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www.seminoletribune.org Free Volume XLIV • Number 12 December 31, 2020 Gaming Persistence pays off as tribe’s Veterans Building revenues soared in 2019, lands Army helicopter from but there’s no BY BEVERLY BIDNEY celebration Staff Reporter BRIGHTON — A U.S. Army helicopter BY DAMON SCOTT whose service ranged from missions in the Staff Reporter Vietnam War to a role in “The Walking Dead” TV series, is now stationed on the Brighton Reservation.” It was a banner year for Indian gaming The retired Bell UH-1 Iroquois revenues in 2019, but any end of year helicopter – more commonly known as celebrating has been muted by the Covid-19 a “Huey” – has a new home in front of pandemic and its effect on the industry. the Florida Seminole Veterans Building. The National Indian Gaming The helicopter, which was placed near the Commission recently reported a record entrance in the fall, serves as a lasting legacy $34.6 billion in gross gaming revenues for of Seminole veteran Stephen Bowers, a the industry in fiscal year 2019 – a 2.5% patriot who served his tribe and his country increase over 2018. It is the highest reported in the war and then worked tirelessly for revenue in the 32 years since the federal veterans’ causes right up until his passing on Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was enacted, June 1, 2020, at age 71. the NIGC said. In May 1969, Bowers joined the U.S. All but one of NIGC’s eight regions Army’s 503rd Infantry 173rd Airborne experienced growth. The Oklahoma City Brigade in Vietnam. After a stint stateside, Courtesy photo region saw the largest increase at 7.7%. The he was discharged in 1971. But his tour of A helicopter that served in the Vietnam War has a new home in front of the Florida Seminole Veterans Building on the Brighton Reservation. Washington, D.C., region, which includes duty in Vietnam stayed with him throughout Florida and six other states, saw a 2% the remainder of his life. In 2010, he began decrease from 2018 to 2019. a campaign to have a statue placed at the piece of military equipment to display who served as boots on the ground,” said from 1969-71. Also known as “Dustoffs” The Seminole Tribe operates six casinos Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, outside the newly completed building. Since Elizabeth Bowers, Stephen’s widow. “They for the amount of dust they blew around on in Florida under Seminole Gaming, including D.C. to commemorate Native Americans’ Huey helicopters played such a large role in heard the sound of the ‘woo woo woo’ and landing and takeoff, they were unarmed per its flagship Hard Rock properties in Tampa service in the military. Although his specific the war, Bowers started looking for a non- knew someone was coming to rescue them. Geneva Convention rules. They flew in any and Hollywood. plan didn’t quite pan out, his efforts led to working one to display. The search lasted The whoosh of the blades is what I heard weather and at any time of day or night to “Healthy tribal economies are important the creation of the Native American Veterans years. about most from Stephen and others in retrieve wounded troops. to promoting the tribal self-sufficiency Memorial, which opened on Veterans Day The single-engine Huey was a combat. It’s a sound they never forget.” The communist-led Viet Cong army envisioned in the Indian Gaming Regulatory this year at the Smithsonian’s National workhorse in Vietnam. It was first developed Attendees at a 2018 Veterans Day in South Vietnam placed a high priority on Act, NIGC Chairman E. Sequoyah Museum of the American Indian. in 1952 as a medical evacuation and utility event in Brighton heard first-hand about the all helicopters and used the iconic red cross Simermeyer said in a statement. “The The idea to add a helicopter on the helicopter, but Vietnam was the first time it important role Hueys played in Vietnam. painted on the nose as a target. growth reflected in the 2019 gaming revenue campus of the Brighton veterans building was used in combat roles; about 7,000 were Guest speaker John Glenn, a friend of demonstrates the strength of tribal economies started about 10 years ago. Seminole deployed. Stephen Bowers, spoke about his experience in recent years.” veterans decided to search for a suitable “Hueys were a lifesaver for soldiers as a medic on a Huey medevac helicopter F See HELICOPTER on page 4A F See HARD ROCK on page 6A Biden picks Haaland to lead Tribe makes Department of Interior key hire BY DAMON SCOTT Staff Reporter in climate The significance of President-elect ’s pick to lead the Department of Interior is hard to overstate for Indian change Country. Consider that for 245 years only non- Natives (and mostly males) have served as the top official over Native American affairs. battle That streak will be broken if Rep. Deb Haaland, a Democrat from , is BY DAMON SCOTT confirmed by the Senate as Biden’s Cabinet Staff Reporter secretary for the department. It would also be the first time a Native American has held any Cabinet position. HOLLYWOOD — The threat of Biden made the choice official Dec. climate change is not out of sight or out of 17 after weeks of speculation and amid a mind for the Seminole Tribe or for those growing chorus who wanted Haaland at the living in Florida. helm. The range of Haaland acknowledged in a statement dangers and problems soon after the announcement that “a voice has already arrived. like hers” had never been elevated this way. What usually comes “Growing up in my mother’s Pueblo to mind for Floridians household made me fierce. I’ll be fierce for is sea level rise, all of us, our planet, and all of our protected increased flooding land. I am honored and ready to serve,” she Rep. Haaland/Flickr and more frequent said. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-NM, was nominated Dec. 17 by President-elect Joe Biden to be the next Secretary of the Interior. and powerful Many Native American leaders said hurricanes – but there the development was evidence of a positive Congress – the other was , a – Bears Ears and Grand Staircase. Committee on Natural Resources. She also are many more and shift – a new start – in an often fraught Democrat from Kansas. Both were reelected President Trump’s nomination in 2019 of led the subcommittee on the consequences can relationship between Indian Country and the to the House on Nov. 3. former oil and gas lobbyist of the U.S. be devastating. federal government. Haaland first ran for higher office as secretary also raised eyebrows. Bernhardt The variety of issues Haaland will face Tribal leadership Jill Horwitz is the “This is an historic moment for in 2014 as lieutenant governor on the replaced , who resigned after a if confirmed include making sure tribal and has made climate Seminole Tribe’s first Indian Country and represents significant Democratic ticket in New Mexico with Gary series of scandals. urban Native communities have access to change a priority climate resiliency progress in the evolution of our nation- King. The pair didn’t win, but she would go , who was interior secretary federal funding, protecting wildlife areas over the years. It has officer. to-nation relationship with the United on to be chair of the Democratic Party of under the Obama administration from 2009 from oil and gas interests and investigations many departments States,” the United South & Eastern New Mexico prior to her run for Congress. to 2013, told NBC News that Haaland is a of missing and murdered Indigenous women involved in the fight, Tribes, which includes the Seminole Tribe, Before politics, the single mother “terrific choice” for the position. He said the – a problem on the rise in Indian Country. whether through the work of the Heritage said in a statement. “The nomination of supported her daughter and was known Senate should confirm her quickly. Crystal Echo Hawk, executive director and Environment Resources Office (HERO), Congresswoman Haaland sends a powerful for her strong will and entrepreneurship. “This is a hard job,” Salazar said, and of IllumiNative, a Native American advocacy the Environmental Resource Management message to Tribal Nations and Native people Haaland started a salsa business out of added that Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii group, told NBC News she recalled seeing Department (ERMD) or Seminole Heritage – one of regard, honor, affirmation, and her kitchen and earned a degree in Native once told him that of all the Cabinet Haaland at a February 2020 meeting of the Services (SHS). In recent years, the tribe visibility.” American law from the University of New positions, “the Interior is the most important National Congress of American Indians in has hosted a yearly Renewable Energy The vast Interior Department is involved Mexico while taking her daughter to her because you are the custodian of America’s Washington, D.C. & Sustainability Conference that brings in the conservation and management of 500 classes. natural resources and custodian of America’s She remembered Haaland being stakeholders from across Indian Country to million acres of federal lands and natural heritage.” surrounded by people – something that often Hollywood. resources. It oversees a broad group of New tone? During her short time in Congress, happens because of her standing among The tribe has now made a key hire to agencies such as the , Haaland became known among progressives Native Americans. help execute its ongoing efforts. Jill Horwitz Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land In 2017, the Interior Department under as a strong advocate for the climate and “As Native people, we grow up is the tribe’s first climate resiliency officer. Management, Bureau of Indian Education the Trump administration faced scrutiny . She had previously joined constantly being erased and minimized and She started in the job Dec. 7 and will juggle and the – the latter for stating that up to 30% of its 70,000 the protests against the Dakota Access dehumanized. That to be successful, you a number of responsibilities, from engaging includes law enforcement on reservations employees weren’t “loyal to the [American] Pipeline project. have to leave your Native identity behind,” with government officials and agencies to and Native American trust land and trust flag.” Boosting Haaland’s resume further Echo Hawk said. “But when young Native outreach and education. The position falls asset issues. That same year, the administration drew for Cabinet consideration was her service people come up to Deb in throngs, that’s not under HERO, but the work is tribalwide. Haaland, 60, is from the Pueblo of the ire of many Native American tribes and in Congress as the chair of the House the case. They feel hope.” Laguna. In 2018, she was one of two Native conservation groups when it reduced the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, American women to be the first elected to land size of two national monuments in Utah and Public Lands and vice-chair of the F See CLIMATE on page 7A

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 • December 31, 2020 NPS announces prescribed fires for Big Cypress National Preserve

Editorial communities and developed areas. BY BEVERLY BIDNEY “We have been burning the pine around Staff Reporter the cypress,” Kemp said. “Pine is a good receptive fuel for a wildfire, which will run through and cause havoc for us. That’s not The National Park Service (NPS) saying we won’t get a wildfire again, but announced in December its 2021 prescribed Haaland to the Department of we will be able to put it out quickly because fire notification for the Big Cypress National there is nothing on the ground to burn.” Preserve. Burn areas include land adjacent Prescribed burns are safer and more to the Seminole Tribe’s Big Cypress efficient than wildfire management, the Interior: It’s history Reservation and the Miccosukee Tribe notification said. The long term effect of the Reservation. scheduled burns benefits the ecosystem in While there are no specific dates yet, numerous ways including to reduce highly the fires will likely commence after the first job, including House Speaker . That includes cooking for hundreds at flammable vegetation, maintain healthy and • The Santa Fe of the year. As in years past, the Seminole Backing came from Democrats and even a feast day, raising a daughter as a single resilient fire adapted ecosystems, improve Tribe’s wildland fire department will be New Mexican Editorial some Republicans. That’s a recognition of mother, selling homemade salsa to pay for nutritional quality of soil, maintain habitat there to help. skills, knowledge and an ability to work law school, working the cornfields at Laguna for plants and animals, increase habitat “Anything that’s adjacent with our Board with others — all characteristics that will Pueblo, supervising tribal enterprises and diversity, maintain biodiversity by promoting property line, we help out and are there serve her well on the Cabinet. running the New Mexico Democratic Party. flowering and fruiting plants, restore fire to assist,” said Chris Kemp, fire rescue U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona, She has been active helping New to landscapes that don’t experience the eb Haaland isn’t through making assistant fire management officer. “We’ve chairman of the House Natural Resources Mexicans protect sacred sites from overly natural historic flow of fire due to habitat history. already been doing burns on our side of the Committee, took himself out of contention aggressive oil and gas drilling, been a leader fragmentation and help manage exotic One of the first Native fence. In my opinion, they could be burning D for the post. Of Haaland, he said: “She’s in seeking justice for missing and murdered invasive plant populations. women elected to Congress, the Laguna right now.” real. She’s authentic. She’s legitimate. And Indigenous women, and understands public Since the burns depend on weather Pueblo member and U.S. representative The Big Cypress National Preserve she should have it.” lands are more than a profit base. She is conditions, NPS will send notifications prior from Albuquerque broke another barrier has one of the most active fire management U.S. Rep. , a Republican eager to help transform U.S. reliance on to when a burn is to be implemented. (Dec. 17) when President-elect Joe Biden from Oklahoma, knows Haaland from co- fossil fuels, furthering Biden’s goal of programs in the NPS. Fire is an essential nominated her to serve as secretary of the chairing the Congressional Native Caucus slowing global warming. The Department of component of the ecosystem and is used Department of the Interior. with her. His thoughts? “While we belong to the Interior is critical in that effort because to help reduce the risk of wildfires in If confirmed, she will be the first different parties, I consider Congresswoman it manages roughly a fifth of the land in the Native in the Cabinet, charged with running Deb Haaland a valued colleague and a good United States. the Department of the Interior, founded friend,” he said. Like the other New Mexicans in the in 1849. It manages vast stretches of the Several Biden advisers appeared running for the post — including retiring West, including the many places where skeptical of Haaland, just as some were U.S. Sen. , another excellent tribal people once lived and still do. Under when was being vetted for candidate — Haaland has a connection with the department’s umbrella is the Bureau of vice president. Haaland lacked experience the land and people of the interior West, Indian Affairs, the agency that has been the to run the sprawling bureaucracy. She didn’t where the federal government balanced point of contact with Native people and 574 have the policy chops they wanted. She competing interests in protecting our federally recognized tribes. supported the , a potential shared heritage. As she puts it, she’s a “35th It is impossible to put into words just roadblock to confirmation. generation” New Mexican. how significant an appointment this is for They were soundly beaten back. Once confirmed, we expect Haaland to Native people. Tribes from across the country Even a last-minute attempt to be a voice for people too long ignored, to had supported Haaland’s nomination. keep Haaland in the House — it might clean up the mess left by Trump appointees Yes, she brings representation to the compromise the slim Democratic majority and to direct policy that puts the planet Cabinet that shatters barriers, making our — ended after Pelosi endorsed her, noting and people first. She was and remains a government reflect varied experiences and Haaland “is one of the most respected and trailblazer, making New Mexico and the backgrounds, just as Biden promised. one of the best members of Congress I have nation proud. But she also is someone whose fellow served with.” House members — the people who work Her experience in Congress matters, of This editorial was posted Dec. 17 at closest with her — supported her for the course, but her lived experience is essential. santafenewmexican.com. Haaland knows the issues at Interior; can she find a balance?

• Albuquerque Journal 60-year-old Haaland would become the of the climate crisis, she has put forth an first descendant of the original people to ambitious 30×30 goal for conserving 30% Editorial Board populate North America to run the Interior of U.S. lands and ocean by 2030 – which Department. It marks a turning point for a according to her website “scientists say is 171-year-old institution that has often had the minimum step needed to pull us back a fraught relationship with 574 federally from the tipping point that nature and our I’ll be fierce for all of us, our planet, recognized tribes.” climate have reached.” and all of our protected land.”- Rep. After one term in Congress, Haaland Deb Haaland on her nomination to already has a strong record in this area. Oil and gas issues “ She is a member of the subcommittee for run the U.S. Interior Department Indigenous Peoples of the United States. She The Journal has often disagreed with The U.S. Department of the Interior is is co-chair of the Native American Caucus, Haaland in this area, and we backed her a sprawling agency that oversees more than vice chair of the Equality Caucus, and a opponent in the general election this fall, 500 million acres of land and 422 national member or leader of many other caucuses stating Haaland “brought valuable diversity park sites, as well as national monuments dedicated to ensuring the underrepresented to Congress as a member of and wildlife refuges. It is responsible are heard. She helped ensure $8 billion of but has tied herself too closely to extreme for everything from the National Park the coronavirus CARES Act went to tribal far-left legislation, including co-sponsoring NPS Service and Bureau of Land Management nations. She played a key role in getting the Green New Deal.” The National Park Service’s Big Cypress National Preserve FY2021 fuels treatment map shows burn to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and passage of the “Not Invisible Act” and the That co-sponsorship, along with units, or burn areas, in red. Some areas border the Big Cypress Reservation and the Miccosukee Tribe U.S. Geological Survey. Its 70,000-plus “Justice for Native Survivors of Sexual her openness to a fracking ban, have put Reservation in the northeast corner of the map. employees are tasked with a balancing Violence Act” – both address the crisis of Haaland at odds with the state’s most visible act that promotes energy security while missing and murdered Indigenous women. industry. On Dec. 17, New Mexico Oil & enhancing conservation stewardship, that And she has advocated for protecting sacred Gas Association President Ryan Flynn said increases access to outdoor recreation while lands. in a news release that “more than 134,000 protecting more than 1,000 endangered There is no question Haaland knows New Mexicans depend on the oil and gas Biden lays out Indian species and their habitats, all the while the challenges tribal and pueblo members industry as the foundation of our economy, honoring our nation’s commitments to our face. She was born in Navajo country to a creators of jobs, and the largest source of sovereign communities. Native American mother, and is not only funding for our state budget and public Country policy And U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, just a member of Laguna Pueblo but also has schools. … We hope Rep. Haaland will federal government and a voice throughout elected to her second term representing the Jemez Pueblo heritage and was a tribal employ a balanced approach that considers BY BEVERLY BIDNEY the government,” according to the policy. state’s 1st Congressional District, is the administrator for San Felipe Pueblo. She the needs of all who depend on public lands, Staff Reporter The Biden policy would reinstate Biden administration’s pick to be the 54th has lived the inequities the coronavirus including the thousands of men and women the annual White House Tribal Nations person to run the whole shebang. pandemic has laid bare, spending summers and families whose livelihoods depend As a candidate — before he was elected Conference created by the Obama-Biden It’s not the first time a New Mexican with her grandparents in Mesita in their on access to public lands for resource as the 46th President of the United States administration, nominate judges who will be entrusted with the big job: New home that lacked running water. And so she development.” — Joseph R. Biden announced his policy understand federal Indian law, respect tribal Mexicans Albert Fall was Interior Secretary is an advocate for a federal infrastructure Haaland has been an unapologetic for interacting and cooperating with tribal sovereignty and uphold treaties. from 1921-23 and Manuel Lujan from bill as she understands the promise to advocate for combating climate change and nations. The inequity of quality health care for 1980-1993. Build Back Better includes what many forcing the oil and gas industry “to clean up The plan begins by admitting the U.S. Native Americans has been exacerbated take for granted and too many, especially their mess.” She recently told NPR “climate has a history with broken promises. during the coronavirus pandemic. Native Indian Country issues in New Mexico, do without – “Everybody change is the challenge of our lifetime, and “The United States of America was Americans are 3.3 times more likely to die should have water and broadband,” she it’s imperative that we invest in an equitable, founded on the notion of equality for all. of Covid-19 than white Americans, so the If confirmed by the Senate, Haaland told the Journal Editorial Board during her renewable energy economy.” But she also We’ve always strived to meet that ideal, Biden administration will lead a decisive will make history as the first-ever Native reelection campaign. told “I come from but never fully lived up to it. Throughout public health response to the virus. He will American Cabinet secretary. There was New Mexico. It’s a big gas and oil state. our history, this promise has been denied to partner with tribal nations, elevate the voices much lobbying on her behalf, including Public land issues And I care about every single job.” Native Americans who have lived on this of tribal public health experts, ensure wide from Native American groups and more than As we go into a new year we have to land since time immemorial,” the plan states. availability of free testing and eliminate 100 female tribal members, activists and Again, Haaland has been doing the be cautiously optimistic Haaland will honor The Biden administration says it is barriers to preventative care and treatment Hollywood A-listers from Cher to Gloria front-line work in this area. She is vice her word and help the Biden administration committed to upholding the country’s for Covid-19 and ensure Native Americans Steinem who signed a letter to President- chair of the House Natural Resources find an equitable bridge to clean energy and trust responsibility to Tribal Nations, are not left behind. elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Committee, which oversees the Department renewables that preserves reliable power, strengthening the nation-to-nation Biden plans to make it easier to place Kamala Harris saying in part “We believe of the Interior. She is chairwoman of the reliable incomes and energy independence relationship between the U.S. and tribes and land into trust, restore tribal lands, protect it is critical at this time for the first Native Subcommittee on National Parks, Forest for New Mexico and the nation. working to empower tribal nations to govern natural and cultural resources and respect American to serve in the President’s and Public Lands. She co-sponsored the their own communities and make their own the role of tribal governments in protecting Cabinet, so we can begin to shift the focus landmark Great American Outdoors Act decisions. those resources. back to caring for future generations and that finally fully funds the nation’s parks, The devil is in the details and they are Another key point addressed in the returning to a value system that honors monuments and open spaces via the Land laid out at great length in the Biden policy. plan is ending violence against women and Mother Earth.” Water Conservation Fund. “Biden will build on the efforts of children. To break the cycle of violence, As pointed out by The Washington And with four House colleagues who the Obama-Biden administration, which Biden plans to take a comprehensive also represent communities at the forefront Post, “A member of Pueblo of Laguna, the F See HAALAND on page 3A were instrumental in rebuilding trust, good approach and make sure tribal leaders are faith, and respect for the tribal-federal part of the solution. relationship. Biden will ensure tribes have a F See BIDEN on page 5A seat at the table at the highest levels of the

