BC Valentine’s Day Ahfachkee honors Historic season for photos Black History Month OHS girls v COMMUNITY v 5A EDUCATION 1B SPORTS v 5B

www.seminoletribune.org Free Volume XLV • Number 2 February 26, 2021 Oil firm’s Tribe’s intentions concern vaccine Everglades eligibility advocates continues BY DAMON SCOTT Staff Reporter to expand A Texas oil company wants to build well pads and access roads in a section of BY DAMON SCOTT the Big Cypress National Preserve in the Staff Reporter Everglades to lay the groundwork for new oil exploration. It has advocates of the health HOLLYWOOD — Shots of the of the preserve – opposed to new oil drilling Covid-19 vaccine continued to be distributed in the area – on alert, including tribal voices. across the Seminole Tribe in February and The Seminole Tribe’s Big Cypress tribal employees began to take advantage of Reservation and Trail community, and the expanded eligibility requirements. Miccosukee Tribe of Indians are all located Hundreds of tribal members and near edges of the preserve, which occupies employees have received the vaccine since portions of Collier, Miami-Dade and Monroe the program began in late December, starting counties. with public safety and health care workers, Fort Worth-based Burnett Oil Co. disabled elders, health clinic patients and filed two applications in late January with those with conditions like diabetes. the Florida Department of Environmental After tribal members over 18 years old Protection (DEP) to fill in wetlands and were offered the voluntary vaccine, eligibility build new infrastructure in an area south of expanded to non-tribal spouses and members Interstate 75. of the community that live on reservations – The requests came just days after the as well as tribal employees. (Nationwide, the former Trump administration gave the state vaccine is not given to those under 18). permitting authority under Section 404 of the Tribal employees that wish to receive the federal government’s Clean Water Act. vaccine – the two-shot Moderna series – are The applications refer specifically to required to first fill out screening paperwork dredging and filling wetlands for well pads in order to be placed on a waiting list. Staff and access roads in the Nobles Grade area IRSC honors alumni from tribe from Health and Human Services (HHS) and and in the Tamiami area. The locations are Molly Bartels/Indian River State College public safety then makes contact to schedule near Raccoon Point, where ExxonMobil Mary Huff, one of the Seminole Tribe’s all-time top athletes, casts the ceremonial first pitch for the Indian River State College softball team Feb. 12 prior an appointment for the first shot. The second discovered oil in 1978. to its games against Hillsborough Community College. Huff is an IRSC alumnae and who was a First Team All-Southern Conference pitcher. She is now shot is scheduled 28-days later for a full the head coach of the Okeechobee High School softball team. With Huff are IRSC softball coach Dale Atkinson and catcher Maeghan Branche. IRSC also effectiveness rate of 94.5%. honored another former student, Brighton Councilman Larry Howard. See page 8A for more photos. F See EVERGLADES on page 4A F See VACCINE on page 9A Meet Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue’s No. 1 and No. 2 Newly installed Michael C. Mackey, William Huff lead department

BY DAMON SCOTT Staff Reporter

HOLLYWOOD — The Seminole Tribe recently named two new leaders to head its Fire Rescue department. Michael C. Mackey’s first day on the job as fire chief was Sept. 14, while William Huff began his term as deputy chief Sept. 28. The two have been in the fire service in South Florida for many years. There were big shoes to fill in the department after Donald DiPetrillo died April 30 of Covid-19 at age 70. He had been the chief since 2008 and had worked for fire service in Broward County for almost five decades. Mackey and Huff report to William Latchford, the executive director of public safety, which includes fire rescue, police and emergency services. Mackey and Huff oversee four fire stations, one each in Hollywood, Big Cypress, Brighton and Immokalee with 129 personnel – although the number fluctuates as the department fills Courtesy photo, left/Damon Scott, right vacancies. Michael C. Mackey, left, is the newly installed fire chief for Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue. William Huff, right, is the new deputy chief.

‘Quite a journey’ already been accepted to Michigan State Mackey said. “It’s a heavy lift. Our folks are it’s been a good education for me to learn so his career. University and the house was sold. working all hours, calling after we give the much.” “It’s not as dramatic as saving someone Mackey has been in the fire service for “Things derailed with Covid,” Mackey shots to see how they’re feeling, the whole Huff said he and Mackey are a lot alike. from a fire or pulling someone from a car, 33 years starting at the ripe age 20. Most of said. “You couldn’t be on the campus. It just scheduling, moving the vials, the paperwork. “We have very similar philosophies, but these guys are saving lives out here with it has been in Palm Beach County. sort of derailed us in moving and everything I’m bragging on our folks. We’ve done a theories and thought processes,” he said. “It every shot that they give,” he said. “It’s Now 52, he has held almost all the got more and more chaotic.” tremendous job.” makes for a good team.” a lot of hard work, long days, long nights, positions and ranks someone in the fire The family would never end up moving Normally, the department would be Huff is also married with three children weekends, holidays – but we’re getting service can acquire – starting out as a and he returned to Florida. Mackey grew busy with any number of events on the – two sons and a daughter, along with five there.” firefighter-EMT (emergency medical up in Miami-Dade County and has lived reservations – rodeos, celebrations and grandkids. Whereas the duo would normally be technician). in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines. In cultural gatherings – not to mention the He’s also held many positions in the fire meeting tribal leaders, elders and members “Back then I was the one that did all the February he was searching for two condos – concerts and special events that normally service and has chaired a lot of committees at events, most of the greetings thus far have (tracheal) intubations, ran all the high index one for he and his wife of 28 years and one take place at Hard Rock Hollywood. for the Fire Chiefs Association of Broward been through the vaccine process. type calls,” Mackey said. for his daughters. County. “All the tribal members I’ve met have He’d advance to battalion chief A friend had mentioned the Seminole ‘A good team’ Huff said he’s been close with previous been so welcoming and appreciative and say and division chief of operations over 49 Tribe’s opening and he quickly applied for it. Seminole Fire Rescue chiefs, including hi and give you a big smile and a wave,” fire stations. He later served as the top “It was like a dream come true. Huff grew up in Miramar and worked in DiPetrillo. Huff said. administrator in Palm Beach County, Everything lined up, it was perfect,” he said. the city’s fire department for 30 years, also “I knew Donald for decades and his Mackey and Huff said beyond the overseeing contracts, service agreements, Since late December one of the main recently retiring. The 55 year old has lived brother David and worked closely with those vaccine program, they still find time to be the supply chain, dispatch, fleet issues and focuses for Mackey and Huff has been in Pembroke Pines since 1985. guys throughout the years,” Huff said. “It involved in the hiring process and in setting maintenance. Covid-19 vaccine distribution for the tribe. “I’ve learned so much about the was just devastating – Chief DiPetrillo did goals for the department. “It’s been quite a journey,” he said. Fire rescue personnel administer the shots Seminole Tribe, the culture and the people,” so much for us here in Broward County. It “We’re coming in with kind of a blank Mackey retired and then took on a year in coordination with Health and Human Huff said of his still brief stint as deputy was a huge loss.” slate to get things up and running where and a half stint as the fire chief for the city of Services. chief. “I grew up here and knew about the Huff also praised the tribe’s vaccine we’d like to see them and where the tribe Lansing, Michigan. “What you see is the smallest portion tribe but not as much about the traditions and campaign and said it is one of the most wants the department to go,” Huff said. The plan was for he and his family to of what’s going on behind the scenes,” customs. My son and I are history buffs, so important initiatives he’s been a part of in move there – one of his three daughters had

INSIDE: Editorial...... 2A Sports...... 5B Visit the Tribune’s website for news throughout Community...... 3A Education...... 1B the month at seminoletribune.org 2A • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 Haaland confirmation appears likely

BY DAMON SCOTT But she assured them that the fossil fuel Staff Reporter energy would be used for years to come. Editorial Haaland also stressed her record of bipartisan work, including a bill that addresses missing New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland’s and murdered Indigenous women and girls. confirmation hearing before the Senate In addition, she often stated that she would Energy and Natural Resources Committee to work to carry out President Joe Biden’s Native women like Deb Haaland and Eloise Cobell lead the Department of Interior ended Feb. agenda, not her own. 24 without a vote. Sen. Joe Manchin III of “Being a secretary is far different from West Virginia, who is the chairman, gave being a member of Congress,” she said. are the role models Indian Country needs members more time to submit additional Haaland added that she’d be guided by questions and Haaland and the White House science on the issues that come before her. have more time to respond. Indian Country has been almost • Shannon Ward Interior, to protect and improve the lands that Secretary of record at the time of the The process could take days or weeks. unanimous in its support of Haaland from all Americans hold so dear. And there’s so settlement was the honorable Ken Salazar, Some supporters were worried through the beginning. much bad history with the “old” BIA, from of the centuries-old San Luis Valley Salazar two days of hearings – which included “It is time that the ranks of Interior’s outright theft of Indian lands to notoriously family, one of the few Hispanics ever elected volatile questioning from some Republican leaders finally include a voice from the s a Native American woman in cruel family separations and boarding to the U.S. Senate and only the second senators – which the historic nomination community whose day-to-day lives it impacts the business world, role models schools to corrupt agents to promotion of Hispanic Interior Secretary. Sometimes the might be in peril. However, tensions were most,” the National Congress of American who looked like me and could culture-destroying alcohol, to name a few. pursuit of equality creates some unusual eased somewhat when Manchin, a moderate Indians said recently in a statement. A partners in history. Democrat, said he would support the Adding to Indian Country’s voice talk about my kind of life experiences have been rare. But they’ve been powerful. Eloise Cobell’s Blackfeet National Congresswoman from Laguna Pueblo – a key has been significant support from current One of the most famous women of Bank sought to expand its model of assisting vote that could help secure a confirmation members of Congress, including a powerful power from Indian Country in the modern financial progress in Native American along party lines. former ally, Tom Udall, who said the era, Eloise Cobell, made her name fighting communities by inviting national tribal When Haaland, a Democrat, was asked nomination was “historic and long overdue.” for a $3.4 billion settlement for Indians investors. Native American Bank was why she wanted to become the next secretary “Instead of criticizing Rep. Haaland’s against the U.S. Department of the Interior. formed, and moved to Denver, now owned of Interior and the first Native American to work advocating for New Mexicans Genius? The people from the MacArthur by 32 tribes and tribal corporations, and hold such a post, she referenced the Navajo and Native American and Indigenous Foundation thought so. where I’m senior vice president and chief Code Talkers and their use of the word for communities, senators should focus on how Now, one of my other role models, lending officer. “Our Mother” as code for the United States. she leads with empathy to find common Congresswoman Deb Haaland of New Between my Denver home and our “I feel very strongly that sums up what ground for all,” Udall said in an op-ed for Mexico, has made her name as the choice bank’s Blackfeet roots is my childhood we’re dealing with,” Haaland, 60, said. “This USA Today. to actually take over the Department of the home, just outside the Wind River is all of our country. This is our mother. Udall represented New Mexico in the Interior. Reservation in Wyoming where my Northern You’ve heard the Earth referred to as Mother Senate from 2009 until 2021 and in the I met the congresswoman in Arapaho family lives. I wish I could say I Earth. It’s difficult to not feel obligated to House of Representatives from 1999 until Albuquerque once, and I was struck by her grew up knowing all about Eloise Cobell and protect this land. And I feel every Indigenous 2009. fierce protectiveness of Indian lands and other leaders like her and every challenge person in the country understands that.” her frank warmth about her personal life. overcome to arrive at this moment. But that Republican senators had questioned Editor’s note: This is a developing story. She’s proud of her law degree but is also kind of pride and learning from elders came statements Haaland previously made about Check seminoletribune.org for updates. quick to note she was a single mom still Shannon Ward later for me. the fossil fuel industry and fracking on paying off law school debts while running With the worthy elevation of people public lands. for Congress. Facts to cheer for, from a mom like Deb Haaland, young Native American like me trying to promote Indian opportunity By the time I worked for Indian Affairs girls won’t have to wait to discover role as a community development bank executive in 2009, guaranteeing loans for Indian- models that look, sound, and think like them. while also managing my kids’ remote zoom owned businesses and nonprofits, the BIA Sometimes people use the word “symbolic” schooling. had transformed for the better. I had the honor as if that were an insult. This is not. It’s a Congresswoman Haaland has a sharp of working with talented and driven people validation. focus on environmental justice, and now who shared the goal of protecting tribes’ The importance of moments like this is she’s going to be the first Native American hard-won, nation-to-nation relationship with for Native American children to have role to lead the Department of the Interior -- for the federal government. models that make any racial stereotypes most people in Indian Country, that’s a full That settlement won by a previous they’ve grown up with a little less powerful, circle. She exemplifies the idea of Native heroine, Eloise Cobell was a monumental a little less hurtful. They can be overcome. Americans as stewards of the land. There’s sign that Native Americans were taking A cabinet-level appointment like this for a sense of justice. back control of their rights. For decades, the a Native American is a validation of tribal The Interior oversees 507 million acres Interior had withheld royalty payments for sovereignty and assures representation of of land or about one-fifth of the surface oil, gas, timber, and other rights legally set Indian Country at the highest levels of US area of the United States. Of course, all of aside for Native Americans and tribes. Cobell government. It lifts the spirits of all of Indian that land was once inhabited or controlled was treasurer of her Montana Blackfeet Country. by Native Americans, long before any Nation tribe when she discovered the foul national government was set up to mark play. She’d already won a “genius grant” Shannon Ward is a member of the the boundaries. And a key section of the for launching the first U.S. reservation bank Northern Arapaho Tribe and vice president $20-billion-a-year department is the Bureau owned by a tribe, and she used the grant and chief lending officer of Native American of Indian Affairs, one of the most important money to help push suits against Interior’s Bank, a national, tribal-owned community C-SPAN — and for a long time — one of the most royalty theft. development bank based in Denver. despised institutions in the life of Indian The landmark lawsuit is forever known She graduated from the University of Interior Secretary nominee Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM) testifies before the Senate Energy and Natural Country. as Cobell vs. Salazar. If that other name Wyoming. This article was posted Feb. 4 on Resources Committee on Feb. 23, the first day of her confirmation hearing. There’s so much promise for the sounds familiar, it’s because the Interior IndianCountryToday.com. NCAI intents to engage Congress must strengthen women’s with new administration violence laws on Native lands BY DAMON SCOTT Staff Reporter who commit crimes of domestic violence, This poses a particular threat in Arizona, • Patricia Lee Refo dating violence, child abuse, elder abuse, with our 22 Native American tribes. Arizona sexual violence, stalking and sex trafficking has the second-largest population of Native One of the priorities this year for the National Congress of American Indians disturbing incident happened a on tribal land. It also would have allowed Americans in the country, and the Navajo (NCAI) is to make it known to the new few years ago at a casino near tribal prosecution for obstruction of justice Nation in northeast Arizona is one of the Biden administration that Indian Country Tucson. and assaults against law enforcement and largest Indian lands in the United States. A corrections officers in the course of pursuing The American Bar Association supports is focused on issues of importance to tribal A female member of the Pascua Yaqui communities. tribe was working at the tribal casino one VAWA crimes. a new Violence Against Women Act that There are many, including tribal evening, fixing slot machines, when a group recognizes the inherent authority of tribal sovereignty, the environment, racial justice of drunks began harassing her. She ignored governments to prosecute non-Indian and the ongoing pandemic. the men at first, but when their behavior perpetrators of crimes arising from gender- NCAI President Fawn Sharp helped to grew worse, she called security. As the men based violence, while ensuring that due chart the course for the organization at the were being escorted out of the casino, one process rights are protected. The ABA also Courtesy photo group’s executive council winter session of them grabbed the woman’s genitals and supports expanding VAWA to Alaska native NCAI President Fawn Sharp held virtually from Feb. 21 to Feb. 26. squeezed. villages. The current act does not apply to In her State of Indian Nations address, The assault was caught on surveillance native lands in Alaska because Congress in she said she was encouraged by President Joe video and the employee wanted to press 2013 did not consider them part of “Indian Sharp praised Biden’s historic Biden’s actions so far. Sharp also presented a criminal charges, but the tribe could not country.” nomination of Deb Haaland to lead the list of demands. prosecute. The federal Violence Against Today there is a new Congress with Department of Interior. Haaland is the first “We now greet a new administration and Women Act allows Native American tribes a new opportunity to empower Native Native American nominee to lead the agency altered Congress who face a monumental to prosecute non-Indians for certain crimes Americans by giving tribal governments and would be the first to hold any cabinet task,” Sharp said. “America is at an inflection in tribal courts, but only if the victim has greater authority to police their own tribal position if confirmed. point with much to heal, repair and recover a prior relationship with their non-Native lands. “[The Interior] more profoundly impacts from. The country must come to terms attacker. Native Americans are victims of violent the daily lives of Native People than any with the right of sovereign nations to chart In this case, the casino employee had crime at twice the rate of other populations, other federal agency,” Sharp said, adding their own course, and their rightful place in never met the assailant before he attacked and violence against Indian women is that Haaland would completely transform helping this country meet these challenges.” her. The tribe had to let him go. particularly troubling. Women on some the department “so that it defers, and not Sharp said the federal government Sadly, this type of situation is not reservations are murdered at a rate 10 times dictates, to tribal nations.” should allocate an additional $20 billion in unusual. The 2013 re-authorization of the the national average. Congress has described She said another positive was a January Covid-19 relief funds to Native Americans Violence Against Women Act — better the rate of violence suffered by Indian memorandum on tribal consultation that the and give tribal communities flexibility on known as VAWA — was a huge step forward women as reaching “epidemic proportions.” Biden administration issued. It reestablishes how the money is spent. for tribal law enforcement, but it has Patricia Lee Refo It is time for members of Congress to guidance from previous administrations for The $8 billion that was set aside for significant holes that allow violent people come together to protect victims of violence federal agencies to consult regularly with tribes in the first Covid-19 relief package was who are not tribal members to get away with on native lands. The new Violence Against tribes on policies that impact them. widely criticized for a slow and confusing crimes on Indian reservations and Indian Women Act will be re-introduced shortly. Other actions Sharp praised included allocation strategy – one that frustrated lands. Incredibly, under the current law, a non- We urge Congress to pass it in 2021. Biden’s decision to rejoin the Paris Climate tribes so much it was taken to a federal court. It is time for Congress to close this gap. Indian could attack a tribal police officer Agreement, revoke a presidential permit for Sharp said tribes should also be given Last year, Congress tried to pass an who responds to a crime and walk away Patricia Lee Refo is president of the the Keystone XL Pipeline, a declaration to the ability to access doses of the vaccine from improved version of VAWA, but the effort with no tribal charges at all. Non-Indians are American Bar Association and a partner stop drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife the Indian Health Service and through the failed. The new act would have allowed effectively above the law in Indian country with the law firm Snell & Wilmer in Phoenix. Refuge and the reestablishment of national state. She said tribal vaccination campaigns tribes to prosecute non-tribal members due to the tribes’ lack of jurisdiction over This article was a special to the Arizona monuments like Bears Ears in Utah. them. Daily Star. need more staff, vaccine storage and public On the topics of racial justice and education on the vaccine that considers tribal education, Sharp said the U.S. should have cultures. a K-12 curriculum that accurately includes “The federal government simply must Tribal Nations and Peoples and that the do better,” Sharp said. “The lives of our country should “finally retire those Indian people and the future of nations are at stake.” school mascots that dehumanize us.”

