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www.seminoletribune.org Free Volume XLIV • Number 4 April 30, 2020 Precautions for Tribe, Indian Schools, families adjust to remote Country continue in battle against learning amid COVID-19 BY KEVIN JOHNSON COVID-19 Senior Editor STAFF REPORT and BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Staff Reporter Although the coronavirus pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has shut has taken a toll throughout Indian Country, down school campuses, but not education. the Seminole Tribe has been diligent in its The learning process for the remainder efforts to protect its communities on every of the 2019-20 academic year continues from reservation. a distance as schools – including Pemayetv Tribal Council’s March 16 declaration Emahakv Charter School in Brighton and of an emergency closed Tribal offices and the Ahfachkee School in Big Cypress – have businesses until further notice, but the settled into online classwork. Public Safety Department – which includes On April 18, Gov. Ron DeSantis Seminole Police, Fire Rescue and Office of announced all public schools in the state Emergency Management – has been working would remain closed for the rest of the meticulously to keep Tribal members and academic year and continue operating online. their loved ones safe. PECS students are sheltered safely at SPD officers have been reinforcing the home and adjusting to the school’s virtual importance of safer-at-home guidelines to instruction, which began March 30. Tribal members on each reservation. The Principal Tracy Downing began to guidelines are also posted on the reservations’ prepare for the possibility of closing PECS electronic message boards. on March 13. Spring break was scheduled Police and fire personnel self-monitor for March 16 but was extended until March twice daily and wear personal protective 30. During that time, teachers created lesson equipment (PPE) for every response plans for their classes using the distance tribalwide. learning plan developed by Downing. At the As of April 20, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki same time, computers were distributed to Museum, Billie Swamp Safari and the students who needed them. Swamp Water Café in Big Cypress remain Courtesy photo According to Downing, things are going Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School students from the Jimmie family take their classes online at home in April in the school’s virtual learning program that closed. Sadie’s café is open for pick up orders well. only and its general store continues to restrict was set up when the campus closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The siblings are, from left, first-grader Micah Jimmie, sixth-grader Miley “I couldn’t be happier and more proud Jimmie and fourth-grader Marley Jimmie. the number of customers inside at one time. to be working with a community of people (students, parents, Brighton, teachers, staff members) who are dedicated and devoted an educator, and I have seen first-hand the the manner in which we conduct ourselves F See COVID-19 on page 5A to the education of young people. There character of the people I work with. I’ve when faced with challenges and adversity,” F See SCHOOLS on page 2B is no profession more noble than that of always said that our character is defined by Downing wrote in an email to the Tribune. Hard Rock, Seminole Gaming provide community support during pandemic

BY KEVIN JOHNSON • Hard Rock Café in Orlando shared Senior Editor its generosity during these difficult times by supplying complimentary lunch for health care workers at AdventHealth Orlando. The Hard Rock International motto “All “…we jumped at the chance to help XL is One” is taking on additional significance 1067’s (radio host) Johnny Magic when he during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through asked if we could cook and serve hot meals food donations, free meals and other to health care workers on the frontlines,” charitable outreach, Hard Rocks across the Hard Rock Café posted on its Facebook page country and Seminole Gaming are showing April 10. “Today, thanks to the generosity of support for those on the front lines, including Johnny and some Hard Rock Orlando food health care workers, firefighters, paramedics truck magic, we were able to deliver lunch to and police officers, as well as community our brothers and sisters at the AdventHealth organizations. Orlando campus. We will all get through this Here are some examples of how Hard together one day a a time.” Rock and Seminole Gaming have been • Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & helping communities: Casino Hollywood delivered food and

Seminole Casino Hotel/Facebook Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee donates food to the Community Cooperative in March. The soup kitchen serves the homeless and hungry in Southwest Florida.

beverages to The Pantry of Broward, which a delivery of food and beverage items to Bay area. supports seniors in need and grandparents support the families and friends within our “We’re thankful to have such an amazing who are raising their grandchildren community at this time. #AllIsOne,” Hard community partner and for the opportunity throughout Broward County. Rock Hollywood posted on Facebook on to give back to our Tampa Bay community,” “The Hard Rock mantra “Take Time to March 25. Hard Rock Tampa wrote on Facebook. be Kind” is more important now than ever Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino • Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee before. We care. We share. We are proud Tampa donated more than 11,000 pounds of provided a big boost to Community to support The Pantry of Broward with food to Metropolitan Ministries on March Cooperative in Southwest Florida with the Hard Rock San Diego/Facebook 24 in support of the Ministries’ initiative donation of thousands of pounds of food. Thanks to Maryjane’s restaurant at Hard Rock to serve 3,000 to-go meals at 25 locations Hotel San Diego, free meals were provided to first daily during the COVID-19 crisis. The responders in San Diego on April 6. organization helps the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in the Tampa F See SUPPORT on page 4A

Visit the Tribune’s website for news throughout INSIDE: Editorial...... 2A Health...... 9A Sports...... 4B. Community...... 3A Education...... 1B the month at seminoletribune.org 2A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 Editorial Indian Country’s pandemic recovery plan

• Patrice H Kunesh, JD MPA According to the Harvard Project on employment opportunities, these jobs are too • Using trust lands efficiently for both lift up those most at risk, both now and over American Indian Economic Development, often highly concentrated in just two sectors business and community needs such as time. tribal governments generate extensive - public administration and gaming-related housing This also means recognizing that gaming and non-gaming economic impacts businesses. Compared to nearby county In addition to pursuing economic business enterprise and social welfare are he world is reeling from an and benefits well beyond the reservation areas, reservations overall have significantly security, tribes should ensure equality of two sides of the larger issue. The work here Tunprecedented global economic borders with over $100 billion in outputs fewer workplaces per resident and slightly opportunity within their own institutions will involve deep investments in enhanced shock brought on by the sudden onset (the value of sales and services reflecting more jobs per resident due to a workforce and reliable delivery of public services. educational opportunities from birth to and rapid spread of the highly infectious an extensive supply chain network). concentrated in government and casino- For decades now, tribes have valiantly adulthood, with an emphasis on quality COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Collectively tribes are the 13 largest related jobs. pursued self-governance despite historical early childhood development and workforce In Indian Country, tribal leaders have employer nationwide, employing more than This glaring imbalance and over- and current severe underfunding for basic training. Moreover, embedded in this stepped up to protect their communities by 1.1 million jobs, paying out more than $35 dependence on a narrow range of employers services, including education, health care, approach is the pursuit of structural changes closing casinos and related businesses (such billion in wages and benefits. In addition, creates high vulnerability to economic and public safety, food, and housing. Post- and pathways to economic opportunities as hotels and convenience stores). For tribal tribal governments pay over $20 billion in social shocks. Indian Country experienced pandemic tribal governments must smooth and resources. Overall economic and social leaders, though, combatting the virus comes taxes and direct payments to federal, state, similar exposure during the 9-11 attacks out of the delivery of trust services and life will be radically more equal for Native at a severe cost. Tribal governments are both and local governments through revenue and the 2008 Great Recession, but most allocation of responsibilities with the Bureau peoples. the providers of essential services to tribal sharing agreements. survived by recalibrating their operations of Indian Affairs. So what do tribes do now? citizens and major employers of thousands Tribal government gaming allowed and restructuring their debt. This recovery For example, wherever possible tribes They have to start talking and thinking of people. tribes to return revenues to their communities will be different, however. Indian Country’s should assume responsibility for land use about tomorrow, making it a priority to Closing casinos not only shuts down through essential government services. These response to these changes requires effective and development. Their ability to control restore the social and cultural fabric of their reservation economies and disrupts the include reservation infrastructure from roads leadership and a commitment to an inclusive and manage the leasing process of trust lands communities. Tool that will be necessary for social fabric of Native families, the shock to broadband, support social and economic economic revival. efficiently will greatly enhance their ability this restoration project include diversifying will shake the future financial stability of programs and services such as health care, The gaming market today already is to develop and expand their economies. highly concentrated business structures, many Native communities. Moreover, given education, housing, public safety, and youth saturated and likely will shrink dramatically, As tribal governments were shutting recalibrating self-governance to optimize the slow fuse of COVID-19, we’ll likely see and elder care programs. With a steady at least during a protracted period of down casinos, their primary and often sole sovereign authorities, and maintain a robust more economic and social damage to our improvement in revenues, Indian Country recovery and recession. Moving gaming source of income, they requested federal aid safety net that protects against hardships already vulnerable communities. per capita income has increased substantially to an on-line platform might save a pocket to help them address the severe consequences resulting from exposure to colonialism and The crucible of this crisis is the from 1990 to 2020: about 48%, compared to of business, but it would be much less of the pandemic in their communities. the global market place – in short, a more opportunity to forge stronger and effective 9% growth for all Americans. lucrative and would require a much smaller Congress responded with a $8 billion set inclusive prosperity. social institutions. As Indian Country Tribal governments also use gaming physical and workforce footprint. With the aside for tribes in the enormous $2 trillion recovers from the pandemic, it will need revenue to make significant payments to biggest benefits being derived from jobs and Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Of Standing Rock Lakota descent, to adjust to a society profoundly altered by states and local governments, who rely on paychecks, it behooves tribes to implement Security Act (CARES Act). Patrice is a nationally recognized thought COVID-19. No matter what, this adjustment those funds to support their own essential a robust economic diversification strategy Now, tribes must be able to readily leader and advocate, well known for will test the resilience of even the most well- services. Facing the loss of $20 billion in incorporating these essential features: access those federal funds and available influencing, inspiring, and equipping cross- administered tribal governments. tribal revenue payments is no trivial matter. • Expanding the number and type of state funds, and maneuver policy hurdles to sector leaders to create inclusive economic To surmount a future fraught with Suspending those obligations while the tribal business interests, beyond the gaming/ put those funds to maximize use. They must systems and thriving societies, particularly financial challenges and restore its social casinos are shut down is an obvious necessity entertainment and public administration be agile and responsive, with administrative with Native communities. Kunesh is the fabric, Indian Country must address three (a rare triggering of the “Act of God” sectors systems in place to capture resources and founder and director of Peȟíŋ Haha key challenges: economic diversification, provisions), but also must be considered for • Creating a positive climate for private deploy them to the highest and best use Consulting, a social enterprise committed to balanced self-governance, and inclusive a period of time once casinos are re-opened. business development that includes a quickly. building more engaged and powerful Native prosperity. To forestall further damage and re- collateralized lending system Third, tribes must create an environment communities by expanding assets, fostering This matters greatly because Indian establish a sustained stream of government • Developing bonding capacity and for more inclusive prosperity. Economic social and human capital, strengthening Country is a distinctively important revenue and per capita income, it is a strong public finance posture for much shocks and recession make people much capacity, and pursuing economic equity component of the U.S. economy and a imperative that tribal governments pursue needed infrastructure enhancements such as worse off. In Indian Country, tribes have through research and advocacy. This article significant contributor to state economies. three changes to their current business and roads and broadband service always had far fewer resources. Now, in appeared on IndianCountryToday.com and Two hundred forty-five tribal governments governance models. • Establishing tribal administrative addition to containing the virus, tribes was posted April 21. operate 500+ gaming enterprises in 29 states. The first change is to diversify capacity to directly interface with state also are battling even more difficult issues Tribal government gaming has experienced reservation employment opportunities. and federal agencies and philanthropic of food scarcity, housing instability, and tremendous revenue growth in the past 30 While gaming has boosted reservation institutions and avail the tribe of many rich income insecurity. In the midst of relief years and currently is a $37 billion industry. economies and provided vast number of and diverse funding sources “triage,” however, tribes must take care to NIGA statement concerning distributions to Alaska Native Corporations