The Seminole Tribune Phone: 954-985-5700 Advertising: Publisher: The Seminole Tribe of Florida Advertising: Donna Mason, ext. 10733 is a member of the Fax: 954-965-2937 Advertising rates along with sizes and other Phone: 954-985-5700 [email protected] Native American Journalists Association. information may be downloaded online at: The following deadlines apply to all http://SeminoleTribune.org/Advertise Senior Editor: Kevin Johnson, ext. 10715 Contributors: Martin Ebenhack, Letters/emails to the editor must be signed submissions to The Seminole Tribune: [email protected] Carlos Fuentes and may be edited for publication. Postmaster: Issue: Jan. 29, 2021 Please send address changes to: Staff Reporter: Beverly Bidney, ext. 16466 © 2020 Seminole Tribe of Florida Subscription rate is $35 per year by mail. Deadline: Jan. 13, 2021 The Seminole Tribune [email protected] Make checks payable to: 3560 N. State Road 7 The Seminole Tribune Issue: Feb. 26, 2021 Hollywood, FL 33021 Staff Reporter: Damon Scott, ext. 10704 6365 Taft Street Deadline: Feb. 10, 2021 [email protected] Hollywood, FL 33024 3A • The Seminole Tribune •December 31, 2020 Community A

Hard Rock International launches Hard Rock Digital joint venture with gaming industry veteran leaders

FROM PRESS RELEASE gaming industry leaders Rafi Ashkenazi, Executive Managing Director and Executive Chair, Marlon Goldstein, Executive Managing Director and CEO and Matt HOLLYWOOD — Hard Rock Primeaux, Executive Managing Director and International (HRI) announced Dec. 14 President. Ashkenazi will join Hard Rock the launch of Hard Rock Digital as part of Digital in 2021 following a garden leave its ongoing commitment to innovation and period. diversification of its portfolio in high-growth Prior to the formation of Hard Rock markets. Hard Rock Digital is a joint venture Digital, the executives were part of the with gaming industry veterans, and will leadership team that facilitated the growth be the exclusive Hard Rock and Seminole and transformation of several technology Gaming (SGA) vehicle for interactive and interactive gaming businesses, including gaming and sports betting, globally. Playtech, The Stars Group, and FOX Bet. Hard Rock Digital will leverage HRI The management team will report to a newly and SGA’s extensive database of more formed, independent Board of Directors than 130 million for Hard Rock customers and Digital, which footprint of nearly will be chaired 250 land-based by Allen. Hard venues across Rock Digital 76 countries to will be based in provide an omni- Hollywood. channel offering “We are Martin Ebenhack for interactive honored to join Dozens of vehicles line up for the Hollywood Reservation’s drive thru Christmas gathering Dec. 17. gaming and forces with Hard sports betting. Rock International Hard Rock on this new Digital will be venture,” said Hollywood holds Christmas celebration fully capitalized Marlon Goldstein, by SGA, HRI Executive and its partners, Managing providing full Director and Martin Ebenhack financial support CEO for Hard and backing for this new joint venture. SGA Rock Digital. “Hard Rock International is Hollywood Board Rep. Gordon Wareham maintains an investment-grade rating from consistently at the forefront of innovation distributes holiday items to community both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings. and vision in the gaming industry and members during the reservation’s Christmas “With the launch of Hard Rock Digital, the ‘Hard Rock’ gaming, hospitality and celebration Dec. 17 at Seminole Estates. Guests we are broadening our digital business entertainment venues are iconic worldwide. drove through areas of holiday decorations and which enhances consumer experiences and We look forward to providing an authentic, picked up gifts without having to get out of offerings across our interactive gaming digital experience for Hard Rock’s global fan their vehicles. and sportsbook offerings,” said Jim Allen, base within a comprehensive, omni-channel Chairman of HRI. “Hard Rock Digital also offering.” intends to pursue strategic branding and To learn more about Hard Rock Digital distribution opportunities both within the visit hardrockdigital.com. To learn more U.S. and globally. In the U.S. alone, the about the Hard Rock brand, visit hardrock. potential future market size is estimated at com. $7 billion for sports betting and $14 billion *Numbers reflect predicted market size for online gaming*.” by 2025 via Morgan Stanley Hard Rock Digital will be managed by

Martin Ebenhack (2) Above, Hollywood Councilman Chris Osceola helps with gift distributions during the Christmas celebration. Below, Santa Claus wishes the Hollywood community “Merry Christmas” during the drive thru event.

And it also is predicated on the trust professed in that letter from 100 women: “Rep. Haaland will be a F HAALAND strong steward of our precious natural resources and From page 2A will return to the practice of science-based decision- making. Additionally, she will work to honor the treaties American issues between the federal government and Tribal Nations. This is an historic opportunity to appoint a Native woman of That optimism is based on several factors. According integrity, vision and of true public service.” to govtrack.us, in her first term on Capitol Hill, Haaland ranked No. 1 in the House for getting bicameral support This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque on her bills and No. 1 among freshmen for getting Journal. It was written by members of the editorial influential co-sponsors and bipartisan co-sponsors, for board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the co-sponsoring bills, for being a leader and for holding the newspaper rather than the writers. most committee positions. 4A • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 Princesses deliver holiday greetings

STAFF REPORT implement into our daily lives, especially through these difficult times,” said Jr. Miss Florida Seminole Aubee Billie. In normal times, the princesses would be Through a video message, the Seminole busy during the holidays making in-person princesses provided best wishes for a happy appearances at Christmas celebrations on the holiday season to the tribe. reservations and other events, such as toy “My family and I celebrate Christmas, drives. The pandemic forced cancellations so this year we’ll be spending it by watching of many events, but the princesses still our favorite holiday movies and drinking reached out to spread holiday joy, including lots of hot chocolate,” said Miss Florida to youngsters at the Big Cypress Youth Seminole Durante Blais-Billie. “I hope you Home. were all able to stay safe through this year The princesses set up an Amazon online and can continue to stay safe through the gift donation drive, encouraging people to holiday season. May the new year bring you donate gifts to benefit children at the home. many blessings.” Blais-Billie and Billie are serving “You know with everything going on in second terms as the tribe's royalty after the our world right now, staying safe and being Princess Pageant was canceled in 2020. there for one another is something we should Courtesy photo The interior of the 'Huey' helicopter on the Brighton Reservation.

helicopter. featured role in the first episode of the TV F HELICOPTER Vance crash-landed it in Phu Bai, series “The Walking Dead” in 2010, Cole From page 1A Vietnam, on Jan. 19, 1969, with three fellow said. For those familiar with the series, soldiers aboard. The helicopter was armed when Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Grimes hobbled “This was the most rewarding service I with two door-mounted machine guns and out of a hospital amid the ruins of lives and ever did,” Glenn said. “We picked up troops 38 rockets, 19 on each side. property caused by the zombie apocalypse, and took them right to surgery usually within “It was a gunship; we didn’t save he came upon an abandoned Huey helicopter 30 minutes. About 97 percent of those on people, we shot them,” recalled Vance, a at the top of a hill. The helicopter was filmed the Dustoffs lived because we got them to retiree who lives in Colorado. “We were on from various angles and had a good amount the hospital fast. That gave the troops on our way to enemy territory when the engine of screen time for a non-actor. the ground a lot of moral encouragement malfunctioned. We were called to help some Cole, who met Stephen and Elizabeth because they knew we would be there to soldiers in trouble, but when I took off I Bowers when they came to Atlanta, said the pick them up if they were wounded.” could barely keep it in the air. I flew for about purchase was an ideal fit. Finding a Huey to display without an an hour to burn off some gasoline. I tried to “He was very excited to find one in the engine and other working parts proved to be land it like an airplane on a runway, but it condition it was in,” Cole said. “I think it’s a challenge for Bowers, as was finding one didn’t have enough power and I crashed it great that it is on an . It’s that fit the budget. hard. No one was hurt, but the helicopter a wonderful piece of history. That it will be “He was looking for just the shell, was a total wreck.” displayed and preserved is awesome.” rotor and tail rotor,” said Cydney Reynolds, Vance was first introduced to the CMI held the aircraft until the tribe was the Seminole Tribe’s Veterans Affairs helicopter in Atlanta, where his unit picked ready to receive it. It was delivered to the administrative assistant, who worked with it up and took it to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, aviation hanger in Big Cypress in August for eight months of training. Then it was 2017, where it was stored until late 2019 Bowers for about seven years. “They are SMP screenshots (2) hard to find because they are popular for shipped to California and Vietnam, where when the forestry department delivered it to the unit was assigned to the helicopter again. a paint shop in Okeechobee. Miss Florida Seminole Durante Blais-Billie, above, and Jr. Miss Florida Seminole Aubee Billie, below, static display.” deliver their tribalwide holiday greetings on video. The search finally found success with an The crash took place just one month later. Like everything else in 2020, the paint assist from Charles Herlihy, manager of the After the crash, Vance walked away and job was impacted by the pandemic. After tribe’s radio station, which is operated from never saw it again. It was the Huey’s last a delay, the job was finally completed in the veterans building. Herlihy found a Huey flight in Vietnam. It was shipped back to the July and delivered in parts to the Brighton on eBay, and on Feb. 27, 2017, Bowers put U.S. and rebuilt, where it was used for the veterans building, where the bottom portion down a deposit to hold the helicopter sight National Guard and the Reserves. of the aircraft was bolted to the pad. unseen. He and Elizabeth flew to Atlanta to Sometime around 2007 the helicopter On Oct. 28, a large crane delivered a 48- see it the next day. They purchased it right wound up at Cole Motorsports (CMI) in foot long rotor blade, the last piece of the away for the tribe, and just in time. Atlanta. Owners Dianna and Harold Cole chopper, the final piece to the 57-foot long “A few seconds after we hit buy on acquired it from the U.S. Army Aviation Huey. The installation came a few months eBay, we found out there was someone else Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, after Bowers’ passing, but Elizabeth knew it who wanted it,” Elizabeth Bowers said. Alabama. CMI’s core business is trucking – made a big impression on Stephen the first “So we were happy. He worked on it a long it hauls a lot of equipment for the military time he saw it on the trip to Atlanta. time.” – so it was a natural for the company to “When (Stephen) saw the helicopter for The helicopter is full of history. start collecting tanks, trucks and helicopters the first time, it was an emotional experience David B. Vance, of the 101st Airborne which they rented to the film industry as just walking around it,” Elizabeth Bowers division of the U.S. Army, was a young man props. said. “He was just quiet, but I knew full of courage and energy while he was in “Movies started getting real big in something was happening.” Vietnam. He would fly for up to 10 hours at Georgia and we could do both jobs,” Dianna A ceremony for the helicopter’s a time when someone needed fire support. Cole said. “The helicopter was in several installation will be held at a later date. He was also the last combat pilot of the movies and TV shows.” In fact, the Brighton Huey had a

Teens, young adults financial program offered through Native Learning Center STAFF REPORT cultures; banking 101 – check it out; credit journey – thriving, not surviving; credits and loans – understanding, applying and HOLLYWOOD — A five-day managing; financial milestones; college interactive training program offered through readiness and understanding student loans; the Native Learning Center will highlight and managing per capita and lump sum financial education training techniques, payments. activities and resources tailored for youth. The trainers are expected to be “Building Native Communities: Stephanie Cote and Lanalle Smith, both Financial Empowerment for Teens & Young from Oweesta Corp. Adults” will be held online Jan. 25-29, 2021. In order to obtain a certification, Participants will learn about financial participants must participate in 90% of the education with an emphasis on educating training and have a working webcam. children on how to become financially fit. Registration is free. For more Agenda topics include building thriving information, go to nativelearningcenter. native communities; money in Native com.

Live music returns to Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

FROM PRESS RELEASE

Dec. 31 The Hip Squad 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Seminole Casino IMMOKALEE Jan. 1 Wonderama 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Hotel Immokalee will resume live Jan. 2 Fusion 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. performances at Zig Zag Lounge beginning Jan. 3 The Magnifikats 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve with “Safe + Sound” Jan. 8 Fusion 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Courtesy photos (2) guidelines in place. The “Safe + Sound” Jan. 9 Vintage 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. program mandates the proper use of required A crane was used to lower the helicopter's rotor into place in October. Jan. 10 Tat-2 Trio 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. masks or face coverings, social distancing, Jan. 15 Phase 1 Live 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. crowd control and remaining stationary Jan. 16 Phase 1 Live 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. while eating or drinking. Guests must adhere Jan. 17 Tat-2 Trio 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to “Safe + Sound” program requirements Jan. 22 Unique 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. or be asked to leave the property. For a Jan. 23 Unique 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. full list of safety protocols, and the most Jan. 24 The Magnifikats 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. up-to-date information, visit https://www. Jan. 29 N. Fusion 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. seminoleimmokaleecasino.com/good-clean- Jan. 30 N. Fusion 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. fun.htm. Jan. 31 The Hip Squad 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 5A • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 Big Cypress welcomes community at drive thru Christmas

Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney Vehicles line up for their turn to enter the hanger as Pastor Salaw Hummingbird shares thoughts about the season on the big Santa and Big Cypress Councilman David Cypress enjoy the celebration at the BC Christmas drive thru event. screen. The Big Cypress Christmas drive thru event on Dec. 22 was prepared for about 400 people to come through for the socially distanced Christmas celebration.

Beverly Bidney

Beverly Bidney These kids practice their waves in anticipation of seeing Santa at the end of the BC Christmas drive thru. Courtney Ervin, from President Mitchell Cypress's staff, helps distribute gifts during the event.

Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney Santa keeps his distance as he waves to a couple of youngsters in the back of a truck loaded with Christmas treats and gifts. Big Cypress's airplane hanger serves as the "North Pole" with a flurry of activity for the celebration.

opportunity in Indian Country in a variety of Education inequality is a reality for collaboration between the Department group. The administration would direct F BIDEN ways including investing in infrastructure, Native American students, who have lower of Education and the Department of the the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) From page 2A clean energy, small businesses, communities graduation rates than any other ethnic or Interior, the implementation of more to establish a tribal advisory council to and agriculture. racial group in the country and are less likely meaningful consultation with tribes, and increase coordination between the federal The Biden administration plans to invest to enroll in and graduate from college. The the encouragement of more states and local government and Tribal Nations. It also plans Nearly one in four Native Americans live $20 billion in rural broadband infrastructure problem has increased during the pandemic school boards to work collaboratively with to expand the Native American direct loan in poverty, nearly twice the national average. and work with the Federal Communication as many Native students do not have access tribes. program which allows veterans to apply The plan calls for the expansion of economic Commission (FCC) to offer subsidies needed to broadband and online school. Native Americans serve in the military their VA home loan guarantee to trust land, to access high-speed internet. The Biden policy calls for an increased at higher rates than any other demographic thus facilitating home ownership.

RichaRd Do you have a castillo health goal? 954.522.3500 Why not set helping the one for 2021? seminole community For Many Years 24 houRs a daY Since 1990 I have protected rights like yours. My office defends DUIs, drug offenses, suspended licenses, domestic violence, and all felonies and Now is the perfect time to misdemeanors throughout Florida and the United States. try something new and exciting The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertise- to make your health a priority. 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 RIchaRD caStIllo Contact your local Indian health care provider for more information, the Trial Attorney of the year. He graduated from visit Healthcare.gov, or call 1–800–318–2596. FloRIDa cRIMInal DeFenSe attoURney Capital University in 1989 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1990, Federal Bar in 1992, and the Fed- www.caStIllolawoFFIceS.coM eral Trial Bar in 1994. 6A • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 Tribal Fair and Pow Wow postponed; Tribe purchases NC luxury apartment complex

some contests to be held online STAFF REPORT complex is easily accessible to the city’s members through diversifying holdings. economic hub, which attracts high-income More details about the purchase will be BY BEVERLY BIDNEY a minimum of four-inches, no minimum young professionals. in the Jan. 29 issue of the Tribune. Staff Reporter height required. The Seminole Tribe recently purchased The property was purchased through The sole male-only category is the Alexan Optimist Park apartment complex the tribe’s sovereign wealth fund, whose aim woodcarving. The rest of the categories are in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 238-unit is to ensure the future well-being of tribal HOLLYWOOD — The 2021 Seminole open to males and females. Tribal Fair and Pow Wow, scheduled for Feb. Seminole patchwork design: must be a 12-14 in Hollywood, has been postponed minimum of four-yards. until further notice, but that doesn’t mean the Beadwork: adult entries, no single fun stops entirely. strand necklaces, and loom bracelets must be Instead of dancing, drumming, vendors at least five beads wide. No medallions are and live entertainment, virtual contests will allowed. be held for fine arts and arts and crafts. Seminole clothing with patchwork: “It will be like it was for Indian Day,” Must be self-made, which means the entry said Bobby Frank, Hollywood community must have been sewn from start to finish by culture center manager. “But Indian Day was person entering contest. The entry must be just for the community; this is tribalwide new and never worn. and for those living off reservations. It was a Entries entered into Tribal Fair arts and learning experience for all of us. This is a new crafts contest cannot be used in any other way of operating due to the circumstances 2021 Tribal Fair events and/or contests. of the current situation. We’re enthusiastic The fine arts rules state entries must about the event and expect a good turnout.” reflect the Florida Seminole theme, must All entries will be posted online. Entries have been made in the last six months, no for both contests must be delivered to the store-bought items embellished or decorated community culture center in Big Cypress, and must be Seminole made. All entries must Brighton, Hollywood or Immokalee by be matted, framed and ready for hanging to Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 at 3 p.m. No late entries ensure proper display. The limit is one entry will be accepted. per category. The arts and crafts contest rules state Age divisions and categories: all entries must have been made in the last Ages 6 to 9, participation only – Pencil, six months, have no store-bought items mixed media. embellished or decorated and must be Ages 10 to 17 – Watercolor, pencil or Seminole made. The limit is one entry per pen and ink, mixed media, photography. category. Ages 18 and up – Oil, acrylic, Age divisions are 10 to 17, 18 to 32, 33 watercolor, pencil or pen and ink, mixed to 45, 46 to 59 and 60 and up. media, photography. Female-only categories are Seminole Ages 60 and up – Oil, acrylic, Courtesy photos (2) dolls with four-inch height minimum, and watercolor, pencil or pen and ink, mixed The Seminole Tribe recently purchased the body and head must be made of palmetto media, photography, ceramics. Alexan Optimist Park apartment complex in fiber; and baskets, whose opening must be For more information visit semtribefair. Charlotte, North Carolina. com.

