Muscogee (Creek) Committee Passes No-Confidence Vote Against Five Justices

**TL;DR** A Muscogee (Creek) Nation legislative committee has unanimously advanced a resolution of no confidence against five Supreme Court justices. This measure now moves to the full National Council for a final vote.

**Context** The Business, Finance, and Justice Committee recently approved a resolution targeting five Muscogee (Creek) Nation Supreme Court justices. This action stems from a controversy regarding the alleged amendment of the 1979 Mvskoke Constitution.

At issue is the striking of the phrase “BY BLOOD” from the constitution without an affirmative vote of the people. Legislators contend this action bypasses established legal procedures for constitutional changes.

**Key Facts** Resolution NCR 26-002, which declares a vote of no confidence, passed the committee with a unanimous 4-0 vote. Representative Lucian Tiger sponsored the legislation, with several co-sponsors.

If the full Muscogee (Creek) National Council approves the resolution, it will declare no confidence in Chief Justice Andrew Adams III, Vice Chief Justice Richard C. Lerblance, Justice Montie R. Deer, Justice Kathleen R. Supernaw, and Justice George Thompson Jr.

Representative Tiger stated that no single body, whether a district court or the supreme court, possesses the authority to amend the constitution without a public vote. He emphasized that the constitution outlines clear procedures for such changes.

**What It Means** This resolution signals significant legislative disapproval of the Supreme Court's actions concerning the constitution. A vote of no confidence expresses formal censure but does not inherently remove justices from their positions.

The core of the dispute highlights a foundational principle of tribal governance: the process for amending its governing document, the constitution. The full National Council’s upcoming vote will determine the official stance of the legislative branch.

Watch for the full Muscogee (Creek) National Council meeting to see how they address this resolution and its potential implications for the Nation's judicial branch.