Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe (East of the Mississippi) facts for kids
| Nickname | Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe |
|---|---|
| Named after | Lower Creeks |
| Formation | 1972, incorporated in 1973 |
| Founded at | Whigham, Georgia |
| Type | state-recognized tribe, nonprofit organization |
| Purpose | A80: Historical Societies, Historical Preservation |
| Headquarters | Whigham, Georgia |
| Location | |
|
Membership
|
2,800 |
|
Official language
|
English |
|
CEO, chief
|
Marian S McCormick |
|
Revenue (2019)
|
$469,028 |
| Expenses (2019) | $479.089 |
|
Staff (2019)
|
5 |
The Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe (East of the Mississippi) is a Native American group. They are recognized by the state of Georgia. They are also known simply as the Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe.
They believe they are descendants of Muscogee Creek people. These ancestors stayed in Georgia during the 1830s. At that time, many Native Americans were forced to move. The Tribe's main goal is to teach about their history and traditions. They share this knowledge with their members and the public.
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About the Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe
The Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe was officially formed in 1972. They became a nonprofit organization in 1973. Their main office is in Whigham, Georgia.
What is a Nonprofit?
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is a group that does not aim to make money for its owners. Instead, any money it earns goes back into its mission. The Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe uses its funds to support its cultural and historical goals.
The leaders of the Tribe include:
- Marian S. McCormick, who is the CEO and chief
- Ashley Adams, who handles the finances (CFO)
- C. Peggy Venable, who is the secretary
- Nealie McCormick, who is their official agent
Seeking Recognition
In 1978, the Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe asked the United States government for official recognition. This is called federal recognition. It means the government would formally acknowledge them as a sovereign Native American tribe.
However, their request was not approved in 1981. The government office noted that the Tribe's rules for membership did not clearly show Creek Indian family ties for everyone. They also found that the group did not have a long history as a single, independent tribal community.
State Recognition in Georgia
Even though they did not get federal recognition, the Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe is recognized by the state of Georgia. The Georgia General Assembly created a group called the Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns. This council helps with issues important to Native Americans in Georgia.
The council officially recognizes three tribes in the state. The Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe is one of these recognized groups. They gained this recognition through a state law in Georgia.
Tribal Activities
The Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe holds an important event each year. It is called the Tama Intertribal Powwow. This event takes place in Whigham, Georgia. A Powwow is a gathering where Native American people celebrate their culture. They often include dancing, singing, and traditional ceremonies.
