From left to right: Alabama Quassarte Tribal Town Mekko Robert Yargee, Hickory Ground Mekko George Thompson, Nuyaka Ceremonial Ground Mekko Phillip Deere, Muscogee Nation Principal Chief George Tiger unveil the 1790 Treaty. Mekko is the Creek word for chief, or leader. Photo by Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian

Leaders of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma helped unveil the 1790 Treaty of New York as part of an exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

The treaty was the first agreement between the tribe and the newly-formed United States. It has never been displayed in public until now.

“This is a historic moment recognizing the relationship we’ve had with the U.S. for a number of centuries,” Justin Giles, the interim director of the Muscogee Nation Cultural Center said in a press release. “The 1790 Treaty of New York is a living testament of what our ancestors accomplished, endured and negotiated for the well-being of the Muscogee (Creek) people and the Mvskoke way of life.”

The treaty is on loan from the National Archives. It will be on display at NMAI until August 15 as part of Nation to Nation: Treaties Between the United States and American Indian Nations.

Get the Story:
Creek Nation's '1790 Treaty Of New York' On Display In Washington (News on 6 3/17)
Piece of Oklahoma Native American history now on display at U.S. Capitol (KOCO 3/17)

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