The Seminole Tribune is a member of the The following deadlines apply to all Advertising: Publisher: The Seminole Tribe of Florida Advertising: Donna Mason, ext. 10733 Native American Journalists Association. submissions to The Seminole Tribune: Advertising rates along with sizes and other Phone: 954-985-5700 [email protected] information may be downloaded online at: Letters/emails to the editor must be signed Issue: March 31, 2021 http://SeminoleTribune.org/Advertise Senior Editor: Kevin Johnson, ext. 10715 Contributors: Sallie James and may be edited for publication. Deadline: March 17, 2021 [email protected] Postmaster: Subscription rate is $35 per year by mail. Issue: April 30, 2021 Please send address changes to: Staff Reporter: Beverly Bidney, ext. 16466 © 2021 Seminole Tribe of Florida Make checks payable to: Deadline: April 14, 2021 The Seminole Tribune [email protected] The Seminole Tribune 6365 Taft St. 6365 Taft Street Suite 1003 Staff Reporter: Damon Scott, ext. 10704 Suite 1003 Hollywood, FL 33024 [email protected] Hollywood, FL 33024 3A • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 Community A Land Use commissioners take pride in serving the tribe

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY approving or denying requests and is the last Staff Reporter step in a longer approval process before it goes to Tribal Council for its consideration. The Seminole Tribe is responsible for Most requests are for home site leases, more than 90,000 acres of land on its six but permits, business site leases, telephone, reservations throughout the state. In 1985, electric and utility requests also go through the Bureau of Indian Affairs gave control the commission. Easements for rights of way of the land to the tribe which has regulated, for the South Florida Water Management controlled and enforced occupancy and use District, Florida Power & Light, internet of its lands since then. service providers and set asides for tribal The tribe’s eight-member Land Use departments or council offices are also Commission reviews requests for leases, reviewed. permits, easements and other uses on trust Fifty-year home site leases are the most land. common; once approved, tribal members Established in 1992, the commission have two years to build a home in which to is comprised of two representatives each live. from Big Cypress, Brighton, Hollywood “The commissioners have more and Immokalee who are appointed for two- knowledge of the historical aspect of the year terms by Tribal Council. It meets once reservations they represent,” said Jennifer a month. Since the pandemic began, it has Kolakowski, assistant director of the tribe’s met virtually. real estate department. “We ask for their The members of the commission are expertise and guidance. They live on the Claudine Candy Cypress and Daniel Tommie reservations; we don’t. They have so much from Big Cypress, Debbie Carter and more insight. Community members go to Richard Osceola from Brighton, Joe Osceola them for information.” Jr. and Eric Osceola from Hollywood and Commissioners learn all about tribal department responsibilities and what they SMP Jimmy Holdiness and Cassandra Jimmie The eight-member Land Use Commission reviews requests for uses on trust land, including the new Lakeland Reservation. from Immokalee. do for tribal members. For example, if a Joe Osceola Jr., who has been on the property is in a tribal member’s family, commission for more than 20 years and the family members must be able to meet contain a house, so tribal members must be he didn’t know much about it, but has since it’s all new to me but I can learn quickly.” serves as chairman, was born in 1948 the same qualifications as those who are able to get financing if necessary. The real learned a lot. He is proud to represent not By the time the requests get to the at Broward General Hospital before the applying for a new home site lease. estate department helps tribal members. only Big Cypress, but the entire tribe. commission, they have been through a long tribe was federally recognized. He and his Commissioners usually take the lead on “Before, you could get property without “The land is precious and we need to process. Subsequently, most get approved. family lived on what is now the Hollywood issues from their own reservations, but every being financially ready,” Osceola said. “Now take care of it,” he said. “First and foremost “I can give people the basics of what Reservation. commissioner is able to ask questions and is with land getting scarcer, it’s different. We to me is to make sure everything is done the they will need before they apply, but it has to “We lived in a chickee with no running ultimately involved in every decision. don’t want to stop anyone from getting what way it’s supposed to be and is fair across be fair across the board,” Eric Osceola said. water or electricity,” he said. “When we “Our job is to make sure all the steps they are asking for, but we want to make sure the board. Our decisions are not based on Joe Osceola Jr. has enjoyed witnessing got the land in Hollywood it was mostly are taken so members are financially ready,” it’s fair to everyone.” favoritism, family or pressure. It helps to the changes in the tribe, including its increase swamps, that’s why they gave it to us. They said Eric Osceola, who has served on the Jimmy Holdiness has been on the voice and make decisions based on that in size. He said the biggest challenge is didn’t know it would be like this 100 years commission for five years. “They have to commission since December 2019 and concept.” getting people qualified for financing. later.” have the money to do what they need to do. enjoys the job. The newest member of the commission “The best part of the job is seeing He is glad things have changed for the Back in the day, you could just put a chickee “The housing people do all the legwork,” is Cassandra Jimmie, who was appointed in that there are more houses being built to better. New housing projects in Brighton, on the property and call it yours. Now you he said. “They work really hard and put in a January. accommodate more tribal members,” he Big Cypress, Hollywood, Immokalee and have to have four walls, a floor and all that. lot of hours. But when people have concerns, “It’s unique in a sense because we are said. “The tribe has grown so fast, it’s Lakeland keep the commission busy. The tribe has its own inspectors who adopt they come to me. It’s an honor and a privilege the voice of the people,” Jimmie said. “We amazing. I’m glad things are going good for There are currently more than 1,300 the same policies and guidelines as the to contribute to the tribe’s well-being and aren’t seen by them, but we speak for them. the tribe. I’ve been all over the country and leases, permits and other authorizations for builders.” future endeavors.” We may not get recognition for the choices some tribes don’t have anything to fall back home sites and commercial purposes on tribal Since chickees are cultural; they are Before Daniel Tommie was appointed we’re making for people, but we are still on. I’m happy that I’ve seen the tribe come trust land. The commission is responsible for allowed to be built without going through to the commission about three years ago, making choices for them. I’m still learning, from being nothing to what we have today.” the approval process. But the land must

PROBLEM?

SOLUTION:

GUY SELIGMAN, P.A. A t t o r n ey a t L a w 954.760.7600 4A • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 Seminole Tribe builds its EPA gives wetlands first Climate Action Plan permitting authority BY JILL HORWITZ entire community. encouraged to participate. The site for the to state STOF Climate Resiliency Officer The first step is to collectively develop survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ a Climate Action Plan. This is a vital process ZVL9NMG. of relationship building and visioning that The one-year timeline is ambitious, but BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Department. “The tribe wants to be assured The Climate Action Plan timeline sets will guide subsequent action and investment. a holistic and inclusive planning process is Staff Reporter that process will be respected and guaranteed. in motion an ambitious year of holistic and tribal members will be at the heart of goal never really complete. We will continue to We want to know what will happen if the tribe inclusive planning with departments and setting and prioritization of actions. The plan ask questions and identify research needs. has an issue with proposed permits, who will tribal members. will be the result of a year of dialogue and We will continue to find gaps and make new The Everglades is a unique ecosystem; resolve it and how that should proceed.” The Seminole Tribe of Florida has shared learning, where members agree upon connections. We will continue to expand our there isn’t another one like it in the world. The tribe requested a government-to- taken steps toward becoming a leader in a common vision and set of action steps. knowledge, increase our capacity to take Since 1972 it has been protected by the government consultation in December to climate change planning. The new Climate Planned activities will aim to attract input action, and give power to the beauty in our Environmental Protection Agency Clean obtain the EPA and the Corps’ retained waters Resiliency Program will focus on curbing from tribal members from all generations dreams. Let us begin. Water Act’s (CWA) pollution control list GIS layer map, which defines which greenhouse gas emissions, understanding and across all STOF reservations. It is time for the tribe to build and own programs. The CWA made it unlawful to waters the Corps will issue 404 permits for climate impacts, and creating a path toward The Climate Action Plan timeline sets the Seminole climate story. This process of discharge any pollutant into navigable waters and which will be subject to the state’s 404 a more sustainable future. in motion an ambitious year of holistic and discovery will not only help create the vision unless a permit was obtained. program. As the tribe’s inaugural climate inclusive planning with departments and and future outcomes of the Seminole Tribe’s A major change in obtaining those In a letter to the EPA and the Corps, the resiliency officer, I am proud to serve the tribal members. In February, I met virtually realized climate experience, but could permits was authorized in December 2020. tribe cited Executive Order 13175, which tribe in this important endeavor, and pledge with community members to listen and learn potentially inspire other tribal and non-tribal The EPA gave Florida the responsibility for was issued by President William J. Clinton to ensure the program is strongly rooted in tribal history, present climate concerns, and communities around the world as a model all permits that allow or deny developers on Nov. 6, 2000. The order establishes rules community interests, by promoting climate Native perspective and priorities. We created for a new approach to adapting to climate permission to build on the state’s 11 million for regular and meaningful consultation resiliency strategies that utilize both western- our own word cloud to define resilience, change. Blending traditional ecological acres of wetlands. and collaboration with tribal officials in the based science and traditional ecological using words like survival, sovereignty, knowledge and western-based science, STOF On Dec. 22, 2020, the EPA approved development of federal policies that have knowledge. In this role, I will coordinate responsibility, harmony and justice. may become a leader in developing climate the state’s application to take over the CWA tribal implications, to strengthen the U.S. research on the immediate and long-term In March, we are surveying tribal resiliency strategies that actualize the goals Section 404 and handed control of the state’s government-to-government relationships impacts of climate change, engage with tribal members and staff to gauge interest in climate of protecting future generations, repairing a wetlands to the Florida Department of with Indian tribes and to reduce the members to inform program development, education and training opportunities, rank an broken system of relationships, and healing Environmental Protection. imposition of unfunded mandates upon and provide recommendations to leadership individual’s level of concern to local climate the land and ecosystems we depend on. Section 404 regulates the discharge Indian tribes. It also recognizes the right on how to protect the assets of the Seminole change impacts, and develop working groups of dredged and fill material into U.S. of tribes to self-government and to exercise Tribe and build greater resilience for the for the Climate Action Plan. Everyone is waters, including wetlands. With the state’s inherent sovereign powers of their members assumption of Section 404, permitting and territory. authority has been transferred from the U.S. However, the tribe never got its rightful Army Corps of Engineers to the state DEP. government-to-government consultation Florida is only the third state to be prior to Section 404 being assumed by the granted Section 404 authority; the others are state. Michigan and New Jersey, who have had it Environmentalists, including the since 1984 and 1994, respectively. Everglades Coalition group of 60 nonprofit The change could impact the Seminole organizations, fear the state’s control of Tribe since wetlands are inherently a part of the permitting process could lead to more the the tribe’s landscape, history and culture. development and population growth. There Although the tribe has been consulting with is also uncertainty that compliance with the EPA for months, the government-to- existing environmental laws, including the government consultation protocols giving Endangered Species Act, would be ensured. the tribe adequate notice were not followed. The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians “We have been talking to the EPA for distributed a statement regarding Florida’s three years to make sure the tribe is best 404 assumption. It also wasn’t granted represented,” said Paul Backhouse, senior a specific government-to-government director and Tribal Historic Preservation consultation on the state’s application to Officer with the tribe’s Heritage and assume 404. In part, the statement reads: Environment Resources Office. “We weren’t “The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of invited to participate in the final part of it. Florida continues to have concerns regarding But the tribe will have to adapt to it in the the specific lands that may be subject to future.” assumption by the State of Florida. The Tribe One issue is how the tribe will be is deeply appalled about the loss of culturally consulted in the future on permit applications sensitive sites and the potential destruction and how it should proceed. Unlike the federal of the Miccosukee way of life. This way government, the state is not required to have of life is integrally entwined within the government-to-government consultations Florida Everglades. The Miccosukee retain with federally recognized tribes. certain rights in Everglades National Park, “There is a clear defined role of Big Cypress National Preserve and Water consultation in the EPA of government-to- Conservation Area 3 A. Rights guaranteed in government,” said Kevin Cunniff, director federal law.” of the Environmental Resource Management Program pays Department of Interior to hold ranchers in tribal consultations Southwest Florida STAFF REPORT that respect for tribal sovereignty and self- to help Panthers governance, fulfilling federal trust and treaty FROM PRESS RELEASE The U.S. Department of the Interior responsibilities and regular consultation with (DOI) will host consultations with tribal officials are of the utmost priority for Ranchers in Southwest Florida may tribal leaders March 8, 10 and 12 via the Biden administration. be able to get paid for helping the Florida teleconferences with each of the Bureau of The schedule for the consultations: panther. Indian Affairs’ 12 regions. March 8 (2-5 p.m.): Great Plains, The USDA’s Natural Resources According to DOI, the consultations are Midwest and Rocky Mountain Regions Conservation Service will provide technical aimed to honor and strengthen the nation- March 10 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.): Eastern, and financial assistance for conservation to-nation relationship and ensure that White Eastern Oklahoma and Southern Plains practices that improve its habitat through House and Interior efforts at addressing four Regions the Conservation Stewardship Program. converging crises – Covid-19, economic March 10 (2-5 p.m.): Navajo, Southwest The signup deadline is March 26. This security, racial justice and climate change and Western Regions is a Regional Conservation Partnership – will include tribal nations’ priorities and March 12 (2-5 p.m.): Alaska, Northwest Program project. recommendations. and Pacific Regions To be eligible, a producer’s operation The consultations open a new chapter The deadline for written comments must be in northeastern Collier County with tribal governments following President about the consultation series is March 19 or southwestern Hendry County, areas Biden’s Jan. 26 memorandum on tribal at noon. Comments may be submitted at identified as essential for the long-term consultation and strengthening nation- [email protected]. viability of the panther population. Refer to to-nation relationships. The memo states the panther map for details. For more information call 352-672- 2630 or 863-674-5700.

Alligator Alley and east of what is now the damage to sensitive habitats in the preserve, information” related to Burnett’s exploratory F EVERGLADES ‘Deeply concerned’ Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. A violating the Clean Water Act. The Corps said activities. From page 1A few years later, oil was discovered in an area that the activity had caused “an identifiable The Corps concluded that there was “no Kevin Donaldson, director of real estate southwest of the Miccosukee reservation, individual and cumulative adverse effect on clear evidence of any residual adverse effects services and tribal historic preservation and new wells were drilled. aquatic function.” It stated in a letter that from Burnett’s activities on the hydrology or Burnett Oil is already familiar with for the Miccosukee Tribe recently told the The Herald report said that a any activity by Burnett would need to be biology of Big Cypress.” the preserve. It conducted seismic survey Miami Herald that the permit applications spokesperson for Burnett said the purpose approved by the Corps in the future. Advocates called the Corps’ reversal activity there in 2017 and 2018 to look for left members “deeply concerned.” of the applications is to request access to But the Herald reported that the Corps “suspicious” – in that the agency changed oil. “This area is replete with known privately owned mineral prospects “by way later reversed its statement and said it had its mind about damage that it had already The nonprofit group Friends of the cultural sites which cannot be impacted. The of a small limestone pad accessed by single- “engaged with the staff at Big Cypress and documented. Everglades claim the survey activity tribe is looking at this application closely lane limestone road.” re-evaluated all of the current and available damaged the preserve, “leaving deep scars to fully evaluate the request and ensure “Based on existing production within on the landscape that could have long- that Miccosukee interests are protected the Preserve and new seismic data, we are term impacts on the preserve’s hydrology, and preserved for future generations,” confident that our proposed wells will be vegetation structure and wetland function.” Donaldson wrote in an email to the Herald. economical and not merely exploratory,” the Concerned that more oil drilling is A Feb. 5 Herald report said conservation spokesperson said in an email to the Herald. the ultimate goal of the new applications, groups have sent a letter to DEP’s Secretary In the applications the Herald examined, environmentalists, conservationists, activists Noah Valenstein and to the National Park Burnett provides a proposed timeline for and others are encouraging Florida Gov. Service opposing the company’s request and exploration plans: begin building the site in Ron DeSantis to oppose any future drilling complaining about the lack of transparency December 2021, start drilling in June 2022 permit requests. in the process. and begin production about 12 weeks after Friends of the Everglades held an online “We became aware of these permit that. Production is estimated to last for 30 event Feb. 25 with Miccosukee activist applications as a result of an exploratory years, according to the documents. Houston Cypress of Love the Everglades and search of the Department’s new Section representatives from the Natural Resources 404 permit program database. The website ‘Keep your drilling in Texas’ Defense Council and Center for Biological itself lists no public notices regarding any Diversity. Section 404 permit,” representatives from Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, The panel discussed topics related to the Natural Resources Defense Council, who opposed the state taking over wetlands the preserve, including its importance to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the permitting because it would eliminate tribal communities, the public water supply, National Parks Conservation Association federal oversight, criticized the applications. tourism, wildlife and the economy. and the Center for Biological Diversity “I [call] … to permanently prohibit oil “Big Cypress is an area critical for wrote in the letter. drilling off Florida’s coasts, and we don’t sending fresh water south to Everglades As stated in the Herald report, oil need drilling in our wetlands, either. These National Park and a crucial habitat for exploration in the preserve has taken place folks can look for oil somewhere else – keep the endangered Florida panther and other since the 1940s. When the preserve was your drilling in Texas, and don’t mess with imperiled species,” Friends of the Everglades created in 1974, the National Park Service, Florida,” Fried said in a statement to the said in a statement. “The preserve also acts which manages the area, allowed the Collier Herald. as a critical carbon sink, and any alterations family, which owned part of the land, to Meanwhile, last year the U.S. Army Photo by @luisgfalcon would threaten to remove a natural first line continue to drill for oil in areas north of Corps of Engineers said Burnett had caused of defense against rising seas.” The western edge of Big Cypress National Preserve is 45 miles west of Miami. 5A • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 Big Cypress community enjoys sweet Valentine's Day

Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney A festive sign greets drivers at the Frank Billie Field Office in Big Cypress for the Valentine’s Day drive Big Cypress council rep special assistant Brian Billie prepares heart-themed gift bags for the Valentine’s Day drive thru event. thru event Feb. 11.

Beverly BIdney Colby Herrara holds her daughter Nellie Osceola, 1, after they received Valentine’s Day gifts in BC.

Beverly BIdney Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum head of security Ellen Batchelor gives a bouquet of flowers to Geraldine Osceola as she drove through the Valentine’s Day event.

