grant Award 6. >~P9 200m L. Grant recipients awarded assistance under the former Church and Ceremonial Ground Grant, previous law, shall still be required to adhere to the grant award restrictions in § 2-109.C. M. Tribal Construction Services shall oversee all construction/renovation projects that are processed through CESO. Construction/renovation projects done. by Ceremonial Ground or Church members shall be assisted by Tribal Construction Services. N. The annual appropriation for the Ceremonial Ground and Church Grant shall be established at Three Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($365,000.00). Page 9 of 15 NCA 21-091 § 2-110. Ceremonial Ground Camp and Church Camp House Grant A. Muscogee (Creek) citizens who are members of a Ceremonial Ground or Church and have a camp house/camp shall be eligible to apply for a one time grant award up to the amount of Ten Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($10,000.00). B. Financial assistance will be specifically for the renovation/repair of a structure of the Ceremonial Ground Camp or Church Camp House, which shall include roofs, floors, walls, windows and doors, as well as, any electric, water, heating or air problems. C. Financial assistance will not be provided for appliances (stoves, refrigerators, ice-makers, etc.) and furnishings (tables, chairs, dishes, etc.). D. The citizen shall submit a complete application signed by the Mekko or authorized person or Pastor or Church Officer, if there is no Pastor, to the National Council Office. 1. If the member is not going to do the renovation/repair, said application shall be forwarded by email to Tribal Construction Services. a. Upon review of the application, Tribal Construction Services may visit the Ceremonial Ground or Church site. b. Tribal Construction Services shall submit an RFP to CESO to secure bids for job. c. Ifthe required amount of bids aren’t secured for the job, the member shall provide bid(s) and submit to the National Council office. d. Upon completion of the bid process, Tribal Construction Services shall forward all information/documentation to the LNC Committee, which shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. 2. If the member is going to do the renovation/repair, said member must submit a line item budget and two quotes for supplies/materials with completed application. E. The LNC Committee shall provide a copy of the approved application to the Controller, who shall remit payment to vendor or Mekko or authorized person or Pastor or Church Officer, if there is no Pastor, and provide a courtesy copy of said application to the Office of Principal Chief. F. Muscogee (Creek) citizens who are members of more than one Ceremonial Ground or Church are allowed to use this program only once at the Ground or Church of their choice. G. Accountability. Page 10 of 15 NCA 21-091 1. Each grant recipient shall expend funds in accordance with the approved grant. 2. Each grant recipient, if applicable, shall submit the following records to the National Council within thirty (30) days of completion of renovation/repair: invoices or receipts with proof of payment evidenced by cancelled checks or other bank records. All records shall be forwarded to the Office of the Controller. 3. If grant recipient does not expend the entire appropriation, said grant recipient shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council office in the form of a check. 4. Failure to comply with § 2-110(G) 1-3 may require full restitution of any and all funds received. H. Tribal Construction Services shall oversee all construction/renovation projects that are processed through CESO. Construction/renovation projects done by Ceremonial Ground or Church members shall be assisted by Tribal Construction Services. I. The annual appropriation for the Ceremonial Ground Camp and Church Camp House Grant shall be established at One Hundred Seventy Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($170,000.00). § 2-111. Lawnmower Grant A. Each Ceremonial Ground and Church shall complete an application between October 1 ~ December 31 and submit it to the National Council in order to receive financial assistance for lawnmowers. B. Ceremonial Grounds and Churches may receive a Lawnmower Grant every five years (this includes purchases, past and future). C. All lawnmowers shall be purchased through the Nation’s Fleet Department. D. The annual appropriation for the Lawnmower Grant shall be established at Seventy-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($75,000.00). § 2-112. Christmas Assistance A. On October 15 of every year, Ceremonial Grounds and Churches are eligible to apply for Christmas Assistance in the amount of Five Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($500.00) for Christmas candy and gifts or other expenses related to Christmas. Page 11 of 15 NCA 21-091 B. In order to receive assistance Ceremonial Grounds/Churches shall complete an application signed by the Mekko or authorized person/Pastor or Church Officer, if there is no Pastor. Completed applications shall be forwarded to the Office of the Controller, who shall remit payment. C. Accountability. 