This letter from the National Indian during a conference call with tribal leaders. Recognized Tribal Nations are recognized Corporation; and Alaska Native Regional Act (ANCSA) makes clear: Alaska Native Gaming Association was sent April 13 to We support funding for Alaska Native by and eligible to receive, services from Corporation. Regional Corporations and Alaska Native Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of Treasury; village tribal governments included on the United States Bureau of Indian Affair. Depending on the formula Treasury Village Corporations are state chartered, David Bernhardt, Secretary of the Interior; the Interior Department’s list of federally The most recently published list came out ultimately uses and the factors contained stockholder-owned corporations, held and Tara Sweeney, Assistant Secretary of recognized tribes eligible to receive federal on January 30, 2020, and comes within the therein, some estimates have Alaska Native by Alaska Natives. They are not Tribal Indian Affairs. services. Treasury and BIA must not include definition of Indian tribe under the ISDEAA. Villages and ANC’s consuming up to $4 governments, nor are they arms of tribal state chartered Alaska Native Regional and Construing the ISDEAA definition of billion of the $8 billion allocated to Indian governments, and should not be permitted ear Secretary Mnuchin, Secretary Village Corporations under Alaska Native Indian tribe to include ANCs completely Country. to unfairly benefit from funds appropriated DBernhardt, and Assistant Secretary Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA) as Tribal misconstrues Congress’ intent in the CRF and It is significant that the Alaska Inter for tribal governments. In contrast, Alaska Sweeney: governments under the CARES Act. represents a misreading of the ISDEAA itself. Tribal Council, a non-profit organization Native tribal governments are Indian Tribes The National Indian Gaming Although ANCs are referenced in the Worse, distribution of crucial relief funds for that advocates on behalf of Alaska Tribal and Tribal governments recognized by the Association, with over 150 Tribal Nations first part of the definition of Indian tribe set tribal governments would be shortchanged governments, does not include Alaska Secretary of the Interior, as such, under the as Members, is deeply troubled that Alaska forth in the Indian Self-Determination and by having these funds distributed to entities Native Regional or Village Corporations Federally Recognized Tribe List Act of 1994. Native Corporations (ANCs) are going to Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), ANCs that provide no governmental services or because they are not Tribal governments. For the reasons set forth herein, we be included as eligible tribal governments do not qualify as Indian Tribes because they benefits to tribal members. Furthermore, this It would be improper to include ANCs as strongly urge that ANCs be excluded from for relief under the CARES Act Coronavirus are not eligible for the special programs and would allow for double or triple counting of Tribal governments in the CRF allocation the distribution formula for the CRF. Relief Fund (CRF). As recently as this services provided by the United States to Alaska Natives due to the fact that there are formula because the crucial need and morning, the Interior Department Assistant federally recognized Tribal Governments. three layers for each Alaska Native village: delivery mechanisms are with the Alaska Sincerely, Secretary of Indian Affairs stated that she Only those entities listed on the Interior federally-recognized Alaska Native village Native Tribal governments not the ANCs. Ernest L. Stevens, Jr, Chairman intended to include ANC’s in the distribution Department’s annual List of Federally Tribal government; Alaska Native Village As the Alaska Native Claims Settlement National Indian Gaming Association Dakota Access Pipeline should be shut down while the new environmental statement is being prepared

• Loretta Donoghue approving it. He said a new environmental service. Jan Hasselman, an attorney with other words, risks raised by the tribe could a long period of time, without detection.” As impact statement must be completed by the the environmental group Earthjustice who be realistic, even though the USACE claims Judge Boasberg stated, the USACE failed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before the represents the Standing Rock tribe in the they are unfounded. to adequately dispose of these concerns, espite the United States pipeline’s permits can be reapproved. While lawsuit, said the tribe would ask for the It is worth noting that these four meaning that it is very possible that the Dgovernment’s alleged desire to the ruling is a victory for the Standing Rock pipeline to be shut down until the review is factors — leak-detection system, operator tribe’s findings are accurate. These concerns address the worries and preserve the heritage Sioux Tribe, Judge Boasberg has yet to completed, while the USACE is expected safety record, winter conditions, worst- that the USACE failed to remedy are not of Native American peoples, numerous U.S. decide whether oil can continue to flow while to take the opposite position. Because the case discharge — are not small issues. small issues — they are serious problems decisions and actions go against the wishes the USACE review is being completed. USACE’s last report did not accurately A functioning leak-detection system, that, if they occur, could potentially pollute and concerns of Native nations and tribes. The court’s decision to review the describe the risks of running the pipeline, for example, is key in monitoring leaks, Native water and land. One well-known example was the pipeline was centered on the finding that with data and claims from the tribe and the ruptures and seeps, so when Standing Rock Until a more in-depth environmental government’s approval of the Dakota Access the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was not USACE conflicting each other, the United Sioux Tribe’s experts found problems with statement is complete, we will not know the Pipeline in 2017, despite strong protest from thorough enough in issuing the pipeline’s States should shut down the pipeline until the Dakota Access Pipeline’s system that the full scope of the pipeline’s risks. It’s possible the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The tribe’s easement approval. The memorandum the USACE finishes its new environmental USACE was unable to refute, this raised a that the USACE was accurate in its findings, reservation is less than a mile away from opinion of the case stated that “too many statement. huge concern. The tribe’s experts found that but it’s also possible that the tribe’s concerns the pipeline, and members fear that a spill questions remain unanswered,” and that Four main “unresolved scientific the leak-detection system used by Dakota are valid. If this is the case, then the pipeline would contaminate their water and disrupt the USACE’s decision remains “highly controversies” of the case were the pipeline’s Access, called a CPM system, failed to is a serious threat to the Standing Rock Sioux sacred lands. controversial.” leak-detection system, the operator’s safety detect spills 80% of the time. Tribe, as well as the environment. Until the In the past week, an important decision Boasberg requested that the two record, winter conditions and worst-case Additionally, experts found that USACE answers these questions — if they involving the Dakota Access Pipeline was sides of the lawsuit — the Standing Rock discharge. With all of these four factors, the system would not detect leaks that can — the pipeline must be shut down. made. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg Sioux Tribe and the U.S. Army Corps of the court ruled that the USACE did not constituted 1% or less of the pipe’s flow rate, F See PIPELINE on page 8A ruled that the U.S. government failed Engineers — submit briefings next month sufficiently address concerns raised by the which meant approximately 25,000 gallons to adequately study the pipeline before for and against keeping the pipeline in Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s experts. In of oil could be released “continuously, over

The Seminole Tribune The following deadlines apply to all Advertising: Publisher: The Seminole Tribe of Florida Advertising: Donna Mason, ext. 10733 is a member of the submissions to The Seminole Tribune: Advertising rates along with sizes and other [email protected] Native American Journalists Association. information may be downloaded online at: Phone: 954-985-5700 Issue: May 29, 2020 http://SeminoleTribune.org/Advertise Letters/emails to the editor must be signed Deadline: May 20, 2020 Senior Editor: Kevin Johnson, ext. 10715 © 2020 Seminole Tribe of Florida and may be edited for publication. Postmaster: [email protected] Issue: June 30, 2020 Please send address changes to: Subscription rate is $35 per year by mail. Deadline: June 17, 2020 The Seminole Tribune Digital Content Coordinator: Make checks payable to: 3560 N. State Road 7 Analicia Austin, ext. 10739 The Seminole Tribune Issue: July 31, 2020 Hollywood, FL 33021 [email protected] 3560 N. State Road 7 Deadline: July 15, 2020 Hollywood, FL 33021 Staff Reporter: Beverly Bidney, ext. 16466 Phone: 954-985-5700 [email protected] Fax: 954-965-2937 Staff Reporter: Damon Scott, ext. 10704 [email protected] 3A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 Community A Churches reach beyond the pews to connect with members

BY AARON TOMMIE of a canal on the Big Cypress Reservation. STOF Executive Management Trainee Many in attendance wore masks and either stayed in their vehicles or stood next to them along a dirt road. The service was shown The advent of the coronavirus has caused on the church’s Facebook page and drew billions of people in the world to adjust their hundreds of views. lives to what has become a new normal. In his sermon, Pastor Hummingbird Governments, schools and businesses have provided assurance. been drastically affected and have evolved “Even in our moments of our darkness, with social distancing rules. even in the moments of our life that we feel Since stay-at-home orders began, that there is no hope or we feel like we’re tens of millions of Americans have filed up against a situation that we can’t prevail for unemployment benefits. Schools have against, but we’ve got to realize that God transitioned to online learning. has never left anyone of us. He knows in Churches have had to adapt, too. Most this very moment where we’re at, about this places of worship have been closed to services darkest moment that we’re in right now. He since mid-to-late March. Many churches, hasn’t forgot about us,” he said, adding that including some whose congregations include God “will rescue us from this tragedy that Seminoles, are reaching their members by we’re in.” broadcasting their services on Facebook or The service included music from Jonah YouTube. Cypress on guitar along the canal banks. “Everyone is just kind of taking it one He sang “Jesus Paid It All” and “Were You day at a time,” said Big Cypress First Baptist There” with the sun ascending behind him. Church Pastor Salaw Hummingbird. At Big Cypress New Testament Baptist For the resurrection service on Easter Church, Pastor Arlen Payne has been morning April 12, Pastor Hummingbird led using Facebook and YouTube to broadcast an outdoor sunrise gathering from the banks sermons on the Big Cypress Reservation. He also stays in touch with members via phone Big Cypress First Baptist/Facebook and wants the church experience to return to Big Cypress First Baptist Church Pastor Salaw Hummingbird provides a sermon Easter morning, April 12, on the banks of a canal in Big Cypress. It was pre-coronavirus conditions. shown live on Facebook. “We miss everybody and miss the fellowship,” said Pastor Payne. Pastor LeadingFox emphasized peace can be During New Testament’s resurrection attained during turbulent times. sermon broadcast on Facebook, Pastor “…even when life is crazy and all these Payne said the day’s meaning doesn’t change things going on around us and the fear that despite the conditions. is built up inside of the country and all the “…we can still praise the Lord and give things you’ve seen and heard from friends him glory for that glorious day he rose from or on the news, whatever your situation is, the dead,” he said. I pray that you know that because He lives On the Brighton Reservation, Pastor you can have peace, even in troubled times,” Billy Blomberg continues to call and text the he said. members of All Family Ministries Church For communion, he suggested viewers for well-being updates, prayer requests and use crackers and juice as substitutes for the for sharing Bible scriptures to help uplift usual communion wafers and wine. them. Daniel Harris, the Chaplain for Public “We’ll have to ask the Lord and trust Safety, has worked with the Tribe since Him to give us wisdom to deal with this,” 1994. He, as is the case with all of the said Pastor Blomberg when asked how he pastors, has strong relationships with many and his congregation were dealing with the Tribal citizens. effects of the coronavirus. “[The] ministry “We are trying to be a positive [exists] to help us encourage and support influence,” said Chaplain Harris. “People one another.” feel authenticity and sense that.” In Immokalee, Pastor Josh LeadingFox said during Immokalee First Seminole Senior Editor Kevin Johnson contributed Baptist Church’s Easter service on Facebook to this story. Immokalee Seminole Baptist/Facebook that he spent part of the week gathering New Testament Church/Facebook Immokalee Seminole Baptist Church Pastor Josh videos of worship music to show during Big Cypress New Testament Baptist Church Pastor Arlen Payne provides a sermon on Facebook LeadingFox on Facebook during service. the service. With empty pews behind him, during the resurrection day.