Beverly BIdney Billy Walker shows his approval as he drives through the Valentine’s Day Beverly BIdney event in Big Cypress. Staff gave out a variety of sweets, flowers and balloons Sydney Cypress holds daughter Emoryelle Everett, 1, after receiving their Valentine’s Day goodies. to mark the occasion. RichaRd castillo 954.522.3500 Health Coverage helping the is important now seminole community more than ever. For Many Years The 2021 Special Enrollment 24 houRs a daY Period for Marketplace Since 1990 I have protected rights like yours. Coverage is open now through My office defends DUIs, drug offenses, suspended licenses, domestic violence, and all felonies and misdemeanors throughout Florida and the May 15, 2021 United States. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertise- ment. Castillo worked as a Public Defender in Broward County from 1990-1996 and has been in private practice since 1996. In 1995, he was voted Contact your local Indian health care RIchaRD caStIllo the Trial Attorney of the year. He graduated from provider for more information, visit FloRIDa cRIMInal DeFenSe attoURney Capital University in 1989 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1990, Federal Bar in 1992, and the Fed- Healthcare.gov, or call 1–800–318–2596. www.caStIllolawoFFIceS.coM eral Trial Bar in 1994. 6A • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 Hard Rock’s path to Rockford casino moves forward

BY DAMON SCOTT site is about seven miles from downtown Staff Reporter Rockford, which is located in the northern part of the state. A temporary site – to be in use for 18 Hard Rock officials presented their to 24 months while the development is being vision for a Rockford, Illinois, casino built – would be at Giovanni’s Restaurant development to the Illinois Gaming Board and Convention Center on North Bell School in late January. It was the latest step toward Road. It would be a $65 million investment solidifying a proposed permanent site as well itself and could be open as soon as 90 days as a temporary one. after an approval by the board. If approved, the $310 million “We are pleased to get this part of the development is expected to bring between process underway, and we look forward to 800 and 1,000 permanent jobs once open and working with the state of Illinois and the 1,200 temporary construction jobs to build Illinois Gaming Board on the remaining it. It would include restaurants and bars, a steps,” Lucas said in a statement to local 1,600-seat entertainment venue, 1,500 slots, NBC affiliate WREX-TV. “We are excited to 55 tables and a sports book, along with other see this amazing project become a reality, for amenities. the city of Rockford, the state of Illinois and Jon Lucas, Hard Rock’s chief operating the hundreds of jobs it will create from the officer, spearheaded most of the virtual time we break ground through opening.” presentation to the board with Dan Fischer of Board members originally had until Oct. 815 Entertainment LLC, one of Hard Rock’s 28, 2020, to approve the license – however, partners on the project. it granted itself a six-month extension due to “The idea of a Hard Rock facility, complications caused by the pandemic. in partnership with local Rock & Roll Courtesy photo Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker previously Shinnecock Nation Chairman Bryan Polite speaks at a virtual press conference Feb. 17 announcing plans for the tribe’s Shinnecock Casino Hamptons. Hall of Fame star Rick Nielsen of Cheap green lighted legislation that provided Hard Trick, creates a powerful combination that Rock a casino license for Rockford in June will forever ingrain the power of music, 2019. As it moves forward with Long Island casino, Shinnecock entertainment and excitement in this project,” The gaming board is now scheduled to Fischer said to the board. meet March 10 and April 21. Until the casino Hard Rock wants the facility to be is approved, no construction can happen Nation praises Seminole Tribe for assistance built at the former Clock Tower Resort and at the proposed permanent location or the Conference Center site, located at 7801 East temporary one. State St. near I-90. The proposed casino BY BEVERLY BIDNEY assistance to the Nation, including financial and culture of Shinnecock people. We have Staff Reporter models and designs. been sued by individuals and governments During a press conference, Bryan Polite, time after time. We have been unfairly The Shinnecock Nation announced chairman of the 800-member Shinnecock maligned over the years by forces who Feb. 17 it will begin construction of the Nation, thanked the allies of the Shinnecock would see us extinct. We fight to exist and Shinnecock Casino Hamptons, a 76,000 Nation, including Tri-State Partners and the we are still here. Southampton has grown square-foot Class II casino on the tribe’s Seminole Tribe for their invaluable support and prospered while our Nation has endured reservation near Southampton, New York, over the years. systematic disenfranchisement. The story this summer. “The Seminoles are a tribe we look to of the Shinnecock is one of struggle and The Seminole Tribe has long been a as a role model of how you do it in Indian perseverance.” supporter of the eastern Long Island-based Country,” Polite said. “Their moral and The Shinnecock completed a 61-foot tall tribe and provided relief after the devastation financial support has been invaluable.” digital monument on its 900-acre reservation of Hurricane Sandy in October in 2019, which sparked economic 2012. The tribe supports the growth for the Nation. Shinnecock’s entry into gaming In July 2020, NIGC and has helped it navigate through approved a gaming ordinance the process. for the casino. In December, the The casino will be owned Shinnecock overwhelmingly by the Shinnecock Nation, with voted for the casino and an outside funding and strategic economic development zone on planning from Tri-State Partners the reservation. of New Jersey, a minority partner “[The casino] will yield more in the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock income and jobs for the Nation Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. and for the eastern region of Long However, the Shinnecock Casino Island,” Polite said. “We will honor Hamptons will not be affiliated Shinnecock Nation the land, preserve our culture and with Hard Rock. A rendering of the 76,000-square-foot Class II Shinnecock Casino provide for our people.” The Seminole Tribe issued Hamptons, which is scheduled to begin construction this summer and The casino, on 11 acres of be completed 18 to 24 months later. reservation land, will include a Hard Rock a statement that read, in part, “The Seminole Tribe supports the bingo hall, 1,000 Class II video In August 2019, Rockford resident and lead guitarist for the band Cheap Trick, Rick Nielsen, signed terminal games and 30 Texas hold autographs at an event to promote the proposed Hard Rock casino. efforts of the Shinnecock Nation to secure the right to open a gaming facility Construction of the casino, which is ‘em table games. Polite said revenue from the to provide the Nation with much needed expected to employ between 300 to 400 casino will increase the Shinnecock’s self- economic development. Gaming has been people, will take about 18 to 24 months. sufficiency and expand tribal government Hard Rock AC donates coats a vital tool for economic development and Polite provided a brief history of his and businesses. self-determination for Indian tribes across tribe, which was federally recognized in The Shinnecock has been working the country, including the Seminole Tribe.” 2010. toward building a casino for more than 20 The Seminole Tribe has worked with “Since 1640 we have extended an open years. Shinnecock and Tri-State for more than a hand to settlers at Southampton,” Polite said. “We are moving forward on our year to obtain the necessary approvals from “We didn’t wage war when they came 381 ancestral lands, that nobody can deny we the Department of Interior and the National years ago. We allowed them to farm and have the authority to operate a casino,” Indian Gaming Commission. The tribe also survive, we taught them the lay of the land, Polite said. provided financial support and technical the flora and fauna of the area and customs Hard Rock delivers millions in bonuses to employees BY DAMON SCOTT Staff Reporter

It’s been a tough and uncertain time for casino and hospitality workers over the last 12 months. The pandemic has ravaged the industry and employees who kept their jobs showed up to work through a lot of enhanced health and safety guidelines. In short, there have been a lot of hoops Hard Rock Atlantic City to jump through to keep guests happy and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City donated 200 coats to the students of Texas Avenue School in safe. Atlantic City on Feb. 10. February already ranked as the fifth-snowiest February on record in New Leaders of Hard Rock International Jersey with more than a week left. (HRI) took notice of the dedication and recently delivered bonuses to thousands of its employees in recognition of the hard work. “Many employees were very concerned Native economic summit with coming to work, especially during the early days of Covid,” Jim Allen, HRI reschedules for July chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO, said in a recent Yahoo! Finance interview. “So, it PRESS RELEASE will be following Centers for Disease really is a thank-you and about them being a Control (CDC) and local health guidelines long-term member of the Hard Rock family.” for in-person attendees. RES is the event Allen said 10,000 to 12,000 employees The National Center for American to attend for high-caliber networking, received bonuses that ranged between $250 Indian Enterprise Development (The winning teaming opportunities, business and $1,000 depending on their specific National Center) announced Feb. 17 that the development sessions, and one-on-one positions within the company. 35th annual Reservation Economic Summit consulting all centered around the American Employees in Florida – where Hard (RES), originally slated to be held in March, Indian Enterprise. Rock’s two flagship casino properties are has been rescheduled for July 19-21 at the NIGA’s annual tradeshow and located in Hollywood and Tampa – were Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. In addition, convention serves to deliver new insights among those who received the bonuses. The National Center has announced a and strategies for operators providing them Employees in New Jersey did as well, where new partnership with the National Indian access to industry leaders and cutting-edge the company operates the Hard Rock Hotel Gaming Association (NIGA) and American trends in order to help them generate new & Casino Atlantic City. File photo Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) that revenues to support their local communities. Allen addressed Atlantic City employees Employees in Atlantic City were among those that received bonuses for their hard work during the will allow participants the chance to register This goal closely aligns with RES, which virtually when the bonuses were announced pandemic. for and attend all three events. RES— features high-caliber networking, business in January. the largest and longest running national matchmaking, business development “The dedication of our team members American Indian business event in the has been crucial to driving the success of our company’s portfolio in the form of employee The protocols included the installation sessions, and one-on-one consulting, as well pay after properties were closed, benefit of Plexiglas barriers between slot machines nation—joins forces with NIGA and AIBL as the partnership with AIBL, which features casino resorts, and we are proud that Hard in the spirit of resiliency and reinvention to Rock Atlantic City has been able to prevail extensions and grocery gift card distribution. and table game seats. Hand washing stations their Business Plan Competition for High As properties began to slowly reopen were built and placed throughout the support economic development in Indian School and College students, all centered during these challenging times,” Allen said. Country across all industries. “We are committed to the well-being of our to reduced capacities, the company spent casinos. Slots were rearranged to promote around the growth and development of millions more to train employees to adopt social distancing and high-touch areas were The National Center is moving forward American Indian Enterprise. valued team members.” with a hybrid format that will include a HRI and the Seminole Tribe, which is its and enforce Hard Rock’s “Safe + Sound” cleaned more frequently. Guests were also For more information and to register protocols – cleanliness and safety measures required to undergo temperature screenings, live in-person and live virtual experience visit res.ncaied.org. parent entity, said it has spent more than $90 available to attendees. The National Center million in Covid-19 relief efforts across the – to put returning guests more at ease. among other measures. 7A • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 FSU team hopes newly Hard Rock’s Reverb has found fragments will provide Tampa in its sights clues in Apalachee revolt BY SALLIE JAMES BY DAMON SCOTT crush the rebellion.” Special to the Tribune Staff Reporter One of the repercussions of the revolt of 1647 was that the Spanish began enforcing their labor tax and required able-bodied Tampa is in line to land one of the first A small fragment of a centuries-old males from the Indigenous population to locations of Hard Rock’s new Reverb hotel olive jar from Spain may hold the key to a physically work for the Spanish crown at concept. 17th-century revolt by the Apalachee Indian various times of the year, Peres said. Reverb is a business-casual hotel – Nation against Spanish missionaries in north The enforced labor resulted in many different than the many well-known Hard Florida. deaths, as the Rock destinations that sometimes have big A Tallahassee Apalachee men casinos and live entertainment venues. But property owner portaged tallow, pork music fans and those that have come to know recently stumbled and other goods to the Hard Rock brand will notice plenty of upon the bit of clay St. Augustine by foot familiar touches. pottery and some where they had to Officials said Feb. 22 that Reverb by other artifacts and work while their own Hard Rock Tampa East is in the design reached out to Florida families suffered at process and a timeline for construction State University’s home. and specifics about the property would be Department of Peres and her forthcoming. It is set to be located adjacent Anthropology team of graduate to the Seminole Hark Rock Hotel & Casino for advice. FSU students have already Tampa, which is located at 5223 Orient Road confirmed the begun examining the about 10 minutes from downtown. fragments were site using remote- The Reverb brand is owned by Hard consistent with the sensing in a process Rock International’s (HRI) parent entity the Spanish mission that allows them to Seminole Tribe of Florida. period of 1633-1704, see below the surface The first of the concept – Reverb before the English in a manner similar Downtown Atlanta – opened in Atlanta last colonized the region. to an X-ray or CAT December. It is adjacent to the Mercedes- Associate scan. Benz Stadium where the National Football professor of She is League’s Atlanta Falcons play. anthropology Tanya encouraged by The Atlanta Reverb is 11 stories high Peres believes the what the olive jar’s and has 195 rooms. There are workspaces, artifacts may guide presence could mean. common areas and a rooftop bar. The them to the exact Olive jars were made customary Constant Grind Coffee & Bar location of the 1647 in Spain and used is onsite – a café by day and a bar at night Apalachee revolt, Tanya Peres/FSU as transportation offering beer, wine and spirits. which has never FSU anthropology graduate student Laylah storage jars for The hotel has a dedicated performance been found. Roberts works in an excavation unit at a site in everything from olive “We would Tallahassee where fragments were found that area for live music featuring local talent. Photo via Reverb Facebook oil, wine, vinegar definitely like to could reveal details about the Apalachee Indian and chickpeas. They Officials said the Tampa location will A fan of the Reverb in Atlanta took this image of the hotel’s exterior. Nation’s revolt in the 17th century. also have unique features – local city guides, confirm that it is the are an indication of site of the start of unique common spaces and traveler-friendly modern music lovers while encouraging HRI now has venues in 69 countries civilization. integrated technology like smart rooms. the Apalachee revolt “Those were things that were very them to connect and create in a new city.” with 240 locations and more than 86,000 of 1647, which means it would be a pretty The Atlanta Reverb and its rooms are What would be a third Reverb location, pieces of music memorabilia. In addition to important to Spanish life ways and heavy on tech-amenities. Guests can use important site in terms of the Colonial period they would ship to wherever they were scheduled to debut sometime this year, is in Reverb, one of its newest ventures is Hard of occupation here in north Florida,” said an in-room Amazon Alexa to access a city the works in the Sonoma County, California, Rock Digital – a focus on online and retail colonizing,” Peres noted. guide with the voices of famous musicians Peres, who has spent much of her career Burned residences, burned missions and city of Cotati. The property is near vineyards sports book and interactive gaming. excavating Mission San Luis in Tallahassee. who recommend local hot spots where and wineries and is expected to have HRI’s two most successful flagship huge trash pits are some of the things the hometown music acts are performing. She hopes they can provide a longed for researchers are hoping to find at the site. 150-rooms. properties are Tampa and in Hollywood, glimpse into the vicious battle that initiated The Reverb properties are designed to Todd Hricko, senior vice president of Florida, – where the world’s first guitar- “We know what these mission sites highlight Hard Rock’s traditional music- a series of conflicts that led to the tribe’s looked like. We know what a footprint of hotel development at HRI, said in a statement shaped hotel opened in 2019. eventual decimation. centric theme – one that has been present in that there would be more announcements For more, go to reverb.hardrockhotels. this church would look like, or what a friar’s its hotels and cafes for almost five decades “After this revolt the way the Spanish residence would look like,” Peres said. this year for additional Reverb locations in com and hardrock.com. treated the Indigenous people here changed – “but with its own unique spin, celebrating other U.S. cities. “They would dig these big quarry pits for for the worse,” Peres noted. “This revolt had construction of their buildings and then fill world-altering ramifications, not just for the them with trash. It is the kind of area that can Apalachees but all the Indigenous people in tell us a lot about their lives.” … the colony (the Spanish) established that The history of the Apalachee in Florida Pandemic pushes gaming revenue to 18-year low included Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, is of great interest because of the impact and southwest North Carolina.” the tribe had on northwest Florida. The BY DAMON SCOTT The National Park Service’s American Apalachee were present n Florida from at recovery in 2021.” buoyed by the growth of new options, the Battlefield Protection Program is funding the Staff Reporter least AD 1000, according to research by the Nonrevenue numbers in the report also report noted. Legal sports betting delivered excavation project with a $207,000 grant. tell the story. Commercial casinos lost 27% an all-time high of $1.5 billion in revenue, University of South Florida. Existing research on the revolt suggests Settlements were concentrated in of normal operating days throughout 2020, up 69 percent year-over-year, and iGaming it stemmed from an unexpected ambush on One of the first official glimpses into the due to mandated or self-imposed Covid-19 revenue (poker, sports betting, online today’s Leon and Jefferson counties. Before Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on commercial a community that was busy celebrating the the Europeans arrived in Florida, there were closures. To a lesser degree, there were also casinos) nearly tripled to almost $1.6 billion. feast of San Antonio. gaming was revealed Feb. 17 and the view is disruptions caused by hurricanes along the Thirty commercial gaming markets 50,000 to 60,000 Apalachee in the area, as bad as many expected. An ambushing group of Apalachee according to USF estimates. Gulf Coast. were operational in 2020, while seven and Chisca attacked the mission, killing Commercial gaming revenue totaled Commercial casinos were open (with jurisdictions launched legal sports betting However, repeated conflicts with the $30 billion in 2020, a 31% drop from 2019. everyone who was present and then burned Spanish, along with contagious diseases significant capacity restrictions) for an markets and West Virginia launched a new all the structures to the ground, Peres said. The American Gaming Association estimated 124,882 days in 2020 instead of iGaming market, the AGA said. carried by the Europeans eventually (AGA) through its “commercial gaming In attendance were the Spanish decimated their numbers. Today the a potential 170,484 days – a difference of Lieutenant Governor, his wife, their pregnant revenue tracker” reported the results. 48,602 days. 2019 was big winner Apalachee live mainly in Louisiana, but are Seminole Gaming is one of the tribal casino daughter, her husband and numerous Spanish not a federally recognized tribe, Peres said. Hospitality and travel have been among priests from the area. operator members of the organization. the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic, The 2020 report comes on the heels of According to USF, the Apalachee were Last year represented the first market “We don’t know what happened as far prosperous and were fierce warriors. They which has put a strain on gaming’s ancillary data that showed 2019 was a banner year for as the attack. We do know that they killed all contraction for the U.S. gaming industry businesses. Indian gaming. grew corn, beans and squash and hunted since 2014 and the lowest gaming revenue of those people and they burned structures to bear, deer, and small game. They were Live entertainment, tourism and The National Indian Gaming the ground, then went to seven other mission total since 2003 – 18 years ago. meetings and conventions – which can make Commission reported late last year a record known for their large ceremonial mounds, One positive note from the AGA report sites in the area and burned them to the which sometimes had structures on top. up more than half of casino resort revenue $34.6 billion in gross gaming revenues for ground as well,” Peres said. was 2020’s fourth quarter momentum – a – all came to a standstill in 2020 and is only the industry in fiscal year 2019 – a 2.5% “We are trying to look at this site from 1.7% increase in revenue over the third “Interestingly enough, there were no the view of the Indigenous people and not now starting to shake loose, the AGA said. increase over 2018. Spanish solders at the festival. They were quarter. However, the nearly $9.2 billion It was the highest reported revenue in from the view of the Spanish. We look at Q4 revenue still represented a 17% decrease allegedly at the Lieutenant Governor’s cattle a lot of history from the viewpoint of the Some light the 32 years since the federal Indian Gaming ranch,” she added. “When they got word of year-over-year. Regulatory Act was enacted, the NIGC said. colonizers,” said Peres, who is considered an “Covid-19 devastated our business this attack, they went off to St. Augustine to expert on the southeastern United States. Casino properties started reopening in The NIGC expects to have an idea of alert the Governor, then rallied the troops to and the employees and communities across mid-2020 and there were 911 out of 998 the pandemic’s particular impact on Indian the country that rely on casino gaming’s U.S. casinos open at the time the AGA’s gaming when the fiscal year 2020 results are success,” AGA president and CEO Bill report was published. released later this year. Miller said in a statement. “We have AGA research also shows about one-in- The NIGC oversees the regulation of persevered by leading responsible reopening three American adults plan to visit a casino 527 gaming establishments operated by 247 efforts, supporting our employees, and in 2021 — near the highest rate since the tribes across 29 states. extending a hand to our communities. Still, group began tracking in March 2020. For more, including the full AGA these numbers show the economic realities In addition, about 80 percent of future report, go to americangaming.org. More of Covid-19 and underscore the importance casino visitors agreed that the industry has from NIGC is available at nigc.gov. of targeted federal relief and ramped-up done a good job at safely reopening. vaccine distribution to accelerate gaming’s Gaming’s performance in 2020 was also

Tanya Peres/FSU A field crew works at the site in January.

Courtesy AGA The commercial gaming industry saw a 31% drop in revenue in 2020 due to pandemic-related casino closures and health and safety restrictions.

