Introducing Eli Grayson: First Civics Editorial

11/17/2015

Creek Nation Government Web Links

Supreme Court of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation: http://www.creeksupremecourt.com
Muscogee Creek Nation Constitution
Muscogee Creek Nation Codes

Author

Eli Grayson, retired Interior Designer and Home Builder.

”I glory in being Creek”, a quote used by his cousin GW Grayson before Oklahoma statehood, a quote used faithfully by Grayson today.

Eli served as president of the California Muscogee (Creek) Association from 2005 until 2013. Eli’s personal goal as president was the hard task of uniting all Mvskoke citizens living in California.

He believed that our differences made us more interesting and stronger.

He worked alone side Ken Taylor and others to bring Mvskoke culture and history to Creeks in California. Eli would ask people to check their blood quantum at the door and stop using it as an excuse not to get involved. His strong beliefs are not just learning the culture and language as it’s relative to each family, but it’s important to understand Creek civics and how we connect through government.

Eli’s belief that “we are responsible for one another” made us better. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation took notice of what was going on in California and worked with Grayson and the CMCA to hold annual gatherings in California which were attended by the Principal Chief and his cabinet, including both the Election Office and Citizenship Office.

Asked for a simple statement from Eli, he responded, “I love all things Creek, its culture, its traditions but more importantly I love Creek people”.

Eli Grayson has also been a strong advocate of the Creek Freedmen descendants. “I believe we can’t just dismiss 300 years or more of history because it’s an inconvenience truth to a few people. We are the same people at this point.”

Eli Grayson moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma from Palm Springs, California to fully connect his west coast relatives to those living in the Creek Nation. “After moving into the Creek Nation domain, I soon realized that California Creeks are not the only ones with a disconnection from our government. It’s all the ‘at large’ citizens, which would include those living in North Tulsa and Oklahoma City. I worked with Chief Tiger in his last year in office to hold what was called the ‘at large’ listening session which was held in May. Tribal members from all over the US were brought to Okmulgee to discuss issues including making suggestions to the tribe on how to include or make the lives of Creeks all over the country better.”

Eli is looking to the next journey of the Creek Nation.

Eli will be sharing topics on a regular basis.