Press Release

ATMORE, AL, (February 11, 2026) — The Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) and its Tribal Leadership today filed a comprehensive Motion to Dismiss all claims in the latest version of a lawsuit that seeks to strip PCI of sovereignty over a portion of its federally recognized reservation—land the Tribe has owned and governed for more than 40 years.

The Motion addresses the Fourth Amended Complaint filed by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN,) who are attempting to use federal courts to seize control of PCI’s Hickory Ground property in Wetumpka, Alabama. This marks the fourth time in thirteen years of litigation that plaintiffs have attempted—and failed—to state legally viable claims.

A 40-Year History of Lawful Sovereignty

In 1980, PCI purchased the Hickory Ground property to preserve its historical and cultural significance. The land was privately owned and slated for commercial development before PCI’s intervention. In 1984, the United States formally recognized what had always been true: that PCI is a sovereign Indian nation that has existed as a distinct political community since before the Creek War of 1813-14. The following year, the federal government took the Hickory Ground property into trust for PCI’s benefit, establishing it as part of the Tribe’s initial reservation.

For more than four decades, PCI has exercised full sovereign authority over this reservation land, managing it in accordance with federal law and in the best interests of the Poarch Creek people. The property now hosts economic development vital to the Tribe’s self-sufficiency and serves the good and welfare of PCI’s citizens.

“The Plaintiff’s claims represent a fundamental attack on our sovereignty and our right to govern our own lands,” said PCI Tribal Chair Stephanie A. Bryan. “For more than 40 years, we have responsibly stewarded this property in compliance with all applicable laws. We have engaged in years of good-faith consultation with the plaintiffs, only to see them reject compromise and continue to demand complete control over our land.”

The Latest Complaint Fails on Multiple Grounds

This lawsuit is part of a broader, decades-long campaign by MCN to interfere with PCI’s exercise of sovereignty. Despite having no legal claim to PCI’s reservation lands, MCN has repeatedly attempted to use litigation and political pressure to control property belonging to the Poarch Creek people. MCN’s Fourth Amended Complaint fails for the same substantive, procedural and jurisdictional reasons as its previous filings.

Lori Stinson, PCI Attorney General stated:

“The relief the plaintiffs seek is extraordinary and unauthorized by any statute they cite. They want federal courts to rescind a 40-year-old trust decision, demolish permanent improvements, shut down lawful economic activity, and impose religious restrictions on how a sovereign tribe uses its own land. Even if they had viable claims—which they don’t—no court has the authority to grant most of this relief. NAGPRA doesn’t authorize mandatory restoration of excavation sites. ARPA doesn’t prevent tribes from conducting archeological studies on their own land. The NHPA doesn’t give private parties the right to enjoin completed construction projects. They’re asking for remedies that don’t exist in the statutes they’re suing under.”

The Path Forward

PCI’s Motion asks the court to dismiss the complaint with prejudice, meaning plaintiffs would not be permitted to file yet another amended complaint after having had four opportunities to state viable claims over thirteen years. While PCI remains open to respectful, government-to-government dialogue with MCN on matters of mutual concern. PCI will not compromise its sovereignty or allow federal courts to be used as a weapon against tribal self-determination. 

As PCI Tribal Chair Stephanie A. Bryan said: 

“The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is a sovereign nation with the inherent right to govern our lands and make decisions in the best interests of our people. We will not allow our land to be seized through litigation. And we will not permit federal courts to be used as tools to undermine tribal self-determination. The Poarch Creek people have fought too long and too hard to secure our place as a sovereign nation to allow it to be taken away by meritless lawsuits.”