Muscogee (CR3E!E3Q Ration'Executive Office

DECLARING OCTOBER 12, 2015 AS"INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S DAY"

A Proclamation by the Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation recognizes that Indigenous Peoples of the landsthat would later become known as the Americas have occupied these lands sincetime immemorial; and

WHEREAS, It is important for us to never forget the history of Native peoples because itreminds us of forced migration, misuse of trust funds and other injustices whichhave been forced upon us; and

WHEREAS, Native people have contributed to the unique cultures of the State of Oklahomathrough a special emphasis on our spirit, on making art an integral part of life, onreverences of the earth and responsibility for the environment, and on core valueswhich go beyond materialism; and

WHEREAS, Mvskoke culture and traditions have flourished in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation'stowns and communities even though our culture was disrupted and destroyedseveral times, wc have yet survived.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

I, George Tiger, Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation do hereby proclaimOctober 12, 2015 as 'indigenous People's Day" in commemoration of five hundred yearsof survival and renewal of Native cultures in the face of political and cultural repression.I urge our citizens, constituents, partners, agents and members of our tribal communitiesto unite in observance of indigenous rights and in honor of indigenous culture andphilosophy to empower the Muscogee (Creek) Nation with the fundamental support forongoingprograms for our indigenous peoples' healthand well-being.

IN WITNESS WEREOF,

I have hereto set my hand and seal on this p * day of October, 2015.

George Tiger, Principal ChiefMuscogee (Creek) Nation

P. O. Box 580 Okmulgee. OK 74447-0580 1-800-482-1979

Muscogee (CS&EHQ stationExecutive Office

Statement by Principal Chief George Tiger

"Indigenous Peoples' Day 2015"

Indigenous Peoples' Day was first proposed in 1977 to the United Nations sponsoredInternational Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. We atthe Muscogee (Creek) Nation recognize that the Indigenous Peoples of the lands that would laterbecome known as the Americas have occupied these lands since time immemorial. One of our own,Chitto Harjo once testified to the USCongress, "Away backin that time-in 1492-there was a man bythename ofColumbus camefrom across thegreat ocean, and he discovered the countryfor the whiteman... What did hefind when hefirst arrived here?Did hefind a white man standing on thecontinent then?... I stood herefirst, and Columbusfirst discovered me."

We also recognize that our Nation is built upon the homelands and villages of the IndigenousPeoples of this region, without whom sacrifices were made so that our Nation was made possible. Weacknowledge that in our forced removal to these lands that we were made to occupy tribal territories ofthe original occupants who were also displaced to other regions to make room for us. IndigenousPeoples' Day shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous People, and to celebratethe thriving culture and value that Indigenous nations add to our region.

Weask others within our jurisdictional boundaries and outside of the Muscogee (Creek) Nationto take notice of the many contributions made to their communities through Indigenous Peoples'knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts, and the deep cultural contribution that hassubstantially shaped the character of the State of Oldahoma and the United States. Indigenous Peoples'Day is an opportunity to celebrate the thriving cultures and positivevalues of the Indigenous Peoples ofour region. Local Public Schools and other educational institutions are encouraged to recognizeIndigenous Peoples' Day and offer teachings about the native peoples of the Americas. Businesses,organizations, and public institutions are encouraged to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day throughexhibiting cultural sensitivity to our peoples' heritage and traditions.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation promotes the well-being and growth of the American Indian andIndigenous communityof the greater Eastern Oklahoma area. Wehave a responsibility to oppose thesystemic racism towards Indigenous People in the United States, which perpetuates poverty and incomeinequality, and exacerbates disproportionate health, education, and social stability. We cannot in goodconscience endorse or support the celebration of"Columbus Day", the verysource of IndigenousPeoples' beginning of woes and ill wills.

Therefore, the second Monday in October 2015 shall be declared as Indigenous Peoples' Day inthe Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

P. O. Box 580 Okmulgee. OK 74447-0580 1-800-482-1979