On July 9, 2020, the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in McGirt V. Oklahoma reaffirmed the sovereignty of the Muscogee Creek Nation as outlined in the Treaty of 1866 and held that the land reserved for the Nation remained “Indian Country” for the purposes of criminal jurisdiction. The Tribe’s case was bolstered by its very clear and continuous exercise of sovereignty over the centuries. In honor of this legal victory and acknowledgement by the federal system, the Muscogee Creek Nation celebrates Sovereignty Day on July 9, often with activities held at the College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN), where tribal sovereignty is a cornerstone of higher education.
Students at College of Muscogee Nation
Dr. Monte Randall, College of the Muscogee Nation President, said, “Muscogee (Creek) Nation Sovereignty Day is a significant holiday for the Tribe and the communities we serve. It is a time to reflect on what sovereignty actually means in the daily lives of our citizens, the right to govern ourselves, to educate our children in alignment with our values, to speak our language, and to determine our own future. For many in our community, it is also a moment of pride and a reminder that our sovereignty was not given to us by any person or government and cannot be taken from us.”
While the federal government cannot truly bestow sovereignty onto a Native nation, it does have a history of often ignoring the sovereignty of Tribes. For example, the Muscogee Creek Nation did not always reside in Oklahoma. The U.S. Indian Removal Act of 1830 saw tribal citizens forcibly removed and marched from their homes across the Tribe’s original territory, which covered a large swath of the southeast.
Did you know?
Most Americans are unaware that there were in fact many trails of tears that saw the relocation of Native peoples from states east of the Mississippi River, including those Tribes who had been America’s allies in the War of 1812. In his push for Indian Removal, Andrew Jackson framed forced relocation as a benevolent act that would allow Natives to pursue happiness “under their own rude institutions” and gradually “cast off their savage habits” to become civilized due to the influence and protection of the federal government. He seemingly forgot with this maneuver how uncivilized and rude it was to break his treaties and alliances with several Tribes, such as the Choctaw, who played a critical role in key victories in the War of 1812, such as the Battle of New Orleans.
Students attending CMN, who receive an education built upon Muscogee cultural values and traditions, also recognize the importance of Sovereignty Day and the lessons they can learn from it. For them, the holiday offers a moment to both reflect on the long history of their people but also a reminder of what they must carry forward.
“Sovereignty Day is a reminder that we, as citizens of the Mvskoke Nation, have responsibilities and duties. Sovereignty Day is a time to consider how we can support our tribal nation and come together to carry on the joy, the beauty, and the knowledge of our culture that our ancestors wanted us to have and experience. Not only is Sovereignty Day a testament to our tribal nation’s resilience and perseverance, but it is also a testament to the sacrifice and survival of our Mvskoke heritage,” said Nathan Dunson, May 2026 CMN graduate with an Associate of Art in Native American Studies.
Tribally led higher education is key because it both recognizes the identity and responsibilities of Native students, staff, and faculty and exemplifies the long history of Native pedagogy, just as McGirt V. Oklahoma recognized the longstanding nationhood of the Muscogee Creeks.
“The most meaningful thing about being a part of the tribal college and university movement is demonstrating to the world that we have always educated our people through value systems. We have always had knowledge transfer, mentorship, and community learning. TCUs formalize and strengthen that tradition in a contemporary context, and being part of that broader movement means we are equal to all other institutions of higher learning,” said Dr. Monte Randall.
And just like Sovereignty Day, the ties to culture and positive self-identity embedded in a TCU education mean that students confidently work to achieve their dreams, no matter the challenges they might face.
“Participating in ceremonial dances and staying connected to my heritage gives me the strength and motivation to keep pursuing my goals. Because people with backgrounds like mine are not often represented, my culture remains an important part of who I am. Knowing what is true in my heart and soul helps guide my decisions, strengthens my confidence, and has greatly influenced my college journey,” said CMN general studies student, Katherine Meely.
The faculty, staff, students, and graduates of CMN represent a Native nation that has never forgotten who they are.