Hard Rock’s first Reverb Hotel opens in Atlanta BY DAMON SCOTT Football League’s Atlanta Falcons play. Seminole Gaming, said in a statement. “To Staff Reporter While the hotel will look a bit different meet those aspirations, we crafted a unique from other Hard Rock properties, there’s an hotel brand that is the ultimate sanctuary for undeniable link to music, as well as some the dynamic needs of today’s travelers, but The new Hard Rock hotel concept familiar amenities. also has a clear Hard Rock feel to it through – Reverb – opened its first location in “Through our extensive research we music.” downtown Atlanta in December. understand the modern traveler is hungry The Seminole Tribe is the parent entity The hotel was originally expected to for opportunities to connect with new people of Hard Rock International. open earlier this year. and encounter a melting pot of cultures Reverb is 11 stories high and has 195 Reverb Downtown Atlanta is adjacent to and experiences,” Jim Allen, the chairman rooms. There are workspaces, common areas Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the National of Hard Rock International and CEO of and a rooftop bar. The customary Constant

Hard Rock The new Reverb Downtown Atlanta is 11 stories high with 195 rooms. Grind Coffee & Bar is onsite – a café by day has a set of three queen bunk beds, two and a bar at night offering beer, wine and private baths, a karaoke machine and smart spirits. TVs. Rooms start at $99 a night. The hotel has a dedicated performance “Reverb Radio” is playing throughout area for live music featuring local talent and, the hotel’s public areas. Hard Rock officials like other Hard Rock hotels, Reverb has a said the special areas are a take on the classic Body Rock Fitness Center. boardroom, but designed to resemble a radio The hotel and its rooms are heavy station. on tech-amenities. Guests can use an in- In addition there are co-working spaces room Amazon Alexa to access a city guide and private “Sound Booth” areas, which are with the voices of famous musicians who soundproof rooms that are equipped with a recommend local hot spots where hometown Fender guitar for personal jam sessions or a music acts are performing. At Atlanta’s quiet space to make a phone call. Reverb, you’ll hear musicians like Big Boi, A second Reverb location in the Sonoma CeeLo Green, Larkin Poe and Microwave County, California, city of Cotati is still offer suggestions. scheduled to debut sometime in 2021, after The Alexa is also customized for guests an original opening date of summer 2020. to control lighting, playlists, entertainment The property is near vineyards and wineries options, and other smart room controls and is expected to have 150-rooms. like requesting fresh towels and hotel Reverb Downtown Atlanta is located at information. 89 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW. For Rooms are available with king or double more information and to make a reservation, Hard Rock queen beds and the “Roadie Bunk Room” go to reverb.hardrockhotels.com. Guests at the new Reverb Downtown Atlanta hotel can see Mercedes-Benz Stadium from Reverb’s rooftop bar in Atlanta.

F GAMING From page 1A Country music organization Electronics retailer opens

The reporting period for 2019s fiscal year honors Hard Rock Hotel & at Seminole Hard Rock ended before the pandemic hit and forced at least the temporary closure of every tribal Casino Tulsa venue STAFF REPORT provide visitors with two more incredible gaming operation in the country beginning shopping experiences in Salt Lake City and in March. Experts say the full effect on the Marshall Retail Group announced Dec. Hollywood.” industry won’t be known for some time, as STAFF REPORT 22 the opening of new InMotion travel retail InMotion, the largest airport-based many Indian gaming operations still remain stores inside Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & electronics retailer in the country, offers closed or are operating at a reduced capacity. Casino Hollywood in Florida and Salt Lake noise-canceling and wireless headphones, However, the NIGC expects to have an TULSA, Okla. — Hard Rock Live speakers, tablets, digital video cameras, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, earned national City International Airport’s terminal B in idea of the pandemic’s impact when the fiscal Utah. fitness bands and mobile accessories. It year 2020 gaming revenue report is released recognition in the country music industry carries brands such as Apple, Beats by Dr. Dec. 8. The venue at Hard Rock Hotel & Marshall Retail Group is a leading in late 2021. travel retailer in airports, casinos and resorts. Dre, BOSE, GoPro, Jaybird, JBL, Moshi, “While we welcome this positive Casino Tulsa won the Casino Award of the MyTagAlongs, Samsung and Skullcandy. Year honor in the theater category from the Michael Wilkins, CEO of MRG, said in a report, we know that the current reality is statement that the company is “thrilled to dramatically different,” NIGC Vice Chair Academy of Country Music in the industry Kathryn Isom-Clause said in the statement. awards segment. Officially, the award “Future reports will reflect the effects of winner was The Joint: Tulsa, which became the pandemic on the industry. Despite these Hard Rock Live earlier this year. Country current hardships, Indian gaming, like the singer Riley Green made the announcement tribal nations it benefits, has proved its during an online awards program. resiliency over the years.” The award is presented to “an The 2019 figure is calculated from 522 outstanding theater or showroom within independently audited financial statements a casino,” according to ACM. A panel of submitted to the NIGC by 245 federally judges made the selection. The criteria is recognized tribes across 29 states. An that the theater or showroom must have operation’s gross gaming revenue is the total bought or promoted at least five country amount of money wagered less any amounts concerts or dates, maintain good standing make us world-class,” Hard Rock Hotel and paid out as prizes and before deducting with all agents and promote country music Casino Tulsa posted Dec. 11 on Facebook. operating expenses. ticket sales. The eligibilty period for the 2020 The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Hard Rock Live beat out The Colosseum awards was Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2019. The created the NIGC to support tribal self- at and the Venetian Resort academy works to promote new artists, sufficiency and the integrity of Indian Hotel Casino, both in Las Vegas, Soaring artists on the rise and established superstars. gaming. NIGC oversees the regulation of Eagle Casino Resort in Michigan and 527 gaming establishments operated by 247 Winstar Global Event Center in Oklahoma. tribes across 29 states. “This is a huge honor for our fans Marshall Retail Group More information is at nigc.gov. and our staff – they are the ones that truly InMotion, an electronics retail store, is open in Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. 7A • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 Gestures take place across the Red Ribbon drive-thru country for Indigenous land comes to Hollywood BY DAMON SCOTT acknowledgements Staff Reporter BY BEVERLY BIDNEY HOLLYWOOD — Red Ribbon Week Staff Reporter is typically a busy time across the tribe in October with parades, dinners, art contests A land acknowledgement is a way and other events. to show respect to Indigenous peoples by The week is designed as an alcohol, recognizing them as the original stewards tobacco, drug and violence prevention of the land, on which they may or may not awareness campaign. It is organized by the currently reside. Seminole Tribe’s Center for Behavioral Land acknowledgements have been Health. increasing in recent months throughout This year was greatly toned down – the country with statements or actions from a week to a few hours on one day – Damon Scott from corporate, educational and cultural because of the pandemic. Bernard Colman, the CBH tribalwide aftercare/ institutions. According to Marty Bowers, In Hollywood, Bernard Colman, prevention administrator, hands out Red Ribbon- most people don’t know much about the CBH tribalwide aftercare/prevention themed bags in Hollywood on Dec. 2 Indigenous history. administrator, handed out Red Ribbon- “We are a forgotten people,” said themed bags filled with goodies for those Bowers, education coordinator at the Ah- who drove their cars by the west entrance of from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a sunny day. Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress the Betty Mae Jumper Medical Center at 111 The national Red Ribbon Campaign Reservation. “A land acknowledgement lays W. Coral Way. is sponsored by the National Family the foundation for a larger conversation to Inside one of the cars that came through Partnership and is observed across the take place.” on Dec. 2 were Anna Doctor and Patrick country. It began in 1985 as a tribute to fallen One function of his job is to take part Courtesy image Doctor Sr. Other vehicles with both residents Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) special in a newly formed community review group Bill O’Brien, left, project director of Creative Forces, and Marty Bowers, education coordinator for and employees drove by to pick up bags agent Enrique Camerena. that reviews and edits land acknowledgment the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, participate in the National Endowment for the Arts’ Gainesville Creative statements sent by various groups, Forces Summit on Dec. 14. organizations and companies to make sure Indigenous people are properly represented Obama on Dec. 19, 2009. The opening of the to their Elders past and present and extend within the text. Many statements don’t go resolution reads: that respect to their descendants, to the into the history of those who once lived on “To acknowledge a long history of generations yet unborn, and to all Indigenous and took care of the land official depredations and ill-conceived people. “Part of my mission is to continue policies by the Federal Government “We recognize that this land remains to raise the collective Indigenous voice,” regarding Indian tribes and offer an apology scarred by the histories and ongoing legacies Bowers said. “These acknowledgements are to all Native peoples on behalf of the United of settler colonial violence, dispossession, part of a holistic movement that is gaining States.” and removal. In spite of all of this, and with momentum. Being part of that is a great The details of the bill include incidents tremendous resilience, these Indigenous thing.” over time beginning with the arrival of nations have remained deeply connected On Dec. 14, Bowers participated in Europeans to the continent. to this territory, to their families, to their the National Endowment for the Arts’ Cypress believes public ceremonies communities, and to their cultural ways of Gainesville Creative Forces Summit. The will increase the awareness of land life. We recognize the ongoing relationships summit was part of the NEA’s partnership acknowledgements and is a trend he supports. of care that these Indigenous Nations with the U.S. Department of Defense and “We probably aren’t going to get federal maintain with this land and extend our Veterans Affairs to help improve the health, leadership anytime soon, so I’m encouraging gratitude as we live and work as humble and wellness and quality of life for military and people to do it themselves,” Cypress said. respectful guests upon their territory. We veteran populations, who were exposed to “This is something that should be led by encourage you to learn about and amplify trauma, and their families. people, communities and organizations. We the contemporary work of the Indigenous Bill O’Brien, project director for Creative shouldn’t wait for the government to lead on nations whose land you are on and to Forces, read the land acknowledgement it. The government is for and by the people, endeavor to support Indigenous sovereignty Damon Scott edited by Bowers. The opening paragraph so we should do it ourselves. Let the people in all the ways that you can.” Anna Doctor and Patrick Doctor Sr. pick up Red Ribbon-themed items in Hollywood on Dec. 2. acknowledges the Gainesville area as the lead.” “We encourage everyone in this space ancestral home of the Land acknowledgement ceremonies to engage in learning more about these Apalachee Nation, tribes, reflecting on the Muscogee (Creek) the ways in which we Nation, the Miccosukee occupy land not ours, Tribe of Indians and seeking out Indigenous the Seminole Tribe of literature to enhance Florida. our understanding and “To begin this increase our knowledge,” convening in a respectful Luis Porto Hernandez, and honest way, we pay president of the Hispanic respect to these Nations, Graduate Student Tribes and communities Association, said in an including their Elders FSU News story. past and present, to Michigan State their descendants living, University’s college of Agriculture and Natural working and contributing Courtesy photo Resources created its in current times, to the Indigenous recognition was part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November. generations to come and land acknowledgement to all Indigenous people statement to spread who came from this land,” O’Brien read. may be inspired by traditional Indigenous awareness of the history of the land on which The statement continued by expressing ceremonies. Cypress advocates for public it is situated, as well as the Native people gratitude for the ongoing relationships ceremonies to be meaningful, but not who still reside there and their ancestors. Indigenous people maintain with the land. necessarily spiritual. It states, “Michigan State University The statement ended with the recognition of “The best thing that could happen with occupies the ancestral, traditional and Bowers’ participation in the summit. land acknowledgements is we could have contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg — “Today we are fortunate enough to stronger coalitions, friendships, teamwork Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The university have present Marty Bowers, a Wind Clan and accountability across cultures,” he said. Damon Scott resides on land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida “Ultimately they will help us work together From left, Jay Holata, Joseph Hughes and Charlie Tiger of CBH’s “We Do Recover” program show their who was born and raised on the Big Cypress on important issues like climate and social Saginaw.” support for the Red Ribbon program in Hollywood. Seminole Reservation, and is the education justice. All these relationships could be “Land acknowledgements are centered coordinator of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, revitalized.” on learning about and reflecting on available to receive this acknowledgement. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade made Indigenous histories and relationships to We know that by merely recognizing that we its own land acknowledgement Nov. 26 with land. The learning process encompasses Record of collaboration are on your ancestral lands is not enough to the performance by the group Indigenous honoring the history of the land, treaties, F CLIMATE remedy the pain, hurt and genocide that has Direction. The group made the land tribes, communities and Indigenous From page 1A Horwitz is known for her ability to bring happened to Indigenous peoples throughout acknowledgement, performed a and languages,” Christie Poitra, stakeholders together to work on community this country, but we do hope that it is the rattle song and a blessing for the Wampanoag a descendant of Turtle Mountain Band of “There are a number of efforts already planning – convening experts in many fields beginning of a longer series of conversations and Lenape people. Chippewa Indians and interim director of the underway and I’m looking forward to pulling to share and compare knowledge on the is- and education that we should join to really The Wampanoag Tribe has lived on the MSU Native American Institute, said in an them all together to put the tribe in a good sues. heal the injustices of our shared histories,” eastern coast of Massachusetts for thousands interview with MSU Today. position,” Horwitz said. “I expect Jill’s excellent track record O’Brien read. of years. The blessing, which was performed Educators at the University of Iowa She said areas of the tribe that are affect- of community based engagement to be par- “This one [land acknowledgment] is out in the Wampanoag language, translated began the process of writing a land ed by climate change include tribal assets, ticularly useful in her new position serving of character from most of them; it is much to English, states “Creator and Ancestors, acknowledgement statement years ago. cultural resources and energy independence. the Seminole Tribe,” Paul N. Backhouse, the longer,” Bowers said. “Most are one or two we honor you for all things. We honor the It was finally completed and released in “Climate change touches all of us and HERO senior director, said. paragraphs, but the last sentence is what land Lenape people of Manahatta. We honor all November. we each have a role,” Horwitz said. Horwitz previously created the peer net- acknowledgements are all about.” our relations because, long ago, we were Institutionalizing a statement can work “Sustainability Stewards of Broward” Bowers wasn’t always on board with here. Now we are here and we will always encourage professors to incorporate Challenges ahead – a group of 500 professionals who facilitate land acknowledgments and thought people be here. And so it is.” acknowledgments into their curriculum, workshops and discussion groups. She wrote were just doing them to feel good about Colleges and universities around inspire the inclusion of more historical Horwitz said there are multiple risks to the climate change section of the Broward themselves. the U.S. have also been creating land perspectives and drive efforts to recruit and be aware of, and for the tribe to be positioned County Comprehensive Plan. “We talk about our similarities in our acknowledgement statements in recent retain Native American students. to respond to, including the aforementioned Her credentials go further. experiences, which are an important part years. A few institutions released new ones The University of Iowa’s land sea level rise but also changes in rainfall and She’s worked for 15 years on environ- of land acknowledgements,” he said. “Now during Native American Heritage month in acknowledgement recognizes the many tribes precipitation, extended periods of drought, mental advocacy issues like ecosystem pro- I see them as an opportunity to begin a November. who lived and continue to thrive in the state. groundwater level increases and salt water tection, community health and climate resil- dialogue. I embrace it.” “Colleges don’t need an In part it states, “As an academic institution, intrusion, coastal erosion, habitat shifts, wa- ience planning. Horwitz earned a degree in Trauma is another significant component Indigenous person to be there for a land it is our responsibility to acknowledge the ter and surface to air temperature changes, environmental science from the University of of land acknowledgements. acknowledgement,” Cypress said. “They sovereignty and the traditional territories and extreme heat. Florida and a master’s degree in urban and Rev. Houston Cypress, of the Miccosukee should do them anyway.” of these tribal nations, and the treaties that “For folks moving forward there are eco- regional planning with a focus on climate Tribe, leads workshops for organizations on The University of South Florida’s were used to remove these tribal nations, nomic challenges as the world changes and change from Florida Atlantic University. how to create a land acknowledgement and anthropology department created one and the histories of dispossession that have there are more pressures,” she said. “When “I fell in love with this idea of looking ceremony. He first saw them being done in to acknowledge the land on which the allowed for the growth of this institution we’re building resilience into the community, at ecosystem protection and how does human Canada and New Zealand as part of a truth university sits was once Seminole, Calusa since 1847. Consistent with the University’s it’s focusing on our strengths, like education, development interact with it and how do we and reconciliation process. and Tocobaga land. commitment to Diversity, Equity and health, economics and the environment.” plan for it?” she said. “They are owning up to the hurt and The statement, which was drafted Inclusion, understanding the historical and Andrew Bowers, the tribe’s Executive trauma they made to Native people,” with the help of Bowers, declares, “As a current experiences of Native peoples will Director of Operations, reinforced the issue’s ‘Very excited’ Cypress said. “They are apologizing and Department, we recognize the historical help inform the work we do; collectively as a urgency in a tribalwide announcement of making amends, which are baby steps to heal and continuing impacts of colonization on university to engage in building relationships Horwitz’ hire. Horwitz, 44, is from Miami and grew up the trauma.” Indigenous communities, their resilience through academic scholarship, collaborative “As a result of the threats posed by cli- in South Florida. She lives with her husband Cypress believes the statements should in the face of colonial and state sponsored partnerships, community service, enrollment mate change, the Tribe is facing growing en- and two young daughters in Hollywood. also do something to correct the erasure of violence and fully support Indigenous and retention efforts acknowledging our vironmental instability,” Bowers said. “The She’s started to introduce herself to trib- Indigenous people from history and should sovereignty. We will continue to work to be past, our present and future Native Nations.” effects are already being observed here in al leadership, tribal members and stakehold- acknowledge that they still live here today. more accountable to the needs of American Bowers encourages people to learn about South Florida and pose a threat to tribal com- ers outside the tribe – something that’s more “They should also be actionable,” Indian and Indigenous peoples.” the modern Indigenous experience, which is munities, businesses and operations.” difficult during a time of social distancing he said. “They should include a better Florida State University’s Student different than what is typically presented in Bowers said one of Horwitz’ first tasks and other restrictions. understanding of Indigenous priorities and a Senate passed Bill 93, the Indigenous Land museums. He believes individuals should will be to develop a “resiliency assessment” “I’m very excited to join the tribe. I en- way to act on them. The statement needs to Acknowledgement statute over the summer. know about the unhealed wounds Native to help tribal leadership and the tribal com- courage members to reach out to me,” Hor- mean something and not just be words.” FSU’s virtual Latinx cultural celebration people carry with them. munity make informed decisions regarding witz said. “I want to hear from people: What Canada, New Zealand and Australia Sept. 28 opened with a reading of the “The most important aspect of land climate change “challenges and opportuni- do they worry about? What are they excited all publicly apologized to their Indigenous statement, which reads: acknowledgements is to be aware of and ties.” about? What good can we do as we create a populations. The U.S. apologized in 2009 “We acknowledge that the William educate people about the trauma and “We look forward to keeping everyone new vision?” through an act of Congress, but Cypress is Johnston Building at Florida State University acknowledge it,” Bowers said. “This is updated with this critically important initia- When she’s not on the job, Horwitz said disappointed that it isn’t widely known. is located on land that is the ancestral the only way my grandchildren and great tive,” he said. she enjoys gardening and camping with her Senate Joint Resolution 14 and its and traditional territory of the Apalachee grandchildren have a chance for a peaceful family, including lots of cooking and canoe- companion House Joint Resolution 46, Nation, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, life. This is the journey of healing.” ing. passed and was signed into law by President the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida and the Contact Horwitz via email at jillhor- Seminole Tribe of Florida. We pay respect [email protected]. 8A • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020

Clewiston donations bring unique

photos to Seminole community Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum A group of people share a meal together on the grass. How many people have good memories of pic- nic-style dining like this with their family? BY TARA BACKHOUSE photographic images from the 1940s. During donated their photograph collections to the Collections Manager, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum this decade, there were two main sources for Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki. photographs of Seminole people and places. The museum is also lucky to have One was William D. Boehmer, a teacher on an enormous number of late 20th century BIG CYPRESS — The Ah-Tah-Thi- the Brighton Reservation who took over photographs. This is because The Seminole Ki Museum cares for a collection of over 2,000 photographs of people and events Tribune was active from the 1970s to early 150,000 historic photographs. They span during the first half of the 20th century. The 2000s, taking thousands of photographs and from the early 1900s to the present time. The other source was an anthropologist who documenting the lives and news of Seminole photographs have come from many sources, spent nearly a decade on the Big Cypress communities near and far. and most of them were donations. Reservation, Ethel Cutler Freeman. Both A similar donation of a few hundred For example, we have more than 400 of those individuals, or their families, later photographs in 2018 brought us some nostalgic and surprising images from the early 1960s and 1970s. In 2018, the Clewiston Museum had to make some changes and they contacted us about transferring a collection that nurse Claudia Wilson had donated to them. Claudia was a local nurse who worked for the Seminole Tribe of Florida during the 1960s and 1970s. Her photographs show a time when prices were unbelievably low, before high rises and bumper-to- bumper traffic, and when simple pleasures were still appreciated. This was also a time of great transition for the tribe. Claudia and other professionals brought a white man’s world of education and health care, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. As you peruse the pictures you can judge for yourselves. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Whatever you decide, the Children enjoy ice cream at a lunch counter in front of a wall that includes a sign for a breakfast spe- importance of pictures like this cial, “Home of the Famous 2 for 98 cents meals,” circa 1960s. cannot be overstated. If you remember those days, then the pictures bring back a flood of the museum is here to bring these memories museum’s website. Or if you want my help, memories. If you’ve only heard to you. email me at [email protected] your parents and grandparents Do you recognize any of these people and I’d be happy to search our collection in or locations? The photographs didn’t come order to find exactly what you’re looking for. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum talk about the early days of the tribe’s federal recognition, then with much information, so we could use Thank you and happy holidays from the Ah- Four men and a young boy stand in a line and pose for a picture while demonstrating traditional clothing, circa your help. And while we’re closed, you can Tah-Thi-Ki Museum! 1960s. you might not have a visual reference for them. Either way, still see our photo collection through on the

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

The pink Bel-Air car is used as a convenient place to eat and hang out with friends and family in this photo, circa 1960s-1970s.