1. Each Ceremonial Ground/Church shall expend funds in accordance with the § 2-112.A. 2. Each Ceremonial Ground/Church shall submit receipts to the National Council by January 31. The receipts will be forwarded to the Office of the Controller. 3. If a Ceremonial Ground or Church does not expend the entire appropriation, said Ceremonial Ground or Church shall be required to return the remaining funds to the National Council office in the form of a check. 4. Failure to comply with § 2-112(C) 1-3, shall prohibit a Ceremonial Ground/Church from receiving this grant for a period of one (1) year and may require full restitution of any and all funds received. D. The annual appropriation for Christmas Assistance shall be established at Fifty-Eight Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($58,000.00). § 2-113. Emergency Assistance A. Emergency Assistance may be provided to the Ceremonial Grounds and Churches if they are not eligible for the Ceremonial Ground and Church Grant or Ceremonial Ground Camp and Church Camp House Grant. B. Ceremonial Grounds and Churches may apply for Emergency Assistance for the following: 1. Leaking roofs, health and safety hazards and electrical, HVAC, and plumbing issues; 2. Construction or repair of ramps for handicap accessibility; 3 HVAC’s, lawnmowers and bells if stolen from the Church or Ceremonial Ground; 4. Renovation/construction of Ceremonial Ground camp/Church camp house if damaged by a disaster, for example: a fire, flood, tornado, earthquake or other disasters on a case-by-case basis. a. The renovation/construction of a Ceremonial Ground camp shall not exceed Ten Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($10,000.00). Page 12 of 15 NCA 21-091 b. The renovation/construction of a Church camp house shall not exceed Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($50,000.00). 5. Other as determined by the LNC Committee. C. Documentation must be provided for stolen or damaged items or equipment and disasters, for example: police report, fire report, weather report, emergency management report and photographs of disaster or damaged items or equipment. D. The Ceremonial Ground or Church shall submit the following to the National Council office: 1. A completed application signed by the Mekko or authorized person or Pastor or Church Officer, if there is no Pastor, which will be provided by the National Council; 2. Aline item budget for total cost, if applicable; and 3. No less than two itemized quotes with the same items/materials that shall match the line item budget of total cost, if applicable; D. If the emergency request is related to repairs or construction, the application shall be forwarded by email to Tribal Construction Services. 1. Upon review of the application, Tribal Construction Services may visit the Ceremonial Ground or Church or site. 2. After assessment is completed, if request is deemed an emergency: a. Tribal Construction Services may provide assistance upon approval by the LNC Committee; or b. Tribal Construction Services shall submit an RFP to CESO to secure bids for job. 1. Upon completion of the bid process, Tribal Construction Services shall forward all information/documentation to the LNC Committee, which shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. 4. If the emergency request is time sensitive, Tribal Construction Services may address the situation and utilize funds from its budget without approval of the LNC Committee. 5. Tribal Construction Services shall oversee all jobs regarding construction related emergencies. E. If the emergency request involves contractual services not covered under § 2-113. D., an RFP shall be submitted to CESO to secure bids for job. Page 13 of 15 NCA 21-091 1. If there aren’t enough bids secured, the Ceremonial Ground or Church shall provide bid(s). 2. Once the required amount of bids are received, the emergency request shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. F. If the emergency request involves only the purchase of items and/or equipment, a quick quote form shall be completed and forwarded to CESO to secure quotes. 1. If there aren’t enough quotes secured, the Ceremonial Ground or Church shall provide quote(s). 