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BY KEVIN JOHNSON relief organizations as quickly as possible. received positive feedback on Seminole Senior Editor We are incredibly thankful to Hard Rock Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood’s International and Seminole Gaming for their Facebook page. Comments included “Great donation, which allows us to meet demands job, thank you” and “You guys always do HOLLYWOOD — Hard Rock quickly.” something good for the people.” International and Seminole Gaming are Clean the World Foundation is HRI and Seminole Gaming currently doing their part in the battle against the distributing more than 1.5 million bars of participate in Clean the World’s hospitality COVID-19 pandemic. soap across North America in response to recycling program. Soap and bathroom They donated 350,000 bars of soap to COVID-19. Shipments have been sent to amenities left behind by hotel guests are The Clean the World Foundation, a global Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, New shipped to a Clean the World facility. The health organization focused on improving York, Washington, Wisconsin and Mexico. soap goes through a process – including the quality of life in vulnerable populations The foundation said it plans to send an being grounded, sanitized, melted and through resources, education and programs additional three million bars of soap in the reprocessed – to become a new bar of soap. related to hygiene, sanitation and water. next 90 days to areas hardest hit by the The plastic bathroom bottles are sent to “Soap is not federally subsidized, so pandemic around the world. recycling or an energy-from-waste facility. individuals and families, especially living “We are incredibly grateful to be able Since 2018, HRI and Seminole Gaming have in transitional housing or experiencing to help this worthy cause especially right diverted a combined 15,000 pounds of waste Clean the World Foundation/Twitter now,” said Tracy Bradford, executive vice- from landfills and distributed almost 33,000 homelessness, rarely have access to soap The Clean the World Foundation provides soap to areas hard hit by COVID-19. and other hygiene supplies to keep them president of administration for HRI and bars of soap to those in need. safe,” Sam Stephens, executive director Seminole Gaming. “'Save the Planet' is one Clean the World was founded in of Clean the World Foundation, said in a of our founding core beliefs since 1971. We Orlando in 2009. According to its website, Clean the World is selling T-shirts with people in need. For more more information statement. “Handwashing with soap is the have a significant investment behind the the organization has distributed more than “Wash Your Hands, Bro.” on the front. The visit cleantheworld.org. most effective way to fight COVID-19, meaning of this principle.” 50 million bars of soap, hygiene kits and sale of each shirt provides 10 bars of soap to so it is crucial that we get supplies out to HRI and Seminole Gaming’s efforts other supplies throughout its history.

we serve in community. We are so blessed 27 on Facebook. F SUPPORT to have such caring partners that go above • Hard Rock International and From page 1A and beyond, especially in times of need,” Seminole Gaming donated 350,000 bars KID said March 27 on Facebook. of soap from its hotels to Clean the World Community Cooperative is a Fort Myers- • New Jersey organizations that Foundation, a global health organization based soup kitchen that provides meals help feed people in need received a lift focused on improving the quality of life in and assistance to those in need, including thanks to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino vulnerable populations through resources, homeless people and home-bound seniors. Atlantic City. In mid-March, Hard Rock education and programs related to hygiene, “Tough times don’t last, but tough donated two truckloads of food to the sanitation and water. people do! Thank you Seminole Casino Community FoodBank of New Jersey • Two major events scheduled for for donating all of the perishable foods and Turning Point Day Center for the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens – from your restaurant so we can make Homeless. the Miami Open tennis tournament and meals for folks in need,” the Cooperative “Though uncertain and frightening, Jazz in the Gardens – were cancelled, but posted on Facebook. times of crisis can also inspire incredible the facility has remained active in the fight “We are honored to partner with them acts of kindness,” Community FoodBank against the pandemic. Its parking lot is and donate 7,000 pounds of food, enough posted on Facebook. “Our friends at Hard being used as a testing site for thousands to provide over 3,000 meals,” Seminole Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City have of residents. Casino Hotel posted on Facebook on come to our aid, donating a tractor-trailer On April 9 – just two months after March 24. load of food to help us feed individuals, it hosted Super Bowl LIV – Hard Rock • Seminole Casino Coconut Creek families, and communities in need during Stadium, whose naming rights are held by donated food to a variety of area charities, the COVID-19 pandemic.” Hard Rock International, joined stadiums including Gateway Community Outreach, On the other coast of the U.S., first and buildings throughout the country as it SOS Children’s Villages – USA, Kids in responders from the San Diego Police showed support for health care workers by Distress, Family Central, Tomorrow’s Department, San Diego Fire-Rescue lighting up the stadium in blue at night. Rainbow and Teen Challenge. and other area paramedics received free “Tonight we #LightItBlue in support Gateway is a Deerfield Beach-based meals from Hard Rock Hotel San Diego of health care professionals around the organization that serves Broward and Maryjane’s restaurant April 6. world. We want to say thank you. Thank Palm Beach counties. Its mission is “to “It was an absolute pleasure feeding you for fighting on the front lines against safeguard and protect our most vulnerable over 10 stations, 100+ first responders COVID-19,” Hard Rock Stadium posted community members by providing in the San Diego area. Thank you all for on Facebook. “With your commitment, intensive case management, food, housing what you do during these times, not all we know we will be back stronger than Hard Rock Cafe Orlando/Facebook heroes wear capes,” Maryjane’s wrote on ever.” assistance, referrals to those in need of Hard Rock Cafe Orlando provides lunches at AdventHealth Orlando in April. emergency aid.” Facebook. “Let’s spread hope and food! Thank • The Hard Rock Café in Biloxi, you to the Seminole Casino Coconut Mississippi, handed out to-go lunches Creek!” Gateway posted on Facebook. and loaves of bread for its team members, Fort Lauderdale-based Kids in many of whom took to Facebook to Distress (KID) helps families, including express gratitude and an eagerness to children who have been abused or return to work. neglected. “It was so great seeing our team “A big thank you to Seminole Casino today! We had a couple loaves of bread Coconut Creek who dropped off a large and a hot lunch for each of them! Our food donation this week. This food helped drive-thru service had everyone in and out feed the many families and children that – safe and sound!” the cafe posted March

Hard Rock Cafe Orlando/Facebook AdventHealth Orlando workers enjoy a free Hard Rock Cafe Orlando lunch April 10.

Hard Rock Cafe Biloxi/Facebook Hard Rock Cafe Biloxi provides food to team members in March.

Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood/Facebook Hard Rock Hotel San Diego/Facebook Food from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is delivered to The Pantry of Broward in March. A first responder gives thumbs up after receiving a free meal from Maryjane's at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. 5A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 Protective mask makers praised by Board

STAFF REPORT to the makers of the masks. The masks will be used by employees at In a Facebook post April 17, the Board Board entities, including the Trading Posts thanked Melissa Osceola DeMayo, Allison in Brighton and Hollywood, Smoke Shops, Describing the masks that were made for Osceola, Danielle Nelson and Holly Tiger. Seminole Petroleum and Natural Resources. its employees as “awesome,” the Seminole The post included photos of Trading Post Tribe of Florida Inc. showed its appreciation employees wearing the masks.

STOF Inc. /Facebook (2) Trading Post workers wear protective masks made for the Board.

Health is on call should a need arise. The country after New York and New Jersey. F COVID department is also continuing its remote To help contain the coronavirus, the From page 1A crisis management and offers services Navajo Department of Health issued an through telehealth. order on April 17 requiring everyone on In Brighton, Alice’s, Windmill and The Ahfachkee School and Pemayetv the 27,000 square mile reservation to wear Subway are also open for pick up orders Emahakv Charter School students are protective masks in public. So far, 44 Navajo only. attending classes and learning remotely. tribal members have lost the battle with The Brighton and Hollywood Trading At Ahfachkee, classroom video COVID-19, more than in 14 states. Posts remain open with limited hours. conferencing through Zoom will be replaced Native Americans represent 10% of Brighton hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; May 4. Parents who want more information New Mexico’s population, but account for Hollywood is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. can find it at the virtual learning tab on the more than a third of the state’s cases of Churches tribalwide remain closed, but school’s website seminolewarriors.net. COVID-10. New Mexico Gov. Michelle some offer services online. PECS parents may log on Skyward to Lujan-Grisham, Navajo Nation President The health department is open in a monitor their child’s progress, grades and Jonathan Nez, U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland limited way. Triage over the telephone assignments. After three weeks of at-home and other tribal leaders discussed how the is ongoing, clinics are open for essential learning, students are now earning grades for pandemic is disproportionately affecting services, staff continues to monitor patients the fourth 9-week grading period. Native Americans during a PBS town hall on in local hospitals and clinic nurses are using April 19. One reason for the surge in cases open consultation rooms to ensure social Around Indian Country is the outbreak in the Navajo Nation, which distancing. is more than half of the coronavirus cases Elder services staff are disttributing As of April 20, the Navajo Nation documented by the Indian Health Service. meals to seniors and disabled Tribal reported nearly 1,200 cases of COVID-19, members daily. which is a per capita infection rate 10 times The staff at the Center for Behavioral higher than that of neighboring Arizona. It is also the third highest infection rate in the

Elder Service) Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Elder services continues to make sure food is delivered to seniors and disabled Tribal members.

Brighton health clinic Brighton health clinic staff show and wear some of the items being used in the battle against COVID-19.

Elder Services Above, Elder services delivers food to Tampa.

