At a news conference at River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, Muscogee (Creek) Nation officials released a report indicating tribal activities had an economic impact of $866 million in Oklahoma in 2017, supporting 8,700 jobs paying $303 million in wages and benefits to workers. Nationwide, tribal activities had an economic impact of $1.4 billion, supporting 10,000 jobs paying $443 million in wages and benefits.
Principal Chief James Floyd said, “The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is thriving and this report showcases how we are providing critical services such as healthcare, transportation and housing to our citizens, as well as sought-after jobs and education opportunities across Oklahoma and the United States.”
Floyd added, “We want to continually improve the lives of Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizens and non-citizens alike, and we continue to invest thoughtfully in critical services areas as well as cultural experiences and tourism. We hope the report and accompanying website will give thorough insights into our work in Oklahoma.”
As an example of MCN’s commitment to its employees and the greater Tulsa area, Floyd noted all 1,400 River Spirit Casino employees received wages—a total of $5 million—while the casino was closed for two weeks due to severe weather and flooding. “We are committed to our workers and to River Spirit Casino in Tulsa. Continuing to pay wages despite the closure shows our investment in our employees.”
The report indicates that in 2017, MCN provided more than $12 million to state and local governments, including nearly $34,000 to school districts in four counties. Combined with the education portion of gaming exclusivity fees, the report estimated Oklahoma districts received $8.1 million in education funding.
The report also details the tribe’s investment in each of the 11 counties in its jurisdictional area in east-central Oklahoma. Floyd said users can access a new website, mcimpact.com, to see the tribe’s investments in each county.
The fourth-largest federally recognized tribe in the United States, the 87,000-member MCN is headquartered in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
