The tribal council disapproves of the measure now making its way to the Senate.

OKMULGEE -- The Muscogee (Creek) National Council passed a resolution Saturday opposing a measure in the state Legislature that would make English the official language of Oklahoma.

At its regular monthly meeting, the council passed the resolution unanimously and was applauded by audience members.

On April 9, a similar resolution was passed at a joint-council meeting in Catoosa between the Cherokee Nation and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The Creek resolution states that the tribe opposes the bill, Senate Bill 163, that would propose a state constitutional amendment and any other legislation that would make English the state's official language.

The bill, which passed the House 70-28 Thursday and now goes before the Senate, would allow driver's license tests to be administered only in English and halt the use of any other language in state documents.

The legislation does, however, provide exemptions for American Indian tribal languages, as well as certain exemptions for public health and safety.

Also during the meeting, Chief A.D. Ellis gave his quarterly report to the council, urging the tribe to take action to create more non-casino jobs to bring more tribal citizens off welfare programs, and lauding a raise in the tribe's minimum wage to $9.25 on Oct. 1.

The council also voted 17-7 against a measure that would allow travel plazas in Muskogee and Okmulgee to sell beer.

Councilwoman Cherrah Quiett, along with other council members, said that the tribal stores should not sell beer because of domestic abuse and other social issues that can be related to drinking.

"The dollar amount this may or may not produce is not equal to the amount of money we would spend on these programs, domestic abuse, child welfare," Quiett said.

One issue that was not on the agenda was a tobacco compact that would go to the governor's office for approval.

Tribal officials have said the Creeks may be looking to make a deal with the state, and that the issue might be brought before the council at this month's meeting, though no discussions or actions on the issue were approved at the meeting Saturday.

The Creeks do not have a compact with the state, and many tribal smoke shop retailers have been selling low-tax cigarettes reserved for border stores licensed by other tribes.

Clifton Adcock 581-8367
clifton.adcock@tulsaworld.com