The ongoing legal dispute between the Muskogee and Poarch Creek tribes revolves around the location of the Wind Creek Casino Wetumpka in Alabama. The controversy stems from the construction of the casino on what the Muscogee consider to be their ancestral burial ground, Hickory Ground, also known as Oce Vpofv in the Muscogee language.
Muscogee chief George Thompson expressed his outrage over the situation, stating that his ancestors were dug up and placed in boxes to make way for the casino. Hickory Ground holds significant cultural and historical importance as the last tribal capital of the Muscogee Creek before they were forcibly relocated to the Indian Territory in the 1830s.
The Wind Creek Casino and Hotel, owned by the Poarch Creek tribe, now stands on the site of Hickory Ground. The land was granted to the Poarch in 1980, leading to excavations and construction that have fueled a long-standing dispute between the two tribal nations.
The Muscogee Nation has taken legal action to contest the construction of the casino, and the case will be heard in the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. The Muscogee argue that the Poarch have no historic ties to the land and that the site was illegally excavated for the casino’s development.
One of the most contentious issues in the dispute is the excavation of a burial ground on the site. The Muscogee claim that not all remains were returned after the reinterment in 2012, alleging that some may still be kept in boxes. The Poarch deny these claims, stating that all remains were returned and emphasizing their historic ties to the land.
Stephanie A. Bryan, tribal chair and CEO of the Poarch, defended their actions by highlighting their efforts to preserve the sacred grounds and surrounding area. She expressed her passion for Creek history and lamented the conflicts that have arisen between the tribes, emphasizing the need for unity and respect in Indian Country.
Despite the ongoing dispute, authorities have not taken action due to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act’s limitations in addressing conflicts between tribes. The situation has led to growing resentment towards the Poarch among tribal groups, with the Muscogee Nation even withdrawing its support for the federal recognition of the Poarch.
Jeff Fife, chief of staff for the Principal Chief of the Muscogee Nation, criticized the Poarch for prioritizing financial gain over cultural preservation and mutual respect. The bitterness and animosity surrounding the dispute highlight the complex challenges faced by Native American tribes in protecting their heritage and sacred sites while navigating modern legal frameworks and competing interests.
Overall, the legal battle over the Wind Creek Casino Wetumpka underscores the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities in asserting their rights, preserving their cultural heritage, and seeking justice in the face of historical injustices and contemporary conflicts.