Elder Services (3) Elder services employees shown working during the COVID-19 pandemic as they get food to seniors and disabled Tribal members on the reservations. At left, food is delivered to Trail. 6A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 Documentary on Ainu woman’s visit to Tribe receives more than 1M views

BY KEVIN JOHNSON but their way of life and traditions nearly Senior Editor evaporated due to centuries of colonization and assimilation. As the owners of Hard Rock, whose “The government forced assimilation brand dots nearly all corners of the globe, (and) attempted to erase Ainu culture and the Seminole Tribe already has a well- language. Ainu culture faced annihilation,” established international footprint in the the documentary explained. business world. Before Kayano’s trip, which was Recently the Tribe’s culture has received sponsored by Hard Rock Japan, the global recognition across seas and continents documentary provides viewers with thanks to a 20-minute documentary. background on Kayano, who explains the “Ainu My Voice,” a documentary mistreatment she suffered as a child because that follows an Ainu woman’s trip to the she is Ainu. Seminole Tribe last November, was posted “When I was in elementary school, I on YouTube in late January and has generated was harassed as an Ainu. They made me hate Ainu My Voice/YouTube more than 1 million views on YouTube. myself as an Ainu. The trauma continued Rie Kayano, second from left, participates in an activity in November 2019 with the emerging language class at Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School in The documentary was made by Tokyo- until I was 18,” she said in the documentary. Brighton. Kayano, an Ainu woman from Japan, visited the Seminole Tribe as part of her journey to reestablish Ainu culture and language in her homeland. based 3Minute Inc. It explains the journey Kayano attended Sapporo University Her trip is documented in “Ainu My Voice,” a 20-minute documentary that is on YouTube. of Rie Kayano, an Indigenous mother and was among the early recipients of the from Japan, and her determined effort to school’s Ainu scholarship. She was also part Ainu culture seems reestablish culture and language from her of a band called Marewrew that performs to dwindle. She Ainu heritage. traditional Ainu folk songs. mentioned that she The Ainu are Indigenous to Japan, In the film, her interest in promoting gave birth to a daughter and didn’t sing with the band often anymore, but the spark inside her continued to flicker. “I knew I had to do something, but I didn’t know how to begin,” she said. “Then, the opportunity to visit Florida emerged. I was invited to meet the Seminole Tribe. I jumped on it, thinking this can help me with my future.” Half of the film is devoted to Kayano’s trip to the Tribe. She arrives at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, where she is wowed by the new Guitar Hotel. The documentary includes her conversations with Chairman Marcellus Ainu My Voice/YouTube W. Osceola Jr. and During her visit, Rie Kayano meets with Seminole Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. in the auditorium at Tribal headquarters. Miss Florida Seminole Durante Blais-Billie. “Up to about 10 culture and people. We now fight to preserve recognizes the Ainu as an Indigenous People years ago I was working hard on spreading it.” of Japan and helps promote education about Ainu My Voice/YouTube Ainu culture, but it all felt useless. My heart In the film’s most emotional moment, their language and culture. Rie Kayano is greeted with her name in lights at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in was broken,” she told Chairman Osceola. both women shed tears as Kayano praises Kayano’s trip wasn’t the first time Ainu November 2019. “My baby’s birth made me think I have to Blais-Billie. have visited the Tribe. In 2016, a group of do something. That’s when the opportunity “Meeting you has inspired me. I want Ainu men and women came to Brighton to visit you arose.” my Ainu culture to nurture youths like you,” and shared their culture, including songs, Kayano received encouraging advice Kayano told her. musical instruments, traditional robes and from Chairman Osceola to continue to Kayano also visited the Pemayetv hand-carved prayer sticks. pursue her dream. Emahakv Charter School’s emerging For Kayano, her trip in November re- “To become chairman of the Seminole language program in Brighton. She is greeted energized her efforts to continue to spread Tribe didn’t come without its own struggles,” by Emma Johns Brown, the school’s dean. the culture. Chairman Osceola told her. “There were “No English, only the Creek language,” “Meeting the Seminole people changed times when I wanted to give up, but again, Brown tells her as they approach the my mind,” she said. “I now want to do all picking myself up and continuing to try to emerging language classroom. I can to express Ainu culture. I’ve been finish what I believed in for my people and Inside, Kayano is seen clearly enjoying inspired to do all I can, whatever I can. I now my family and what my ancestors believed in her time while participating in activities in believe I need to do this for my ancestors. is the only reason I sit here today with you. the middle of Tribal generations spanning The Ainu culture is worth sharing with the So don’t be discouraged. You’ll face many from the young students who are learning world. I want to tell everyone about the more challenges in life before you finish the Creek and the staff and Elders who teach it. Seminoles, what they have achieved, how journey. So remain strong and vigilant and Establishing the language Ainu used is one much they have endured, and how we can you’ll achieve whatever it is you set your of Kayano’s goals. Similar to her visit with learn from them. We as Ainu can rebuild our mind to.” Chairman Osceola, Kayano departed PECS society in this way.” Before stepping foot on Seminole land, with inspirational support. Kayano knew plenty about the Seminole “You are right where we started,” “Ainu My Voice” was directed by Tribe in part because Blais-Billie visited her Brown told her. “It probably seems like a Daichi Tomida. The executive producer was in Japan weeks earlier. The two met again distant dream that can’t be done, but it can, Chuck Besher and the producer was Keita at Billie Swamp Safari, where they briskly and what you saw today is proof of starting “Rusher” Tsukamoto. Drone footage was glided through the Everglades on an airboat. with almost nothing to having our language provided by Seminole Media Productions’ “This land is very important to us,” being revitalized and brought back.” Matheus Goes and Martin Ebenhack. The Blais-Billie told Kayano. “We turned to Ainu My Voice/YouTube Progress appears to be moving documentary can be seen on YouTube. the Everglades during our wars. The harsh forward in Japan. In early 2019, the Japan Rie Kayano and Miss Florida Seminole Durante Blais-Billie take an airboat ride at Billie Swamp Safari. nature protected us and gave new life to our government passed a bill that officially

RichaRd BIG LAKE HOBBIES castillo Okeechobee’s Remote Control Headquarters 954.522.3500 helping the 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 misdemeanors throughout Florida and the United States. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertise- STORE LOCATIONS ment. Castillo worked as a Public Defender in Broward County from 1990-1996 and has been in 513 SW Park Street 4439 US Highway 27 S private practice since 1996. In 1995, he was voted Okeechobee, FL, 34972 Sebring, FL, 33870 RIchaRD caStIllo the Trial Attorney of the year. He graduated from FloRIDa cRIMInal DeFenSe attoURney Capital University in 1989 and was admitted to the (863) 357-3200 (863) 471-3200 Florida Bar in 1990, Federal Bar in 1992, and the Fed- www.caStIllolawoFFIceS.coM eral Trial Bar in 1994. 7A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 Calvin Harrison, who worked 28 years for SPD, passes away

BY KEVIN JOHNSON He began his 28-year career in 1992 “Officer of the Year” awards and lifesaving Senior Editor with SPD at the Brighton and Fort Pierce awards after they responded to a call at reservations and worked at other reservations, Hollywood Estates mobile homes, where including Hollywood, Immokalee and they performed CPR and resuscitated a man Calvin “Cal” Harrison, a recently Tampa. He was Corporal in Training when who had stopped breathing and had no pulse. retired police officer who spent nearly 30 he first joined the department. “Such an extraordinary person Cal years working for the Seminole Police “Over the years, he felt blessed to train Harrison was,” Latchford said. “This is Department, passed away April 17 at the new officers who came to the department,” truly a great loss to our Seminole Tribe Cleveland Clinic in Weston. He was 76. Latchford said. Public Safety family, to the law enforcement William R. Latchford, the Seminole In 1995, Officer Harrison was wounded community, and to our community as a whole. Tribe’s director of Public Safety, said Officer in the line of duty. He was shot in the head He will be profoundly missed by everyone Harrison’s “positive outlook on life was by a rape suspect during an investigation. He whose lives he touched. Nevertheless, by most admirable.” Latchford announced the underwent surgery and spent nine days in the Cal’s own last wishes, let us remember Cal passing to the Tribe in a statement. hospital. He recuperated and returned to his each time, with a smile upon our faces.” “On behalf of all of us here at Seminole job at SPD. Officer Harrison, who had been in law Tribe of Florida Public Safety and the “He fought through those very difficult enforcement since 1978, was a resident of Seminole Tribe of Florida, I have taken the times to ensure he could get back to work as a Pompano Beach. He is survived by sons liberty of sending out, to Cal’s family, our police officer and train recruits until recently Calvin J. Harrison, of Sunrise, and James most heartfelt condolences and sympathy,” retiring on February 25, 2020,” Latchford Harrison, of Boynton Beach, and a brother, Latchford said in the statement. said. “Regardless of the challenges he may David Harrison, of Ohio. “He went above and beyond the call of have had along the way, everyone who’d duty,” said Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola ever had the privilege of working with him, Jr. “The whole Tribe was praying for him.” always found Cal to be a special pleasure to According to a press release from the work with.” Tribe, Harrison, who retired in February, Officer Harrison and fellow Officer File photo Doug Zamora were recognized in 2004 by the Seminole Police Officer Calvin “Cal” Harrison had been hospitalized since March 27 and SPD died from COVID-19 infection and other Seminole Department of Law Enforcement receives “Officer of the Year” and lifesaving complications. for helping save a life. They were presented Calvin “Cal” Harrison awards in 2004. Irvin Peithmann remembered for Seminole writings, connections

BY DAMON SCOTT through the 1970s. Staff Reporter It was Peithmann who would eventually move from Illinois to St. Petersburg and spend considerable time writing about, An organization in Illinois recently visiting and taking many photos at several recognized two people for their contributions Seminole reservations. to Randolph County – located about an hour One of his books was “The Unconquered south of St. Louis, Missouri. Seminole Indians: Pictorial History of the Irvin Peithmann and Ruth Gilster Seminole Indians,” published in 1957 by the were recently inducted into the Randolph University of Wisconsin Press. Society’s class of 2020. The group recognizes “Since I had studied and written about “prominent persons who have lived in and the Indians who had lived in the Midwest, contributed to Randolph County.” my thoughts turned to the Seminoles and The two worked together and were good their past,” Peithmann wrote in the book’s friends. They both had an enduring interest in foreword. “I returned to the Everglades in history, including that of Native Americans. December 1955, to study these people and However, what will most likely interest their way of life. I found these Indians, their Tribal members is the connection Peithmann culture, almost unspoiled by our civilization, had with the Seminole Tribe from the 1950s still living in much the same manner as their Randolph Society ancestors over a century ago.” Irvin Peithmann, at left, with members of the Seminole Tribe, ca. 1956. By all accounts, Tribal members welcomed Peithmann during his visits Gilster was born in Franklin County, and assisted him in his research. He was Illinois, in 1915. She was heavily involved an experienced historian, lecturer and in preserving the history of her adopted storyteller as well. hometown of Chester, located in Randolph “The story I began to piece together was County. a sad account of a people who have suffered Throughout her life, she served on much,” Peithmann wrote. “As Americans we numerous boards and committees devoted should know the story of how the ancestors to the history of Illinois, according to the of the Seminoles were driven into the Randolph Society. Gilster died in 2008. Everglades over 100 years ago, a story of “He and Ruth were really good friends. historic resistance against the white man and They did a lot of running around together his power. The story of the Seminoles is an and worked together at [Southern Illinois epic in American Indian history.” University in Carbondale],” Marc Kiehna, Peithmann wrote about his interactions chair of the Randolph Society Foundation, with William McKinley Osceola, Charlie said. “They were fascinated by the history of Cypress and the Rev. Billy Osceola, among the Indians.” others. Kiehna said Peithmann’s collection was Records show he donated a collection recently given by his family to the archives of more than 1,000 Seminole photographs at Southern Illinois University’s archeology to the State Library and Archives of Florida. department. Peithmann, who died in 1981, was born For more information visit in Washington County, Illinois, in 1904. randolphsociety.org. He spent his childhood on his father’s farm, learning how to search for artifacts left behind by Indigenous Peoples who used to Randolph Society Randolph Society live and hunt on the same land, according to Irvin Peithmann and Ruth Gilster, date unknown. Irvin Peithmann in Florida, ca. 1950s. the Randolph Society.