Tanya Peres/FSU Reconstructed olive jars on display at Mission San Luis in Tallahassee. 8A • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021

A museum’s responsibility – how the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki collection grows

BY TARA BACKHOUSE that, is cared for at the museum and helps paintings, sculpture, and works on paper. It Collections Manager, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum it fulfill its mission. The museum takes might collect only artists from a certain date responsibility for its collection and agrees range or geographical location, depending BIG CYPRESS — When a museum to care for it using professional standards on the purpose of the museum. But a historic talks about its collection, it is a general term that help preserve it for future generations. or cultural museum, like the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum that includes any historic or modern item For example, an art museum will have usually has lots of different types of objects. An abstract landscape by Elgin Jumper challenges us to think beyond what is traditionally considered many types of art in its collection, such as This is because museums that represent Seminole art. Colloquially known as “Seminoles in Space," this artwork really takes the Seminole story into the future.

cultures or share historic stories need a lot Seminole Tribe. The committee aims to of things from the past and present to bring avoid adding to an area of the collection their stories alive. Since the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki where history is already well represented. Museum was chartered in 1989, staff has They look for unique pieces that help show worked hard to collect many different things a full historic picture. The committee is also that help tell the Seminole story. careful to consider the condition of potential Today the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki collection has acquisitions. The committee strives to grown to include nearly 200,000 objects. We be well informed, thoughtful and fiscally have amazing and beautiful things that are responsible. Currently the committee held in trust for the Seminole Tribe. Our seeks to bolster the representation of objects, documents and photographs date modern Seminole artistry in the collection. from the late 18th to the early 21st century. Contemporary patchwork, beadwork, crafts We have hundreds of pieces of patchwork and fine art will show future generations how and examples of dolls. We have very nice Seminole art thrived during the 21st century. baskets and beaded objects like bandolier If you are an artist and would like to bags and moccasins. We have wonderful talk about adding a piece to the Ah-Tah- art from contemporary Seminole artists. Thi-Ki collection, please contact me to We have many documents, newspapers find out more. And if you’d like to bea and letters that tell how the United States part of the acquisitions process, we’d also government and its soldiers and pioneers like to hear from you. The committee is waged war against the Seminole people and voluntary and meets quarterly. Just let me their allies during the 1800s. And we have know if you’re interested. I can be reached thousands of photographs that show how at [email protected]. Looking life has changed through the 20th and 21st forward to it! century. So did you ever wonder how a museum decides what to collect, especially when a collection is already so large? The Ah-Tah- Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Thi-Ki has an acquisitions committee that “Influence,” a contemporary beaded sash made by Brian Zepeda, one of the few modern artists who has helped revive historic southeastern beading works hard to make sure that everything techniques. that is added to the collection serves the

NMAI names six new members to board of trustees FROM PRESS RELEASE Network, an internal employee resource of Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, group that aims to improve the lives of Pennsylvania. She began her career in higher Native Americans both at and outside of the education at Princeton and later joined the The Smithsonian’s National Museum company. faculty at UCLA. In 2001 she returned to of the American Indian announced in • Robbie McGhee (Poarch Creek) is Princeton as the Woodrow Wilson Professor February six new members are joining its vice chairman of the Poarch Band of Creek of Literature and professor of English and board of trustees in 2021. The board has Indians Tribal Council. He previously African American studies. She was the also elected new leadership. Five members worked at the Department of the Interior’s university’s founding director of the Center were confirmed by the institution’s board of Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Senate for African American Studies and dean of regents at its meeting Feb. 1; confirmation and Troutman Sanders LLP-Indian Law the college. She is the author of more than of the sixth is anticipated at the board’s April Practice Group. He currently serves on the 40 articles and three books. (Appointment 12 meeting. boards of the National Indian Child Welfare pending approval at board of regents’ April The new board members are: Association, Children First Alabama and the 12 meeting.) • Julie Fate Sullivan (Koyukon Center for Native American Youth. • Joshua Spear is an active entrepreneur, Athabascan) is a shareholder of Doyon • Ann Silverman (Ojibwe) is president investor and philanthropist. He co-founded Ltd. and Baan O Yeel Kon, her regional of Wilmington Trust’s private banking team Undercurrent, a consulting firm that applies and village corporations established by and a member of its wealth management a digital worldview to help solve some of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement leadership team. Silverman started at M&T the most complex problems facing today’s Act. She is a board member for Covenant Bank (which acquired Wilmington Trust corporations and their leaders. He supports House Alaska, the state’s largest shelter for in 2011) in 2004 as a relationship manager numerous organizations around the world trafficked and homeless youth, ages 13 to 21, and a commercial lender for its commercial that fight injustice and poverty and give a Covenant House Alaska/Poarch Creek and a founding board member of the Alaska bank in Washington, D.C. Before joining voice to the voiceless. Julie Fate Sullivan (Koyukon Athabascan) and Robert McGhee (Poarch Creek) are among a half- Native Media Group, which promotes and M&T Bank, she was a project manager The board of trustees elected Kathy dozen new members of NMAI's board of trustees. advances Alaska Natives in journalism. and exhibition developer for the National Hopinkah Hannan (Ho-Chunk) to serve as • Olivia Hoeft (Oneida Nation of Museum of the American Indian in New its chair. Hannan is a retired executive of Wisconsin) is a marketing manager for York City and the National Museum of KMPG LLP, where she served as a global chairman and national president of the Girl vice president in the investment management Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google. American History. lead partner, national managing partner Scouts of the United States of America. division of Goldman Sachs, who will finish She is a lead of the Google American Indian • Valerie Smith is the 15th president and a vice chairman. She is the recent past Hannan succeeds Bill Lomax (Gitxsan), a his term on the board as chair emeritus. Native American oral histories Coin honors Native American military service

being preserved, digitized FROM PRESS RELEASE four were volunteers. and issuing $1 coins as part of the Native The obverse (heads) design retains the American $1 Coin Program. The coins BY BEVERLY BIDNEY tribal members over the years. Many of the central figure of the Native American $1 feature designs celebrating the important Staff Reporter recordings were made in the 1970s, with The theme of the 2021 Native American coin program “Sacagawea” carrying her contributions made by Indian tribes and funding from Duke before the existence of $1 Coin is Native Americans in the U.S. infant son, Jean Baptiste. individual Native Americans to the history the foundation. Military. This year's reverse (tails) design features and development of the United States. The oral histories of thousands of Other Native Americans in the UF Native Americans have served in the eagle feathers, which were traditionally The program is authorized by the Native Native Americans, representing more than collection include Catawba, Lumbee, Urban Armed Forces of the United States in each of earned in battle or by performing a brave American $1 Coin Act. 150 cultures, are being digitized at seven Lumbee, Creek, Mississippi Choctaw, the United States' conflicts, beginning with deed. Eagle feathers are revered and The program builds on the Sacagawea American universities thanks to more than Cherokee, Virginia Indians and Oklahoma the Revolutionary War. They have served at respected, receiving the utmost care and Golden Dollar, first released in 2000. It $1.6 million in grants from the Doris Duke Creek. The collection contains about 1,000 a higher rate in proportion to their population handling, and are to be displayed proudly in featured a portrait of Sacagawea carrying Charitable Foundation. interviews along with photos and other than any other ethnic group. During World homes. Stars representing five branches of her infant son, Jean-Baptiste on the obverse The Native Oral History Revitalization media. War I, Native Americans volunteered to fight the U.S. military are in the foreground, while (heads side) and an eagle on the reverse (tails Project is being coordinated by the “On behalf of the 150 Native cultures in astonishing numbers although most were a circle provides an additional reference to side). It was authorized under Public Law Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries represented in the collections, we thank ineligible for the draft. Of the 10,000 Native Native Americans. An inscription reads: 105-124, also known as the United States $1 and Museums (ATALM), which will create the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for Americans who served in the Army and the "Native Americans - Distinguished Military Coin Act of 1997. a website for the archived materials. The recognizing the importance of preserving 2,000 who served in the Navy, three out of Service since 1775." For more information about the coin recordings, some over 50 years old, will the narratives of Indigenous peoples,” Susan In 2009, the U.S. Mint began minting visit usmint.gov. be transcribed, digitized, indexed and be Feller, ATALM president said in a statement. accessible to Native communities, students “The recordings, now over 50 years old, and the public. represent a treasure trove of unique stories The universities participating in the told in the voices of our ancestors. The project are the University of Florida, university repositories entrusted with the University of Arizona, University of collections have been good stewards and are Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University now working diligently to provide access to of New Mexico, University of Oklahoma, the originating communities. We are honored University of South Dakota and University to be entrusted with overseeing the project of Utah. The two-year grant will also allow on behalf of the Doris Duke Charitable the universities to expand their collections Foundation and applaud its commitment to to include contemporary voices and develop ensuring the cultural continuity of Native related curriculums and educational peoples.” resources for students and visitors. The foundation's goals include The project is part of a philanthropic supporting work that benefits the well- endeavor begun by Duke in 1966 to collect being of Native families and communities. oral histories from Native leaders. Those Its mission is to improve the quality of interviewed talked about their experiences people’s lives through grants supporting living on reservations, attending Native the performing arts, environmental schools and Native traditions. By 2010, conservation, child well-being and medical more than 6,500 recordings were made and research. U.S. Mint archived at the universities. The 2021 Native American $1 coin features "Sacagawea" carrying UF’s collection contains more than 260 her infant son on the obverse side, and a tribute to Native American interviews with a wide array of Seminole military service on the reverse side. 9A • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 Health

works out of the Betty Mae Jumper Medical F VACCINE Center on the Hollywood Reservation. She From page 1A previously worked for two years at the Big Seminole Tribe returns as Cypress health clinic as a family practitioner. The tribe has been receiving doses of the Kiswani-Barley was familiar with the vaccine through the Indian Health Service – Hollywood Reservation’s health care system, a strategy that has paid off for several tribes because she used to visit the clinic once a sponsor of NICWA conference across the country as the U.S. vaccine rollout week while working in Big Cypress. She and through state systems has hit various snags her family also live in nearby Weston. BY DAMON SCOTT and delays. The Seminole Tribe and others Kiswani-Barley was medically trained Staff Reporter have been vaccinating at faster rates than in New York City and then worked in U.S. averages. rural medicine in Iowa – including with populations with high levels of comorbidities The National Indian Child Welfare Dr. Kiswani-Barley promoted to (patients presenting more than one disease). While in Iowa, she became the chief medical Association (NICWA) is gearing up to HHS head officer in a rural health clinic and the head of host its second-ever virtual conference and four ambulatory units. the Seminole Tribe is once again the lead Dr. Vandhana Kiswani-Barley of HHS Swapping New York City for Florida, sponsor. has been overseeing vaccine distribution with she moved to Broward County in 2017 for It’s the 39th conference overall, the head of public safety, William Latchford. a year’s worth of private practice before which brings together Natives involved Latchford’s Fire Rescue personnel have been interviewing with the tribe. in child advocacy issues. The 2021 tasked with administering the vaccine. theme is “Connectedness, Resilience, and “We have done our outreach across all Editor’s note: The tribe also continues Persistence.” It takes place April 11 to April Courtesy NICWA reservations and have adequate supplies,” to offer drive-thru Covid-19 testing for 14. Jessiray Wheeler, a descendant of the Colville Confederated Tribes and the Hoh Tribe, created this Kiswani-Barley said Feb. 21. tribal and community members at sites “In the face of multiple and layered artwork called “The Huddle.” Meanwhile, Kiswani-Barely was named in Hollywood, Big Cypress, Brighton and health, economic and social crises, we the executive director of HHS on Feb. 1. She Immokalee. For more information on testing as Indigenous Peoples and communities had been the interim executive director since or the vaccine, call local clinics or the HHS have stayed connected, been resilient, and the four-day conference are to: A topic that is always discussed at June 29, succeeding former head Dr. Paul hotline at (833) 786-3458. persisted,” the conference description reads. the conference is the status of the Indian Isaacs. “With hope, and prepared by the ones who • Highlight effective services. Child Welfare Act, which has faced court Kiswani-Barley, a family physician, came before us, we act to bring ourselves, • Report innovative child welfare challenges in recent years. The 1978 law our communities, and our world back into practices. was put in place to prevent the separation balance. We don’t know when that will be, • Share financing strategies. of Native children from their parents and nor how rough the road will be as we pass • Showcase youth and family extended families by state child welfare and through difficult times, but we do know that involvement. private adoption agencies. we will be stronger together, whether in Damon Scott • Create peer-to-peer networks. Sarah Kastelic, NICWA’s executive person or virtually.” Stephen Zitnick, of • Learn the latest research. director, said there hasn’t been much Organizers said last year’s virtual event movement in recent months on what’s Seminole Fire Rescue, had 1,557 registrations in all and as many as prepares to administer “Our programming is reflective of the known as the Brackeen v. Bernhardt case. vaccine shots Dec. 29, 700 participants in any given session. urgency to meet our mission through a virtual “We’re still waiting on a decision from 2020, at the tribe's Keynote speakers this year with delivery,” Lindsay Early (Comanche), the Fifth Circuit en banc rehearing,” Kastelic headquarters in experience in child welfare systems range NICWA’s deputy director, said. said, noting that the latest arguments were Hollywood. from high-level government officials to Early also acknowledged the Seminole completed in January 2020. “This is longer young people. Participants are expected Tribe’s support of the conference. than we thought we’d wait for a ruling, to represent a cross-section of fields and “[The Seminole Tribe’s] unrestricted but we’re choosing to interpret this as the interests including child welfare, mental donation powers our advocacy to protect court understanding the full weight of health, and juvenile justice service providers; Native children, keeping them connected their decision and working hard to get the legal professionals; students; advocates to their family, community and culture,” decision right.” for children; and tribal, state, and federal she said. “[The] support helps us provide For conference information and leaders. essential training to frontline workers who registration options, go to nicwa.org. Amory Zschach, NICWA’s strategic may not have been able to attend in previous communications manager, said the goals of years.”

Why Native Americans are getting Covid-19 vaccines faster

BY KIRK SIEGLER perennially underfunded IHS; the tribe has she was young." "You're safer here" "I know a lot of people out there are NPR a still pending lawsuit over past appalling Bordeaux also lost her 91-year-old scared, but it's something that we as people conditions at the local hospital. grandmother from the virus in November. Recently, Rosebud reported no new need to survive," Bear Shield said. Lila Kills In Sight lost her 81-year-old "We were afraid, our people were a lot "When I got my first dose I was a little coronavirus cases for the first time in Even before the pandemic, Todd mother to Covid-19 on Nov. 23. afraid," Bordeaux said. "We didn't have the bit angry because I wish it had been sooner months. President Rodney Bordeaux said County, S.D., where the Rosebud "I really don't know who to be mad at," resources, we thought we'd be getting left for them," Bordeaux said. emphatically that it's safer to be here than reservation is located, had the second- she said. "Who do I take my frustration to, behind." Analysts say it may not be perfect but in much of the rest of South Dakota. For lowest life expectancy in the nation (only how do I deal with it?" After a lot of phone calls and lobbying, the IHS is at least a centralized system. In one, masks are required in all public places. the neighboring Pine Ridge Reservation is Kills In Sight, an enrolled member of the tribe rolled the dice and went with the Rosebud there's an existing database of Nightly curfews are still being enforced. worse). Health officials say high rates of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, is the first to say IHS anyway. And Bordeaux said it paid the some 15,000 people hospital officials And there are temperature checks at the diabetes, heart disease and other preexisting she's not dealing with it well. She had been off. Recently the tribe has been vaccinating are trying to reach during the vaccination entrance to every tribal building. conditions made tribes like this even more keeping her mom sheltered mostly in her its communities at near double the rate of campaign. Earlier in the pandemic, they "Now we're hearing of other strains vulnerable during the pandemic. home in the remote community of Spring South Dakota. An analysis by NPR shows set up an infrastructure for mass testing, so coming so we really need to be vigilant," Apart from her hip, Lila Kills In Sight's Creek as the pandemic raged in South that Rosebud is not unique. Across Indian pivoting to vaccinations has gone relatively Bordeaux said. mother was healthy and looking forward to Dakota. But in September she broke her hip. Country, tribes are getting shots in people's smoothly. So far the vaccine supply pipeline is many more years living with her family and Then in November she fell. arms at far faster rates than U.S. averages. Public health officials here are also expected to remain relatively steady, unlike passing down sacred Lakota traditions. She "I had to make a really hard decision to "We've even had non-Indian people practiced with immunizing people in tough in many other jurisdictions in the country. was one of five elders to die in Spring Creek, take her to the hospital because I didn't know from Sioux Falls and Omaha trying to get in conditions. Some tribal members don't have Bordeaux and other tribal leaders one of the few places here where Lakota is if there was anything broken," Kills In Sight here to get vaccinated because they can't get cars, let alone cellphones. say they plan to keep holding the Biden still widely spoken. said. it over there," Bordeaux said. "It takes a lot of critical thinking in how administration accountable to the U.S. "My emotions have been really mixed With her mom in so much pain, she On the Navajo Nation, nearly 21,000 we're going to utilize this vaccine so we government's treaty obligations to deliver because she was just about two months shy felt she had no choice but to take her to the members have been fully vaccinated since don't waste it," said Callie Raymond, who health care. There's an obvious legacy of of the vaccine," Kills In Sight said. "I think doctor in Nebraska, then later the Indian doses were released in mid-December, and oversees nursing at the hospital. mistrust toward the federal government if we'd had the vaccine sooner, she'd still be Health Service hospital in nearby Rosebud, more than 100,000 Navajo have at least had Before the hospital got its own ultra- throughout Indian Country. That has played here." S.D. She's not sure where they got infected, one shot, said President Jonathan Nez. cold storage unit, Raymond was driving 100 out when it comes to hesitancy toward the Kills In Sight herself was initially but they both ended up with Covid-19 "I couldn't be [more] proud of how miles one way to the Pine Ridge Reservation vaccines too, even though they've been hesitant to get the shots. She attributed shortly after. Her mother went downhill quickly the teams are getting shots into the to pick up the Pfizer shots. If they get no- proved safe. that to survivor's guilt. But she eventually fast and ended up having to be airlifted to a arms of our Navajo citizens," Nez told NPR. shows for appointments, her team goes "Most things they tell us have been decided it was what her mother would have larger hospital in Sioux Falls, where she died Vaccination drives there are open to wherever they can to administer shots. On studied for a long time; this has been rushed wanted. Lately, she has been helping pick up two weeks later. anyone over 18 years old, a contrast to Super Bowl Sunday, she even drove to a and that's what puts the fear in a lot of elders and others who need rides to get to the Kills In Sight is grieving and wracked surrounding Arizona communities still local supermarket with extra vials. They people," said Wayne Bear Shield. hospital for the vaccines. with guilt. limiting appointments to those over 65. For made an announcement and managed to get Bear Shield, who works for the Rosebud "I've been so adamant about telling "I walk in the door and I don't have the most part, tribal health departments that all the extra shots to shoppers. tribe, was eager to show a large promotional people 'take it, take it,' we have to because nobody greeting me, nobody to talk to in went with IHS distribution seem far ahead of Out of the close to 5,000 doses they've banner he recently helped put up outside that's the only way it's going to stop," she Lakota," she said. "And my kids, they're those that went with state systems. received so far, only three have been wasted, the headquarters. It reads: "Protect the RST, said. cheated out of that. We've lost so many In Montana, the Confederated Salish Raymond said. Protect the Circle... Get Vaccinated." A elders, a lot of Lakota speakers and what and Kootenai tribes said that their health [Feb. 12], the temperature outside was similar one hangs at the hospital. they took with them, we're never going to department was initially allocated only six below zero. Ground blizzards get back." 200 doses a week by the state, though that had led to an emergency travel- Twenty-five tribal members, mostly number has risen recently. In contrast, the only advisory. Yet the tribe was elders, have died from Covid-19 so far on White Mountain Apache Tribe of Arizona still running its shuttles out to the isolated and long-neglected Rosebud has daily clinics that can accommodate 180 pick up people like Francine Reservation. Hundreds more here were appointments per day, and the Cherokee Little Hoop who had no other sickened or hospitalized. Everyone knows Nation in Oklahoma estimated 10% of their means to get to the clinic 10 someone who has it or had it, or worse, died population has been fully vaccinated so far. miles away. from it. Native Americans across the country Both the White Mountain Apache and the "This is my first time, I have been disproportionately hit by the virus Cherokee Nation went with the IHS. wanted to get the shot," Little — dying at twice the rates as white people. Hoop said. Wishing it came sooner In the town of St. Francis, Rolling the dice snowdrifts covered the yard in In Rosebud, in partnership with the front of Little Hoop's home. The arrival of the vaccines has offered tribe, the IHS holds two mass vaccination It was one of only a few on the first real hope in months — a bright clinics a week. One is a traveling clinic this road that wasn't boarded footnote after a lot of tragedy. While typically in outlying towns — about 11,000 up — drug and alcohol abuse nationally the rollout of vaccines has people are scattered across the nearly on the reservation are rampant been marked by stumbles and inequities, 2,000-square-mile reservation. The other is and many families are often distribution in Rosebud has been fast and every Thursday at the Rosebud Hospital, crowded into dilapidated efficient. which lately has been drawing crowds in the structures, easy conditions for When the vaccines came online in hundreds. the virus to spread. December, Rosebud Sioux President Rodney One recent bitter cold morning, Amanda "I just stay away from Bordeaux faced a tough choice. He could Bordeaux, a paraprofessional at the high people; I only stay in my either go through the state of South Dakota school, waited to get her second Pfizer shot. house," Little Hoop said, her to get them, which in his view hasn't taken "I worry about my family members," voice obscured by a thick mask. the virus seriously enough, or go with the she said. "My aunt passed away from it and Suicide prevention conference seeks sponsors, presentations FROM PRESS RELESAE submissions for data and policy, asexual). Also, WISPC is seeking community collaborations and external bids for the next hosts of the WISPC. The World Indigenous Suicide partners, creative expression through For more information contact Carla Prevention Conference (Aug. 24- arts and 2SLGBTQQIA (Two-Spirit, Cochrane at (204) 942-9400 or wispc@ 26 in Winnipeg, Canada) is seeking lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, fnhssm.com. sponsorship and workshop/presentation queer, questioning, intersex, and 10A • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 SEMINOLE SCENES

Molly Bartels/Indian River State College (2) PERFECT PITCH: At left, Brighton Councilman and former Indian River State College student Larry Howard throws out the ceremonial first pitch for the IRSC baseball team prior to its home game against Florida Southwestern State College on Feb. 12 in Fort Pierce. At right, Councilman Howard joins IRSC head baseball coach Frank Torre Jr. (left) and IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore (right).