2. Once the required amount of quotes are received, the emergency request shall be addressed at the next LNC Committee meeting. G. Emergency requests that are due to failure to plan, such as stolen HVAC equipment in the winter and request being submitted the following spring or summer, shall not be deemed as an emergency and will not be addressed. H. All purchases and contractual and sub-contractual services for emergency requests shall be in compliance pursuant to MCNCA Title 16, Chapter 9, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Contracting and Employment Support Act. I. The annual appropriation for the Emergency Assistance shall be established at One Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($150,000.00). § 2-114. Contract and Terms and Conditions All renovations and construction projects funded through the programs in this Chapter that involve an outside contractor(s) are required to use the Contract and Terms and Conditions, which shall be provided with application, if applicable. § 2-115. Funding A. Funding for Ceremonial Grounds and/or Churches shall be established at the following per fiscal year beginning Fiscal Year 2022 and annually thereafter: 1. One Hundred Sixty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($160,000.00) for the Green Corn and supportive ceremonial assistance; 2. One Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($150,000.00) for the Ceremonial Ground Land Acquisition Assistance; 3. Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) for the Heating Expense Grant; . Page 14 of 15 NCA 21-091 4. Forty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($40,000.00) for the Summer Church Camp and Mission Trip Grant; 5. Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand and No/100 _ Dollars ($325,000.00) for the Church Passenger Van Assistance Grant; 6. Three Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($365,000.00) for the Ceremonial Ground and Church Grant; 7. One Hundred Seventy Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($170,000.00) for the Ceremonial Ground Camp and Church Camp House Grant; 8. Seventy-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($75,000.00) for the Lawnmower grant; 9. Fifty-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($58,000.00) for Christmas Assistance; and 10. One Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($150,000.00) for the Emergency Assistance. B. Funding for the Ceremonial Ground maintenance assistance shall be established at Ninety-Six Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($96,000.00) every four years beginning with Fiscal Year 2023. SECTION THREE. AMENDMENT. MCNCA Title 37 §§ 2-109 and 2-118 shall be amended to read as follows: § 2-109. Ceremonial Ground Maintenance Assistance The appropriation for the Ceremonial Ground Maintenance Assistance shall be established at ninety-six thousand dollars ($96,000.00) beginning with the FY 2023 Comprehensive Annual Budget and every four years thereafter. § 2-118. Financial Assistance for Ceremonial Grounds and Churches The appropriation for Financial Assistance for established Ceremonial Grounds and Churches shall be established at one million, five hundred forty-three dollars ($1,543,000.00) beginning with the FY 2022 Comprehensive Annual Budget, and annually thereafter. Any unexpended funds at the end of each Fiscal Year shall be returned to the Tribal Treasury. SECTION FOUR. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall become effective October 1, 2021 upon proper approval and execution in accordance with the requirements of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Constitution. ENACTED by the Muscogee (Creek) National Council on this 28" day of August, 2021. Page 15 of 15 NCA 21-091 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Speaker of the Muscogee (Creek) National Council has hereto attached his signature. Randall Hicks, Speaker National Council Muscogee (Creek) Nation ERTIFICATION |, the undersigned, certify that the foregoing is a true extract from the minutes of the Muscogee (Creek) National Council comprised of Sixteen members with Fourteen members attending this meeting on the 28 day of August 2021 and that the above is in conformity with the provisions therein adopted by a vote of 13 in favor, 0 against and that said Law has not been rescinded or amended in any way and the above is the signature of the Speaker of the National Council. eA Avorn Stickle Alicia Stroble, Recording Secretary Muscogee (Creek) National Council APPROVAL |, the Erincipal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, hereby affix my signature on this 7 day of , 2021 to the above Law, NCA 21-091 authorizing it to become a Law under Article VI., Section VI., of the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. .< One LA) Wid David W. Hill, Principal Chief Muscogee (Creek) Nation --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Amuscogee_creek_nation%3Acf15f62d444d60b0. Public record. Not legal advice.