University of Wisconsin Press From Irvin Peithmann’s book, an image of Seminole cattlemen on the Brighton Reservation, ca. 1950s. 8A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020

Longstanding partnership provides online access to community history

It has long been the Tribune’s mission newspaper each month, they set out to do BY JULIE RUHL AND TARA BACKHOUSE to chronicle the daily lives and special the same thing the next month. This is Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum events of the Seminole Tribal community. an amazing responsibility and they do a For over 63 years the Seminole Tribune great job. These days, the newspapers are has recorded Princess Pageants, council put online and can be enjoyed there long For more than 10 years, the Ah-Tah- meetings, marriage announcements, grand after the month of that issue has passed at Thi-Ki Museum has partnered with The openings, birthdays, parades, and so many seminoletribune.org. Seminole Tribune in a very special way. more community events from the different The museum’s role in this process Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum reservations. After they produce an amazing also takes place for a long time after Seminole royalty Vanessa Frank and Suriaya Youngblood Smith lead the grand procession at the 1997 Tribal Fair. A young man walks between them, do you recognize him?

an issue of the paper is revealed. Our February’s 47th Tribal Fair and Powwow collection contains approximately 150,000 still fresh in our minds, it’s important to photographs that were taken by Seminole reflect on what a significant event this is Media Productions and their predecessors for the community. This is especially true from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. in the spring of 2020, when an unforeseen With the purpose of preservation in mind, situation has waylaid our busy spring event the employees of the museum’s collections season. Because of The Seminole Tribune, division have consistently been working on the museum houses over 1,500 photographs the conservation, safety, and accessibility of of the numerous Tribal Fairs over the years the collection. Through an ongoing project, ranging from the 1970s to the early 2000s. over 25,000 of these photos have been made The photographs include grand processions, accessible to the Tribal community through clothing contests, concerts, dancing, talent the museum’s online collections. Browse contests, vendors, arts and crafts, and all our photos from the museum’s website: other activities pertaining to the Tribal semtribe.pastperfectonline.com. Fair. Many of these are available to view These photographs are extremely through our online collections. If you find important to the museum because they a picture you like, you can request a digital preserve the recent history of the Seminole copy through the website. We’ll be sure to Tribe of Florida and all its activities. The send a copy quickly to the email address you museum’s primary goal is to serve the provide. While the museum on Big Cypress Seminole Tribe of Florida and with these is closed for everyone’s safety, we can still photos we are able to protect, preserve, and search our database for your friends and make accessible the Tribe’s history to its family. So let us know if you can’t find what Tribal citizens. you’re looking for and we’ll be glad to help. One of the biggest events that the Tribe Email Tara Backhouse at tarabackhouse@ hosts every year is Tribal Fair in Hollywood. semtribe.com for any image requests or Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum This is an event that celebrates Native questions about our collection. Dancers gather and wait to perform. From left to right are: Bobby Henry, Barbara Sisnero, Susie Henry, Stephen Bowers, Alan Jumper, Jimmy O'Toole American culture and the rich heritage of Osceola and Linda Lee Henry. Do you know anyone else in this picture, or can you guess the date? the Seminole Tribe and of other Native people across Indian Country. With last Billie Swamp Safari staff remains First Native American Poet Laureate busy caring for animals during closure for COVID-19 crisis unravels why genre is necessary BY DAMON SCOTT as well as an author with many awards and come,” Harjo said. “The great paradox is that FROM PRESS RELEASE enclosures ranging from birds to mammals Staff Reporter accolades to her name. poetry uses language to create a place you to snakes,” Sherman said. “I wouldn’t be alive if I didn’t have can go when human words fail.” More than 120 birds are on display, In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, poetry and music,” Harjo said during her She said that even before the COVID-19 including two newly hatched macaws, and BC visit. “I’m always happy when I come to pandemic, poetry book sales had increased. BIG CYPRESS — While it has been many people are spending more time reading lorikeets. Among the many mammals include books to take a break from the seemingly this part of the world. My grandfather loved “The audiences for poetry have grown more than a month since the Seminole Tribe a Florida panther, timber wolf, Florida black the Seminole people and that’s continued dramatically since the last national elections closed Billie Swamp Safari on the Big constant drumbeat of bad news. bear, grizzly bear, opossum and capybara. For those who enjoy poetry, they might through me. This place holds such incredible four years ago,” Harjo said. Cypress Reservation out of an abundance The 50-plus cold blooded animals featured beauty and a storied history.” In the interview, she talks about how of caution due to the COVID-19 virus, a consider reading one of Joy Harjo’s books. include crocodiles, American alligators and Harjo is the 23rd poet laureate of the One of Harjo’s many poems is “Don’t poetry is “soul talk;” why listening is handful of staff members have remained snapping turtles. Look Back,” a nod to her ancestors’ forced important; how she came to love poetry; and busy caring for all of the animals that call the U.S. and the first Native American to hold “During normal business days when the position. removal to Oklahoma. how she sees her place among other Native safari park home. the park is open, guests can typically have More recently, Harjo did an interview writers. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to She is a member of the Muscogee a lorikeet feeding encounter,” Sherman said. (Creek) Nation and lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. with the Christian Science Monitor, where “I am only one of many gifted poets, one share animal encounters with our guests, but “To that end, we must continue to condition she explored the question of why poems are of many Native poets, one of many voices our animals still need our utmost attention,” Harjo visited the Big Cypress the lorikeets with interaction from our Reservation in November 2019, after her necessary in the first place. who have something to offer in these times said Melissa Sherman, Operations manager. handlers to prevent stress.” “Poetry tries to hold all aspects of and in timelessness,” she said. “We have hundreds of animals in our 2,200- official inauguration, as part of a traveling The wildlife preserve features such tour she took to perform both solo and with human memory – grief, failure, love, joy The full interview by Elizabeth Lund acre safari wildlife preserve that need to be animals as zebras, water buffalo, bison, red – and moves toward a liminal space in the for the Christian Science Monitor is on fed and looked after on a daily basis.” musicians. deer, feral hogs, ostrich, panthers and bears. She’s an accomplished musician herself, borderlands between here and there, in csmonitor.com. Each day, five staff members from the “Each one of our animal family deserves between yes and no, what was and what is to park’s animal care department attend to the best possible care that we can provide – more than 250 animals who are on exhibit we love all of them,” Sherman said. “We in enclosures and over 100 more in the safari can’t wait for the day when our guests can preserve. return to enjoy these beautiful creatures.” “We have a diverse group of animals in

Courtesy photo Beverly Bidney Tre Huntoon feeds Francesca the Capybara as they wait for guests to return to Billie Swamp Safari on In November 2019, U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo spoke at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki-Museum’s lecture series in Big Cypress. the Big Cypress Reservation.

allow the pipeline to continue for years until the Dakota Access Pipeline, it is not merely pieces of legislation, such as The Tribal the only logical choice. F PIPELINE the new statement is done. a group of worried citizens — it is a tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994. The United Without shutting down the pipeline and From page 2A Above all else, the pipeline should be sovereign nation making an important claim States ought to consider the weight of the ignoring the scope of risk, we are actively shut down because the unknown scope of about self-determination. tribe’s concerns — the U.S. government is threatening the water, land and livelihood of risks could have direct effects on Native Even if the Dakota Access Pipeline interacting with a sovereign government, not sovereign Native tribes and nations. To make matters worse, the court- land, water and ways of life — and this is technically not in the jurisdiction of the a special interest group, individuals or some mandated environmental impact statement gets into the issue of tribal sovereignty. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe because it is other type of nongovernment entity. Loretta Donoghue is senior staff will not be a quick undertaking. Because According to the U.S. Bureau of Indian outside of the reservation, according to The future of the Dakota Access columnist for The Pitt, the University of of the nature of the review, the study is Affairs, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Tribe still Pipeline is uncertain, and until the U.S. Army Pittsburgh’s daily student newspaper. The expected to take years to complete. This one of more than 500 federally recognized has a greater say over the development Corps of Engineers properly completes an article was posted on Pittnews.com on means that if not shut down while the review tribes, with the United States recognizing the and implementation of federal programs environmental impact statement, the risks March 30. is being done, the pipeline could have years tribe’s “inherent Tribal sovereign rights and and policies that directly impact the tribe of the pipeline are unclear. Shutting down to run without knowing the full risks. It’s bad powers.” This means that when the Standing and its members. This idea of tribal self- a system as big as Dakota Access is not a enough that we don’t know the true problems Rock Sioux Tribe voices its concerns about determination is supported by several decision that should be taken lightly, but it is with the pipeline right now — we shouldn’t 9A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 Health NICWA transitions in-person IHS offers conference to virtual one remote BY DAMON SCOTT intern Staff Reporter