Kevin Johnson (2) SUPER SUNDAY: Super Bowl LV between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 7 was offered as a drive in theater experience on the Hollywood Reservation with two large video screens set up near the rodeo grounds. At left, Hollywood Culture’s Bobby Frank and Valerie Frank serve sofkee as part of the food and beverages provided for fans.

Seminole Scenes Rewind: Images from the past - Seminole cowboys circa 1950s

Above, a cattle owners meeting. Below right, cattle owners’ kids hold a calf for branding.

Cattle owners line up against a fence for a group photo, believed to be in the early 1950s. 11A • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 NATIONAL NATIVE NEWS Indigenous activists ask San the Minnesota Historical Society officially others filed a lawsuit in opposition. They governor could pursue a compact. becoming increasingly clear that South Rafael to drop felony charges in returned 114 acres along the Minnesota argued the government did not have the “Voters have to approve to expand Dakota Native tribes and communities have River bluffs to the Lower Sioux Indian authority to take the land into trust in the gambling before we can do a compact,” she advantages in entering the legal marijuana toppling of monument Community. first place. said. market quickly and with a high chance of The land transfer, approved by the In 2018, the Department of the Interior Ivey’s comments came as legislators success. Two of the Indigenous women charged Legislature in 2017, became official Feb. reversed itself, arguing the tribe was not prepare to engage the gambling issue in the As shown in Western states that have with bringing down a monument to Junipero 12, returning about half of the southern under federal jurisdiction when the Indian 2021 session. State voters would have to already legalized marijuana, Native tribes Serra were baptized in the church founded Minnesota property around the nonprofit’s Reorganization Act of 1934 was established. approve a constitutional amendment to allow that operate as sovereign nations have found by the Catholic priest and missionary, who historic site to the tribe. The tribe appealed, but a federal judge in a lottery or casino-like gaming in Alabama, the marijuana industry to be a path to creation participated in the Spanish colonization of “I don’t know if it’s ever happened Boston ruled in favor of the reversal. a vote not likely to come before 2022. Ivey of new jobs, generation of tax revenues and California in the 1700s. Ahead of their trials, before, where a state gave land back to a Then in June 2020, U.S. District Judge has no constitutional role in that process, but redevelopment of communities that have advocates are asking the city to drop the tribe,” Lower Sioux President Robert Larsen Paul Friedman found that the 2018 decision she would be responsible for negotiating a often suffered economic hardship. charges entirely. said. “[Our ancestors] paid for this land over was “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of compact. “It’s a new industry that brings new Police did not stop demonstrators from and over with their blood, with their lives. discretion and contrary to law.” He sent A compact with the Poarch Band — a challenges to a tribal government, but it also bringing down the statue of Junipero Serra It’s not a sale; it’s been paid for by the ones the case back to the Department of the federally-recognized tribe that runs casinos brings forward a demographic of people in front of Mission San Rafael Arcangel in that aren’t here anymore.” Interior for “thorough reconsideration and in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka — who weren’t welcomed at the table before,” San Rafael, Calif., on Oct. 11, Indigenous It’s a significant step for the Lower reevaluation of the evidence.” would allow the tribe to have slot machines said Laurie Thom, enforcement director People’s Day — or Columbus Day. The Sioux, one of 11 sovereign tribes in “We look forward to being able to and table games (known as Class III gaming at the Inter-Tribal Marijuana Enforcement planned protest was part of a wave that Minnesota, four of which are Dakota close the book on this painful chapter in our under federal law) at its casinos and return Commission of Nevada. “Not only does it swept the nation last year after the police or Sioux. The land is the Lower Sioux history,” Baird said in the statement. “The a certain portion of proceeds to the state. allow tribes to thrive, but it allows individual killing of George Floyd inspired Americans homeland, known as Cansa’yapi (Dakota decision not to pursue the appeal allows The Poarch Band has electronic bingo at its tribal members to spread their wings and to remove statues of figures linked to racism. for “where they marked the trees red”) and us (to) continue fulfilling our commitment facilities, considered Class II gambling. their skill sets.” “During this incident and the subsequent where the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 began. to being good stewards and protecting our Both Ivey and Robert McGhee, the South Dakota voters in November destruction of the statue, it was considered For more than 20 years, the Lower Sioux Land and the future of our young ones and vice-chairman of the Poarch Band of Creek approved a statewide initiative to that the statue could be replaced or repaired sought to reclaim the property. providing for our citizens.” Indians, said in an interview Wednesday legalize medicinal marijuana and passed and that the importance of using sound The final step came in January as the there had no recent discussions about a a constitutional amendment legalizing judgment and de-escalation techniques Historical Society’s board voted on the - Cape Cod (Mass.) Times compact. McGhee said the tribe would like the possession, use, growth and sale of was paramount to preventing physical action. Larsen tuned in online from his office to have Class III gaming in its facilities and recreational marijuana for adults. Both interactions between officers and protestors,” and held his breath with each vote, fearing would watch the development of gambling measures were set to take effect on July 1. the San Rafael Police Department said in a Arizona to embrace sports the decision could stall. When the vote betting in deal with native tribes legislation in the session. But Gov. Kristi Noem is seeking to delay release at the time. passed, he choked up, thinking of what his “We’re not shutting the door to it,” he legalization of medical marijuana for a year Ines Shiam Gardilcic, 40, Victoria Eva ancestors endured. said. “It hasn’t come up recently.” and has led a court challenge to legalization Montanopena, 29, Melissa Aguilar, 36, PHOENIX — Arizonans would be “We can try to reclaim that relationship allowed to bet on professional and college The Alabama Constitution bans lotteries of recreational marijuana. A state judge Mayorgi Nadeska Delgadillo, 36, Moira with the land and hopefully we can continue and most forms of gambling in the state. recently declared the recreational marijuana Cribben Van de Walker, 25, and Andrew sports at tribal casinos and at sites owned by the healing,” he said. “It’s great for Indian pro sports teams under a proposal that is part To pursue a compact, the governor’s Study amendment unconstitutional, but an appeal Lester Mendle, whose age was not available Country in all.” Group said last December that legislators of her decision to the state Supreme Court is in public documents, were arrested, issued of an update to the state’s deal that allows The tribe will maintain trails on the land Native American tribes to run casinos. would first have to change the law. seen as likely. citations and released, before later being and hopes to draw more visitors to learn the “Should Alabama decide to enter a South Dakota Sen. Troy Heinert, charged with felony vandalism. In the weeks The wide-ranging proposal introduced history. in the Arizona House on Feb. 1 would also compact to allow, and thus regulate, Class D-Mission, said marijuana legalization following, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone “This is a victory for the Lower Sioux III gaming on Indian lands, the state must and businesses associated with marijuana of San Francisco and police asked the Marin allow bets to be placed online, fantasy sports Community ... it’s more than symbolic, it’s wagering, and add limited Keno games at first determine which forms of Class III can provide a boost to Native American County district attorney to prosecute the actionable,” said Kate Beane, director of gaming to allow under its own state laws,” reservations that have long faced economic case to the “full extent of the law,” including off-track betting locations and social clubs Native American Initiatives at the Historical like the American Legion. the report said. “Only after such gaming is challenges. South Dakota tribal communities a charge of vandalism in a house of worship, Society and a member of the Flandreau allowed under Alabama law may the State have historically seen higher-than-average a hate crime. “The places it will be allowed is in the Santee Sioux in South Dakota. “What this casinos, and then, there will be licenses proceed with compact negotiations.” unemployment rates and low median “In our view, this attack on a cherished specific incidence highlights is that there incomes compared with the rest of the state. religious symbol on our own church property given to the sports teams like the [Arizona are actionable things that some agencies Cardinals], [Phoenix Suns], [Arizona - Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser “I think it has a very good chance to is not a minor property crime, but an attack and organizations can do to help support the provide an economic engine that could on Catholics as a people,” said Cordileone. Coyotes], and also within a quarter-mile, healing.” they will have it in retail locations,” said transform tribal communities,” he said. The Dakota people lived on millions of Lumbee Tribe of NC receives Heinert, a member of the Rosebud Sioux - The Hill State Rep. Jeff Weninger. $18M grant to support members acres before ceding land in an 1851 treaty. The proposal introduced by Republican Tribe who is the minority leader in the South The U.S. government established the Lower Rep. Jeff Weninger of Chandler has been amid pandemic Dakota Senate, said several factors may give Son of former Pojoaque governor Sioux Agency and by 1862, war broke out. anticipated since GOP Gov. Doug Ducey an edge to tribal governments or individual named White House director of tribal In the end, 38 Dakota men were hanged in announced “an opportunity for a modernized PEMBROKE, N.C. — The Lumbee tribal members who pursue economic affairs the largest mass execution in U.S. history, gaming compact that will bring in more Tribe of North Carolina was approved for development related to legal marijuana. and the Dakota were forced to relocate revenue for our tribal nations and our state $18 million in emergency rental assistance Heinert said tribal governments PaaWee Rivera, son of George Rivera, to reservations and small parcels of land. budget,” in his State of the State address last from a grant through the U.S. Treasury are smaller and more nimble than state former governor of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, Before this month’s action, Lower Sioux month. Ducey has been working on a new Department that will help members who government in regard to issuing permits or is the new director of tribal affairs for the tribal land totaled 1,800 acres. deal with tribes for several years, hoping have been affected by the COVID-19 licenses related to the growth, production or Biden Administration and senior adviser to “There are local farmers that have more it can boost state revenue by allowing pandemic, according to the tribal council. sale of marijuana. the White House Office of Intergovernmental land than the tribe does,” Larsen said. gambling outside of tribal-run casinos. Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin Reservation communities also have the Affairs. Beane, whose ancestors were born “It helps with the engagement of the announced the grant approval this week and natural resources and potential workforce PaaWee Rivera, who was sworn in the on the Lower Sioux reservation, grew up game, with the teams here,” said State Rep. said this is the largest grant received from to support rapid development of marijuana- day Biden was inaugurated, could not be visiting the historic site. Weninger. “If people are making fun little the federal government in the tribe’s history. related businesses. reached for comment, but George Rivera said “We always saw this as Cansa’yapi, bets and it helps our revenue in the state, “This is going to help people for a long “The biggest thing is that we can move he is proud of his son’s accomplishments. Lower Sioux land,” she said. “During the helps businesses in the state, people are time to come to get back up on their feet,” faster,” Heinert said. “We have a land base; “He is going to do well in representing war, these were some of the last areas of watching, going out to bars and restaurants.” Godwin said. “We’re going to be able to we have lots of people who are looking for people across the country,” George Rivera the land that we lost. ... This is really a huge The biggest part of the plan would allow serve Lumbees all across the United States, work, and it is something that would be said. “He is very young and bright, and healing opportunity for all of us as Dakota pro sports teams like the Phoenix Coyotes, and that’s a first. It’s a big deal.” new.” energetic and wants to help people.” people.” Arizona Diamondbacks, and Arizona The grant is intended for individuals in Heinert said residents on reservations After attending Santa Fe Prep, PaaWee The 114 acres transferred to the Lower Cardinals run sports betting operations at the tribe who are in need of rental assistance and in tribal communities in South Rivera graduated from Dartmouth College Sioux, bought by the Historical Society in the their respective venues, at a retail location or help with water and energy bills. On Feb. Dakota voted overwhelmingly in favor of with a degree in government and a minor in 1960s and 1970s from private landowners, within a quarter-mile and online. There 4, the full tribal council voted on the budget legalization of both medical and recreational Native American studies. lies mostly north of the visitor center. The would be 10 licenses awarded to sports, and the grant in a virtual special meeting to be marijuana in November 2020. Rivera, 29, worked on Capitol Hill as a rest of the 130 acres is still owned by the which could include professional golf and in accordance with a tribal law requirement lobbyist for the law firm Kilpatrick Townsend state. Any future land transfers would even NASCAR, Weninger said. that says all budgets must be posted for a - Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader & Stockton LLP, before transitioning to require legislative approval and a review by Tribes would also get 10 licenses and full 30 days to provide the public with the positions within the Democratic National the State Historic Preservation Office. could run sports books at two dozen tribal information. After that period, the tribe can Nez Pearce Tribe steps into Committee. The Lower Sioux, which has about casinos in the state. begin spending and disbursing the funds, solar age Most recently, Rivera worked with 1,000 enrolled members, are also working to The tribes, which have fiercely protected said Tammy Manor, the tribe’s administrator. restore traditions — from revitalizing sacred The tribe must also receive guidance the Biden-Harris campaign as its Western their exclusive right to most gambling in the LAPWAI, Idaho — In an effort to coalitions director. Prior to that, he served tobacco to reviving the Dakota language state under the gaming compact approved from the Treasury Department on how to with classes and an immersion program. operate the grant. bolster its sovereignty while taking steps as Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s Western political by the state’s voters in 2002, get the right toward energy independence and against director, Colorado state director for her 2020 (Minnesota is a Dakota word for “cloud- to build some new casinos under an updated Upon receiving an email from the tinted waters.”) A new building with a National Congress of American Indians climate change, the Nez Perce Tribe presidential run and as a special adviser for deal. And in a big win, they would also be officially entered the renewable energy era the 2018 Senate reelection campaign. cultural gathering space as well as traditional allowed to greatly expand their exclusive about the assistance program on Jan. 6, and contemporary arts studios is slated to Godwin immediately sent the information to Feb. 3. gambling offerings, adding games like Casey Mitchell, vice chairman of tribal - Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, open in June. Larsen also hopes this is the Baccarat and craps to existing offerings of the tribe’s grant team comprised of Tammy start of discussions over tribal land, shifting Maynor, Danielle McLean, the Lumbee legal government, flipped a switch to activate 770 N.M.) slot machines, blackjack, and poker. solar panels recently installed on the rooftops other sacred sites to tribes to manage. And there are options for online and compliance officer, Housing Director “This isn’t the end,” he said. “We hope Bradley Locklear, and Finance Director of several buildings at tribal headquarters. Saskatchewan First Nation gambling as well, allowing growing online “We want to be able to really assert our this is just a kick-start to showing people gambling sites like Draft Kings to piggyback Sharon Bell. The four wrote the grant within erects blockade after company enters that it can be done.” six days under a quick turnaround with the sovereignty and renewable energy and solar on the licenses. energy is one way we can do that,” he said. territory without consent Fantasy sports gambling also is Treasury Department. - Star-Tribune (Minneapolis, Minn.) “We jumped on that grant opportunity “We have always known the power of the embraced by Weninger’s proposal. The sun and the moon. We dry our hides, we dry A northern Saskatchewan First Nation state would allow any company that meets right then, not knowing that it would result in $18 million,” Manor said. “We do what our meat, we still use the sun to this day as blockaded a road and issued a cease-and- Interior Department withdraws it standards to run fantasy sports gambling our ancestors did, and this is one new way desist order against a Toronto uranium operations. we always do; we’ve got a good team of appeal in Mashpee tribe’s land-in- people and we followed the steps. It was due we can use the sun.” company. trust case Both the legislation and a 20-year The Nez Perce solar energy strategy is Birch Narrows Dene Nation officials extension of the state’s gaming compact on the 12th and we got it in late afternoon on the 11th.” multifaceted, said Chantel Greene, a planner say they took action after workers with with tribes must be adopted for either to go with the tribe’s Department of Natural Baselode Energy Corp. started surveying the In a big victory for the Mashpee into effect. By Jan. 27, the tribe received an email Wampanoag Tribe, the U.S. Department of that they had been approved. Resources and a former member of the tribe’s band’s traditional territory without consent. Getchen Conger, Ducey’s deputy chief executive committee who helped spearhead “It was very disrespectful, totally the Interior on Feb. 18 withdrew its appeal of staff, said the deal will help tribes and “You’re looking at that like, are you in U.S. District Court in the tribe’s land-in- serious? Did you mean 18 thousand, 18 its efforts to fight climate change. Investing uncalled for,” Birch Narrows Chief Jonathon pro sports teams that have struggled during in solar contributes to worldwide efforts to Sylvester said. “This is not being done trust case. the coronavirus pandemic. And the plan is hundred?” Manor said. “It’s been quite “Today is sakôhsuwôk, a triumph,” said historical but it took a lot of legwork and a reduce greenhouse gases and furthers the properly.” certain to boost state revenue, but it will region’s move to more renewable energy It’s unclear how the stalemate will be Jessie “Little Doe” Baird, the tribe’s vice take some time for the amount to become lot of planning. We’re used to this but not of chairwoman, in a statement. The decision this magnitude. We’re still waiting on more sources that may one day contribute to broken, but the case raises a host of legal, clear, especially revenue from gambling on salmon recovery by allowing the dams on environmental and economic issues. was a win “for the citizens of the Mashpee sporting events. information but in the mean time we can Wampanoag Tribe and our Ancestors who begin the preliminary planning that needs to the lower Snake River to be breached. One academic said Canada’s “This is the million-dollar question,” It is helping train tribal workers in the Constitution and emerging case law is clear: have fought and died to ensure our Land and Conger said. “It really depends on what the take place.” sovereign rights are respected,” she said. Manor said that any Lumbee person booming solar and renewable energy fields, First Nations concerns must be front and uptake is on the event wagering.” and Greene hopes this is the first step to a centre on any development affecting them. The Department of Interior filed a motion The state gets a cut of the gambling experiencing hardship because of the Feb. 18 for the voluntary dismissal of its pandemic can apply for rental assistance, profitable tribal enterprise — solar energy “Certain behaviours or ways of doing profit, which will go to the general fund. contracting. business that might have worked in the past appeal, wrote Rachel Heron, attorney for the Money from tribal gaming goes to special even if they do not live within the four U.S. Department of Justice Environmental counties the tribe serves (Cumberland, “Our intent is to reduce energy costs no longer work, based on a more robust state accounts and local governments. In the to the tribe and lessen our eco-footprint, understanding of how treaty rights and and Natural Resources Division. fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2020, tribes Robeson, Scotland and Hoke counties). The case was part of a long battle for diversify how we invest and promote the aboriginal rights need to be reconciled,” brought in nearly $2 billion in gambling mission of our climate change and energy lawyer and University of Saskatchewan tribal sovereignty, which stemmed from a revenue and the state received $102 million, - Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer $1 billion casino the tribe wanted to build subcommittee,” she said. “We will soon be lecturer Benjamin Ralston said. according to a Department of Gaming report, opening our doors to the outside community Birch Narrows trapper and elder Ron in Taunton. while cities received $13 million. U.S. Rep. William Keating, D-Mass., and with our solar army we can provide Desjardin discovered the survey crew earlier Legalization of marijuana could others with solar energy and storage. This is this month on one of the community’s trap also hailed the decision. - Fox10 (Phoenix) provide economic boost for S.D. “The claim that the Tribe of the First just the beginning of our solar journey.” lines, 600 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. Native American tribes She said outward-looking plans include The area sits on the edge of the Light, the Tribe of the First Thanksgiving was not an original Native American Tribe Gov. Kay Ivey: No tribal gaming equipping the tribe’s far-flung governmental Athabasca Basin. It’s home to some of the Legalization of marijuana in South buildings in places like Joseph, Ore., Orofino world’s richest uranium deposits but also has always been disingenuous,” he said in a compact unless voters approve statement. “And the Trump Administration’s Dakota could provide a new, lucrative and Kamiah with solar panels, and the to endangered woodland caribou, lynx and gambling expansion economic-development opportunity for eventual creation of a Nez Perce Department other wildlife. sudden attempt to remove their land from trust last March — in the midst of a Native American tribes and tribal members of Energy. Desjardin called Sylvester to see Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said Feb. 3 she who have historically struggled to find The tribe partnered with the company whether he had given permission for the pandemic — was heartless. We’re reassured would not enter a compact with the Poarch that the Biden Administration’s action today prosperity and stability in the state economy. RevoluSun on the project. During the crew to begin its work. Sylvester had not. Band of Creek Indians unless state voters Voter-approved measures to legalize monthslong installation project, about 35 clearly reflects the best interest of justice ...” approve expanded gambling for Alabama. The tribe had asked the interior secretary marijuana in South Dakota may be on hold tribal members gained hands-on training - CBC In an interview with three Alabama or stalled for the time being, but planning in the field. Many of them are continuing to put about 151 acres of land in Taunton media outlets, Ivey said she would follow into trust so it could build a casino, as well and research into creating a regulatory classes to become certified installers. recommendations of her Study Group on framework and business opportunities Minnesota returns 114 acres to as another 170 acres in Mashpee. While the Gambling, which said in a report issued in Lower Sioux Indian Community assistant interior secretary approved it in surrounding legal pot are continuing. - The Lewiston (Idaho) Tribune December that current gambling restrictions As those discussions and proposed 2015, neighbors of the proposed casino and would have to be changed before the In an emotional ceremony in January, legislation move slowly forward, it is 12A • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021