Hank Adams, the 'most important Indian,' dies at 77 Native American Agriculture Fund BY JACLYN DIAZ Fight over In the 1960s, Northwest tribes called on the Other progressive acts NPR federal government to recognize their tribal distributes $1M to According to the Smithsonian National fishing rights as the treaties dictated. Adams was active in the American Indian 25 organizations Native American civil rights advocate Museum of the American Indian, Adams Adams is most well-known for his Movement, a grassroots movement focused Hank Adams died at the age of 77 on Dec. was born on the Fort Peck Reservation work protesting state fishing regulations on addressing systemic issues of poverty and serving Native youth 21. in and raised on the Quinault throughout the 1960s and 1970s. During inequality for Native Americans. He joined Once referred to as the "most important Reservation in Washington State. the Pacific Northwest Fish Wars, Adams the group's Trail of Broken Treaties march Indian" by Native American rights advocate In 1963, Adams joined the National was shot and landed in jail several times for across the country in 1972. The protest ended PRESS RELEASE and author Vine Deloria Jr., Adams was Indian Youth Council and began focusing protesting. He also served as a close advisor with participants occupying the Bureau of central to the fight to uphold tribal treaty on tribal treaty rights--just as the issue was to several tribal leaders in the Northwest Indian Affairs offices in Washington, D.C. FAYETVILLE, Ark. — The Native rights during the 1960s and 1970s. sparking conflicts between Native American during that struggle. He helped resolve that occupation as well American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) has "An indispensable leader, and essential communities and local governments. The battle of treaty rights and tribal as one involving hundreds of people at awarded $1 million to 25 grantees to invest follower and a brilliant strategist, he shaped In the mid-1800's, the U.S. entered into sovereignty eventually reached a federal Wounded Knee a year later. in Indian Country’s agriculture future. This more Native American civil, human and a series of treaties with tribes in what is district court in Washington state. It was During negotiations over the occupation wide array of grants provides direct funding treaty rights policies than most people even now the state of Washington. Those treaties ultimately decided by the Ninth Circuit at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Adams to organizations serving Native American know are important or why," the Northwest contained language reserving the tribes' right Court of Appeals with the case, U.S. v. drafted the "20 Points," a statement viewed youth. Indian Fisheries Commission said in its to fish "in common with the citizens of the Washington. Adams directly represented as essential in the history of treaty rights, The investment will benefit youth from announcement of Adams' death. Territory." tribal fishing people during the trial in 1974. according to the Museum of the American 83 tribal nations in 12 states serving more Adams was a Assiniboine- and Native American communities believed In a win for tribal communities, the Indian. than 4,000 youth. Youth projects ranged a member of the Franks Landing Indian those fishing rights gave tribes the ability to federal appeals court affirmed in its opinion Until his death, he continued to advocate from agricultural equity grants and technical Community. He died at St. Peter's hospital in supersede any state regulation. But sports called the Boldt Decision that Native for Native young people's education on assistance in the Rocky Mountain region to Olympia, Wash. fisherman, local governments, and some Americans generally retained hunting and treaty rights and for their participation in fostering berry harvesting traditions in the state courts argued their fishing rules should fishing rights in their historic territories their community's affairs. Northeast region. apply to the Native American community. according to previously negotiated treaties. "This distribution of one million dollars is not just an investment in today’s youth but in tomorrow’s agricultural future," said Jim Laducer (Turtle Mountain Band of Tlingit artist from Juneau designs stamp for US Postal Service Chippewa), Chair of the Native American Agriculture Fund Board of Trustees. "NAAF BY HENRY LEASIA “He had apparently discovered some of about Tlingit culture.” is committed to ensuring that our youth have KHNS - Alaska Public Media Trickster Company’s artwork at the National His design depicts Raven escaping the opportunities they need to carry Native Museum of the American Indian’s giftshop through the chimney as he is transforming agriculture into the future." “The Native American Agriculture The artwork of a Tlingit artist from in D.C. That’s sort of where our discussion back into human form. It’s an exciting and began about making this design happen,” chaotic scene. There are stars stuck in his Fund recognizes the importance of investing Juneau will be featured on a new postage in our youth,” said Janie Hipp (Chickasaw), stamp set for distribution next year. Worl said. feathers and the sun is in his mouth. Worl decided to go with a scene from Worl said he believes that the decision CEO of the Native American Agriculture Rico Lanáat’ Worl is the founder of Fund. “When we invest in our youth, we Trickster Company, a design shop based the traditional story of Raven setting free the to include his artwork on a stamp is part of a sun, moon and stars for his design. He said wider movement for better representation of not only invest in programs to support our in Juneau that incorporates traditional young people’s continued engagement in Northwest Coast Art into everything from he kept a national audience in mind. Native stories. “You know, there are so many depictions “I think the USPS is sort of in line with agriculture, we invest in their roles as leaders T-shirts and stickers, to skateboard decks within our communities." and basketballs. of Raven and the box of daylight story,” everyone else trying to figure out how to USPS He said that an art director with the Worl said. “It almost felt a little bit silly to enable Indigenous people to tell their own Rico Worl's design for a USPS stamp. United States Postal Service named Antonio do it again, but I felt like it was an important stories. It’s just an honor to be able to be a Alcala called him up one day. story that gives a gateway for people to learn part of that and to represent,” Worl said. 9A • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 Health Covid-19 relief package directs $3.3B to tribes

BY DAMON SCOTT workers through March 14, 2021; and $600 the Seminole Tribe takes part in, has found a passed in March. It included $8 billion for Country programs funded in the bill, Staff Reporter stimulus checks for every adult making up long-term extension in the funding package tribes, however many haven’t seen their full including Native languages and culture to $75,000 ($150,000 for couples), including for three years – through the end of fiscal distributions and $300 million is tied up in initiatives and funds to help combat the $600 per child. year 2023. litigation. plight of missing and murdered Indigenous Another contentious Congress is coming The Covid-19 relief is attached to a While it’s a win for Indian Country, the Udall said the funds from the second women and girls. to an end in Washington, D.C., and with it massive $1.4 trillion end of year funding reauthorization did not include an increase stimulus package are expected to see greater Other initiatives that are funded hard fought spending bills and provisions package which includes funding for the in funding that had been sought by tribes flexibility in distribution to tribes. in the bill for Indian Country include that affect practically every corner of Indian Indian Health Service (IHS). There are and the National Indian Health Board. The “Native Americans across the country broadband, public health, mental health Country. additional funds in the fiscal year 2021 annual funding remains at $150 million – the continue to demonstrate incredible strength services, telehealth, behavioral health, Congress passed the $900 billion package for a broad variety of Indian same level it’s seen since 2004. and resilience in the face of a pandemic preventative care, housing assistance, Covid-19 stimulus bill Dec. 20. President Country programs and services. News of another win came soon after the that is disproportionately hurting their education, education construction, child Trump signed it Dec. 27. It includes $3.3 funding was passed. Sen. Tom Udall, D-NM, communities,” Udall said in a statement. care, Community Development Financial billion in funds for tribes, including for SDPI, CARES Act extensions and vice chairman of the Senate Committee “Tribal governments are doing everything Institutions (CDFIs), Department of the vaccine distribution. on Indian Affairs, announced that the relief in their power to protect their communities Interior tribal programs, public safety, Indian The package in its current form For 15 months the Special Diabetes package also extends the deadline for tribes and elders from this pandemic. The federal arts and crafts enforcement and many more. reauthorizes $284 billion in loans under the Program for Indians, or SDPI, has gone to spend CARES Act funds – until Dec. 31, government must step up to support these Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); $300 in through six short-term extensions that have 2021. efforts and live up to its trust and treaty weekly unemployment insurance for jobless threatened its stability and effectiveness. The CARES Act was the first massive obligations.” The crucial diabetes program, which stimulus package of $2.2 trillion that was Udall pushed to have other Indian ‘Gather’ connects food sovereignty to Native survival BY DAMON SCOTT the culture. says, is directly connected to increases in Staff Reporter DuBray’s ranch has 400 buffalo while drug abuse and suicides. the tribe has 800. In contrast, tens of millions “When you come home empty handed used to roam the Plains states. there’s a sadness that starts to set in,” he Food sovereignty is a subject that might “We had a self sufficient economy and says. “It’s depression.” seem a bit boring to some, but its importance it was all centered around the buffalo herd. Gensaw now directs the group Ancestral comes to life in a powerful way in the The buffalo were everything,” DuBray says, Guard – an organization that advocates for sweeping documentary film “Gather.” from teepees made from hides to its use as a the health of rivers in Northern California Since the film’s premiere in June, it primary food source. and across the globe. quickly gained a following and picked up “The government recognized that and rave reviews from critics across the country. that’s why they decided – if we can destroy More hope The film explores the collapse of the buffalo we can bring these people to their of Indigenous food systems and the knees. And so that’s what they set out to do.” Craig is in a partnership with farmer implications for addiction, disease and the DuBray says. Clayton Harvey who runs, Ndée Bikíyaa, survival of Native culture itself. More than 60 million American buffalo The People’s Farm. Viewers follow a cast of characters from were slaughtered in order to starve out the The two grow and use Native vegetables tribes across the country that share personal Plains Indians into submission. in dishes at Craig’s Café Gozhóó, the struggles and ultimately a message of hope The commodity food that would come Apache word for beauty, harmony, love and today’s tribes and future generations. from the government was unhealthy and happiness. The film’s opening features Twila lacked nutrition – canned chicken, dried milk The café is located in a former gas station Cassadore of the San Carlos Apache Nation and so on. It was a precursor to a scourge of on the reservation – one that contributed to in Arizona. She’s a master forager and nutrition related diseases in Indian Country. problems with diabetes and other health harvester who introduces Native youth and “The physical realities were hard, but issues for the tribe as people were often reintroduces adults to the land, food and the mental and spiritual part is even worse,” forced to shop for food there. traditional ways of healing. DuBray said. “Buffalo are basically in the “When you have food sovereignty “For me it’s about reconnecting people same spot we are. We were almost wiped out you’re free to be self-reliant, to grow your to who they are and it starts off small, like too.” own food, to choose the foods you want planting that little seed,” she says. to eat, choose the foods you want to put in Cassadore argues that the reconnection Salmon people school systems,” Craig says. with nature – and thus unplugging from He says reservations across the country modern life and technology even for a short Samuel Gensaw III of the Yurok Nation are still far away from being food sovereign, time – has a host of benefits. in Northern California fishes for salmon with but he’s proof of progress. “You open a whole part of your mind to his friends on the Klamath River, just as his Meanwhile, DuBray’s daughter Elsie is Gather/Facebook something else,” she said. ancestors have done for thousands of years. an aspiring scientist who has embraced her It helped her to find the courage to speak Twila Cassadore explains traditional foraging methods to her niece. Life revolves around the relationship tribe’s traditions. She set out to prove that out and heal after living with a long-held with salmon. eating grass-fed buffalo is healthier than secret of sexual abuse from the boyfriend “We believe that once these salmon eating grain-fed beef. She’s proving the of a babysitter when she was very young, statistics on alcoholism, diabetes, homicides ‘Buffalo were everything’ disappear, our people follow,” Gensaw says. effectiveness of Indigenous traditions with followed by addiction. and suicides on reservations – those are the modern day science. physical manifestations of .” At the Cheyenne River on the Lakota The salmon are endangered from years The project earned her a first place Colonized food system He’s hopeful that a recovery from the Nation in , filmmakers of environmental degradation and from finish in her high school’s science fair. She historical trauma can be achieved through introduce Fred DuBray and his daughter dams. Problems began in the 1840s when currently attends Stanford University. Food sovereignty’s embrace of culture supporting Indigenous healing and self- Elsie. settlers traveled to California looking for More information about the Indigenous and tradition is the way Nephi Craig of the determination through food sovereignty. DuBray is trying to bring buffalo back gold. They ignored treaties, took what they food sovereignty movement is at White Mountain Apache Nation in Arizona and he’s having some success. He says it has wanted and shot Indians on site. nativefoodsystems.org. Go to gather.film for was able to turn his life around after addition implications for the health of the land and The Yurok people have tried to have the ways to view the documentary. and incarceration. dams removed. A bad salmon run, Gensaw He’s not only an accomplished chef, but also a historian and activist who educates people about the effects of colonialism and the importance of Native food. “If you want to attack a people and wipe them out – attack their food,” Craig says to a room of young farmers. “Our food system has been colonized.” As acres upon acres of land were taken, the relationship with traditional foods became more and more diminished. “Colonial violence has never gone away,” Craig says. “So when you see Gather/Facebook Salmon fishers in the Klamath River work to preserve their traditions.

Jamul Indian Village chairwoman named chair of health council

PRESS RELEASE dental, and social services. SIHC Pinto has been involved with serves a seven-member tribal the JIV Tribal Council since 1997. JAMUL, Calif. — On Nov. consortium, including Barona, In 2015, she was the first woman 30, Erica Pinto, chairwoman of the Campo, Ewiiaapaayp, Jamul, La elected chairwoman of the JIV, Jamul Indian Village of California Posta, Manzanita, and Viejas, as and has led the tribe in significant (JIV), was elected chair of the well as other tribal and non-tribal economic progress on its path Southern Indian Health Council, members. The organization is to self-reliance. Under Pinto's Inc. The SIHC, founded in 1982, supported by federal, state, and leadership, the JIV oversaw the is a Native American organization local funds. groundbreaking of a gaming which aims to protect facility on its reservation in and improve the physical, February 2014. In October mental, and spiritual 2016, Jamul Casino health of the Native opened, creating nearly American community. 1,000 permanent jobs. Having intermittently Pinto is also co- served on the 14-member founder of the Acorns SIHC board since 2004, to Oaks Tribal program, Pinto will begin her which organizes activities two-year term as chair designed to help prevent in January. Pinto was drug and alcohol abuse honored in October with and teen pregnancy, and the American Indian promote education. She Chamber of Commerce of chairs the health and safety California's highest honor, task force for the tribal the Warrior Award. government, casino and Based in Alpine, gaming commission, which California, SIHC provides was created at the onset of a range of wellness, Courtesy photo the Covid pandemic in the professional health care, Jamul Indian Village Chairwoman Erica Pinto spring of 2020. 10A • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 SEMINOLE SCENES

Kevin Johnson (2) HOLIDAY HEADQUARTERS: The Seminole Tribe headquarters entrance (above) and lobby (right) are decked with festive and colorful holiday decorations.

SMP (2) TIME OF THANKS: Tribal leaders, including Hollywood Councilman Chris Osceola (above) and Brighton Councilman Larry Howard (right), provided video messages to STOF employees in December, thanking them for their service to the tribe throughout the pandemic of 2020 and wishing them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. “It’s been tough on all of us, and we could not have gotten through it without you,” Councilman Osceola said. “This year has definitely been a hard year for us all, but by the grace of God we’re here today to celebrate this holiday that is before us,” Councilman Howard said.

Elgin Jumper (2)

ON DISPLAY: Paintings by Seminole artist Elgin Jumper will be on display throughout January at Blick Art Materials, located at 2384 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale.

