Business Deals

Muscogee Nation leader faces ouster petition over gaming deal

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Chief George Tiger, far right, was in Washington, D.C, this week to help unveil a 1790 treaty. Photo by Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian

Chief George Tiger of the Muscogee Nation in Oklahoma is the target of an impeachment petition for his controversial gaming deal, The Tulsa World reports.

Opponents hope to collect at least 3,290 signatures -- or 20 percent of registered voters -- within 60 days. If they are successful, it will be up to the Muscogee National Council to hold removal proceedings against Tiger.

The council already voted 12-0 last week to ask Tiger to resign. Leaders and members are angry that he was paid $31,500 to promote a rival casino for the Kialegee Tribal Town.

Tiger has defended his decision to sign the deal, saying he made it as a private citizen in November 2009. However, an investigation by The Tulsa World showed that he accepted checks after being sworn into the council in early 2010.

The final payment came in September 2011. Two months later, Tiger won election as chief of the tribe and eventually came out against the Kialegee casino.

"I can state categorically that I have acted at all times in accordance with our constitution and the best interests of ALL Creek citizens," Tiger wrote in a letter to tribal members.

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Backers launch petition drive to oust Creek Nation chief (The Tulsa World 3/18)