The National Indian Child Welfare Association did what many organizations program have done during the coronavirus pandemic: make a quick switch from in-person BY MADALYN GRASS conferences to virtual ones. The child welfare nonprofit did just that, completing the first-ever virtual version of its “Protecting Our Children” conference, This year, the Indian Health Service which ran from March 30 to April 1. Courtesy photo welcomed a new group of student interns to The Seminole Tribe of Florida was IHS Director Rear Adm. Michael D. Weahkee work remotely on projects throughout the the host sponsor of the 38th version of the (Zuni Tribe) agency. conference. The Virtual Student Federal Service, “COVID-19 is a direct threat to the formerly known as the Virtual Student safety and wellbeing of Native families Foreign Service, managed by the U.S. everywhere,” Sarah Kastelic, NICWA Senate Department of State, is the largest virtual executive director and conference organizer, internship program in the world. IHS became said prior to the event’s start. “Now more confirms the 31st federal agency to participate, joining than ever, we need to rely on our culture and agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs, teachings.” Peace Corps, NASA, Central Intelligence Conference organizers said there were Weahkee to Agency, and the U.S. Department of 1,557 registrations in all, and as many as 700 NICWA Education in connecting with students across participants on any given call. the globe on developing innovative ideas and “As a staff, we had two-and-a-half Cindy Blackstock, executive director of First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, lead Indian participates in NICWA’s virtual version of its “Protecting Our Children” conference. projects across the government. The VSFS weeks while working from our homes to internship is available to U.S. students from transition our in-person conference to a Health Service the college level or above degree or certificate virtual, amended version. That timeline program. Because of its flexibly, students can was the greatest challenge,” Kastelic said. participate in the internship from anywhere “We worked hard to make [it] a meaningful STAFF REPORT in the world. experience for our stakeholders, who embraced it and ran with it.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. NICWA is a nonprofit based in Portland, Senate has unanimously confirmed Rear Oregon, whose mission is to protect Native Adm. Michael D. Weahkee as the director of children and keep them connected to their the Indian Health Service. families, communities and culture. Weahkee, an enrolled member of the Its work includes helping tribes prevent Zuni Tribe, was confirmed April 21 for a child abuse and neglect, in addition to being four-year term. an advocate for pro-Native American child He has served as the interim head of the welfare changes in state, federal and tribal agency for the past three years. systems of government. NICWA is a strong The IHS falls under the U.S. Department proponent of the Indian Child Welfare Act of Health and Human Services. The agency (ICWA). serves as the principal federal-level advocate The conference lineup included keynote and provider of health care servicesin presentations, breakout sessions and a hospitals, clinics and other settings for about membership meeting – similar to what 2.2 million Native Americans. would have taken place in Denver, Colorado, There is a network of 12 IHS regional where a four-day in-person conference was offices that oversee clinical operations at previously scheduled to take place. facilities. Florida, and the Seminole Tribe, Conference topics included child are included under the auspices of the welfare and ICWA, family “healing-to- Nashville, Tennessee, regional office. IHS wellness” courts, substance abuse, tribal- “Director Weahkee continues to show Imani Hicks (Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians) state child welfare collaborations, how to up for Tribes during turbulent and trying is a Duke University student and an intern in the provide culturally based programs, recruiting times like during the 33-day government IHS Virtual Student Federal Service. and engaging foster and adoptive families, shutdown in 2019 and now in the era of intergenerational trauma and more. Coronavirus," National Indian Health Board Interns are unpaid, thus volunteering The second day of the conference Chairperson Victoria Kitcheyan (Winnebago their time to assisting the IHS through featured a keynote presentation by Cindy Tribe of Nebraska), said in a statement. "[He] online projects. Meanwhile, e-Interns are Blackstock (Gitxsan Nation), the executive has proven to be an adept and inclusive leader also establishing connections and gaining director of First Nations Child and Family who has earned the trust and confidence of valuable experience. Imani Hicks, a member Caring Society of Canada. NICWA Tribal Nations.” of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and She was also presented with the “2020 Sarah Kastelic, NICWA executive director and conference organizer. During his three years as the interim a Senior Public Policy student from Duke Champion for Native Children” award – director, Weahkee traveled throughout University, said she chose the VSFS program given each year by NICWA to an individual Indian Country to meet with tribal leaders to because it exposes her to the Office of Urban or organization that has made “outstanding of the comments participants wrote on the swift efforts to convert the conference to a discuss health care issues and to help develop Indian Health Programs as well as health contributions” to Indigenous and Native post-conference evaluation form. Here is an virtual platform rather than cancelling the strategies to advance ways for the federal care policy for American Indian and Alaskan children. edited sample of those comments: conference. I enjoyed being able to hear government to honor its trust responsibility Native people. She is looking forward to Terry Cross, the founder and senior “It was a beautiful and empowering from and engage with some of the presenters, for the health of Native Americans. the many projects within her position at the adviser of NICWA, presented Blackstock training overall. I gained so much from the especially since I am now working from “Rear Adm. Weahkee has displayed a OUIHP, but more specifically in addressing with the award through a prerecorded video. ICWA court case session and active efforts home. It was really great to see other people great willingness to integrate Tribal feedback Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. “This award is so well deserved; I am information to intergenerational healing and virtually and be inspired by their work.” and priorities into IHS's policy development,” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the such an admirer of your work,” Cross said. the journey to healing.” “The entire conference was very the NIHB said in its statement. IHS is employing an “all hands on deck” He displayed a plaque to be sent to “On Monday I was lamenting about not informative and provided great insight. I Most recently, IHS has led tribal approach, which includes opportunities Blackstock. It read: “For outstanding being face-to-face in Denver. By Tuesday enjoyed hearing from the youth [and] their consultation teleconferences on the for virtual interns to work on projects that leadership to protect Native children.” I was really getting into the citations and role models. It’s awesome to see across the administration of more than $1 billion in have an immediate impact within tribal “I feel so privileged that I’ve been other helpful info from the audience. Then on nation what’s happening and what impact funding to combat coronavirus in Indian communities that continue to experience able to work with others, and particularly Wednesday I became a full-fledged convert people like the presenters and their partners Countryunder the CARES Act. some of the highest rates of infection. Some children, to bring them a little bit closer to of the virtual conference format.” are making. Thank you so much for all that “Weahkee has been instrumental in of the projects include: the dream our ancestors had for them: to be “I am thoroughly impressed with you’re doing for our future generations.” getting Coronavirus relief funding to Tribes • Creating handouts on COVID-19 proud of who they are and carry the dream the high quality and organization of this More information is available at as quickly as possible and is in regular resources for Residential Treatment Centers; forward with them,” Blackstock said in conference presentation and the lack of nicwa.org. For additional coverage of the communications with Tribal leaders," • Creating social media strategies accepting the award. problems encountered, especially under conference, go to seminoletribune.org and Kitcheyanadded in her statement. and campaigns for health promotion and Amory Zschach, NICWA strategic such stressful and trying times and such search “NICWA.” More information is available at ihs.gov. improving health literacy. communications manager, and Betty Bryant, short notice. Thank you.” • Creating educational materials for NICWA project coordinator, shared some “I really appreciate the NICWA team’s Cancer and Tobacco Prevention; • Developing a tracking mechanism for Hepatitis C Surveillance; and • Organizing materials for the 3rd UNITY provides update Annual Autism Awareness Interagency Roundtable. on conference status The IHS accepted 23 students, in both the undergraduate and the graduate levels. STAFF REPORT Annually, the With a wide variety in their topics of study conference is well attended and their background in tribal and urban In challenging The United National by Seminole youth. Last Indian communities, we are excited to see Indian Tribal Youth, year’s conference was held the support they will bring to our programs. Inc. (UNITY) remains in Orlando and featured More information on the Virtual Student times, we are in planning mode about several Seminole culture- Federal Service, including how to apply, is the National UNITY related aspects, including available on the IHS student Opportunities careful to protect Conference slated to be held booths, demonstrations and web site. Applications for the 2020-2021 July 3-7 in Washington, speakers. academic year will be accepted in July 2020. D.C. In a letter April 6, Mary Registration for the our physical health. Kim Titla, UNITY executive 2020 conference is open, Madalyn Grass, a citizen of the Cherokee director, explained that the with a cancellation policy in Nation, is from Oklahoma. She is a Virtual organization’s top priority place through June 30. The Student Federal Service intern in the Office is the health and safety of organization said if anyone of Urban Indian Health Programs at Indian attendees. Titla said options wants to cancel his or her Health Service headquarters. are being considered to conference registration and Don’t forget to take move forward with an in- request a refund, a $25 per person conference, but person processing fee for care of your mental and there’s also a possibility of each registrant will apply moving it to a later date. to cover associated costs as emotional health, too. “As we continue to outlined and agreed upon monitor daily updates and during the registration news regarding COVID-19, process. our goal is to have final Another option is decisions and direction for people to apply their Contact your local Indian health care confirmed by the first full 2020 registration fees (full week of May. This includes amount) to the 2021 UNITY provider for more information, visit a possible postponement of Midyear Conference or Healthcare.gov, or call 1–800–318–2596. the conference to August the 2021 National UNITY 2020,” Titla said. Conference. 10A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 SEMINOLE SCENES

BIg Cypress First Bapitst/Facebook PEACEFUL MORNING: Jonah Cypress sings during the early morning service of Big Cypress Firrst Baptist Church on Easter morning along the banks of a canal on the reservation. Hard Rock Stadium/Facebook BLUE SUPPORT: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is lit up in blue April 9 as part of a nationwide effort to show support for health care workers. Stadiums and buildings throughout the country showcased blue.