Miami Dolphins MOVIE NIGHT AT HARD ROCK STADIUM: The Miami Dolphins, in partnership with the Dairy Council of Florida, hosted a movie night at the outdoor theater at Hard Rock Stadium for the students and parents of Norwood Elementary School on Dec. 15. The Dolphins selected Norwood as the recipient of Hard Rock Tulsa a $10,000 grant which will be allocated toward the purchase of new cafeteria equipment. This is the TASTY TULSA: The guests at Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Tulsa in Oklahoma were greeted by a giant gingerbread display during the holidays. In a Facebook seventh year the organization has partnered with the Dairy Council of Florida through the Hometown post, Hard Rock Tulsa described the display as “the shining light of our holiday season.” Additionally, it said “We’re giving a special thanks to our food/ Grants program to improve youth health and wellness in South Florida. beverage and facilities crews! They bring the Hard Rock Christmas magic all season long and we love every minute.” 11A • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 NATIONAL NATIVE NEWS Casino cancels indoor New Year’s Nevada man charged with study dispels the Recently revived Mattakeeset town permits. Eve party with 4,000 guests murder in slaying of Native American myth that Indians don’t pay taxes Tribe now claims rights to Taunton woman on reservation casino land Fisher said the tribe has also raised its A casino on Native American land The North Dakota Association of concerns to the U.S. Department of Justice’s in Sonoma County (California) that was Tribal Colleges recently announced results Office of Tribal Justice, which didn’t respond A man is accused of killing a Native A rift is widening between Native to a request for comment this week. planning a massive indoor New Year’s Eve American woman on the Pyramid Lake of a 2020 study estimating tribal member American groups over who has claim to party despite public health orders banning tax payments to the state of North Dakota. Paiute Tribes’ Reservation, the US Attorney’s scores of acres in Taunton, Massachusetts, And while it supports legislation such gatherings, canceled the event Dec. 24, Office in Nevada said Dec. 18. Titled “Native American Tax Contributions where one tribe has been trying for years to according to casino officials. in North Dakota,” the estimate of 2019 creating a state tribal recognition process Michael Joshua Burciaga, 33, is charged build a $1 billion casino. in Massachusetts, he said the tribe isn’t Graton Resort and Casino outside with second-degree murder within Indian state personal income taxes paid by Native The recently revived Mattakeeset Rohnert Park had planned to host the private Americans totals more than $49.4 million or pursuing federal recognition. That special Country, the US Attorney’s Office said. Massachuset Tribe argues it’s the rightful status acknowledges a tribe’s sovereignty party with 4,000 guests, county officials said Pyramid Lake tribal police went to a $908 for every man, woman and child. heir to the land in Taunton set aside by during a virtual news conference Dec. 23. In addition to personal income tax, the and provides access to federal funding house in Nixon shortly after midnight on the federal government for the Mashpee and other benefits, so long as the tribe can A representative with the Federated December 15 after receiving a call about a study estimates sales and use tax, motor Wampanoag Tribe, which is planning to Indians of Graton Rancheria, which owns fuels tax, corporate tax and property tax, as show it’s a distinct community that’s been stabbing and found the woman face down in build a hotel, casino and entertainment in existence since 1900 with some form of the casino, said in a social media message the master bathroom, according to criminal well as oil extraction and production taxes. complex. Thursday that the casino will close at 5 p.m. The current statewide Native American governance. complaint filed in the US District Court of The Mattakeesets want the Mashpees “At this time, we are looking to move Dec. 31 for all activities, and “all parties and Nevada on Tuesday. Shortly after, medics on population includes 54,400 enrolled and state and local authorities to recognize gatherings on New Year’s Eve have been members of the Lakota, Dakota, Chippewa, on all efforts of sustainable and cultural the scene pronounced the woman dead, the their land claim, which they base on colonial- development on our tribal lands,” Fisher canceled.” complaint said. Mandan, Arikara and Hidatsa Tribes. About era documents. No reason was given for the cancellation. 28,845 live on the reservations, and 25,555 said. “With or without state or federal The victim, a registered member of the “They blatantly fooled the whole entire support.” The tribe is a sovereign nation and Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, is identified in live off of tribal lands. country about this land belonging to them,” not subject to county or state public health Per capita income lags far behind court documents only by the initials A.D., said Larry Fisher, who has been working - Taunton (Mass.) Daily Gazette orders, Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. according to a news release from the US the statewide average, and most Native to revive the tribe since becoming its chief Sundari Mase said during the Wednesday Attorney’s Office. Americans live well below the poverty line. sachem in 2014, of the Mashpees. “We just news conference. Officers spoke to Burciaga outside the An estimated 80 percent of salaries and want the truth to be told. It belongs to us. Native American Studies for the Mase added the casino has been open house and observed a laceration on his hand, wages is consumed by purchases made off The Mattakeesets.” next generation for several months during the pandemic, and the criminal complaint said. As first aid was the reservations, resulting in generation of The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, which the operator has taken steps to reduce the risk being administered, Burciaga “stated in both state and local sales taxes. famously traces its ancestry to the Native There is a proposal for the upcoming of casino guests contracting the coronavirus. sum and substance, ‘I already know what “North Dakota tribal colleges want Americans who shared a fall harvest with Connecticut legislative session to require She also said bars at the casino are closed, happened, and I know what I did, which is to dispel the stereotype that Indians don’t the Pilgrims 400 years ago, counter that Native American Studies in school. Right and walk-up alcohol service ends at 9 p.m. why I slit my wrist,’ “ the complaint said. pay taxes,” said Cynthia Lindquist, Ph.D., Fisher’s group is just a smaller band within now, it is not required despite the rich history On Dec. 24, just before 1 p.m., Graton’s While in transit to a medical center for president of Cankdeska Cikana Community the broader Wampanoag people who have of several recognized tribes. website said the casino would become a treatment, Burciaga asked about the victim’s College and chair of the North Dakota inhabited Massachusetts for thousands of Rodney Butler, the Tribal Chair of the “private venue” and close to the public condition and told officers she was pregnant Association of Tribal Colleges. years. Mashantucket Pequots, says “Connecticut from 5 p.m. Dec. 31 until 4 a.m. Jan. 1. with his child, according to the complaint. “Indians don’t get checks from the The Mattakeeset Tribe currently has a itself is an historical name, it’s the long That message was no longer up later in the Burciaga is accused of stabbing the federal government each month, and we few hundred members, according to Fisher, tidal river its an Algonquin name from my afternoon. victim with “multiple knives,” according to do not have free education or health care,” but does not have federal recognition or ancestors.” the news release. Lindquist said. “We’re not all getting rich a land base like the Mashpee Tribe, which Butler says Connecticut’s five Native - NBC Bay Area Burciaga’s public defender, Kate Berry, from oil money or the casinos. In fact, the was federally recognized in 2007 and has American tribes have a long and at times declined to comment on the case when casinos also have been negatively impacted roughly 3,000-members. disturbing history that every student should contacted by CNN. by the pandemic. The general rule of thumb “Larry is well-meaning but very be taught. Report calls for equity changes Magistrate Judge William G. Cobb is that tribes are tax-exempt, and individual confused,” said Steven Peters, the Mashpee “The Treaty of Hartford essentially said Native Americans are not. for Native students ordered Burciaga held without bond and Tribe’s spokesman. “The Mattakeesets and Pequots could no longer exist, your language scheduled a trial for Feb. 22, 2021. If “We want people to understand that we, the Massachusets are Wampanoags.” can no longer be spoken and remaining convicted, Burciaga faces a maximum life too, are contributors to the state’s economy, The dustup is the latest wrinkle in the Pequots are now going to be slaves,” added A new report compiled by a coalition and, through this lens, we want North of tribal education leaders, experts and sentence. Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s tortured, Butler. Dakotans to realize that – like all higher years-long quest for federally protected land Senator Cathy Osten is the bill’s advocates is calling for a “dramatic change” education – an investment in our tribal in New Mexico’s public education system - CNN — and the lucrative rights to build a tax- sponsor. colleges provides a significant return on exempt casino on it. Democratic Senator Cathy Osten, from to close an equity gap for Native American investment,” she said. students. The Cape Cod-based tribe was granted Sprague, says, “What we should be teaching With one of their own in the Native Americans enjoy tri-citizenship; to the next generation so they understand The Tribal Education Alliance argues Statehouse, Native Americans in a more than 300-acre reservation in the they are citizens of the United States, their waning months of the Obama administration and are not thinking that Native Americans in the report, released last week, that the California win new rights respective tribal nation and the state of cumulative effect of New Mexico’s education in 2016, but the Trump administration are associated with mascots at sports games, North Dakota. In addition to paying taxes, moved to revoke the reservation in what the or John Wayne movies.” policies, from early childhood through they vote in national, tribal and statewide college, produces disparate outcomes for As James Ramos, the first member of tribe and its supporters complained was a Lawmakers are receptive – the state’s a California Native American tribe to serve elections. dangerous precedent. A federal judge in June largest teachers union the Connecticut students, which are threatening the future of Established in 1994, the North both Native students and tribal communities. in the state legislature, authored a trio of halted the move; the Interior Department has Education Association is too. new laws bolstering the rights of Native Dakota Association of Tribal Colleges is appealed. For Chairman Butler it’s about The report, “Pathways to Education led by the five tribal college presidents. Sovereignty: Taking a Stand for Native Americans in the state. Meanwhile, the tribe’s prominent, understanding not only the history of his The measures, signed into law by Gov. The association provides a structure for longtime chairman was arrested last month Pequots, but of all tribes. Children,” champions the landmark lawsuit collaboration, improved governance and Yazzie/Martinez v. State of New Mexico Gavin Newsom in September, will go into on federal bribery charges in connection Their strength as a people and effect on Jan. 1. One such law will make it planning toward economic progress for the with the casino project. Cedric Cromwell willingness to allow the state to survive. as a step toward correcting inequities. But, tribal communities in North Dakota. the report says, the issues cited in the suit easier for tribes in the state to reclaim sacred has denied the allegations, but has been With all of the movements to tear down artifacts and the remains of their ancestors ousted as chairman by tribe leaders. statutes, Butler was in agreement that there must be addressed through legislation that - The Williston (N.D.) Herald transforms the education system. that have been held by museums and other Fisher, a 33-year-old Boston-area are a few missing from the State Capitol It notes a lack of tribal control of schools institutions for decades. substance abuse counselor, said his tribe has Complex in Hartford. and a dearth of Indigenous teachers. “When you look at cities like Los Tsartlip First Nation territory no quarrel with the half of the tribe’s roughly “Certainly, there should be some “There has been a lot of lack of political Angeles and San Francisco, there’s no doubles in size after traditional land 300-acre reservation that’s located in the representation of the native American will,” said Regis Pecos, co-director of federally recognized tribe there but yet we returned by B.C. government town of Mashpee on Cape Cod, where the History of Connecticut, the native roots of the Santa Fe Indian School’s Leadership know that there’s ancestral remains of Indian tribe has operated a government center and Connecticut on the capitol building,” said Institute, which contributed to the report. people in those areas,” Ramos, a Democrat, A large chunk of farmland on southern other tribe services for years. Butler. “We have hope that we are now at a point to said in an interview with All Things Vancouver Island has been returned to But he contends the Taunton-area half, Ironically, etched on the front of the really be confronted, collectively speaking, Considered on Wednesday. the Tsartlip First Nation after a historic located some 50 miles (80 kilometers) from state Capitol is a depiction of the bloody, with whether we are willing to do the right “When tribal elders are in disagreement agreement with the British Columbia, Mashpee, was never part of the rival tribe’s massacre of The Mashantucket Pequots by thing.” with museum directors over what should be Canda, government. historic territory. colonialist commander John Mason. The report comes on the heels of a repatriated back to the Californian people, On Dec. 16, the Tsartlip took possession Fisher points to a book published last Proponents of the bill say if it’s motion filed by plaintiffs in the Yazzie/ up until this point, all of the weight of that of the former Woodwynn Farm, a 78-hectare month by Jeremy Bangs, founder of the important enough to put it on the building, Martinez suit that asks the state’s First knowledge lies with the museum director. property on the Saanich Peninsula once Leiden American Pilgrim Museum in the it’s important enough to teach it in the Judicial District Court to order public school So this bill now strengthens the tribal elders, used by the nation for gathering medicines, Netherlands, which argues that a 1664 classroom. districts and charter schools to provide at- their voice, to make sure that they have the hunting and ceremonial practices. It is deed designated the lands as the “Titicut risk students with computers and adequate last say.” immediately adjacent to Tsartlip First Reserve” and specifically set it aside for the - WTNH internet access. The motion claims the state In June, a state audit of three campuses Nation’s only reserve and significantly Mattakeesets in perpetuity. Fisher says the has failed to ensure children — especially within the University of California system expands the size of its territory. deeded lands encompass all of what is today DC Congresswoman introduces those in districts serving predominantly found that the universities held close to “It’s really a doubling,” said Chief Taunton, Middleborough and Bridgewater, bill to recognize that Native Native American students — have the tools 500,000 artifacts and remains that had Don Tom in an interview on CBC’s On The as well as parts of Duxbury. Americans originally inhabited U.S. necessary for remote learning during the yet to be returned to the respective tribes, Island. Complaints that the Mashpees are novel coronavirus pandemic. a requirement guaranteed under the Tsartlip now has over 1,000 members inflating their ancestral territory at the Native American Graves Protection and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Public Education Secretary Ryan and the community has run out of space expense of other Native Americans aren’t Norton introduced a bill Dec. 20 that would Stewart said his department had not yet Repatriation Act of 1990. to address the housing, recreational and new. At least two members of other “Those are the remains that we need to formally recognize that Native Americans reviewed the report. cultural needs of what Tom says is the Massachusetts tribes have raised the issue were the original inhabitants of the country. “We are working with tribal partners to get back into the hands of the proper people, fastest growing First Nation in the southern in recent years, and local casino opponents the proper tribes to be able to do a proper re- The legislation would “call on state better direct resources and supports to meet Vancouver Island area. have made similar arguments in their long- and local governments to encourage formal the needs of Native American students,” burial so then we can start to move forward According to Tom, the reserve is about running federal court challenge. with the healing,” Ramos said. land acknowledgments before public or Stewart said. 196 acres and the additional lands will add The state Commission on Indian Affairs ceremonial events.” The report outlines solutions to the The assembly member, who’s from about 193 acres, including a creek he said hasn’t officially waded into the debate, but the Serrano/Cahuilla tribe and lives on the Norton said she is the first member of equity gap: increased tribal control over nation members hope to rehabilitate for John Peters, the agency’s executive director Congress to introduce this kind of resolution. education in districts serving Native children; San Manuel Reservation in San Bernardino fishing purposes. and a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag County, has gone through the tedious “It’s past time for Congress to community-based education created by “Our membership are excited, they are Tribe, was skeptical of the rival tribe’s claim. acknowledge that the land comprising and centered on tribal communities; and repatriation process and spoke about what it elated that we are expanding our land base,” “To give credibility to a self-proclaimed took to get back a medicine basketry mortar our country was originally inhabited by development of a balanced yet culturally and said Tom. chief of a tribe that hasn’t been heard of in Indigenous peoples known as Native linguistically relevant education. from a museum in Chicago. According to a government release, several hundred years demeans the integrity “It took a lot of resources,” he said, but Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Gabe Aguilar, president of the Mescalero Tsartlip First Nation was able to purchase of our culture,” he said. Natives,” Norton said. “This formal Apache Nation, said in the report, “The many tribes throughout the country “don’t the farm from B.C. Housing through a Bangs said he wrote the book, which have the wherewithal, the resources to be statement recognizes that Indigenous strength of our people and our sovereign $7.77-million grant from the province. expands on his previous published works on peoples are the original and traditional nation is dependent upon the education of our able to provide those resources and those Since purchasing the farm in July 2018, New England’s Native American tribes and documents that are there.” stewards of a given geographic area, and I children in carrying forward the knowledge B.C. Housing has leased the property to a European colonists, to shed light on a part of hope to convey honor and respect for their of our ancestors’ gift to us and at the same Ramos’ second bill requires the local farmer, who is actively farming hay, local history he believes has become blurred secretary of state to assemble a task force connection to their ancestral lands.” time acquiring the skills necessary to protect grain and produce. Tsartlip First Nation has over the years. The article specifically refers to Native our lands, our way of life, our people, all that to come up with recommendations on extended the lease through to Sept. 2021. “Some of the Wampanoags have tried how to increase voter participation among Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska defines who we are. Tom said between now and next fall, to pretend the Massachusetts never existed, Natives as the original inhabitants of the “Education sovereignty is the right to indigenous groups in the state — including the nation will use the time to engage with and that goes against hundreds of years of ways to recruit Native American poll U.S. fulfill that vision without compromise,” he members and the District of Central Saanich history,” he said. “They don’t call the state - WMAL added. workers and to improve the accessibility on how best to use the land. Massachusetts for nothing.” of voter information like registration and Bangs, a former chief curator at Pecos said another important issue many Tsartlip Councillor Joe Seward said in a After evacuating twice over schools face is the lack of Native American election materials. statement that the land at Woodwynn Farm, Plimoth Patuxet, a Massachusetts museum instructors in the classroom. Native Americans, whose voting rights also known as Máwueć, used to be hunting that recreates the historic English colony tainted water, Neskantaga residents Only 2.5 percent of teachers in the state weren’t recognized by every state until territory and a cedar forest where Elders and with period actors, stressed his work wasn’t plan their return home are Native, according to the Yazzie/Martinez 1962, have been dogged by decades of voter ancestors would harvest medicines. funded by the Mattakeesets or other interests. lawsuit. disenfranchisement. “Our people were kicked off that land The historical evidence, he added, is in Members of a First Nation that has been The report recommends developing The third law authorizes the California and settlers cut down the cedar trees... We plain sight: the colonial documents cited in under a boil-water advisory for longer than programs to help build a Native teacher Department of Justice to assist local law want to reawaken the land, heal the land and his book are housed at the county registry of any other in Canada are hoping to return pipeline, including tuition waivers for enforcement in criminal investigations in bring the sacredness back,” said Seward. deeds in Plymouth. home before Christmas to clean running college students and a guarantee of equal Native American communities — namely, The nation now owns the land, which Peters, the spokesman for the Mashpee water for the first time in 25 years. pay for Native language teachers. to reduce the rates of missing and murdered is part of the Agricultural Land Reserve, as Wampanoag tribe, said he and other tribe Neskantaga, accessible only by air and “The reality is that, for people like indigenous women and girls. private property. scholars haven’t reviewed Bangs’ book. an ice road in winter, sits about 450 km north myself, I never saw a Native teacher in all Since Ramos was elected in 2018, it took In a written statement, Minister of He said the tribe has invited Fisher for a of Thunder Bay, Ontario — where nearly 300 of my educational experiences in public him two years to push through legislation Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation sit down to review the Mashpee Tribe’s land of its members have been living in a hotel schools,” Pecos said. that addresses issues that have burdened Murray Rankin called the move a tremendous claim evidence, which he said is detailed in since an oily sheen in the reserve’s reservoir “That reality exists today that a majority indigenous Californians for decades. He step forward to advance reconciliation more than 14,000 pages the tribe submitted on Oct. 19 triggered their evacuation. of our children will not see a Native teacher said the reason such protections have only between the provincial government and for its federal land in trust application. Now, final tests are taking place to in their classroom.” recently begun to gain traction “comes down Tsartlip First Nation. Fisher counters that no such olive determine whether Neskantaga’s water is to being engaged in the political system.” branch has been offered, despite his attempts safe enough for the community to use, weeks - Santa Fe New Mexican “For once, we do have someone in the - CBC News to meet with Mashpee leaders over the years. after members originally were scheduled to legislature that understands the issues and He said his tribe is instead focused on fly back and two years after the reserve’s the plight of the California Indian people.” asserting its jurisdiction on its ancestral water treatment plant was supposed to start lands, which includes hosting ceremonies producing clean drinking water. - NPR and other recent gatherings at Camp Titicut, The federal government is finalizing a 25-acre park in Bridgewater with a Native plans for the community to fly back. American burial ground, without seeking . - CBC 12A • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020