GOOD. CLEAN. FUN.

CLEAN IS ALWAYS A WINNER. Escape the every day and indulge yourself in a truly extraordinary getaway with limitless possibilities. Your Safety and Comfort are our #1 priority. We’ve implemented extensive measures to ensure our Guests have Good. Clean. Fun. 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314 | HardRockHolly.com | #DiscoverYourRhythm

20-SHRH-05905 - Seminole Tribune Ad-Nov_12-75x20-75.indd 1 10/22/2020 4:58:37 PM 1B • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 Education B Ahfachkee Ahfachkee’s February projects focus on students Black artists, Black Seminole leader

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY create two pieces I imagine myself study Staff Reporter of art titled ‘A sitting next to John Horse Dreamer’ and my grandma ‘In the Meadow.’ amongst all the Middle school teacher Coralys Roman historical Americans have been commemorating I wanted to fruits. I can see Anthony’s students learned about the life Black History Month since 1976 and students create pictures my grandma of John Horse and his impact on Black around the country join the celebration each that show the picking fruits to Seminoles during the Seminole Wars. After Black year with units dedicated to the achievements colors and make fruit salad. watching a documentary, students answered of Black Americans. shapes I see on The lemons a few questions individually. Teachers at the Ahfachkee School the clothing that are as bright One question asked for two examples of poetry used their creativity throughout February represents my as her dress. when Horse showed strength. to engage students in a variety of projects Native American I appreciate “He helped slaves and that he’s an through virtual schooling. culture. Johnson Johnson’s African American and back in those times BY BEVERLY BIDNEY also caught my artwork because being Black was frowned upon and he still William H. Johnson Staff Reporter attention because he reminded showed white America that he should be he makes art me to take the feared,” wrote eighth grader Nayana Shee Fourth-grade teacher Sheri-Ann look easy. The time to think Billie. Throughout Black History Month in Armentano brought 20th century African vivid colors he about the people Another question asked what made February, Ahfachkee fifth graders studied a American artist William H. Johnson to life for uses makes his who make a Horse a hero. multitude of Black history topics including her students through his artwork. Considered pictures look difference in “They considered him a hero because poetry. a major American artist, Johnson produced real. By using your life, like my he saved them from slavery but he also The students studied poems by Amanda thousands of paintings over the course of shapes, he taught grandma.” gave them land,” wrote sixth grader Curmya Gorman and Maya Angelou that the poets his career. His painting style evolved from me that you can Adreaonna Smith. recited at presidential inaugurations; Gorman realism to expressionism to folk art style, for take something Gore: “William The next assignment was to write a short spoke at Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s in January; which he is best known. The Smithsonian that is ordinary H. Johnson was a story about Horse’s life together, as a class, Angelou at William J. Clinton’s in 1993. American Art Museum has a substantial and make it into big inspiration to in a pass the story writing prompt. The team Teacher Kathy Wills’ class analyzed collection of his work. a masterpiece. me. I had never project was started by Anthony and went Gorman’s poem “The Hill We Climb,” Armentano instructed her class to He inspires me seen so many from student to student until everyone in the learned about Angelou’s poem “On the Pulse write an essay and create a portrait based to continue to bright colors in class contributed to the final story. of Morning,” and analyzed another Angelou on Johnson’s work. The students responded Courtesy Ahfachkee School grow as an artist Ahfachkee student Audrina Osceola-Turtle’s painting “In one painting. “Pass the story is done in the moment,” poem, “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me.” with well-thought-out essays and creative through my He inspired my Anthony said. “We all have the presentation “I try to incorporate current events as portraits. Here are a few essays: the Meadow” was done as part of the school honoring culture.” Black History Month. photo to be the open at the same time and they type into it much as I can in my teaching,” Wills said. Audrina Osceola-Turtle: “My artwork Kylie Billie: brightest it could in real time. I’ll jolt their thinking and one “They weren’t familiar with Maya Angelou. I represents my love of nature and my culture. “Strawberries, be. I love seeing student types it in.” always use her because I think she is amazing Through cultural activities, I can explore the oranges, watermelons, Oh my! My rainbows outside and anything in nature Anthony spins a wheel to determine and her poetry ties into Black history. I was beautiful settings around me and interact grandma’s first garden is filled with so many because that is where the brightest colors are. who goes next. The project took an entire blown away when I heard Amanda Gorman’s with my family and friends through music fruits. I can hear her say, “You must always “Sometimes you can walk outside after it class period to complete, about 50 minutes. poem and the way she presented it. It and dance. The famous American painter, remember to wash the fruits before eating has been raining all day and see the brightest Each of her five classes, with seven to 10 seemed a natural thing to bring that into the William H. Johnson, inspires me as an them, but after you do, they are so juicy and colors on a rainbow. You can even see water students each, created their own stories. classroom.” artist. He is best known for Folk Art and sweet with just a little bit of tartness.” puddles on the ground reflect images that “They bounce ideas off each other,” she The class had already learned about the his depictions of African American subjects “The African American painter, William look magical. Mr. Johnson’s art represents said. “It takes the pressure off them to write election and inauguration, so Wills had them within urban life. Folk Art is a form of visual H. Johnson inspired me to create this portrait how art can be like magic; it seems so real an entire essay. Together they come up with watch Gorman recite her poem more than art that represents traditions of native people of my grandma’s garden. The garden holds so like the nature we see every day.” the final product, it’s made as a team.” once. The students had a copy of the poem and their culture. much love to me. When I look at the portrait, Kalina Cavazos: “William H. Johnson The following essay was written by to follow along as they watched the video. “Johnson’s artwork inspired me to inspired me by using bright colors on the Anthony’s seventh grade, third period class: Afterwards, they took turns reading it. clothing and shapes. It reminded me of “Not much is known about John Horse’s “It was a very teachable moment to me,” all the colors I see every day. My great life. He was a leader for the Black Seminoles Wills said. “We talked about the metaphors grandmother uses different techniques and he was fierce man that didn’t give up. He and figurative language used in the poem. I to create the patchwork on my Seminole fought in the Second Seminole War in which asked them to think about the message in the clothing. She uses bright colors and many the US had the worst defeat at the hands of poem.” different shapes to create her masterpieces the Seminole nation. Students completed their answers to just like William H. Johnson. “He is important to Seminole history the meaning of the message and why they “In Seminole culture we also wear lots because he was a trusted advisor for Chief believe Gorman chose to write and recite it at of bead accessories and necklaces. Many of Osceola and he helped the Seminole nation the inauguration. They selected phrases from the beads are different shapes and of course against the US. He is important to Black the poem that were meaningful to them. Here include so many vibrant colors. Whether history because he led hundreds of Blacks to are some of their answers: it is patchwork or beads, each piece is put freedom.” Terrance Robbins’ wrote about what the in an order to make a pattern. Just like in Together the seventh graders from word ‘hill’ meant in the title of the poem. the painting, William H. Johnson created fourth period wrote this essay: “I think the word ‘hill’ in the poem, ‘the titled “Children,” the hats the woman were “John Horse was a great leader. He hill we climb,’ can be a challenge in life like wearing remind me of my great grandma’s was also brave and fierce. He fought for say if you want to achieve a goal that you can patchwork.” the Seminoles in the Second Seminole War. work hard and you can achieve those goals. Janessa Clay Martinez: “The African He was responsible for the lives of about They are using the word ‘hill’ as a metaphor.” American painter, William H. Johnson 200 people. He had married Susan July, the Terrance added: “The reason I think she inspired me to create this portrait titled “The daughter of a Seminole Maroon guide and chose to write and recite the poem for the Farmer.” In the picture, I wanted to show the interpreter. He relocated to Nacimiento, inauguration is she wanted to teach the people love that farmers have for their land. When Mexico. He was of mixed heritage. Overall, around the world about life and challenges in I look at the picture, I imagine myself sitting he is important to the Seminole and Black life and how to face them.” in a field and looking up at the blue sky. I communities because he helped defend them When asked to pick lines from the appreciate Johnson’s artwork because he against enemies and he relocated them as poem that he found meaningful, Terrance reminded me to take the time to appreciate safely as possible.” selected: “We will not march back to what Courtesy Ahfachkee School nature, like farmers who appreciate their was but move to what shall be. A country that Ahfachkee student Adreonna Gore’s drawing titled “Rainbow Bright.” land.” is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free.” Terrance wrote that he chose those lines because “they mean that this country may FSU opts for Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School be hurt but we will keep fighting no matter what.” Brysen Billie’s response to what hill in-person students of the month - January 2021 means focused on overcoming challenges. “For example, this year there have been many commencement hard challenges such as Covid-19 and [the] loss of many role models’ names [including] Kobe Bryant, Chadwick Boseman and Alex FROM PRESS RELEASE Trebek, but we overcame these challenges and united as a nation.” TALLAHASSEE — Florida State University plans to hold in-person F See POETS on page 2B commencement ceremonies for its Spring 2021 graduates. President John Thrasher made the announcement Feb. 25. “This has been an extraordinary year in many ways, and I’ve been so impressed by your resilience and flexibility,” Thrasher wrote in a letter to graduates. “You have worked through some tremendous challenges in order to graduate. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce that Florida State University will celebrate this incredible milestone with in- person commencement ceremonies in April.” The university will hold 11 smaller commencement ceremonies at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center over the course of two weekends: April 17-18, and April 23-24. Thrasher will serve as the featured speaker at each ceremony. A schedule of ceremony dates and times for each college and department is available at commencement.fsu.edu. “We plan to retain many elements of our traditional ceremonies while taking the necessary steps to ensure that we can gather in the safest way possible,” Thrasher said. The smaller ceremonies will allow for proper social distancing for graduates who will be seated on the Civic Center floor, as well as four guests per graduate in the audience. Masks will be required for all graduates and guests. Due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, plans are subject to change.

Courtesy photo Poet Maya Angelou at President Clinton’s inauguration in 1993. 2B • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 Ahfachkee’s ‘Ten-Minute Tuesdays’ allows students to refocus, reset