Hard Rock/Facebook (2) SIGNS OF SUPPORT: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, above, and Seminole Classic Casino, right, were among the Tribe’s gaming venues that put out montages that included team members showing signs of togetherness from a distance during the shutdown from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seminole Scenes Rewind: Old photos from our files - Seminole Okalee Indian Village 11A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 NATIONAL NATIVE NEWS Foxwoods president and CEO on revenues from these enterprises. to find a mutually beneficial way to access the jurisdiction, economy, health, culture and the land before the U.S., recognize the resigns The results of the researchers’ easements. spiritual life,” Tami Lyn Azorsky, a lawyer atrocities committed in taking that land, give preliminary economic analysis, which were Piedmont has held open meetings since the for the tribe, wrote in a court filing on Friday, people an understanding how colonialism MASHANTUCKET, Conn. — included in the letter, indicate that tribal facility was proposed to include the community April 10. impacts Native Americans today and start a Foxwoods Resort Casino CEO John James, governments stand to lose $12.5 billion in discussions about development. Belton, Among the many ramifications of conversation about the future. 59, resigned April 14 after just eight months in revenues, in addition to the social and who attended one meeting, said the company taking the land out of trust: The order would “That practice, even if it is only a ritual on the job and in the midst of a pandemic cultural losses borne by economically representatives dismissed his questions and disqualify the tribe from Indian gaming, with formality, it nevertheless, I believe, sets a that has shuttered casinos in the Northeast. diminished tribes. concerns about how the pipeline could affect his a $1.5 billion casino planned on reservation tone that makes for a more civil society in In a statement to employees, the Kalt repeatedly compared tribal property. land in Taunton; interfere with an affordable a land where a settler society lives alongside Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation said that governments to local and state governments Last month, Foncie received a letter of housing project under construction in Indigenous peoples,” said Tom Isern, a James left effective immediately “to spend that provide a slew of essential services for condemnation after choosing to not sign a Mashpee; and impact funding from the history professor at North Dakota State more time with his family and focus on his their citizens. The Navajo Nation — spanning contract with a price he considered too low. federal government. University. overall health and wellness in a time that it is over 17 million acres in the Southwest — is David Barton, a member of the Tuscarora After an emergency motion by the tribe, Several NDSU employees have critically important for all of us to do.” home to roughly 330,000 residents and is Nation and a farmer, said the land agent the court ordered a 45-day postponement of addressed Fargo’s Native American James became the CEO in August, about the size of West Virginia by area. promised Piedmont would work in good faith the Interior Department order pending oral Commission, sharing two draft versions of replacing Felix Rappaport, who died of an Yet tribal governments like the Navajo with the landowners. After Barton expressed arguments on the motion. a land acknowledgment agreement that says apparent heart attack in June 2018. Prior to Nation lack traditional state and local tax wanting certain restrictions with the easements, The court has since consolidated the the Anishinaabe, Dakota, Lakota and Nakota coming to Foxwoods, James had spent more bases. Instead, they are funded almost he said the land agent dismissed his proposals. emergency motion by the tribe with earlier peoples lived on and cared for land now than 25 years in the gaming industry. entirely by tribe-run gaming and non-gaming “There’s no act of good faith about this motions for summary judgment, bringing occupied by the campus. Jason Guyot, senior vice president of enterprises, like tourism and manufacturing. whatsoever,” Barton said. “They want all the the entire weight of the case to the hearing “We feel at NDSU that it’s really Resort Operations at Foxwoods, will act With casinos closed and customers few and terms to be in their favor. There’s nothing in the in May. important to honor and acknowledge as interim CEO while a search for John’s far between, tribal governments — which run favor of the landowner whatsoever.” In the case, the tribe contends that the and remember the land we’re on and its successor takes place, the tribe said. more than half of healthcare facilities within The main concerns of the Oxendine department’s determination that the tribe people who were here before NDSU was their borders, according to Kalt — may not brothers and Barton include damage done to was not under federal jurisdiction in 1934, established,” Seinquis Leinen, associate - Masslive.com have resources to adequately respond to the drainage ditches on their properties during the year the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) director of the university’s admission COVID-19 crisis. development. When Duke Energy has gone was passed, was “arbitrary, capricious, and office, said during a Feb. 6 meeting of the Before the pandemic, tribal economies through their properties to repair damaged contrary to law.” commission. Census in rural, Native American were experiencing long-run growth, despite power lines, they have inadvertently clogged That year has underpinned the definition Vanessa Tibbitts, an Oglala Lakota from communities delayed until June pockets of enduring poverty. They began drainage ditches, causing subsequent flooding of “Indian” under the IRA since a US South Dakota who serves as a public health to gradually blossom decades ago after the of parts of their fields which they said has Supreme Court decision in 2009, known as education manager at NDSU’s American Native Americans living on some federal government took steps to enable self- caused the loss of crops. the Carcieri decision, determined the word Indian Public Health Resource Center, said reservations and other remote areas must governance and self-determination. Landowners said the facility and pipelines “now” in the phrase “now under federal a land acknowledgment statement is a good wait until June to participate in the U.S. But the pandemic may upend that have damaged the environment and the health jurisdiction” to mean “in 1934.” opportunity to work on reconciliation. Census due to COVID-19 restrictions. It’s a progress. As tribal governments lose of those who live nearby. The Interior Department could cede Members of Fargo’s Native American delay that some fear could lead to a drastic revenues, the letter co-signers argue, the Donna Chavis, a local Lumbee activist who part of its time for oral arguments to the Commission seemed supportive of a land undercount. tribes could collectively lose more than $127 has frequently opposed fossil fuel development, intervening Littlefield party, which is acknowledgment statement for NDSU. Those living on reservations or hard- billion in annual spending on goods and raised concerns about a cancer cluster in composed of residents from Taunton who Commission Chair Lenore King said it is to-count areas, many of whom don’t have services, 1.1 million jobs, and $49.5 billion Robeson County associated with fossil fuel sued the tribe in a separate case in 2016, important to recognize who came before traditional addresses or internet and are in wages and benefits for workers. infrastructure. Barton and the Oxendine brothers shortly after that the tribe broke ground on NDSU. dependent on post office boxes, must Kalt said their analyses also considered said they have family members with property the casino project. The project has since “We’re standing together, and we’re wait for census workers to hand-deliver spillover effects on non-native populations, along pipelines who have been diagnosed with stalled. being strong together,” she said. their materials to their door. Those areas, as tribal enterprises can economically boost cancer. When the First Circuit Court of Appeals It will help raise awareness of which the census categorizes as “update neighboring towns. The researchers found Because of the high expense of academic found in favor of the Taunton residents in that Indigenous history that is often suppressed, leave” responses, include the Spokane that non-Native Americans will actually face research on cancer clusters, there have been no case in February, the court determined that forgotten and disregarded, said Ryan Eagle, Indian Reservation and significant swaths the brunt of tribal decline — 70 percent of formal studies into cancer clusters in Robeson the second definition in the IRA incorporated an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated of sparsely populated north-central the total losses. County, which has one of the highest poverty the part in the first definition requiring a tribe Tribes in North Dakota who also works at Washington. HPAIED Research Director and letter rates in the state. to be under federal jurisdiction in 1934 to be the center. A little more than 95% of people co-signer Miriam R. Jorgensen wrote in an Some cancer clusters have been attributed qualified for land in trust under the IRA. “Our land is not just a space that living in the United States can fill out the emailed statement that “devastated” tribal to the presence of toxic chemicals in water The Interior Department cited a court we occupy,” said Eagle, a public health census anytime between March 12 and the governments need federal assistance. and soil that leak from industrial facilities or mandate from the Littlefields’ case against research project manager at the center. “It’s new extended deadline of Oct. 31. They “Stimulate monies from the federal pipelines, according to the National Cancer the tribe as the impetus for the order to the depository of our culture, history and are categorized as “self-response” by the government help their economies stay Institute. But methane, the main component disestablish the tribe’s reservation. traditions.” bureau. They’re asked to fill out the census afloat,” she wrote. of natural gas, is nontoxic and is transported “On March 19th, the court of appeals The University of North Dakota in online after they have received a prompt Kalt and Jorgensen both stressed that through pipelines in a gaseous state that issued its mandate, which requires Interior to Grand Forks and North Dakota State College with a code in the mail. tribal governments must retain autonomy dissipates into the atmosphere when it leaks rescind its earlier decision,” the department of Science, with campuses in Wahpeton Many Native Americans living on over emergency relief funds, such as those rather than linger in soil or water, McGee said. said. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, at the and Fargo, are pursuing similar efforts, reservations and those living in rural areas provided by the CARES Act signed into However, methane is a potent directive of the Interior Department, notified spokespeople confirmed. were initially scheduled to receive census federal law on March 27. greenhouse gas that alarmingly contributes Tribal Council Chairman Cedric Cromwell Several stakeholders and experts materials between March 15 and April 17. “We think it would be very inappropriate to global warming, the effects of which are on March 27. have contributed input to the land Census workers are now scheduled to visit for the federal government to put a lot of disproportionately harmful to Black and - Mashpee (Mass.) Enterprise acknowledgment efforts, Leinen said. those areas between June 13 and July 9 strings on how tribal governments spend indigenous people of color. In Robeson County, NDSU leadership declined to comment instead. their CARES Act monies,” Kalt said. “Tribes people of color compose more than 70 percent Montana judge blocks Keystone on work to develop a land acknowledgment Native Americans are one of several have proven that, on average, they’re much of the population, according to data from the XL permit for river crossings statement. “It sounds like the small group historically undercounted groups in the better at making those calls about how to U.S. Census Bureau. that went to the commission was seeking U.S. Some, such as Rachelle Bradley, the allocate resources.” Alongside landowners, Chavis has attended discussion and input for a possible statement Though Mnuchin’s office has received some meetings held by Piedmont. She said she TC Energy Corp.’s Keystone XL that they might use,” NDSU spokeswoman Spokane Tribe’s liaison to the U.S. Census oil-sands pipeline was a dealt a setback Bureau, fear the delay could lead to a larger their letter, Kalt said, the researchers have is reaching out to allies in the legal and nonprofit Brynn Rawlings said in an email. “They not received a response. communities on behalf of the landowners and with a judge’s ruling that the U.S. Army did not intend to represent a universitywide undercount than in the past. Bradley said she Corps of Engineers improperly approved and others have spent months promoting the In addition to federal advocacy, others opposed to both the pipelines and the decision at this time.” HPAIED assembled an online resource liquefied natural gas plant as a whole. a streamlined permit process without fully When asked if NDSU would support a census and fear that three additional months evaluating the impact on endangered species. of promoting it and urging people to wait toolbox for tribal leaders struggling to adapt Piedmont said they are committed to land acknowledgment statement, Rawlings to the pandemic. minimizing the impact of development on the In a legal challenge brought by said, “There has been no formal discussion for a packet to be delivered to their door environmental groups, a federal judge in could lead to apathy when census workers Kalt said the team plans to conduct environment. The facility, which itself is much on this topic, so it would be premature to further economic modeling in the coming smaller than the plot of land it sits upon, will be Montana on April 15 ordered the agency to speculate.” do arrive. conduct further review and barred it from “I’m worried the longer we wait, the weeks and release a final report. Despite surrounded by a buffer of green space. the plight, the researchers say they remain “We’re going to plant trees and make it authorizing dredging in waterways covered - Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald more people are going to put it in the back by the permit. of their mind and it will be forgotten about,” hopeful. Kalt said tribal officials were nice-looking and restore the land as much as we “extremely grateful” for their letter. can to what it looked like before,” McGee said. “We have received the judge’s ruling she said. “I really don’t want that to happen.” and continue to review it,” Calgary-based No charges for officer who shot Bradley said she understands the “American Indian nations are resilient. McGee also said Piedmont will employ Native American man at fireworks If they were not, they wouldn’t be here 500 construction techniques that will allow for TC Energy said in a statement. “We remain importance of safety but wishes the census committed to building this important energy display would consider mailing to post office boxes, years after the colonization project began in placing pipelines beneath sensitive waterways North America,” Jorgensen wrote. “They and wetlands with minimal environmental infrastructure project.” or find other ways besides in-person delivery The stakes in the legal challenges to to involve those living on the reservation in have survived pandemics before.” impact. Some waterways in Robeson County, The Poulsbo (Wash.) police officer who particularly the Lumber River, are culturally Keystone XL rose higher than ever last in July shot and killed a Native American the census as soon as possible. month, when Canada’s oil-rich province of If Native Americans are undercounted, - The Harvard Crimson significant to the Lumbee. man in a crowd gathered for a fireworks The Lumbee people are a traditionally Alberta announced $5.3 billion in aid to help display will not face criminal charges, the or if they are counted but their race is finance the conduit’s construction and TC misstated as biracial or another race and Natural gas plant construction agrarian society with deep ties to their historic Kitsap County prosecutor announced April land, said Wendy Moore, a member of the Energy formally committed to building the 17. not Native American, that could mean less causes concerns for Native American line. Already, the project was seen as a key federal funding for tribes in the future, she Lumbee Tribal Council. They have historically Relying mainly on eyewitness accounts landowners lived in southeastern North Carolina, lifeline for Alberta’s oil-sands producers, from the crowd and physical evidence said. which have suffered from a lack of pipeline Samantha Biasca, engagement particularly in Robeson, Scotland, Cumberland gathered July 3 from the scene at the Poulsbo A plan for Piedmont Natural Gas to and Hoke counties. capacity that has weighed on local crude waterfront, Prosecutor Chad Enright wrote coordinator for the Na’ah Illahee Fund, a construct a liquefied natural gas plant in prices and restrained their ability to boost nonprofit that received a grant to encourage “These are people who feel a responsibility Officer Craig Keller was justified in shooting Robeson County is causing conflict among to care for this land, not just for themselves, but output. Stonechild Chiefstick, 39. Native American participation in the census, Native American landowners. Even short delays to Keystone XL’s said she was concerned rural areas and for their children into the future,” Chavis said. “They have no bias, they have no For Piedmont to construct the plant, it Moore represents the Oxendine district construction could set the project back interest in this case,” Enright said of the 21 Native Americans living on reservations must connect the 685-acre development site to by a full year because pipeline work had received no official materials from the where Piedmont is building the liquefied natural witnesses he cited in his report. “These were existing natural gas infrastructure via pipelines. gas plant. She ran for council to remind the is highly seasonal, requiring unfrozen people whose only involvement was they census, while many of the communities On-site construction has continued despite the ground and other conditions. Legal delays around them had already completed theirs. people of their power in governance, and since happened to be there on July 3. What they COVID-19 outbreak, with workers engaging in December, she has worked to create a council last year caused TC Energy to miss the saw and what they described was what really “These hard-to-count areas just got social distancing and wearing adequate personal 2019 construction window, pushing the even harder to count,” she said. committee to handle issues related to agriculture drove this.” protective equipment. and natural resources. already-delayed project back even further. The initial investigation into the shooting The Na’ah Illahee Fund is one of several Meanwhile, landowners living along the TC Energy Chief Executive Officer Russ groups that worked to inform and encourage “There are Lumbee who actually have at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, proposed pipeline await eminent domain court no problem with (the facility), and some of Girling said during a presentation last week as a crowd of families waited for sunset hard-to-count groups to participate in cases delayed by the pandemic that could grant that construction may progress more slowly the census. It has also had to cancel or them are in governmental positions,” Moore to watch the Third of July fireworks, was Piedmont access to their properties. said. “That being said, that does not negate the because physical distancing measures in completed in October by a group of Kitsap significantly revise many of their efforts due Piedmont, a regional subsidiary of Duke response to the coronavirus. to the COVID-19 pandemic. adverse impact on the families that I’ve been County-based police officers called the Energy, proposed the facility in 2019 to store meeting with.” The Sierra Club and other groups Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team. Biasca said the census likely would have super-cooled natural gas — which takes up that sued the Army Corps in July said run into issues with hard-to-count groups Poulsbo police were not involved in the just a fraction of the space it does at higher - Dailytarheel.com (Chapel Hill, N.C.) in a statement that the ruling invalidates investigation and Keller, who was hired by launching an online platform anyway, but temperatures — for use during winter months a nationwide permit used to fast-track said the COVID-19 pandemic likely made the city in 2015, remained on administrative when energy demand is higher. The facility in Keystone XL as well as other pipeline and leave until Enright’s decision. Chief Dan planning and carrying out the census much Robeson County is expected to supplement Court Case tied to Tribe’s utility projects. They said it could block more difficult. Schoonmaker said on April 17 that Keller demand for 100,000 homes and businesses reservation land to be heard in May Keystone’s construction through hundreds will return to work. across the state’s eastern counties. of water crossings along its route. - Spokesman.com (Spokane, Wash.) Chiefstick was not a member of the Piedmont said the development of the MASHPEE, Mass. — The court case Sonya Savage, Minister of Energy of Suquamish Tribe but was part of the tribal natural gas facility will lead to an increase in the that has postponed a U.S. Department Alberta, Canada, said the ruling was narrow community locally. Harvard researchers advocate county’s tax revenue and provide temporary and of the Interior order to disestablish the and only directs the Army Corps to conduct In a statement, the Suquamish Tribal economic aid for tribes permanent jobs during and after development. Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s reservation additional review on two river crossings. Council said Enright’s decision not to charge Many of the affected landowners, however, are will be heard by the U.S. District Court in “Keystone XL is critical for the future Keller was “of concern to the Suquamish CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Harvard affiliated with tribes such as the Lumbee Tribe Washington, D.C., on May 7 via video or of Alberta, Canada and the U.S.,” Savage Tribe,” but directed its criticisms toward the researchers sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of or the Tuscarora Nation and have deep familial teleconferencing due to the COVID-19 said in a tweet. “We remain committed to police response that night. the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin [in April] and cultural ties to the land. pandemic. this extremely important project.” “That local police were unable to advocating for support for Native American Piedmont plans to lay a 4.5-mile pipeline to The tribe sued the Interior Department The Army Corps didn’t immediately manage an uncomfortable situation tribes facing economic hardship in light of link the facility with their distribution network, in 2018 over the department’s determination respond to a request for comment. involving a person of color without violence the coronavirus pandemic. said Tammie McGee, a spokesperson for that the tribe does not meet one of the has become all too common,” the council The team of four researchers — Piedmont. To do so, they are seeking easement definitions of Indian under the law that - Bloomberg said. “We believe that this was a preventable affiliates of the Harvard Project on American rights to cross the property of landowners along establishes land in trust. homicide. This father of five, a valued Indian Economic Development — argued the pipeline route, either through contracts with The tribe and the Interior Department 3 North Dakota colleges may member of our community, did not have to the public health crisis directly threatens landowners or through court proceedings. will be allotted 75 minutes each for oral soon acknowledge campuses are on die.” “It is our preference to exercise our right arguments during the hearing. nearly three decades of steady economic Indigenous land Police could have asked Chiefstick to development for the tribes. of eminent domain when every other option The case could determine the fate of leave the event earlier in the evening “when They wrote that of the hundreds of self- has been exhausted,” McGee said. “So we do the tribe’s 321 acres of reservation land it was evident that he was experiencing either governing tribes in the United States, they try to work with these landowners and take their in Mashpee and Taunton. The Interior FARGO, N.D. — Staff with North a mental health or substance abuse episode,” are unaware of any tribal gaming enterprises considerations and concerns into account.” Department ordered the land to be taken out Dakota’s two flagship universities and a or, “Had police officers used de-escalation — primarily casinos — that have not shut Landowners Foncie and Belton Oxendine, of trust late last month. college in Wahpeton, N.D., are working on methods and more skillfully handled the down amid the pandemic. members of the Lumbee Tribe and brothers who “If implemented, the department’s statements that will recognize the campuses interaction, the encounter could have ended Kennedy School emeritus professor farm on their properties along the pipeline route, decision to remove the trust restrictions sit on land that once belonged to Native peacefully,” the statement said. Joseph P. Kalt — a letter co-signer who said their interactions with a contracted land from the Tribe’s land and disestablish Americans. co-founded HPAIED in 1987 — said tribal agent have made them concerned Piedmont its Reservation will have a tremendous Experts say land acknowledgments - Kitsapsun.com (Bremerton, Wash.) governments are “tremendously dependent” isn’t interested in working with the landowners negative impact on the Tribe’s sovereignty, are a way to respect tribes who occupied 12A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020