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20-SHRH-05905 - Seminole Tribune Ad-Nov_12-75x20-75.indd 1 10/22/2020 4:58:37 PM 1B • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 Education B FSU President Everett Osceola provides Seminole insight during John Thrasher gives final state Stranahan House online event BY BEVERLY BIDNEY of the university Staff Reporter address To commemorate National Native BY BEVERLY BIDNEY American Heritage month in November, the Staff Reporter Stranahan House Museum in Fort Laudedale celebrated Seminole life – past and present – during a Facebook Live presentation Nov. Florida State University’s annual State 30. of the University address is a time-honored Everett Osceola, the Seminole Tribe’s tradition, one that President John Thrasher cultural ambassador and Stranahan House has adhered to for six years. On Dec. 2, he board member, fielded questions from online delivered his final address to a small, socially viewers. Stranahan House historian Jonathan distanced group during a meeting of the Axler moderated the event and showed Faculty Senate. old Seminole artifacts from the museum, Thrasher, a former state legislator, was including patchwork and dolls. named FSU’s 15th president in 2014. He Osceola’s introduction to the Stranahan announced in September that he will retire House came a few years ago when he covered in 2021. His contract expired in November, a concert there by former chairman James but he agreed to stay on until a replacement Billie for Seminole Media Productions. The is hired. The FSU board of trustees is museum piqued Osceola’s interest, so he conducting a search for a new president, learned all he could through history books, which could take up to six months. museum recordings and stories from tribal In his address, Thrasher, 76, said he Elders. never imagined he would finish his term as “Some of the Elders remembered sitting president during a pandemic, but noted the down with Ivy [Stranahan] as she read to Image via Facebook university is strong, tenacious and resilient. them,” Osceola said. Everett Osceola, left, talks about different aspects of Seminole life and culture with Stranahan House Museum historian Jonathan Axler during a Facebook “It’s amazing what we have achieved The history of the Seminoles and the Live program from the museum Nov. 30. and how far this university has come,” said Stranahans goes back to the early 1900s, Thrasher. “The past prepared us to respond when Seminoles traveled by dugout canoe to this pandemic. We are a family and when from the Everglades to Fort Lauderdale One viewer asked Osceola about men’s push comes to shove, we all pull in the same to trade at Frank and Ivy’s trading post. clothing. Osceola explained the longshirts direction. We have all made sacrifices to Alligator skins were the most popular were meant to protect their arms from safeguard the health of others.” commodities but they also traded pelts, mosquitos and other insects, but also keep In the pandemic’s early days, the faculty baskets and dolls for food staples such as them cool. changed from face-to-face classes to remote sugar and lard, beads and material. “Turbans are mostly decorative today, learning. In the fall, the school moved to a “When they started trading, they were but back then they used it as a sleeping bag,” hybrid model and will do so again for the getting ripped off,” Osceola said. “Stranahan he said. “They slept on the fabric and rolled spring semester. However, between the start told them what their goods were really it into a turban in the morning. It also kept of the semester on Jan. 6 until Jan. 15, all worth. They helped get the Dania reservation sweat out of their faces. Everything had a classes will be taught remotely. and got the kids proper shoes and wardrobe practical purpose.” “Our faculty are some of the most so they could go to school.” When explaining Seminole language creative, hardworking and dedicated people,” The Stranahan’s place on the New River to a viewer, Osceola said his mother’s side Thrasher said. “For them to convert 10,000 had ample room for tribal members to stay of the family speaks Creek, his father’s classes to remote in just two weeks was an for days at a time. Former schoolteacher side speaks Elaponke and he had to learn a amazing accomplishment. Because of you, Ivy taught them English, how to read and third language – English. Another viewer we have been able to continue to deliver founded Friends of the Seminoles, which she wanted to know the difference between the a world-class education to our 43,000 led for 50 years. Miccosukee and Seminole tribes. students.” Frank Stranahan introduced tribal “There isn’t much difference,” Osceola said. “We share the same stories, customs, The faculty explored opening a lab to members to hand-cranked sewing machines, Image via Facebook culture and language. The main difference is process Covid-19 tests, but the nationwide which helped the evolution of Seminole Alligator wrestling, depicted here in an old postcard, was among the topics in the program. shortage of supplies hindered the program. patchwork. In the early 1900s the patchwork they are federally recognized as a different Instead, the FSU Innovation Hub stepped in was very basic, but when they got the sewing tribe. It’s more of a political difference, but and used its 3-D printers to create plastic face machines more intricate designs were we always look out for each other. When some submerged trees from the swamps of Alligator wrestling began as a search for shields from a design that was reviewed by possible. New and more intricate patchwork Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992, we helped Louisiana where they grow much larger. food. Men would capture the gators and use the National Institutes of Health. designs are still being made. them out with food using swamp buggies A question about Black Seminoles them for food, hides to trade and they even “When health care workers in our “Fire is my favorite patchwork because and airboats.” led to an answer of runaway slaves being kept bugs away. Outsiders saw Seminoles community faced a shortage of supplies, it can also mean passion or rage,” Osceola In the old days, dugout canoes were welcomed into the tribe during the Seminole take on the gators and gave them money we developed a prototype for 3D printers said. “My grandmother used to do patchwork the best way to travel in South Florida and Wars. for their effort. Osceola said the money to produce face shields,” Thrasher reported. and I used to lay in her sewing machine were made from large cypress trees. Now “They came to us for refuge,” Osceola accumulated and they realized showmanship “We made and delivered 2,400 of them.” room and fall asleep to the sound of it. Now it’s difficult to find large trees here. A few said. “We had separate camps but after a was more valuable than hides. Okalee Thrasher said the country was also if I see a movie with a sewing machine, I get years ago Osceola and Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki while we shared our ways and they shared Village was started as a venue for alligator dealing with another pandemic, that of sleepy.” Museum village crafter Pedro Zepeda got theirs. Some are in my family today. The wrestling, tribal fairs and other gatherings. systemic racism. Prompted by the George Fort Pierce reservation is mostly descendants “Back when I had a waistline and two Floyd murder, FSU created the President’s of Black Seminoles and most speak Creek. good knees, I used to wrestle alligators,” Task Force on Anti-Racism, Equity and Aaron, Shammy and Marlon Tommie are my Osceola said. “I started by helping and Inclusion in July to identify racial disparities cousins, we are all family.” spotting for my uncles who wrestled. We on campus. The task force includes the A viewer asked about the purpose of would keep our eyes on the gators when the Seminole Tribe’s Kyle Doney, who serves clans. The eight clans are Bird, Panther, Deer, wrestler talked to the crowd.” on the FSU Alumni Association’s National Otter, Wind, Big Town, Bear and Snake. Osceola revealed how to determine the Board of Directors. “During the Seminole wars we had over length of an alligator. Measure the length “We must continue to listen, learn, 60 clans,” Osceola said. “They help with from the tip of its nose to the eyes. If it is six evolve and take action,” Thrasher said. “As family and bloodline, but most importantly inches, then the gator is six feet long from tip an institute of higher education, we can be it is a way for us to retrace our history. We of the nose to the end of the tail. leaders in that. This is a place where every don’t always write our history and language Osceola was asked if he was related to person can feel safe and have dignity.” down, but we have our clan system to trace Chief Osceola from the Seminole war era. To address other national issues, it. My aunt can trace our heritage back 200 He is not, but he is a descendant of Polly FSU launched the Institute of Politics, a years through the clans. It’s almost like Parker. He suggested people look up other nonpartisan entity with the goal of teaching patchwork; it’s an intricate pattern that is significant Seminole leaders including Sam students about civic engagement, research and more than just your family tree.” Jones (Abiaka) and Coacoochee (Wild Cat). the role of politics in the lives of Americans. Inevitably a question about alligator “Native Americans contribute a lot to The nonpartisan organization was created by wrestling came up, but the questioner wanted what America is today,” Osceola said. “If it faculty, staff and political officials. to know if alligator wrestlers also wrestle wasn’t for Ivy Stranahan we wouldn’t have “It was established by the legislature crocodiles. Florida is the only place where our reservation in Hollywood, which has last year to improve and encourage more both alligators and crocodiles live together. made us the most prominent tribe because of civic involvement,” Thrasher said. “As we Image via Facebook Osceola said crocodiles are more aggressive gaming.” see more partisan politics across the nation, Examples of patchwork were discussed during the program. Everett Osceola’s favorite, fire, is at the than the more docile alligators and he never in times of change we are fortunate to have top left of the image. dealt with one. the steady influence of professors, some who have spent their entire careers here.” For the second year in a row, FSU has been ranked in the top 20 public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. PECS 5th graders learn about explorers, rights to treasures “We have surpassed some of the finest universities in America,” Thrasher said. “It BY BEVERLY BIDNEY to think about ethics and morals. The article to the home country. time looking for ships, it could take years. reflects our values and focuses on what we Staff Reporter was about deep sea treasure hunters. Here are the students’ responses: Including that if the person’s artifacts get do best; help students succeed and prepare The students had to put themselves “I think they should get paid or keep taken away and they just waste money, they for 21st century careers. We have some of the into the role of treasure hunter and decide something. These people spend parts of their won’t want to find artifacts anymore and best graduation rates in the country and 95% Michelle Pritchard’s fifth-grade class whether they would return any treasure they lives finding parts of human history and there are still lots to be discovered. Lastly, of freshmen return for a second year.” from Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School found to the country the ships originally using their time to find this stuff. They spend they can just earn money by selling what Thrasher touted some of the university’s finished up 2020 with an ethical problem to came from or keep it for themselves. millions on tools and people to help find this they found to scientists or museums instead other accomplishments: graduate student solve. The assignment was to use facts from stuff so they should get at least something of having it taken away once they find it. I enrollment is at an all-time high, the It was the end of the Exploring Unit, the article to support their answers. back. Also if they can’t sell it they should at think that treasure hunters should be able “Raise the Torch” campaign raised more during which the class studied Spanish Here’s the story: Robert Pritchett and least be able to keep it as a prize to show in to do as they wish with what they found,” than $1 billion to fund scholarships and explorers and their search for “gold, God and his crew searched the Atlantic Ocean off their collections. Those are my reasons that wrote Marley. additional professors, opened a Black student glory” in the 1400s and Portuguese explorers Cape Canaveral for more than three years for we should keep artifacts from our history,” Bobbi wrote, “No, I do not agree with union, created the Jim Moran School of Ferdinand Magellan and Vasco da Gama in the shipwreck of the La Trinite. The ship was wrote Braylen. treasure hunters keeping the treasure. I do Entrepreneurship and raised a record $250 the 1500s. sent from France to protect a French colony, Eleanor wrote, “My opinion on treasure not agree because it is part of history. So it million in research funding. The class also delved into the Columbian but sank in a storm in 1565. hunting is that I think it’s important to find should go in a museum. If the hunters kept “Every success we have had is a result exchange, the widespread transfer of plants, For 451 years the ship and its artifacts keys to our past to discover more about the treasure, we would never have artifacts. of obstacles we have overcome,” he said. animals, culture, human populations and were lost. But by using high-tech equipment, our history. I also think it’s important that We would never learn about history.” “I truly believe the state of the university diseases between the Americas, Africa and Pritchett and the crew found the shipwreck we preserve the lost treasure we find. Like “I agree the treasure hunters should be is stronger than it has ever been. Our next the Old World. The practice was named for in May 2016. Three bronze cannons and the text states, ‘Many experts argue that able to keep what they find. According to the president will guide our way forward, but Christopher Columbus after his voyage to dozens of other artifacts were found in the any artifacts recovered from sunken ships article, Pritchett says, ‘he spent four million we have established a strong foundation on the New World in 1492. wreckage, but they didn’t get to keep them. belong in museums, not in the collections of dollars searching for La Trinite.’ They spent which to build.” The November issue of Scholastic By law, sunken ships belong to the country treasure hunters.’ I agree with this opinion all this money so they should be able to keep Thrasher was the first in his family to News magazine had a story about space that sent them, even centuries later. because I would like to go to a museum one what they find. If they’re not able to keep the graduate high school. He attended FSU and exploration, so Pritchard took her students A Florida court ruled the ship and its day and learn about these important pieces treasure, then they wasted a lot of their own graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1965 from the 1500s to modern times with a contents belonged to France, not Pritchett. of history.” money. These are the reasons why treasure and a law degree in 1972. discussion on the similarities and differences The ruling sparked an old debate about “In my opinion, people who find hunters should keep what they find,” wrote “I have given FSU my allegiance since of the different eras of exploration. whether treasure hunters should keep what treasure should be able to keep it or do what Dali. I stepped foot here as a freshman in 1961,” The students’ pursuit of knowledge – they discover. they want with it. Firstly, these people spend Thrasher said. “It has been my distinct honor an exploration in itself – was helped along The students read and digested the lots of money for the expeditions by buying to serve as its 15th president.” with another article in the December issue of information about that debate and made their tools and being able to go to the places where Scholastic News. This one prompted students choices whether to keep the loot or return it they search for it. Also, salvors spend lots of F See PECS on page 2B 2B • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School National UNITY Council’s top students of the month - November 2020 10 issues facing Native youth PRESS RELEASE educational opportunities and encourage academic achievement. 4. Youth Councils are encouraged to Each year during its national conference, make efforts to creating belonging for all the National UNITY Council (NUC) members, promote inclusion of mixed blood gathers to vote on the top 10 issues facing Natives in your events and host events that Native youth across the country. Youth teach and strengthen cultural identity. representatives from the 325-plus Youth 5. Youth Councils can have Councils who make up the national network community conversations addressing lateral discuss their regional priorities. violence and focus on building positive With each youth council working mental health and self esteem for Native together across the nation, youth are youth. empowered knowing they are not facing 6. Youth Councils should help raise these issues alone. awareness on creating healthy relationships The NUC voted on these issues at the and resources for safe places to seek help. Virtual National Conference for Youth 7. Youth Councils can share Councils to address during 2020-2021: information on how to know the signs 1. Drug/Alcohol abuse of human trafficking, raise awareness on 2. Suicide/Self harm MMIWG and how to keep safe. 3. School Dropout/Education 8. Youth Councils should strive to Disparities be role models for younger generations and 4. Cultural Identity/Blood Quantum have guest speakers who Native youth can 5. Bullying/lateral violence look up to. 6. Unhealthy home environment 9. Youth can share creative ways 7. Human Trafficking/Missing and Native youth have overcome community Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls challenges such as poverty and host 8. Lack of Positive Role Models workshops on financial literacy and 9. Poverty/Unemployment/Lack of entrepreneurship. Resources 10. Youth can openly discus the impacts 10. Juvenile/adult incarceration/ on generational incarceration. The youth can generational impacts of imprisonment also work with UNITY peer guides to host What can Youth Councils do to address town halls on how to develop a personalized these issues? plan to create a safer communities. 1. Youth Councils are encouraged to If your local Youth Council is currently share prevention messages addressing drug addressing one of these top 10 issues, and alcohol abuse. email [email protected] and nucec@ 2. Youth Councils should share unityinc.org. UNITY would like to share warning signs of suicidal thoughts and your community event with others to resources for persons with thoughts of empower Native youth to be change agents. suicide regularly. 3. Youth Councils can encourage UNITY leaders embark on good deeds in their communities PRESS RELEASE Executive Committee: “We found a way to do our New Year’s (annual Thanksgiving) Here are a few holiday activities powwow online and had a pretty good that UNITY youth leaders, including the turnout.” Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School Seminole Tribe’s Cheyenne Kippenger, have Cheyenne Kippenberger, Miss Indian performed as they make a difference in their World, UNITY Peer Guide, Healing communities, homes and personal lives. Indigenous Lives Initiative: “I organized students of the month - December 2020 Robert “Scottie” Miller, Male Co- and hosted a virtual Christmas cake President, National UNITY Council decorating contest nationwide. Check out Executive Committee: “For the holidays, our Facebook page and vote for your favorite I donated food to my community’s blessing to see who the next Great NDN Baker will box, which is a box for anyone in our be.” community who needs food can stop by and Dr. Leslie Locklear – UNITY Peer grab it.” Guide Trainer, Healing Indigenous Lives Colby Whitethunder – Southern Initiative: “North Carolina Native American Plains Representative, National UNITY Youth Organization donated over 200 toys Council Executive Committee: “In to the Southeastern Family Violence Center.” December, I returned home from college and Brook Thompson – UNITY 25 Under donated coffee and baked goods to our tribal 25 Awardee: “I made dinner mats in my police department.” language so that me and my partner can learn Kaiden McGhee – Southeastern to only speak Yurok (my language) during Representative, National UNITY Council meals.”

Graduating HINU student elected tribal president

BY KAYLA BOINTY The Indian Leader

The Indian Leader is celebrating Haskell Indian Nations University students and recent alumni who are taking their education and skillsets and applying them to their Tribal communities. One such student is Michael King, who graduates this semester, and has just been elected president of the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.

Please give your name, tribe(s), and community My name is Michael Nick King. I am an enrolled member of the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. I also am Diné (Navajo) and Southern Ute. I come from a small community called Navajo Mountain, Utah.

What inspired you to run for such a position? I wanted to run for my tribal council because as students, we have always been Indian Leader an object. Besides, in a museum the artifacts Pritchard was impressed with the taught that we are the leaders and that we F PECS should return to our homes and contribute Michael King was recently elected president of can be preserved, so they won’t get damaged students’ work. the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. From page 1B or broken. The passage states, ‘After all, such “The kids did a great job on supporting to our tribal communities after receiving a items hold priceless information that can their opinion and some really did a great job degree in our special fields. I have always Layda wrote, “I think that if you find help us understand history, says archeologist with adding in their text evidence,” Pritchard wanted to help contribute to my community, from some, I overlooked it because I saw buried treasure, you should at least turn James Delgado.’ If important relics get into wrote in a Facebook post. “I love it when but I wanted to be sure I had the knowledge the overall picture of what I can strive to it in to a museum. Because some artifacts the wrong hands, maybe some people would we can incorporate our reading, writing and and credentials to be qualify me for the do to help my tribal community as a whole. can help scientists understand history. The think that the artifacts weren’t valuable social studies standards all into a unit.” position. I’ve always wanted to help better I commend every Indigenous student out artifacts can be very valuable. You can learn enough and just toss them away.” my tribal community and my people. there, because it is our education that is a so much about history just through studying We always want to see opportunities and valuable asset that will help us to achieve successes come to our people; And rather greater things for our tribal communities than hope and want these things, I put my when we put that knowledge along with our Navajo Technical University receives $12M aspirations for the tribe to action and decided aspirations into action. It is so reassuring to that if there is to be change for the better, that see educated Indigenous taking active roles from MacKenzie Scott’s giving campaign I would have to step up and be that change. in their tribal communities. It reassures to our communities the wellbeing and status of KNAU PUBLIC RADIO which will be felt by communities throughout hard hit by the economic fallout of the What are your thoughts on young tribes for the future generations to come. the Four Corners region,” Guy said in a press pandemic. educated Indigenous professionals release. Navajo Technical University in stepping up and taking active roles in their Any words of advice for current NTU is among five tribal colleges and tribal councils and/or tribal communities? students looking to go into a similar Crownpoint, New Mexico, has received universities to receive a donation from Scott 12 million dollars from the philanthropist career path? this year. It’s one of two higher education I have seen many educated Native MacKenzie Scott as part of her multi-billion- institutions on the and dollar giving campaign this year. professionals encouraged to continue Some advice. I would say keep going! focuses on science, technology, engineering onwards in higher education. We are If you have the will and the passion to want According to the philanthropist and and math. author, the funds are meant to benefit showered with messages of encouragement to achieve or do something, I say do it. It’s Scott, the former wife of Amazon in obtaining a university degree and seek up to you. It starts with you. You have more “education for historically marginalized and founder Jeff Bezos, has given away about $6 underserved people.” higher education. Young Indigenous control and power than you realize to make billion this year. Much of the money is aimed professionals and graduates return home a difference for the better. NTU President Elmer J. Guy says he’s at reversing what she says are systemic grateful and humbled to be included, and to help their respective communities only inequities that have been amplified by the to be discouraged and turned away. That is This article is from The Indian Leader. the university will hold a hearing before COVID-19 pandemic. committing the money to specific projects. the reality but those who have the strength It was posted on Dec. 9 at theindianleader. In all, 384 organizations across the will persevere. Despite the discouragement com. “This donation affirms the work we’ve country were recipients of funds. They been doing in educating our students while include civil rights groups, debt relief Courtesy photo positively impacting the communities we organizations and employment training as serve. We’re grateful for the gracious gift, well as emergency funds that assist those MacKenzie Scott 3B • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 New Marvel Celebrated WWII unit included heroes 1,500 Native Americans battle low representation ‘The Liberator’ of Native animated miniseries Americans in now on Netflix comics

BY JOHNNY MESSIHA AND MCKENZIE ALLEN-CHARMLEY BY DAMON SCOTT Cronkite News (Arizona) Staff Reporter