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY the virtual format for the entire school. It Staff Reporter covers a variety of topics including feelings, kindness, mindfulness, manners, acceptance In some schools, such as Ahfachkee, friendship and growth. Virtual schooling, virtual school has become the norm during she said, has its advantages. the pandemic. Absent from a student’s day “Through WebEx, I have their undivided is being in an actual classroom with teachers attention,” she said. “We see each other. In a and peers. regular classroom, it can be hard to get the Replicating social and emotional kids’ attention. Now they don’t have the learning on a computer screen can be normal distractions of a classroom.” challenging, so Ahfachkee guidance Another advantage is the many counselor Yvonne Thomas created the resources available to teachers online. program “Ten-Minute Tuesdays” for “In the beginning we had to create this students to step back from academics for a virtual environment,” she said. “It took a few minutes each week. long time to get it all done, but now we are “We didn’t expect to be doing this a ahead of the game. It will all be there for year later, but we’ve made the most of it,” next year.” Thomas said. “Social and emotional learning A new guidance program will start in is far more important than academics. If the spring for grades 6-12 which will focus on college and career readiness instead of someone is having difficulties, it shows in Courtesy image their academics.” just test preparation for the college entrance exams. Thomas will teach it weekly during Clockwise from top left, Joseph P. Gone, Philip J. Deloria, Greg Sarris, K. Tsianina Lomawaima, Henrietta Mann and Robert Warrior hold a panel discussion Thomas has fine-tuned her guidance sponsored by the Harvard University Native American Program and the Stanford Native American Studies Program on Feb. 11. program for virtual classes. She sends a lesson homeroom classes. plan for “Ten Minute Tuesday” activities to “She is working very hard to keep our teachers, complete with an accompanying students focused,” said Principal Dorothy video, who facilitate it with their classes. Cain. “It is especially needed during this Native American scholars provide insight Middle and high school students do the time.” program with their homeroom teachers. One Thomas believes the guidance programs into Indigenous education example was a yoga program, which proved are a step in the right direction, but worries to be popular. there may be some long-term mental health time coming to terms with it. Then he found 2000 by an Act of Congress. In 2013, the issues from having all classes online. She BY BEVERLY BIDNEY “We all need to take a few minutes, Staff Reporter out about the death of an Indigenous woman tribe opened the Graton Resort & Casino practice deep breathing and focus on the is also concerned about how the isolation by rebels in Colombia and realized that in 2013, whose financial benefit has helped moment,” Thomas said. “It’s a reset every affects children’s minds since they are still people in many places in the Indigenous spur education in the tribe. Tuesday. The kids like it because they are developing. To honor the 50th anniversary of world were struggling against greater odds “It is a successful casino,” Sarris said. sitting in front of their computers all day. It “In order to fully develop, you have to Harvard University’s Native American than he faced. “Before, 80% of our kids dropped out of gives teachers a chance to refocus, too.” have that social interaction,” said Thomas, Program and Stanford University’s “Our histories are ones in which high school; now 100% graduate. They can The program is voluntary, but Thomas who was recently certified in mental health American Indian Cultural Center on Feb. 11, people fought like hell while looking into go to the college of their choice, paid for by makes it clear that students may just watch first aid from the National Council for the institutions hosted a panel of five Native an abyss that had no discernable end,” said the tribe.” the video if they are not comfortable with the Behavioral Health. “We are social beings American scholars who spoke about the Warrior, who is the founding president of Henrietta Mann (Cheyenne) is professor exercises. and social isolation isn’t the norm. That is state of Indigenous studies. the Native American and Indigenous Studies emerita of Native American studies at “The program is to remind us to be in why these programs and providing resources The panelists also discussed their own Association. “Our successes, stumbles and the University of Montana, Missoula and the present moment, to take a step back,” are so important. The tribe does a really good journeys through the labyrinth of higher failures as Indigenous scholars are connected Montana State University, Bozeman. She Thomas said. job of promoting the mental health resources education. All are inductees in the American to the lives of others. Those of us who take is also an elder and retired professor who Students learn the concept of they have available, so everyone who needs Academy of Arts & Sciences (AAAS), this work of scholarship seriously learn early said she is fortunate to live in a time where mindfulness during the program. help can get it.” which has had more than 13,500 members on a similar lesson about the intellectual “Indigenous people continue to give life Mindfulness is simply being aware of the Thomas tries to be positive about every since its founding in 1780. The panelists are work we do.” to intellectual giants who integrate our present instead of replaying the past or situation. among the few Native Americans members During a friend’s visit during that time, grandparents’ wisdom into the university worrying about the future. It helps students “I’m so proud of my team,” she said. of the AAAS. he was reminded that what he achieved was classroom.” learn not to overreact or be overwhelmed by “We started from zero and didn’t even have Philip J. Deloria (Yankton Dakota), the greater than one institution’s judgement of it. “I’m pleased [Harvard and Stanford] circumstances. our website up to date. We have progressed Leverett Saltonstall Professor of History “It made me realize that however high honor the views and philosophies of Thomas also adapted her regular tremendously and come a long way. The kids at Harvard University, is part of a cohort an institution’s standards are, my own Native American Indigenous scholarship 30-minute weekly guidance program to really motivate us.” of people who pushed for an Indigenous standards for my work are higher,” Warrior that represents countless generations of presence in the AAAS. said. “That was the biggest favor I did for knowledge that is but a droplet of the “It’s important to me to think about the myself back then, making the commitment accumulated wisdom passed down for as national American story and how Native to strive to reach the standards I set for long as our ancestors have walked this people can contest that story at every turn, myself. That is my first and best priority. If land,” Mann said. “Our Indigenous life ways Online petition asks for Cree language to seize control of it and keep our own I can achieve that goal, I will always know encompass the entire universe and provides independent stories going,” Deloria said for myself something that the affirmations of a fertile field in the study of life.” to be added to Google Translate during the webinar. “Rethinking national others cannot provide. At times I come up Mann believes Native American studies narratives is an important project. There short, but when I do I know where to go to programs are significant in their basic BY JOHN CHIDLEY-HILL of the language between a fluent speaker and are new ways to tell the stories and grab find my way.” mission, which is to educate Indigenous youth Canadian Press someone that doesn’t know the language audiences who don’t think about Native Greg Sarris, Tribal Chairman of the with appropriate cultural knowledge taught at all, I think that’s going to be the real people, but when they do it isn’t in positive Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria from their frame of reference. Although benefit,” said Bird, who is also the director ways. There are deep stories of Indigenous (Coast Miwok) and endowed chair in Indigenous people have always emphasized Montreal-based publisher Joseph John peoples on all lands that haven’t been heard. wanted his comic book “Citizen Canada” of education for Lac La Ronge Indian Band creative writing and Native American the importance of education, she noted the in Saskatchewan. We need to facilitate that.” studies at Sonoma State University, talked 1969 Kennedy Report which concluded the to reflect the country’s diverse history by K. Tsianina Lomawaima (Muskogee/ having the titular hero speak English, French Cree, part of the Algonquin language about his history in education. education of Indian children was a national family, has nine dialects that are spoken Creek Nation), a Stanford alumnus and “I didn’t read a book until I was in the tragedy and a national challenge and called and Cree. retired professor at Arizona State University, But when he started entering the in a vast geographic region that stretches 11th grade,” Sarris said. “I began studying for Indian involvement in their education. from Labrador to Alberta and the Northwest talked about the importance of sharing because I didn’t want to be a busboy or work The study offered 60 recommendations for Indigenous superhero’s dialogue into Google stories. She grew up hearing her father’s Translate he found that Cree, the most Territories, according to figures from the in the fields or horse ranches or dairy farms. improving Indian education, including an territorial government. stories and realized everyone learns, teaches, I thought I’d get rich and be a businessman. emphasis on Native culture and history, and common First Nations language in Canada, matures and finds their place in the world is not an option on the app. Bird said although there are certain But what happened when I began studying led to the Indian Education Act of 1972. modern words that differ between the various through stories. was the biggest shock of my life; that was “Self-determination eventually led John then took it upon himself to create “It is important to look after one another, an online petition urging Google to make Cree dialects, the heart of the language is the being separated from my community, to the formation of tribal colleges and same across Canada. share our stories and spread the word to family and friends. I had to sit alone with a universities,” Mann said. “This land’s Cree available on its translation app. A user- larger audiences,” she said. “Native or non- experience designer by trade, the publisher Molly Morgan, a spokeswoman for lightbulb reading a book. I persevered and in original teachers are the elders; they teach Google, said that Cree is among the many Native, look to the ground beneath your feet the process, I fell in love with literature and us we live in a mutually dependent and said he wants to help preserve the Indigenous or the oceans beneath your sails. See your language. Indigenous languages included in the reading. It reminded me of what I knew from interrelated universe.” company’s Noto font project but added ancestors, yourself and those who come home, which were stories.” She said Indigenous scholars can benefit “I’m not an activist, I’m just a ... after you. Ideas and stories spring from the designer,” said John. “Making comics has incorporating it into the Translate app is a He attended the University of California their nations directly, which can educate more complicated process. earth and the waves to give us life. For that, at Los Angeles and the writing program future Indigenous scholars by preserving always been my passion (but) I want my we should be grateful.” comic to be especially helpful to Indigenous “We’re gradually adding languages over at Stanford, where he wrote about urban their stories, working with governments to time but our system needs lots of examples Lomawaima believes there is a historical Indians. create language programs, protecting sacred people, I want to help First Nations peoples.” divide between higher education institutions The preamble to John’s petition points to learn from,” said Morgan. “Unfortunately “They couldn’t relate to the idea that an sites and documenting tribal ecological we don’t have a timeline for that specific and the Indigenous world. Indian was somebody besides a person on a knowledge to forestall critical effects of out that Maori, the language of Aboriginal “Indigenous studies play a critical role in people in New Zealand, is available on language. The process of adding a language pinto horse chasing buffalos,” Sarris said. climate change. to Translate takes a big concerted effort from public education and can serve as pathways After earning a doctorate from Stanford, “We have unending stewardship Google Translate. New Zealand government for non-Natives to encounter the historical data suggests there are approximately 50,000 contributors.” Sarris became a professor at UCLA “so I’d responsibilities to the earth,” Mann said. John, who emigrated from Bangalore, truth of the nation they call home,” she said. have a roof over my head,” he said. “When our students leave a university, they Maori speakers there, but data from Statistics “The contemporary vitality of Native people, Canada’s 2016 census shows there were India, in 2007, said he hopes that his His tribe has about 1,400 members, but should carry with them more than a degree. comic will help his fellow immigrants ideas and sovereignty percolate through our at first contact with outsiders they were more They should possess essential leadership more than 96,000 Cree speakers in Canada classes and impact Native nations.” when information was gathered. better understand First Nations people. He than 20,000 strong. All tribal members today skills, understand contemporary Native hopes that “Citizen Canada’ will help them Robert Warrior (Osage Nation), a are descended from just four survivors. In American life, be knowledgeable of tribal Simon Bird -- the creator of Cree Simon professor of American literature and culture Says, a Facebook group with more than understand the difference between First the early 1990s some elders asked him to get sovereignty and be positive and hopeful Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. at the University of Kansas, talked about the the tribe’s federal recognition back, which about their futures. They need to remember 20,000 followers that teaches people how difficulty of being a minority in academia. to speak the First Nations language -- said “I don’t want people to think of was terminated by the government in 1958. that they come from great peoples who have Indigenous people as tragic or victims or While he was a professor at Stanford in He fought to get a bill passed and the tribe’s an enduring presence on this land.” he would welcome the addition of his native 1999, he was denied tenure and had a hard language to Google Translate as a tool for any of that, I want them to think of them as federal recognition was finally restored in beginner or intermediate speakers. superheroes,” said John. “Once there’s a common understanding Florida State alumni podcast debuts scheme and the imagery of the poem. F POETS Students used worksheets to answer FROM PRESS RELEASE campus and look forward to experiencing has been a long and exciting process of From page 1B questions about Angelou’s life. Terrance those again when they return to campus finding interesting conversations, sharing wrote about the poet’s struggles. TALLAHASSEE — The Florida State or attend an event locally,” Julie Decker, opportunities to get involved with service Why did Brysen think Gorman chose “Her struggles in life was her parents University Alumni Association is bringing president and CEO of the FSU Alumni and social events and capturing the essence to write and recite this poem for the split and she was sent to live with her the FSU campus to alumni around the world Association, said in a statement. “This of the FSU campus in audio format. Inauguration? dad’s mom. She suffered first-hand racial with “Echoes: The FSU Alumni Podcast,” podcast lets them experience a piece of FSU Season one will consist of 10 episodes Brysen wrote: “She wants us to all be discrimination and she became mute. Her developed to create an on-the-go show to from wherever they are.” in Spring 2021, featuring conversations kind to each other, respect each other, treat writing themes are confidence, strength, keep alumni connected to each other and the The association’s virtual engagements in with Eva Killings, Seminole Dining each other fairly and we must learn from the human spirit and beauty,” Terrance wrote. university. 2020 led to developing a podcast to provide employee; Dan Berger (B.S. ’89), chair poem and not judge but compliment others. Another student, Annaleise, wrote that Keith Cottrell, director of Seminole FSU alumni with more digital programming. of the FSU Alumni Association national Don`t be disrespectful, be respectful and Angelou was not afraid at all and told other Clubs, will serve as host. Each episode will “We’ve seen tremendous participation board of directors; Andy Jhanji, interim vice treat others how you want to be treated.” people not to be afraid. She had a tough feature a “Campus Conversation” segment in our webinars and Zoom events since the president for university advancement; and Zayden Cypress chose the line “When childhood, but when she grew up she wrote meant to reconnect alumni with staff, faculty pandemic began,” said Keith Warburg, the Clay Ingram (B.S. ’00), chief legislative day comes we step out of the shade aflame “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me.” Annaleise and friends of the university. The first association’s director of communications. affairs officer. and unafraid” and explained his choice. wrote that the poet was not afraid of life any episode debuted Feb. 16 with Eva Killings, “But one thing our alumni kept asking for “Echoes: The FSU Alumni Podcast” “When I read this line it means to me that we more. a member of the campus community for was a way to stay connected casually on will be available on iTunes, Spotify and stand up to people.” “Virtual class is quite different, so I more than 45 years. their own schedule, whether at the gym, on other podcast platforms each Tuesday from Wills introduced Gorman’s poem and create Google slides for them and screen “Our alumni share many of the same the train or after the kids go to sleep.” Feb. 16-Apr. 20. For more information, visit talked about her being named the first youth sharing,” Wills explained. “I think they are favorite stories, traditions and locations on Warburg said that creating this podcast alumni.fsu.edu/echoes. poet laureate and what it meant to be just 22 thinking about things they may not have years old with an upbringing in which the thought about before. I like to use different odds were stacked against her. sources and find things that are current and “I want them to see younger role models relevant.” NIEA convention to be held in October and say that could be me,” Wills said. It often takes students two or three times “Anything is possible with commitment as long to learn something during distance FROM PRESS RELEASE NIEA is accepting proposals for and successful learning environments for and dedication. Gorman had a speech learning, Wills said. She is careful not to workshops, research presentations and poster students. NIEA stated it is also committed to impediment and worked to overcome it. She overwhelm them and avoids making school sessions focused on innovative strategies to highlighting any sessions that include direct practiced and rehearsed and didn’t let it get work seem unmanageable. The National Indian Education support the implementation of culture-based response and support strategies for COVID her down.” “I keep trying to motivate them Association’s 52nd annual convention pedagogy, asset-based methods for teaching related issues. The class also studied Angelou’s life and encourage them,” she said. “This is and trade show will be held Oct. 13-16 at and development, equitable curriculum and For more information and to register go and poems. They watched the poet read her really about their thoughts, it isn’t citing the Omaha Convention Center in Omaha, instruction, digital learning, community to niea.org. inaugural poem long before any of them information and calculations. I try to have Nebraska. partnership development, and trauma- were born. They also analyzed the more age- them not second guess themselves, but to get This year’s theme is “Native Control of informed educational practices to create safe appropriate poem “Life Doesn’t Frighten them to believe in themselves. I want them Native Education: A Time to Lead.” Me.” During the process, students learned to feel free to express themselves.” to discern who the speaker is, the rhyme 3B • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021

EVERY STUDENT HAS A STORY. READY TO START YOUR NEXT CHAPTER?

The story of UF Online is one JASMYN NGUYEN of excellence, dedication, and Business Administration adaptability. Our students are of all backgrounds and ages, living in different countries around the world, and many juggling a career and family. All of them are achieving KENNEDY MUSEMBI their dreams of a University of Microbiology Florida bachelor’s degree. & Cell Science

As the nation’s #3 Online Bachelor’s Program, UF Online offers word-class education designed by experts for online learning, taught by SETH BLAKE Health Education renowned on-campus faculty. & Behavior Picture yourself as a UF graduate. Read our student stories at ufonline.ufl.edu/get-started.

