MCN Principal Chief speaks, shows support during trauma-informed instruction summit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 8, 2018 

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief Speaks, Shows Support During Trauma-Informed Instruction Summit  

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James R. Floyd attended the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Trauma Summit, ‘It Starts Here: Trauma-Informed Instruction’ at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., Oct. 2.

MCN was the Presenting Sponsor for the two-day summit that addressed childhood trauma and advocacy by providing educators with the tools to identify and respond to children dealing with adverse experiences.

Floyd was invited to speak at the conference to the several hundred attendees from state and national government agencies and non-profit organizations, as well as Oklahoma tribal nations and educators from across the state.

OSDE State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister introduced Floyd and commended MCN for its dedication to improving the well-being of Oklahoma children.

“We would not be here today without the support of our tribal partners,” Hofmeister said. “The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has been an important partner in this work and I want to thank them right now. The Nation is strongly committed to doing whatever it will take to help our children and connect the dots not only to our native children but to all Oklahoma school children and those yet to start.”

Floyd thanked the educators, community leaders and volunteers for their commitment and help in reaching the state’s goals needed to make schools a safe and supportive environment for every child.

“As the state works to provide education to ensure a foundation of safety, understanding and caring, it is paramount I am here today strongly in support of the efforts of my staff, MCN Secretary of Education Greg Anderson and his staff,” Floyd said. “I want to make sure they feel supported because we deal with these issues back home just like you do in your communities.”

Floyd said childhood adversity must be a priority of Oklahoma’s and the educational and governmental entities must act boldly and effectively to help those students affected by childhood trauma.

“Muscogee (Creek) Nation, like all tribal nations and their communities and their students throughout Oklahoma, are no strangers to this reality and this trauma,” Floyd said. “However, we remain committed to promoting and supporting the trauma-informed approach and professional development at this most crucial time by providing our time, staffing, facilities and funding to create effective and corrective solutions for childhood adversity.”

Floyd said departments including MCN Family and Child Services, MCN Department of Health and MCN Department of Education and Training stand ready, willing and able to assist in the effort to ensure communities and schools identify and support students effected by trauma.

For more information on the services and assistance MCN provides, visit the nation’s website at www.muscogeenation.com.