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Asgard, One of the U.S. Army’s most successful Wakanda, Xandar and other intergalactic fighting units in World War II was also one empires are well-known to comic book fans, of its most racially integrated. but a new comic is hoping to bring readers The 45th Infantry Division had three back to Earth to learn about Indigenous regiments that consisted of Mexican heroes. Americans, Southwestern cowboys and at Penned by Native American artists and least 1,500 Native Americans from 50 tribes. writers, “Marvel’s Voices: Indigenous Voices Historians say most of the young men were #1” was released Nov. 18, to the delight of from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Native Americans who feel underrepresented Oklahoma. in the comic book universe. The division would be known as the The new release features several Thunderbirds because they went into battle new Indigenous heroes and address their with the image on the shoulder of their Netflix screenshot involvement in X-Men stories. uniform. The thunderbird was considered The animated miniseries “The Liberator” is streaming on Netflix. Keith Jim, a Navajo comic book artist a supernatural entity that protected humans who became interested in comics at an from evil spirits and exacted vengeance on early age, is proud to see Native Americans enemies. breaking through into the superhero world. Gen. George S. Patton took note of best, if not the best division in the history of 500-plus days of combat in less than two Thunderbird Division,” the review said. “Sometimes I feel like we’re forgotten. the Thunderbirds, calling them “one of the American arms.” years – from Italy to France to the liberation Kershaw said “The Liberator” adds a We are still here, so it’s important to stand Patton took note because they endured of the Dachau concentration camp. different racial dimension to World War II, up,” said Jim, who drew the comic book Historians say they went through some because “when you watch it, a lot of the time episode “The Heroes” in 2018. of the most grueling battles of the war. you’re looking at a Native American and a Jim said Native American comic They’d become one of the most decorated Mexican American.” book characters usually are depicted in American combat units of World War II. One real life Native American that stereotypical ways, as they are reduced to The Thunderbirds are the subject of Kershaw writes about in his book is a complementary or side roles and are shown a four-part adult animated miniseries on Choctaw sergeant named Van Barfoot. in feathers and loin cloths. Netflix called “The Liberator.” It premiered In May 1944, Barfoot singlehandedly Anthony Thibodeau, a curator at on Veterans Day – Nov. 11, 2020. The cast took out three machine gun nests and the Museum of Northern Arizona who includes Native American actors. captured 17 German soldiers. He turned back specializes in Indian arts and culture, said The miniseries follows the division a counterattack of three Nazi Tiger tanks by this misrepresentation of Native Americans through battles across Sicily, Italy, France destroying a lead vehicle with a bazooka. is evident in mainstream popular culture. and into Germany. It is based on the book by He would later be given the Congressional “Any character that was a non-white author Alex Kershaw. Medal of Honor and was commissioned as a character, they were usually represented in A Smithsonian Magazine review second lieutenant for his service. a very stereotypical way,” Thibodeau said. describes it as a cross between “Band of Kershaw said the Thunderbirds broke “Either through their clothing, a lot of times Brothers” and “A Scanner Darkly.” through the Siegfried Line and entered how they talk or through their accent.” “The miniseries uses animation to tell Germany in 1945. They fought in the battles To eliminate these stereotypes, he said, the real-life story of Felix Sparks, a company of Aschaffenburg and Nuremburg, and it’s important that the Marvel comics are commander who eventually rose through the were ordered to march to Berchtesgaden to created by Native Americans. division ranks, and the experiences of the capture Nazi leader Adolf Hitler at his alpine “I think it is a good step,” Thibodeau fictional Sgt. Samuel Coldfoot and Cpl. Able retreat. But they would be ordered instead to Netflix screenshot said. “Especially having these writers Gomez, two composite stand-ins for the go to Dachau. and artists interpret these characters to An image from a scene in “The Liberator.” Indigenous and Mexican American soldiers, For more, go to netflix.com and search bring a better sense of representation into respectively, who made up the bulk of the “The Liberator.” mainstream pop culture than there has been.” Thibodeau and Jim hope that the new Marvel comic book heroes, including Echo, Mirage and Silver Fox, will help tear down the misrepresentation of Indigenous people. Wes Studi named one of the 25 greatest actors of the “I can’t wait for it to come out just to see how it should’ve been from the start, century by how Native Americans should have been represented from the start,” Jim said. FROM NATIVE NEWS ONLINE Cory Bushnell owns Cab Comics, the first American Indian actor to receive an closest comic book store to the Navajo Academy Honorary Award at the annual Nation, where the new Marvel comic will be Governors Awards in Los Angeles. Wes Studi () was named on sold. “I’d simply like to say, it’s about time,” “It’s something that we’re excited Sunday to The New York Times’ prestigious Studi said upon receiving the Oscar. “It’s “25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century (So to have in the store and excited to help been a wild and wonderful ride, and I’m encourage people to know about,” Bushnell Far)” list. really proud to be here tonight as the first Studi comes in at number 19 on the list. said. “It’s encouraging people to learn Indigenous Native American to receive an more.” The Times writes about the award-winning Academy Award. It’s a humbling honour to actor: Bushnell and Jim both said that these receive an award for something I love to do.” new heroes will help Native Americans “Wes Studi has one of the screen’s He became only the second Indigenous most arresting faces — jutting and creased feel inspired. Kyle Charles, an Indigenous person ever to receive an Oscar. Singer/ illustrator for “Marvel’s Voices: Indigenous and anchored with the kind of penetrating songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie shared an eyes that insist you match their gaze. Lesser Voices,” already received support from Oscar for best original song for “Up Where Indigenous women for his depictions of the directors like to use his face as a blunt We Belong” for 1982’s “An Officer and a symbol of the Native American experience, Marvel hero “Dani” Moonstar, a member of Gentleman”. the Cheyenne Nation who was introduced in as a mask of nobility, of suffering, of pain In February 2018, Studi, a Vietnam vet, that’s unknowable only because no one 1982. was invited to present at the 90th Academy “I hope they (women) get inspired has asked the man wearing it. In the right Awards, where he introduced a video movie, though, Studi doesn’t just play with or they feel empowered. I hope they get montage of military movies as a tribute to whatever they need out of it, even if it’s just a character’s facade; he peels its layers. A U.S. veterans. He is a passionate advocate master of expressive opacity, he shows you to escape,” Charles said in an interview with for American Indian issues and a leader the Canadian Press. “The most important the mask and what lies beneath, both the A.M.P.A.S. in promoting and preserving Indigenous thinking and the feeling.” Wes Studi gives his acceptance speech after receiving an Honorary Oscar on Oct. 27, 2019, at the thing to me is them seeing this and saying, languages. ‘That’s me, I am that character.’” Studi, who grew up in Tahlequah, Governors Awards in Hollywood, California. Studi’s credits include 1990’s “Dances Okla., is known for his portrayal of Native with Wolves,” 1992’s “The Last of the Americans in a way that forever shattered Mohicans,” 1993’s “Geronimo: An American age-old stereotypes in the movie industry. highlighting the success of Native Americans First Americans in the Arts awards and Legend,” 2005’s “The New World,” 2009’s Breaking new ground, he brought fully in non-traditional roles. the 2009 Santa Fe Film Festival Lifetime “Avatar” and 2017’s “Hostiles.” developed Native American characters to Throughout his 30-plus-year career he’s Achievement Award. the screen, and then took it a step further by won numerous awards, including several In October 2019, Studi became the

Native American Media Alliance partners with Netflix for relief grants

BY SHARAREH DRURY Americans working in film and television have been living paycheck to paycheck, are $150 million relief fund for out-of-work The Hollywood Reporter who have lost jobs and income due to halted struggling to maintain basic living standards production professionals, including the production and other challenges in the and are not able to find work,” Ian Skorodin, hundreds of thousands of crew and cast industry as a result of the novel coronavirus director of strategy for the Native American without jobs. Separately, Netflix CEO Reed The Native American Media Alliance pandemic. Media Alliance, said in a statement. “This Hastings and his wife Patty Quillin have has partnered with Netflix to establish the “Native Americans in entertainment have new program will help our community by donated $30 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Native Americans in the Entertainment been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. providing some relief for those in need.” Alliance, a nonprofit organization started Industry COVID-19 Relief Fund, which will A lot of productions have been shut down Native Americans interested in by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provide over 200 grants in the amount of and are slowly beginning to open, but that requesting funds can go to nama.media/ that is working on life-saving immunization $2,000 to eligible Native people in above the comes with challenges as many jobs are still covid-19-relief-fund for instructions on how programs to fight COVID-19. line and below the line positions who apply. not available. Many Native American crew to apply. The fund intends to assist Native members, assistants, and other workers, who Netflix has previously announced a EBCI purchases Caesars

FROM LOUISVILLE BUSINESS FIRST the closing of the transaction, the Eastern the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was purchase of Caesars Southern Indiana marks Band of Cherokee Indians will enter into an exciting development since the two the beginning of an exciting new future. a new lease with year one annual rent entities first came together as partners in “We are pleased to build upon our long- ELIZABETH, Ind. — Caesars payments of $32.5 million with VICI 1996. standing partnership with Caesars as we Southern Indiana, located in Elizabeth, Properties Inc., who maintains ownership of “We have admired their growth and the look to advance our interests in commercial Indiana, will be under new management in the real estate of the property. As a result of success of their properties, we look forward gaming in the coming years,” Sneed said in 2021. this transaction, Caesars annual payments to to increasing our relationship by extending the release. Caesars Entertainment Inc., the casino’s under the Regional Master the Caesars brand and Caesars Rewards parent company, announced in a news Lease will decline by $32.5 million upon loyalty program to them at Caesars Southern release Dec. 24 it would sell the facility to closing of the transaction. Indiana,” Reeg said in a news release. the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Richard Sneed, principal chief of the Marvel $250 million. Entertainment Inc., said in the release that Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which is Marvel released “Marvel Voices: Indigenous The release continues: In addition, at expanding the company’s relationship with based in Cherokee, North Carolina, said the Voices #1” in November. 4B • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 ‘Nightfall, The Novel’ Editor’s note: Seminole artist and writer like it like this, that time in the morning, when Elgin Jumper is working on a novel. Here is you’re questioning, utilizing the Socratic an excerpt from chapter one, which includes Method, perhaps. When poems appear as a poem. prose. When white doves flutter forth from the Native American churches of nature, after the long years of grief, long after the BY ELGIN JUMPER sorrows of Seminole Wars, and the hideous crash, on into creative passions.

— John Night

A Prose Poem Before the Regaling(s) CHAPTER ONE My uncle and I were wagoneers, in that Native Poems we jouneyed in a Wagoneer, yep, that’s how My name is John Night, Seminole, we rolled, and this is the chronicle of that and in the mid-1960s I was born over to a great wandering, an unfolding of the heart, if hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was you will, and yet, very-much an enlightening brought home in an old Indian car, dented, trek as we ascended the Florida peninsula. nary a floorboard for the most part, the make Furthermore, we rode too the orange tail of a and model which quite eludes me at present, shooting star, glittering gold. O’er the night, and as an adolescent later on I was much- you might say. At times it seemed we could’ve inclined to reading, writing and drawing, rode with the mounted Seminole warriors attended public schools right down the road of old, in dreams and visions, visions and from the res along with everyone else, which dreams, galloping into the storms of life. And is where I derived a working knowledge of we could imagine an ancient Florida too, the American-English lingo, and even held Elgin Jumper (2) sans Turnpikes, Interstate Highways, and discourse in the Miccosukee terminologies, Paintings by Seminole artist and writer Elgin Jumper. all manner of modern civilization, if need taking after my parents, you see. be. We could imagine spirits swimming like However, much to my bewilderment, I playful otters in Florida waters, and fiery had my freedom taken from me for a time, He sighed and groaned. “I just got the me through. And so, one miraculous day in We are grateful for families. Let us work lightning flashing forth from mystical eyes in as an adult, yes, all due to alcohol, of which Wagoneer back from outta the shop, and the prison library, I discovered a book of ever-hard in our endeavors, for we know our mythologies. We were reservationers, as I am never proud, surviving county jails, and now I can’t see us driving all those miles it’s Native American Prayers, so that was quite then that they shall be more appreciated well, since we lived our lives on reservations. even “the big house” though I’ve had many going to take. To Saint Augustine?” memorable. What would Russell Means do? afterwards. Let us persevere in goals and There are many reservations in this country, a harrowing adventure and fearful frolic “It’s what I haveta do,” I said, “I’m A blitzkrieg of thoughts. dreams. Let us keep close. Light our souls as you know. We were emmisaries from while commencing it. Oh, it’s quite a story, pretty sure we could just borrow an old Back in the day, when I was twelve- with your Love, so that we may see and the Seminole people. Such histories. Such as you will see, and, of course, I’ll paint in Indian car with the parts falling off by the years old I read this story to a close school follow our true paths. Sho-na-bi-sha. stories. And yet, distilled even further, I was more color, and background for you, as we wayside, them wheels screaming for mercy. friend: “So there’s this young man, and a AMEN compelled at this time to find a better road go, among other things, so never you worry, Someone must have one. What do you say? young woman, but from different tribes, and In between bites and sips of Seminole of dreams by a past of wrong paths, which I hear, because I gotcha. It can even look like a tired old horse what these tribes are at war. The young man has cuisine and dinner conversation, I said, “So had danced across in one or another, with all I was back a couple of days from, rode in with the Conquistadors. But getting momentous questions and dilemmas. But I’m figuring we’ll be gone for like a couple kinds of dancers, on the way to ruin. I spoke ohh, let’s just say from “state service” to Saint Augustine, that’s the main idea.” it’s this war that has brought them together, two, three days, mom.” in a monstrous little voice of poetry, too, with shall we, when I went over to the new rez He frowned. “It’s a hard question what that’s swept them up into this epic adventure. “Oh okay. So there’s no changing your hope, with faith, crying, “Unconquered! and asked Uncle Wilbur to drive me up to you’re asking of me, nephew. And I know “On some mornings, even though mind about it, huh?” she said. “I urge you - Unconquered! Grandfather of All Things! Saint Augustine, as I had been powerful what we talked about, what I said. Them they’re constantly on the move, she tells pursue art, pursue writing.” Dost thou help me to understand? Dost thou compelled to fulfill a promise I’d made stories we shared. It’s still a hard question. him her people’s Creation Myths, and he “Yes. It’s been on my heart and mind for take me to the rivers? Dost while still inside. I had been away for two- How do I deliver?” earnestly loves to listen to them. They are so so long now. There has to be a better way. I thou take me to the historic places of years, unfortunately, only seeing my family, “You can deliver by delivering me to illuminated by their love, regardless of the have to start.” the people?” Yes, we were Wagoneers, in and friends every now and again out on the Saint Augustine.” conflict raging around them, the devastating “Good,” she said. She smiled, and it that we were on a quest in a Wagoneer, my visiting park. Such sadness. My uncle sighed and groaned again. battles, the sad losses, the hair-breadth was mixed with love and concern. “Your art, uncles. It was a light seinna-colored ride, But don’t cha know while inside, I’d I said, “Haven’t you ever wanted to escapes, the chaos. your poetry, take it further” tricked-out, “Seminole Style,” heartily, with been reading and writing and studying up, follow through on something? And felt real “Everyday I thank the Great Spirit for She had figured out I was set on the trip, sounds and speakers n’er before seen on working on myself, gathering my thoughts bad about not doing so?” you,” he says to her one morning. whereas at first she had cautioned against any reservation. And it was to have been a and researching Seminole history, so I “There’s an art to it, kid, to that kind of “Nothing shall keep us apart,” she making the road trip at all, especially so soon mere matter of days, two at most, for that wouldn’t be forced to repeat it. And, oh stuff, and I’m not a young man, anymore.” responds. “Nothing.” after my release back into the free world, was the plan, but it went beyond that into yeah, having the most profoundest of visions He smiled slightly. Then my uncle hung They embrace. what with the parole an all. Yes, parole. But unchartered waters, into unchartered lands and dreams direct from Seminole history, his head, grimaced, and exhaled, finally Well, more of an outline, if you want to thereupon she soon recognized the situation of the imagination and creativity. But we and being born again as a Native American, relenting. “Okay,” he said softly. “Okay. get technical here, but yeah, I wrote that one and relented, soon as I came up with the could see the approaching future and history, which I’m not afeared to say, had made a We’re family.” back when I was a little guy imbued with story that I had managed to clear it with the all at once. We could feel unmistakable deep and lasting impact upon me, more so “Please, just give me a chance,” I said. dreams and aspirations, so that I would hide authorities. So the road trip was set, and so, change and sense it, as a brace of heatwaves than any monochromatic tattoo ever could. “I have to go there. It’s important.” myself away on most days, and become what it had to be made. upon the oncoming roads, no mirages, only I had a little money saved up, so that “Okay, let’s take a road trip, John,” he I’d always been, a writer, to think up and “It took some convincing for Uncle visions and dreams, dreams and visions, part was okay. And the way I was feeling urged. “Go home, pack a bag, if you haven’t write stories as if obtained from the ancients Wilbur to finally say okay,” I revealed. “He and stories leading us on like a roadmap, was there really wasn’t anything that already. Just remember, you have to change what had been here long ago. says we’re going in his old Wagoneer, which from the reservation homes and streets of could’ve held me back. No, I didn’t see it or go back. Be creative. Get serious.” “I like that one,” my school friend had apparently he’s just had tricked out, you our hearts and minds, all the way to Saint as such. There was a prayer that had to be Whew! So that was one obstacle down, said. “Thank you.” know, souped up?” Augustine, where the tire meets the road. So I said, though, and so, I had to find a ride to a major one. Thank the Maker of Breath. Meanwhile, I was constantly thinking “Oh okay,” my mother said. regaled my uncle with stories of the modern- make it to Saint Augustine. Uncle Wilbur But who else could I have asked? Who I had to get to Saint Augustine, the historic “It’s either that or nope, na-da, zilch, so day Everglades, tis strange, a picture of had written regularly, and he knew about my else could’ve taken me? I thanked him, fortress, a heartfelt prayer, ancestors. Armies . . . “ indigenous outlaws, like light rain here and plight, my preoccupation with the American and went home to where mom was cooking of thought. Yet how to achieve it? What’s “Yes, yes, a fine car. Powerful magic. there, word pictures, birds of a feather in Indian Movement, but he didn’t know I was dinner. The smell was amazing. I called to the plan? I knew I had to make the trip right You’re in for a real treat.” My mother any kind of weather - Together, you see. And steppin’ to him for help. mom that I was home and dipped into my after that series of visions and dreams. And I giggled playfully. everything focused on the one point in the “Uncle,” I said, “I really need to get to room and started putting clothes and other knew somehow that I wasn’t going to be the Thus I finished my meal, gave mom a future when we would pray in the luminosity Saint Augustine, to the old fort there, just items into a red duffle bag. I made sure to same again afterwards. I didn’t know how, hug, and retired to my room, where I soon of bygone days. Oh ply me with music in something I have to do.” include my notebook, sketchpads, pens, I didn’t what the future held, but somehow, picked up a framed photograph of dear mom later days, riding into the orange-red sunset “John,” Uncle Wilbur said. He had been pencils, notepads, small plastic containers with hope, I would be changed. It had been and examined the image. I was thinking of someday, just prior to Nightfall. Even so, the previously undergoing a sunny disposition. for mementos, favorite cds, and my copy of a long time coming. And if I tarried, utter the time when she took me fishing in Big road trip was quite conducive to personal “Hey, hey, hey, you’re catching me way Black Elk Speaks, stories from a venerated disaster, and the return of the vicious cycle Cypress. It was just her and me, because my growth, as you shall see, for there were off guard - I hear you, but I can’t drop holy man. of the vicious circle. parents had split up again for some months. many questions. “How shall I proceed?” everything, and measure out a couple of days My mind was racing across a gazillion Pulled abruptly from my thoughts, I And we didn’t know a thing about rods and a voice cried out from the wilderness. It’s to take you up. It’s not that easy.” subjects. I was going over things, over some heard my mom calling me for dinner, so I reels, but she had borrowed them all the same Philosophy. Struggles. Ultimately it’s the “Come on, you said when you were unexpected concerns, processing. While still quick cleaned up, splashing water like an ol’ from grampa, and so, we spent a memorable philosophy of the machinery that becomes young there was all them things you wished inside and since I was ten or something, I river otter, and went out and sat down with day filled with merriment at a little pond in it’s own poetry, it’s own truth. And still, the you’d followed through with. How you had written poems, plays, short stories, her at the dining-room table. My mother Big Cypress. sun arises amidst a rainy dawn. And yet, I regretted not doing certain things.” essays, etc, trying different things. While took my hand and I prayed: inside I kept it on a grand scale, just to get Dear Maker of Breath, Christmas traditions in Indian Country BY DENNIS ZOTIGH Jesus, he is born. 2020, the National Museum of the American Indian held its annual Native Art Market The introduction of Christianity to the All throughout Indian Country, Native in New York and Washington a few weeks original peoples of the Americas can be people have gathered in churches, missions, before Christmas. This year, the in-person controversial in Native circles. Europeans and temples to celebrate the birth of Jesus event was replaced by an online program brought Christianity to this half of the world Christ by singing carols and hymns in their of interviews with artists from earlier Art and imposed it on Native communities, Native languages. In some churches, the Markets, Healing through Native Creativity. knowingly replacing existing spiritual story of Jesus’ birth is recited in Native In many communities and homes, beliefs with the beliefs taught in the Bible. languages. Some Native churches host Christian customs are interwoven with Cruelty and brutality often accompanied nativity plays using Native settings and Native culture as a means of expressing the indoctrination of Native peoples. Yet it actors to re-enact the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas in a uniquely Native way. The is also true that some tribes, families, and Among Catholics, Christmas Eve Mass importance of giving is a cultural tradition individuals accepted the Bible and Jesus’ traditionally begins in Indian communities at among most tribes. Even in times of famine teachings voluntarily. midnight and extends into the early hours of and destitution, Native people have made Music played an important part in Christmas Day. In tipis, hogans, and houses, sure their families, the old, and orphans were converting Native people, establishing their Native American Church members also hold taken care of. This mindset prevails into the practice of worship, and teaching them how National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Christmas services, ceremonies that begin present. Gift-giving is appropriate whenever to celebrate the Christmas season. Perhaps “Hogan in the Snow,” ca. 1985. Painted by Robert Draper (Diné [Navajo], 1938–2000). on Christmas Eve and go on all night until a tribal social or ceremonial gathering takes the earliest North American Christmas carol Chinle, Navajo Nation, Arizona. Christmas morning. place. was written in the Wyandot language of the In contemporary times, traditional In the same way, traditional Native Huron-Wendat people. Jesous Ahatonhia Estenniayon de tsonwe Iesous ahatonnia powwow singing groups have rearranged foods are prepared for this special occasion. (“Jesus, He is born”)—popularly known as onn’ awatewa nd’ oki n’ Three have left for such, those who are Christmas songs to appeal to Native Salmon, walleye, shellfish, moose, venison, Noël huron or the Huron Carol—is said by onyouandaskwaentak elders audiences. A humorous example is elk, mutton, geese, rabbit, wild rice, collards, oral tradition to have been written in 1643 by ennonchien eskwatrihotat Tichion, a star that has just appeared on Warscout’s NDN 12 Days of Christmas, squash, pine nuts, red and green chile stews, the Jesuit priest Jean de Brébeuf. The earliest n’onyouandiyonrachatha the horizon leads them there from their album Red Christmas. Native pueblo bread, piki bread, and bannock (fry known transcription was made in the Huron- Iesous ahatonnia, ahatonnia. Iesous He will seize the path, he who leads solo artists also perform Christmas classics bread) are just a few of the things that come Wendat settlement at Lorette, Quebec, in the ahatonnia. them there in Native languages. Rhonda Head (Cree), to mind. 1700s. Jesus, he is born for example, has recorded Oh Holy Night, According to the Urban Indian Health During the 1920s, the Canadian choir Ayoki onkiennhache eronhiayeronnon and Jana Mashpee (Lumbee and Tuscarora) Commission, nearly seven out of every ten director J. E. Middleton rewrote the carol iontonk ontatiande ndio sen As they arrived there, where he was Winter Wonderland sung in Ojibwe. American Indians and Alaska Natives—2.8 in English, using images from the Eastern tsatonnharonnion born, Jesus Native communities host traditional million people—live in or near cities, and that Woodlands to tell the Christmas story: A Warie onn’ awakweton ndio sen the star was at the point of stopping, not tribal dances and powwows on Christmas number is growing. During the Christmas lodge of broken bark replaces the manger, tsatonnharonnion far past it Eve and Christmas Day. Among the Pueblo holidays, many urban Natives travel back to the baby Jesus is wrapped in rabbit skin, Iesous ahatonnia, ahatonnia. Iesous Having found someone for them, he Indians of the Southwest special dances take their families, reservations, and communities hunters take the place of the shepherds, and ahatonnia. says, Come here! place, such as buffalo, eagle, antelope, turtle, to reconnect and reaffirm tribal bonds. They chiefs bring gifts of fox and beaver furs. Jesus, he is born and harvest dances. The Eight Northern open presents and have big family meals like A much more accurate translation by the Have courage, you who are humans; Pueblos perform Los Matachines—a special other American Christians. linguist John Steckley, an adopted member Jesus, he is born Behold, they have arrived there and dance-drama mixing North African Moorish, of the Huron-Wendat Nation of Loretteville, Behold, the spirit who had us as have seen Jesus, Spanish, and Pueblo cultures—takes place Dennis W. Zotigh (Kiowa/San Juan makes clear that the carol was written not prisoners has fled They praised (made a name) many on Christmas Eve, along with a pine-torch Pueblo/Santee Dakota Indian) is a member of only to teach early Catholic converts within Do not listen to it, as it corrupts the times, saying, Hurray, he is good in nature procession. the Kiowa Gourd Clan and San Juan Pueblo the Huron Confederacy the story of Jesus’ spirits of our minds They greeted him with reverence For Native artisans, this is traditionally Winter Clan and a descendant of Sitting birth, but also to explain its significance and Jesus, he is born (greased his scalp many times), saying, the busy season as they prepare special Bear and No Retreat, both principal war to overturn earlier Native beliefs. Hurray Christmas gift items. Artists and craftsmen chiefs of the Kiowas. He works as a writer Here are the first verses of the carol in They are spirits, sky people, coming Jesus, he is born and women across the country create and cultural specialist at the Smithsonian Wyandot and Steckley’s complete English with a message for us beadwork, woodwork, jewelry, clothing, National Museum of the American Indian translation: They are coming to say, Rejoice (Be on We will give to him praise for his name, basketry, pottery, sculpture, paintings, in Washington, D.C. A longer version of top of life) Let us show reverence for him as he leatherwork, and feather work for special this article is at the Smithsonian Magazine Marie, she has just given birth. Rejoice comes to be compassionate to us. Christmas sales and art markets that are website: smithsonianmag.com. Jesus, he is born It is providential that you love us and open to the public. For the 15 years before wish, I should adopt them. 5B • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 Sports C Seminoles help spark fast start for Tiger Moore Haven Middle School basketball Youngman makes lasting BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor impression CLEWISTON — It didn’t take long for with LPHS Seminoles to make an impact on the Moore Haven Middle School basketball teams. Seminoles helped pave the way to football victory as both the boys and girls teams started the season 2-0 with wins against BY KEVIN JOHNSON LaBelle and Clewiston. Senior Editor On the boys side, Randall Billie is off to a fast start on a squad that also includes Kingston Billie, Keenan Jones and Noah Osceola. Randall Billie, an eighth grader, Ask Carl White about standout lineman poured in a team-high 12 points in the opener Tiger Youngman and the first words from the against LaBelle on Dec. 7. Lake Placid High School football coach is Two days later Billie again proved to that he wished Youngman could play for the be tough for opponents to contain with his Dragons for another year or two. speed, scoring touch and strong rebounding. “I wish I could have him longer,” White He scored a team-high 10 points, including said. all six of the team’s points in the first half, Lake Placid concluded its 2020 season which ended with Clewiston ahead 14-6. in mid-November with a playoff loss to Lemon Bay that left the Dragons with a 2-7 Billie sparked a second half surge. Kevin Johnson He scored a couple baskets after snagging record. The wins came against Evangelical offensive rebounds to knot the game at 14- Moore Haven Middle School’s Willo James (35) battles for a rebound in the Lady Terriers’ victory against Clewiston Middle on Dec. 9 in Clewiston. Christian-Fort Myers and St. John Neumann- 14. Naples. Moore Haven seized the lead for good grabbed six rebounds, dished out nine assists Youngman, the only Seminole on the when Billie blocked a shot on defense and and made four steals. Meanwhile, James, a squad, no doubt could be categorized as a then assisted on a 3-pointer from sixth grader center, also produced a memorable opener as late bloomer considering how he stepped up Kingston Billie, whose hot hand in the fourth she notched a double-double with 13 points his game as a senior and made an immediate quarter stamped an exclamation point on the and 14 rebounds. impact right from the start of the season. win. All seven of his points came in the final Both players also shined in a 30-22 win “He was a phenomenal force for us,” quarter as Moore Haven emerged with a 30- against Clewiston. Baker led the team with White said. “It didn’t take long for him to 22 win. 10 points while James contributed eight become the heartbeat of our team. He came In the LaBelle game, Kingston Billie, points and five rebounds. ready to go every single day.” a forward, also had an outstanding game at Baker and James are among six both ends of the court with a team-high six Seminoles on the squad, which includes rebounds and a 3-pointer. Keenan Jones, Aaliyah Billie, Tahnia Billie, Jayleigh F See YOUNGMAN on page 6B an eight-grade forward, was also a force Braswell and Sally Osceola. on offense and defense as he grabbed five Moore Haven’s season for both the boards and scored five points. boys and girls will be brief; only six games The Moore Haven girls’ perfect start was are on the schedule. Some players attend due in big part from eighth graders Preslynn Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School, which Pandemic Baker and Willo James. Baker, a guard, is not offering sports at this time as classes began the season with a huge game against are conducted virtually. LaBelle. She scored a team-high 14 points, halts plenty of college sports