GET STARTED TODAY APPLY BY MAY 3 How can a degree from UF Online fulfill your dreams? Take the first step now at ufonline.ufl.edu/get-started. 4B • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 All Book Comedian Indigenous highlights show at Hard film to Native Rock Stadium American FROM PRESS RELEASE premiere in MIAMI GARDENS — Hard Rock contribution to Stadium will host South Florida native and comedian Brian Regan at the venue’s first- May ever live comedy show on April 17 at 7 p.m. comedy gersh.com The event will take place in the socially- Author Kliph Nesteroff distant open-air theater and can host up to FROM PRESS RELEASE FROM PRESS RELEASE 700 guests in small groups for an intimate viewing experience. Masks must be worn and the 1491s, a sketch troupe whose satire It was one of the most reliable jokes in at all times and can only be removed while The digital programming lineup for is smashing stereotypes to critical acclaim. Charlie Hill’s stand-up routine: “My people actively eating or drinking. For tickets visit Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American As Ryan Red Corn, the Osage member of are from Wisconsin. We used to be from New HardRockStadium.com/brian-regan. Theater in Washington, D.C., includes the the 1491s, says: “The American narrative York. We had a little real estate problem.” premiere in May of “Indigenous Earth dictates that Indians are supposed to be sad. In “We Had a Little Real Estate Voices.” The film explores the people’s It’s not really true and it’s not indicative of Problem,” acclaimed comedy historian Kliph 2 Texas men plead relationship to the Earth. the community experience itself…Laughter Nesteroff focuses on one of comedy’s most All of the artists involved in the film, and joy is very much a part of Native significant and little-known stories: how, guilty to illegally including actors, directors, interviewees and culture.” despite having been denied representation in playwrights, are Indigenous. Here’s a sample of reviews: excavating artifacts the entertainment industry, Native Americans The film features six stories from Jason Zinoman, New York Times: have influenced and advanced the art form. from Native locations throughout Canada and the United “[Nesteroff] has carved out a niche as the The account begins in the late 1880s, States focusing on subsistence, family premier popular historian of comedy because when Native Americans were forced to cultural sites traditions, land rights, myths and legends, of his knack for unearthing such forgotten Simon & Schuster tour in wild west shows as an alternative to regalia, tribal rituals, treaties and issues that stories…[We Had a Little Real Estate FROM WFAA prison. (One modern comedian said it was as “We Had a Little Real Estate Problem” was impact Indigenous cultures. Problem] provides context for an argument released by Simon & Schuster in February. “if a Guantanamo detainee suddenly had to These stories, written by six playwrights, about the importance of representation.” appear on X-Factor.”) This is followed by a are based upon interviews with tribal Film director, comedian Judd Apatow: Two Texas men pleaded guilty to detailed look at the life and work of seminal does, Native people transformed a hard leaders and storytellers from many different “Kliph Nesteroff explores an overlooked illegally excavating about 1,500 artifacts figures such as Cherokee humorist Will world of irony into one of wry and satirical tribes across Canada and the United States. side of comedy in We Had a Little Real from federal land, according to acting U.S. Rogers and Hill, who in the 1970s was the humor. Kliph Nesteroff takes readers on a The interviewees come from the tribes of Estate Problem. From its account of Native Attorney for the Northern District of Texas first Native American comedian to appear journey through this uncharted Indian comic Cherokee, Cree in Canada, Cup’ik Eskimo in American marginalization to the Cherokee Prerak Shah. The Tonight Show. world—its pasts and presents, legendary Alaska, Lakota, Piscataway, Shoshone, Zuni roots of Will Rogers, from the inspiring story Jeffrey Vance, 37, of San Marcos, and Also profiled are several contemporary heroes and rising stars, insider jokes and and others. of Charlie Hill to the new wave of young, Dax Wheatley, 32, of Amarillo, pleaded comedians, including Jonny Roberts, a social desperate performances. The result is a The Indigenous playwrights include: hilarious, Indigenous comedians, this book guilty to violating the Archeological worker from the Red Lake Nation who drives fascinating and rich picture of the life- Tara Beagan is a Ntlaka’pamux is a game changer.”—Judd Apatow Resources Protection Act, a release from five hours to the closest comedy club to affirming, revolutionary practices of Native and Irish “Canadian” half-breed. She is Philip J. Deloria, Harvard University: Shah’s office said. pursue his stand-up dreams; Kiowa-Apache comedy.” cofounder/codirector of ARTICLE 11 with “Stuck with living out contradictions In March of 2019, the Bureau of Land comic Adrianne Chalepah, who formed the The 336-page book is available through Andy Moro. ARTICLE 11 has worked between what America says and what it Simon & Schuster, Amazon and others. Management received a tip that an illegal across Turtle Island, in Aotearoa, Australia touring group the Native Ladies of Comedy; excavation had occurred on a Native and Scotland and is based in Mohkinstsis American cultural site at the Cross Bar (Calgary.) Beagan served as Artistic Director Management Area, just north of Amarillo, of Native Earth Performing Arts (Toronto) Joy Harjo will be Smith College’s commencement speaker Texas, federal officials said in a release from February 2011 to December 2013. Friday. Local officials determined the illegal She’s been in residence at Cahoots (Toronto), FROM PRESS RELEASE NEPA, the National Arts Centre (Ottawa), Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Harjo is an as several plays and children’s books. Her excavation happened at a former homestead Berton House (Dawson City) and is now at award-winning poet, writer, performer and 2012 memoir, “Crazy Brave,” won both of the Antelope Creek Culture, at a site Prairie Theatre Exchange (Winnipeg.) Seven NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Joy saxophone player of the Mvskoke/Creek the American Book Award and the PEN known as 41PT109, Shah said. Native of her 32 plays are published. Harjo—the 23rd United States Poet Laureate, Nation. As the first Native American to be USA Literary Award for Creative Non- Americans lived in the Texas panhandle Lee Cataluna was born and raised in and the first Native American named to named U.S. Poet Laureate, she launched Fiction. Harjo’s many other honors include between approximately 1200 and 1500 A.D. Hawaii and is of Native Hawaiian descent. that role—will deliver the address at Smith “Living Nations, Living Words,” a website a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Wallace A Bureau of Land Management agent Recent projects for the stage include Ipu College’s commencement ceremony on May designed to introduce readers to the many Stevens Award from the Academy of received a tip that someone, later identified for Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Home of 30. Native poets in the U.S. Harjo is the author American Poets, and the Poetry Foundation’s as Vance, had posted photos of the illegal the Brave for La Jolla Playhouse, Flowers Harjo will receive an honorary degree at of nine books of poetry, including the Ruth Lilly Prize. excavation on social media, the release said. of Hawaii at Native Voices at the Autry and the event. acclaimed “An American Sunrise,” as well Mudpies and Magic at Honolulu Theatre for Youth. Her books include Folks You Meet at Longs and the children’s book Ordinary `Ohana. She has an MFA in Creative Writing ‘Wild Indian’ offers a glimpse into generational trauma and Writing for the Performing Arts from BY MONICA WHITEPIGEON while he took more liberties with the that I think we all see in our lives, lives “I’m most curious about stories that University of California, Riverside. Native News Online darker themes of the plot. Murder was not around us. And for a long time, Hollywood depict cultures that I don’t know enough Dillon Chitto is a Native American based on an actual incident but hints at the portrayed us in grotesque ways and in this about. And as Lyle said, my character is kind of Mississippi Choctaw, Laguna and Isleta ongoing missing persons cases throughout case with Lyle’s sure-hand and with a cast of like the metaphor,” Eisenberg said. Pueblo descent. He grew up in Santa reservations. that I loved, I felt safe to reclaim that kind “He’s kind of like whatever Lyle Fe, New Mexico, where he learned the Native people in cinema have been categorized into stereotypical and “I was feeling a little bit out of touch of portrayal and recontextualize it in our conceived through Makwa’s eyes of the importance of art, culture and traditions from when I moved away from my reservation. I terms,” Greyeyes said. kind of upwardly mobile white guy who’s his family. In his playwriting, he connects inconsequential roles, which has created a gap in Native-centric films that allow for any kind of felt like I was living not like a lie, but “This examination of whatever system quite happy and seems to be self-actualized these themes using storytelling techniques I was just living a very different life than I you’re talking about, you know Manifest in a shallow way. I wanted to support that learned throughout his life. He is presently in worthwhile character development. Some Native filmmakers are working to break had grown with so I was just writing down Destiny, racism, colonialism and trauma, because I want to support stories like that. So Chicago, Illinois and is currently a company feelings about that,” Corbine explained work its way through our bodies and across even though as an actor in some ways it feels member of BoHo Theatre where he is an away from historical settings and cultivate more fleshed out storylines for contemporary during a panel with The Atlantic. our bodies all the time. And when I saw the like a diminished (role), it actually adds to artistic administrator. He was selected as Yale Broken into three distinct sections, final cut of the film I realized (Lyle) created the movie in such a wonderful way.” Indigenous Performing Arts Program’s 2017 Native protagonists. For Sundance Institute alum, writer and director Lyle Mitchell the feature tackles the intergenerational this poem using these images, using our Even more so, Spencer’s depiction winning playwright. He has also worked with trauma that resonates for many Native bodies.” of the troubled Ted-O proved captivating Global Voices theatre project in London as Corbine Jr. (Shinaab), it was a necessity to show audiences the inner workings of people. Beginning with a sickly, lone Native His character addresses concerns of throughout each scene. Ted-O is presented well as Theater Above the Law in Chicago. man wandering in the woods, he speaks in assimilation, represented through his career as a tattoo-covered convict, who tries to He was recently selected as a resident for Native minds, even the more questionable characters. Ojibwe believing himself to be the last of and marriage, and his unspoken need to reconnect with his family. Spencer’s raw AlterTheater’s 2020 AlterLab cohort. a dying tribe. The audience is then taken maintain some sort of cultural connection expressiveness highlighted the humanity Mary Kathryn Nagle is an enrolled Corbine premiered his debut film “Wild Indian” at this year’s Sundance Film to the 1980s and introduced to Makwa, a via his home décor and long hair. Michael behind his seemingly unapproachable citizen of the Cherokee Nation. She is also bullied Anishinaabe boy from an abusive hides in plain sight as he represses his violent character, who lost his innocence long ago, a partner at Pipestem Law, P.C., where she Festival. The film stars Plains Cree actor Michael Greyeyes (“True Detective”), family, and his confidant Ted-O, who teaches urges and distances himself emotionally but still desires tenderness and love. works to protect tribal sovereignty and the him how to shoot. As the movie progresses from his wife (Bosworth) and his coworker “With Ted-O, I knew I had to bring inherent right of Indian Nations to protect Lakota actor Chaske Spencer (“Barkskins”), Kate Bosworth (“The Long Road Home”) to the present day, Corbine’s writing and (Eisenberg). some type of sensitivity because his exterior their women and children from domestic cinematography further contextualizes the “From Greta’s perspective, I often was so big with the tattoos, coming out of violence and sexual assault. From 2015 and Jesse Eisenberg (“Zombieland”). The 87-minute drama focuses on two trauma the two main characters witness and read (the script) through the lens of kind jail and the shaved head. And so my job is to to 2019, she served as the first Executive have to live with into adulthood. of love and self-love and lack of that and make sure that I made him human and more Director of the Yale Indigenous Performing Anishinaabe cousins that became involved in the cover-up of a murder committed Young M’Chigeeng First Nation actor sort of shame and how an upbringing or sensitive and very present and very guilt Arts Program. Nagle is an alum of the 2013 Phoenix Wilson (“Indian Horse”) portrays an experience can affect a person,” said ridden for what he had done,” Spencer said. Public Theater Emerging Writers Program. during their adolescence. Makwa/Michael and Ted-O grow up to lead polar opposite the soft-spoken Makwa in a way that Bosworth. “Wild Indian” offers a visceral look Productions include Miss Lead (Amerinda, exemplifies the frustration of preteens as he “Every single beat and every word that into the lives and motives of contemporary 59E59), Fairly Traceable (Native Voices lives all the while dealing with their inner demons in different ways. attempts to bring his own sense of justice I read was really like straight piercing to the Native people, both on and off the Rez. at the Autry), Sovereignty (Arena Stage), to his dire situations. Greyeyes plays off of soul and whether it was horrific or poignant Every character must face his or her own Manahatta (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Originally from Garrison, Minn. and a member of the Bad River Band of the Lake his younger version to deliver a daunting or poetic or whatever Lyle wanting to challenges with an underlying need to simply Return to Niobrara (Rose Theater), Crossing performance as a middle-aged, successful communicate it was just very, very honest.” survive. A theme that is all too real for many Mnisose (Portland Center Stage), Sovereignty Superior Tribe of Chippewa, Corbine wanted to reconnect with his regional background businessman who changed his name to Eisenberg, who is also an executive Indigenous people. (Marin Theatre Company) and Manahatta Michael. producer, was immediately drawn to the “I hope that people walk away knowing (Yale Repertory Theatre). for the story. The film’s characters are loosely based on Corbine’s family members, “As an actor I felt an absolute need to project and made himself available to a little bit more about what goes on in the Frank Henry Kaash Katasse is from the be unafraid to deal with the kind of violence Corbine. hearts of Native people,” Corbine said. Tsaagweidi clan. Frank is an actor, director, especially for Ted-O’s adult appearance, producer, improviser, educator, author and playwright. Frank received his Bachelor’s in Theatre Arts from the University of Hawai’i: Mānoa. Frank served as Board President Ojibwe author Angeline Boulley on the of Juneau/Douglas Little Theatre (2013- 2019), a Perseverance Theatre company member (2008-present) and the Playwright in ‘Indigenous Nancy Drew’ story in her debut thriller Residence for Theater Alaska (2020-present). BY STATESIDE/MICHIGAN RADIO Ojibwe student Daunis Fontaine, who’s experiences working with teens in tribal it come from within me?’” In 2017, Perseverance Theatre produced navigating the complexity of her identity as communities also helped influence how Boulley says she’s hoping teen readers (along with Native Voices at the Autry and La a biracial, unenrolled tribal member while she built the narrative in “Firekeeper’s of “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” especially Jolla Playhouse) the rolling world premiere of Angeline Boulley’s debut young adult balancing school, sports, and the aftermath Daughter,” which she spent more than a those who are biracial, can see themselves Katasse’s play They Don’t Talk Back. Frank novel opens with a heart-pounding scene: of a recent family tragedy. Not long after a decade developing. reflected in the story and its characters. has also developed two full length plays, a girl stands frozen in the woods, staring charming, but mysterious, athlete catches “Kids were still hearing the same things “Identity is such a powerful theme in Where the Summit Meets the Stars and Spirit down the barrel of a gun. Daunis’ eye, she witnesses a murder. As that I heard when I was growing up about, stories, because for all of the readers, all the of the Valley, as the Playwright in Residence Over the course of the book, Michigan she follows a twisting path of intrigue and you know, oh, you don’t look Indian, or teens out there who have felt that — living (2018). Frank currently lives in Douglas, AK author Boulley revisits this dramatic romance, Daunis pursues the truth of what’s not being Indian enough,” she said. “My in both worlds, or not enough, or whatever with his wife and two kids. scene, each time adding just a little more happening in her community — and the daughter was a preteen at the time, about struggles they go with, to feel seen in a Madeline Sayet is a citizen of the context and gradually unraveling the truth of who she is. 12 years ago, when I decided to write this story, I think that can do wonders for your Mohegan Tribe, the Executive Director of the novel’s mystery. The result is an elegantly- Boulley says she grew up loving Indigenous “Nancy Drew” story. And that’s self-identity,” she said. “I think that books Yale Indigenous Performing Arts Program paced, emotionally complex thriller called mysteries and thrillers, but the stories rarely how it all started.” and stories can do so much to help young (YIPAP) and Co-Artistic Director of Red “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” It’s making a featured characters who looked like her or The novel deals with some serious people.” Eagle Soaring: Native Youth Theater. For her splash with teen and adult audiences alike shared her experiences. subject matter, so it might not be suited for “Firekeeper’s Daughter” will be work as a theater maker, she has been honored — and it hasn’t even hit the shelves yet. “It wasn’t until I was a senior in all young readers. And while the book is published March 16. A Netflix series as a Forbes 30 Under 30, TED Fellow, MIT Boulley is an enrolled member of the high school that I read a book where the officially part of the YA genre, many adult adaptation of the book is already in the Media Lab Director’s Fellow, National Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, protagonist was Native, and had a Native readers will find this thriller gripping and works, too — it’s set for development with Directing Fellow, Native American 40 Under and she’s currently based in Southwest father and a non-Native mother. And I was powerful, too. Higher Ground Productions, President 40 and a recipient of The White House Michigan. But Firekeeper’s Daughter, just stunned,” she said. “Once I saw it, I “Young adult stories are about coming Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Champion of Change Award from President which will be released March 16, is set in realized, wait, I haven’t seen this before, and of age and discovering who you are and production company. Obama. Her play, Where We Belong, first the places where Boulley grew up in the why is that?” finding your place in the world or in your shown in London at Shakespeare’s Globe, Upper Peninsula. Boulley says that elements of the novel community,” Boulley said. “When you’re This post was written by Stateside will have its U.S. premiere in Washington, “I’m really proud to have a story that’s started taking shape in her mind decades biracial, that adds another element that other production assistant Nell Ovitt. D.C., as part of Woolly Mammoth Theatre set in my tribal community in Michigan,” ago, when, as a student, she found out about people might not understand. And, you Company’s current season. Boulley said. “It’s almost like the location an undercover drug bust at a nearby high know, it gets into things like colorism and For more information visit arenastage. becomes a character. It plays an integral part school. She later served as the Director of microaggressions and code switching and org. in the story.” the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. all of these things of, ‘How is my identity The book’s protagonist is 18-year-old Department of Education, and she says her perceived by others, and at what point does 5B • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 Sports C Tribal trio propels Okeechobee to historic season

said. “That’s a team that has University of District championship, first Florida commits on it, and we came out here and fought. We got freshmen driving to the regional playoff win since hole against these big seniors, getting ‘and-1 1979 highlight calls.’” Indeed, Okeechobee wasn’t shy about memorable year taking the ball to the hoop, even with the 6-foot-2 Gator-bound twins Taliyah and BY KEVIN JOHNSON Tatyana Wyche in their way. When Baker Senior Editor drove the lane for a layup that trimmed Heritage’s lead to 10-6 midway through the first quarter, Okeechobee showed it wouldn’t After Okeechobee High School girls go away quietly. However, the Brahmans basketball coach Jovanny Torres handed the didn’t make enough first shots, which was district championship trophy to his players, critical because second chances were sparse. it seemed as if everyone wanted to touch it. Turnovers also proved to be pivotal. Who could blame them? “We played a great game, but we got a Throughout its long history, the program little stage fright when they ran their press,” hasn’t exactly filled up trophy cases. Torres said. “Instead of trying to run our Nobody could remember the Brahmans girls press break, we tried to dribble through it” basketball team winning a district title, at Baker finished with five points. She least not in the past quarter century or so. helped keep the game close early with two So the players basked in a spotlight they steals, one block and a layup in the first four earned by walloping Fort Pierce’s Westwood minutes of the opening quarter. She scored Academy, 50-13, in the Class 5A-District 13 four of the team’s first six points. championship Feb. 5 in front of about 100 The loss certainly didn’t tarnish what mask-wearing spectators at Jensen Beach the Brahmans accomplished. In addition High School. to the district title and regional quarterfinal After receiving the championship trophy win, the team won its first nine games of the from Torres, the players, which include the season. Under Torres, who is also the athletic director at Pemayetv Emahakv Charter Seminole Tribe’s Adryauna Baker, Caylie Kevin Johnson Huff and Haylie Huff, swarmed around it School, the Brahmans have generated a 33- and took plenty of photos amid friends and From left, the Seminole Tribe trio of Caylie Huff, Adryauna Baker and Haylie Huff hold the Class 5A-District 13 trophy after the Okeechobee High School 11 record the past two seasons. They should family. Brahmans defeated Westwood, 50-13, in the championship Feb. 5 at Jensen Beach High School. be strong again next season as nearly the Until Torres became head coach a few entire roster – including Baker and leading years ago, the program went decades without “We knew we needed a little bit of work for Westwood players to get solid position defenders to finish the play. Then right when scorer Jasmine Shanks – will be back. ever attaining much notoriety. Now the on our team chemistry, but we got the hang of near the basket. Caylie Huff, the team’s only they inbounded the ball she stole it right The team has only two seniors, the Huff program, which includes the tribe’s Kalisa it as we went along,” said Adryauna Baker, other senior, entered the game in the fourth back and drove hard to the lane and [caused] sisters, neither of whom made the trip to Baker as assistant varsity coach and head JV a junior guard who averaged 10 points and quarter and finished with two assists. another foul,” Torres said. Plantation. coach, has built a strong foundation that is a team-high 5.1 rebounds per game this The Brahmans weren’t done celebrating. The team’s spirited run ended Feb. Throughout the season the Huffs came producing winning seasons and tournament season. Six days later they won a regional playoff 16 when national powerhouse American off the bench to provide valuable minutes. appearances. Baker and Haylie Huff each finished game for the first time since 1979 thanks in Heritage-Plantation rolled to a 57-27 home Caylie was a shooting threat, especially from “For us to come and change that and with four points in the district final. large part to Baker, who excelled in several win in a regional semifinal. Heritage, with long range, and a strong defender, while not only get the No. 1 (district) seed and Defensively, they made their presence felt in areas. She had 11 rebounds, seven points, six the University of Florida-bound 6-foot-2 Haylie won a lot of battles in the paint vying bring home a district title, I couldn’t be more the paint. Baker snagged a game-high seven steals, three assists and two blocks to lead Wyche sisters, went on to capture its fourth for rebounds. proud of my girls,” Torres said. rebounds to match her season high. She also the Brahmans past Northeast-Oakland Park, straight state championship. Before shifting attention to next year, After losing only two seniors from last contributed with three steals, two assists and 40-37, in overtime in a Class 5A-Region 4 After the loss to Heritage, Torres Torres hopes his players appreciate what season’s team, Okeechobee figured it would a block. Huff, a senior who had a career- quarterfinal at Okeechobee High School. emphasized to his team that there was no they accomplished this year. be in the thick of the chase for a district title high five rebounds in a district semifinal “She took over in overtime with an reason to sulk. “I don’t think they realize how great this season. Like a puzzle, the pieces were in win against Boynton Beach, had two amazing crossover that made the defender “I told the girls I don’t want to see a season they actually had. They’re so place; they just needed to be connected. rebounds and excelled at making it difficult fall and then finished the layup through two anybody with their heads down,” Torres modest,” he said.

Kevin Johnson Kevin Johnson Okeechobee’s Caylie Huff attempts to block a Okeechobee’s Haylie Huff wins a battle for a loose Kevin Johnson pass on defense during the Brahmans district ball against Westwood in the Class 5A-District Okeechobee’s Adryauna Baker drives toward the basket against American Heritage’s Taiyah Wyche, a University of Florida signee, during the Brahmans championship victory against Westwood at 13 championship Feb. 5 at Jensen Beach High final game of the season, a 57-27 loss in a Class 5A-Region 4 semifinal Feb. 16 in Plantation. Jensen Beach High School. School. Okeechobee won, 50-13.

Kevin Johnson (2) At left, Adryauna Baker receives instruction from coach Jovanny Torres during the regional semifinal in Plantation. The assistant coach on the bench is Kalisa Baker, who is also the junior varsity head coach. At right, it’s time for the celebration to begin as Okeechobee players cheer on their teammates in the waning moments of the district championship game. 6B • The Seminole Tribune • February 26, 2021 Seminoles fill the rosters, coaching ranks for Moore Haven High School softball

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor MOORE HAVEN — It’s not hard to find tribal representation this year on the softball field at Moore Haven High School. Led by first-year varsity head coach Jaryaca Baker, first-year JV head coach Dallas Nunez and his daughters Brianna and Janessa, who are assistant coaches, the Terriers’ program is filled with Seminoles in the coaching staffs and throughout the rosters. Baker’s sister plays, as does another daughter of Nunez. They are among the nine players from the tribe. “Having an all-tribal staff and a good number of tribal athletes to me is humbling,” Baker said. “From personal experiences and obstacles I faced growing up, I feel like young tribal athletes seeing us out there bring them out because they can be comfortable and feel the same level of equality.” Moore Haven has generated Kevin Johnson plenty of success in recent years, Moore Haven High School varsity softball player Preslynn Baker, an eighth-grader, fields a grounder at including multiple trips to the second base during the Terriers’ home opener Feb. 19 against Clewiston. state final four, even reaching the championship game in 2014. Those squads were loaded with experience from juniors and seniors; in contrast, this season’s varsity team features an abundance of younger players. “My goal for the team is to build this year. Find everyone’s weaknesses and build it up,” Baker said. “We have an extremely young team this year, so building is important. They all have the heart and the talent; we just have minor things to fix.” Among those young players from the tribe are third baseman Summer Gopher and Jaryaca’s sister Preslynn Baker. Despite being an eighth grader playing against girls four or five years older than her, Preslynn was a standout in the team’s first victory. She went 3-for- 4 and was the winning pitcher as the Terriers defeated Gateway Charter- Fort Myers, 12-8, on Feb. 23. Other tribal members shined, too, in the victory. “Illa Trueblood was a pinch runner for our pitcher/catcher and she is phenomenal on the bases,” coach Baker said. “Our babies of the team – Tehya Nunez and Jolene Kevin Johnson Kevin Johnson Nunez – really stepped up when we In a junior varsity game, Moore Haven infielders Moore Haven junior varsity pitcher Joleyn Nunez needed them. Tehya played amazing Tehya Nunez, right, and Tahnia Billie try to nab a and first baseman Illa Trueblood face Clewiston at second base and she’s only in sixth Clewiston runner at second base. in the team’s first game Feb. 19. grade. Seventh grader Aaryn King also had a good couple at bats.” Some of those young players will spend a majority of time on the JV this year, but will get a taste of varsity. Also, some of those players would normally be playing for Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School, but are suiting up as Terriers because sports at PECS have yet to be played this academic year due to the pandemic. The JV team’s potential was evident in its first game of the season as it roared to an 8-3 lead against Clewiston on Feb. 19. That evening the team’s batting order included Illa Trueblood (1st), Tehya Nunez (2nd), Joleyne Nunez (4th), Tahnia Billie (6th), Aaliyah Billie (7th) and Jayleigh Braswell (9th). Although Clewiston came back and won, Moore Haven provided a glimpse of burgeoning talent. Coach Nunez said his squad is essentially a middle school team playing on the JV level. “We have to compete up, so it’s Kevin Johnson only going to make them stronger in Moore Haven High School varsity softball coach Jaryaca Baker talks to her infield during a trip to the the end,” he said. “They held their pitcher’s circle in the Terriers’ game against Clewiston on Feb. 19. own. They did good. I was proud of them.”

Kevin Johnson Moore Haven High School junior varsity softball coach Dallas Nunez addresses his team during a break Feb. 19 in Moore Haven.

Tennis stars coming to Hard Rock Stadium for Miami Open

FROM PRESS RELEASE 77 ranked men and 75 of the top 78 ranked women, have entered to compete MIAMI GARDENS — The in Miami. world’s greatest tennis players will be Djokovic and Osaka recently won at Hard Rock Stadium from March Australian Open titles. 22-April 4 for the Miami Open. Matches Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam will be open to a limited number of fans. champion, is looking to capture her ninth The men’s and women’s draws title in Miami. World No. 1 Ashleigh feature the sport’s top names, including Barty, the defending Miami Open Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak champion, returns seeking to follow up Djokovic, Serena Williams and Naomi her win in 2019. Osaka. Other players to watch include Tournament officials said the Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady, stadium court inside Hard Rock Stadium 2019 Miami Open finalist Karolina will not be set up this year due to Pliskova, World No. 4 and Pembroke Covid-19 precautions. Pines native Sofia Kenin, and American For more information, including Madison Keys. Overall, each of the top tickets, go to miamiopen.com. Kevin Johnson Serena Williams