Opportunity for Our Tribe and Our Neighbors: The Poarch Creek Indians’ Journey Forward
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As we reflect on Native American History Month this November, the story of the Poarch Creek Indians offers a powerful reminder that prosperity is not achieved through entitlement, but through seizing opportunity and working together for a brighter future.
“Raised in Poarch, Alabama, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible transformation of the Poarch Creek Indians from poverty to prosperity in my lifetime,” said Stephanie A. Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO. This is a community built on grit, perseverance, and a deep-seated belief in giving back—not just to our own Tribe, but to the broader communities. Stephanie, a key figure in the Tribe’s leadership, encapsulates this philosophy perfectly in her words: “We believe in opportunity, not entitlement.”
Tribal Chair & CEO, Stephanie Bryan.
Stephanie shares stories of humble beginnings, recalling how Tribal Citizens and helpful neighbors organized fundraisers—most memorably, community chicken dinners—in order to send Tribal Leader Calvin McGhee to Washington, D.C., where he along with several others fought for the Tribe to be recognized by the federal government. Every member of the Tribe contributed what they could, with everyone pitching in to ensure their collective survival and success. “We didn’t just think about ourselves; we thought about the neighbors we traded with, because their prosperity was linked to ours,” she explained. This spirit of mutual support is deeply embedded in the Tribe’s values.
Willie Lee Martin, Rentha McGhee, Mari Martin, Hattie Mae McGhee cooking fried chicken to raise funds for Calvin McGhee’s trips to Washington D.C.
Today, the Poarch Creek Indians are a leading force in economic development, both in Alabama and beyond. The Tribe reinvests in 40+ businesses across a range of industries including: Creek Indian Enterprises, Federal Services, Perdido River Farms, OWA Parks & Resort, and Wind Creek Hospitality. Our business ventures have not only created jobs for the Tribe, but also for many outside of it. We continue to invest in stronger economies and communities in Alabama and across the nation. Serving as a Top 50 Alabama employer, PCI is also responsible for over 9,100 direct employees, accounting for over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs nationally—many of which are held by non-Natives—and generating a $2.5 billion annual economic impact.
Tribal Chair & CEO, Stephanie Bryan, and Vice Chair, Robbie McGhee.
Over the past eight years, through their charitable contributions, the Poarch Creek Indians have donated over $80 million to charitable causes while working side-by-side with groups in our communities in order to lift up others. Stephanie’s message is clear: “A successful nation gives back.” The Tribe continues to invest in opportunities that serve our Citizens and neighbors, creating a legacy of growth and shared prosperity.
As we celebrate Native American History Month, let us remember that the story of the Poarch Creek Indians is not just one of survival but one of thriving through unity, hard work, and generosity. The journey ahead is rooted in the same values that have built today’s successes—working together for the good of all, creating opportunity where there once was none.