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor

The challenges to play sports for some colleges continue to persist during the ongoing pandemic. While some conferences, especially those with lucrative broadcasting contracts, have played football, basketball and other sports to some degree of normalcy, other Kevin Johnson institutions have yet to give the green light Moore Haven Middle School’s Preslynn Baker lines up a 3-point shot in the Lady Terriers’ victory for games to resume. against Clewiston Middle School on Dec. 9 in Clewiston. Here’s an update as of mid-December on programs that include Seminole athletes or others with connections to the tribe: Kevin Johnson Nova Southeastern University Moore Haven Middle School’s Kingston Billie (15) and Keenan Jones provide solid defense against women’s basketball: Skyla Osceola Clewiston on Dec. 9 at Clewiston Middle School. (Hollywood Reservation) No games played. NSU belongs to the Sunshine State Conference, which announced Dec. 10 that basketball would be postponed until at least Feb. 15, 2021. NSU’s last game was March 3, 2020. This season’s team also includes recent transfer Kyarrah Grant (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians). Hillsborough Community College women’s basketball: Tiana Stubbs (Hollywood Reservation) No games played. Florida SouthWestern State College women’s basketball: Alena Stockton (Big Cypress Reservation, former Ahfachkee School student) FSW went 5-0 in scrimmages against Keiser, Florida College, Southeastern, St. Petersburg and Miami-Dade in October and November. FSW is slated to open its regular season Jan. 16 against Florida State College at Jacksonville in Orlando. Home opener in Fort Myers is Jan. 29 against 2019 national junior college champion Gulf Coast State. North Park University men’s basketball: Silas Madrigal (Brighton Reservation/Okeechobee, former Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School student) The team has been practicing, but no games played. Oklahoma City University men’s basketball: Curtis Osceola (Oklahoma) No games played. The school’s athletics are scheduled to start practices and competitions Jan. 15, 2021. Florida Gulf Coast University softball: Ahnie Jumper (Big Cypress Reservation) The Eagles’ fall ball season was reduced to practices and an intrasquad game. The regular season is scheduled to start March 13 against Stetson in DeLand. Florida Southern College women’s volleyball: Raeley Matthews (Former Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School student) No games played. The Sunshine State Conference cancelled all conference matches Kevin Johnson Kevin Johnson and championships for fall sports, including Moore Haven Middle School’s Kingston Billie makes a 3-pointer against Clewiston. Moore Haven Middle School’s Randall Billie dribbles past a Clewiston defender. volleyball. 6B • The Seminole Tribune • December 31, 2020 Ontario Human Rights Commission to look at anti- Indigenous racism in lacrosse

BY JOHN CHIDLEY-HILL people for hundreds of years before The Canadian Press Europeans arrived in North America. The sport holds a central role in the culture of the Haudenosaunee people, who The Ontario (Canada) Human Rights are called the Iroquois in French or the Six Commission says it plans to address the Nations in English. issue of anti-Indigenous racism in lacrosse. Mark Hill, elected chief of Six Nations The commission announced Dec. 1 that of the Grand River, said that lacrosse is a it will meet with Six Nations of the Grand “Haudenosaunee life essence.” River First Nation, the Ontario Lacrosse “A gift from the Creator, lacrosse is the Association, and the Canadian Lacrosse bridge that is meant to be shared with the Association in the coming months to discuss world, in friendship, peace and unity,” said how to address systemic racism against Hill. “Our hope is that every man, woman Indigenous lacrosse players. and child that chooses to and wants to freely “Lacrosse has long been a way for experience the thrill of playing the Creator’s Indigenous communities to connect with each game can do so in a healthy environment.” other in a spirit of trust, respect and honour,” The commission said Six Nations of said OHRC interim chief commissioner the Grand River, the most heavily populated Ena Chadha. “But connections with non- First Nation in Canada, wants the meetings to Indigenous communities are quickly broken be in person so there can be full community and trust is destroyed when they are fraught representation, including elders. with harassment and abuse. The OHRC also said it will retain an “Our goal is to build relationships expert Indigenous facilitator to support that unite and uphold reconciliation, and these discussions. The talks will start with encourage all to proactively address racism.” concerns raised by members of the Six The commission said it hopes the Nations lacrosse community as the first Kevin Johnson meetings can happen in the late winter or step in the important process of rebuilding Adryauna Baker, who leads the Okeechobee High School girls basketball team in several categories, drives towad the basket in the Brahmans game against early spring in order to honour a request by trust, fostering accountability and promoting Lincoln Park Academy on Dec. 17 in Okeechobee. Six Nations of the Grand River to hold them reconciliation. in person. Okeechobee High girls reach holiday Lacrosse was played by Indigenous break with near-perfect record After a year in Florida, Milan BY KEVIN JOHNSON Schimmel settles into Division I Senior Editor action with Cincinnati OKEECHOBEE — Besides trying to stay safe from the pandemic, the Okeechobee High School girls basketball players had BY KEVIN JOHNSON dropped five in a row. plenty of things to work on during the Senior Editor Schimmel, a guard, had seven points summer. against Marquette and a team-high four assists against East Carolina. Defense, cardio and team chemistry After averaging nearly 15 points per topped the Brahmans’ agenda. Their hard Cincinnati plays in the American game last season for Eastern Florida State Conference. The team will be in Florida work has paid off. Through the first nine College in Melbourne, Milan Schimmel has games of this season, the Brahmans were twice in January. First, the Bearcats will face moved up to NCAA Division I this season the University of Central Florida on Jan. 17 undefeated. with the University of Cincinnati. A commitment to defense resulted in in Orlando. On Jan. 30, the Bearcats will be As of Dec. 22, Schimmel (Umatilla) in Tampa to square off against the University keeping opponents to 30 or fewer points in has started five of the Bearcats’ six games. six of the first nine games. of South Florida in Tampa. She’s averaging nearly 30 minutes per game, Schimmel, from Oregon, is with her Coach Jovanny Torres, now in his which is third highest on the squad. third year at the helm, said the team has far third team in as many years. She began her She’s averaging 4.8 points and 3.2 collegiate career at Hutchinson Community exceeded his expectations. rebounds on a squad that relies on Llmar’l “We’ve locked in on defense. I don’t College in Kansas before transferring Thomas for much of its scoring. Thomas is to Eastern Florida. She has two years of know where it’s coming from, but I love averaging 28 points; the next closest player it. Our whole goal this summer was to play eligibility remaining. is averaging 8 points. She is the younger sister of former better defense,” Torres said. Schimmel scored eight points in The team has received strong University of Louisville standouts Shoni and her debut, a 73-67 win against Northern Jude Schimmel, who drew a huge following performances from a trio of Seminoles – . Since then, the Bearcats have junior Adryauna Baker and senior sisters in Indian Country during their careers. Caylie and Haylie Huff – who each bring Kevin Johnson different strengths to the squad. The Seminole trio of, from left, Caylie Huff, Adryauna Baker and Haylie Huff, has helped the Okeechobee Baker, a starting guard who often leads High School girls basketball team to a 9-1 record. the team’s fast breaks, has picked up where she left off after an outstanding sophomore season. She plays travel ball for Chobee everything – defense and offense,” Baker He has similar sentiments about the Nation and said her shooting improved said. Huffs. during the summer, but she’s also quick In several games, Baker has been As the only seniors this season, Caylie to point out that as a team, Okeechobee’s matched up against an opponent’s top player, and Haylie had the senior night spotlight all defense is better than a year ago. but it hasn’t hampered her production. She to themselves. Senior nights are usually held “That’s what helped us get such a lead has scored in double digits in six straight at the end of regular seasons, but Okeechobee in our games,” she said. games, including a pair of 20-plus nights. opted to honor the Huffs in the first game just The chemistry factor has helped, too. “She’s leading the team in steals, to be on the safe side in case the season were It’s a tighter team that in previous years. assists, points and is second in rebounds. to be shut down due to the pandemic. “We’re really a family; we’re a bunch She’s doing everything right now. I couldn’t A pregame ceremony with family and of sisters and we really trust each other with be more proud of her,” Torres said. flowers marked their tributes. After taking a couple years off from basketball, Haylie returned this season and has stepped up her game coming off the bench. She scored a season-high eight points in a win against Central-Fort Pierce. “She’s doing great for a girl who took two years off from basketball,” Torres said. “She’s working on her post moves. We’re a small team and she’s not so tall, but she definitely knows how to use her body and we definitely need that against a lot of teams.” Torres said box scores don’t begin to tell the value in Haylie’s game. Her strength doesn’t come in numbers. “If you look at it on paper, it doesn’t University of Cincinnati look like she does much, but she’s the one Milan Schimmel has moved up to NCAA Division I this season with the University of Cincinnati. creating the space for them to rebound… she’s making really good post moves and getting some of these bigger girls that we play into foul trouble, which helps us a lot,” Torres said. us, he was a fantastic defensive lineman.” Caylie also is a valuable non-starter F YOUNGMAN Youngman also saw action on offense at with a soft shooting touch. From page 5B fullback. He was used primarily as the lead “Caylie knows her role,” Torres said. blocker out the backfield. A highlight reel “It’s kind of hard as a senior to come off on the MaxPreps website shows Youngman Youngman’s toughness was never in the bench, but she’s embraced that role. She consistently opening holes by outmuscling doubt. Despite playing part of the season comes in and she does her job. She shoots opponents. He also caught some passes and with a shoulder injury, Youngman never her 3s.” turned short receptions into big gains. Kevin Johnson wavered and never complained, White said. With a season abbreviated to 14 regular Youngman, son of Rita and Frank “Tougher than nails,” is how White Okeechobee High’s Caylie Huff defends a Lincoln Park player Dec. 17. In the background is a tribute to season games, Okeechobee won’t be able to Youngman, not only made a good impression Caylie and her sister Haylie, the only seniors on the team. describes the 5-10, 250-pound Youngman. match its 20-win season from a year ago, but on the field, but off it as well. Youngman compiled impressive they’re doing just about everything else to “He was always great to be around. Very numbers with about 60 tackles and was make sure it’s a memorable season. polite and well-mannered,” White said. among the team leaders in sacks. “We went to overtime in the first game, Youngman’s athletics career at LPHS “He made a name for himself,” said but since that game, they’ve been on a isn’t over yet. He’s a first baseman and White, who added that some colleges are rampage,” Torres said. “We’re playing off pitcher on the baseball team. our defense. We’re getting steals and layups. interested in signing him. “Rightfully so. For It’s finally all starting to come together. As a coach, I couldn’t be more proud of them.” Any thoughts of an undefeated season ended Dec.17 when undefeated state powerhouse Lincoln Park Academy-Fort Pierce dealt Okeechobee its first loss, 66- 50, in the Brahmans’ final game before the holiday break. *** Okeechobee’s JV team, which is also enjoying a strong season, defeated Lincoln Park before the varsity game. The JV squad includes the tribe’s Giselle Micco, who has played a couple varsity games, and Jana Johnson.

PROMOTE YOUR EVENT WITH Kevin Johnson (2) STAND OUT. SMP PRODUCTION SERVICES The Okeechobee JV team, which includes Giselle DESIGN | PRODUCTION | VIDEO Micco, left, and Jana Johnson, above, won its WWW.SEMINOLEMEDIAPRODUCTIONS.COM game against Lincoln Park Academy on Dec. 17.