Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief George Tiger Receives National Award

NEW ORLEANS — Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief George Tiger was presented with the "Tribal Leader of the Year" award April 15, 2014 at the 32nd Annual Native American Financial Officers Association (NAFOA) Conference in New Orleans.

The award is given in recognition of the recipient’s ability to effectively lead a tribal nation and make major financial decisions. It also honors a leader who displays significant foresight and resolve in the financial advancement of his or her nation.

Bill Lomax, NAFOA President stated in his introduction at the conference, "Chief Tiger is a transformative leader. In just over two years as principal chief, he has overseen and implemented considerable advancements for his people...It is clear that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is flourishing under Chief Tiger's leadership.”

Lomax cited several projects such as the MCN acquisition of the Okmulgee Memorial Hospital, RiverWalk development in Jenks, Okla., the Margaritaville themed expansion of River Spirit Casino and establishment of the Nation’s own Community Development Financial Institution.

MCN was the recipient of the 2013 NAFOA "Deal of the Year" award for the RiverWalk purchase.

Upon receiving the award, Tiger responded, "As Native people, we recognize that when anyone of us succeeds; we all succeed.”

He also recognized the participation of the MCN National Council in supporting the Nation's success.

“I’d like to express my appreciation for our National Council for its support,” Tiger said. “This was a joint effort that would not have been possible without the support of our tribal legislature. I accept this award for those we serve – the Mvskoke people.”

Other awardees included:

 

·      Education Program of the Year - Our Native American Business and Enterprise Network (ONABEN)

 

·      Deal of the Year - Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

 

·      Deal of the Year - Tribal-State Agreements: Oneida Indian Nation, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Seneca Nation of Indians

 

·      Executive of the Year - Lacey Horn, Cherokee Nation