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20-SHRH-02849 - Seminole Tribune Insertion.indd 1 4/10/2020 2:55:59 PM 1B • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 Education B First comes graduation, then the Navy for Brighton’s Eecho Billie

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor

Just like any other high school senior, Eecho Billie wants to be able to turn his tassel and celebrate graduation with classmates – in person. But with the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc across the country during what should be the best time in a high school student’s life – the spring of their senior year – questions remained as of press time whether graduation ceremonies would be altered or held at all. A virtual ceremony isn’t the way Billie would want his high school career to end. “It would be pretty disappointing because I’ve been looking forward to walking across the stage to get my diploma,” said Billie, a senior at The Pine School in Hobe Sound, where he’s attended since grade seven and played lacrosse and soccer. Since the pandemic forced campuses to close in March, Billie has been completing his studies online at home on the Brighton Reservation. While schools and districts wrestle with what direction to pursue for graduation, Billie already knows where he’s headed after high school. The 18-year-old will follow in his father’s footsteps and join the U.S. military. Billie has enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His goal is to become a Navy SEAL – the Mount Everest of military challenges. Knowing it’s an incredibly difficult challenge that only Courtesy photo few achieve – the SEALs are often regarded Pine School senior Eecho Billie, 18, receives his cap and gown and a graduation yard sign from Kelly Hilton-Green, an administrator from the school, in April at the Billie family’s home in Brighton. to have the toughest military training in the world – is what appeals to him the most. “Just being the best of the best,” he said. Billie, the son of former Chairman was always for it,” Billie said. summer, but it has been cancelled. Head of School Binney Caffrey posted on “It takes a lot to make it through.” James E. Billie and Maria Billie, and brother Shooting is one skill Billie has excelled Now Billie hopes his graduation Facebook. “This is meant to be a time of A 2017 article from the Independent of Miss Jr. Florida Seminole Aubee Billie, at which should help in the military. Whether ceremony doesn’t meet a similar fate. He did togetherness and celebration - they’ve all online publication in Great Britain listed the received the blessing of his dad to join the hunting wild hogs for leisure or competing receive his cap and gown and a graduation worked so hard to reach this point! This was eight most elite special forces in the world. military. At first, Billie thought about joining in international events, he’s had success yard sign in April thanks to Pine School about showing them in a tangible way how The U.S. Navy SEALs were ranked No. 1, the Army, where his dad served in the with guns. He won two gold medals in administrators who presented their seniors very much they mean to us.” noting that “many foreign militaries base Vietnam War, but he switched his decision rifle shooting at the 2017 North American with those items in surprise home visits. their special ops on the SEALs.” to the Navy. Indigenous Games in Toronto. He was “We miss all of our students right now “It didn’t matter what branch it was; he eligible to compete in 2020 NAIG this but it’s especially tough for our seniors,”

We are a high performing school (A middle have stood tall, with their heads up, and they F SCHOOLS school and B elementary), so our students are doing this with pride and confidence. I University of Oklahoma From page 1A are able to complete rigorous assignments genuinely, truly love my PECS family,” independently and with support,” Downing Downing wrote. Teachers are armed with an array of wrote. receives $4.8M gift for tools including Google Classroom, which PECS parents have been very engaged Ahfachkee has a live stream section where students can in their children’s education and Downing post messages to classmates and the teach- appreciates their efforts. With its campus closed, Ahfachkee’s Native Peoples Initiative er, a dashboard where students access their “All parents are communicating with hub of learning shifted to online education assignments and a place for them to upload us and instructing their children. Many of in early April through the school’s website at our parents have asked to join our Google seminolewarriors.net. Department. their work. BY NURIA MARTINEZ-KEEL classrooms, so that they can see what A lot of the usual aspects of a normal The Native Nation Center, or NNC, “Remote learning is an adjustment, The Oklahoman but students are calling, texting, and Zoom assignments are due and can help keep the school day – attendance, lessons, grades, received an endowment from the Chickasaw students on track. We happily added them to homework – are all still part of the students’ Nation two years ago to refurbish its event meeting with us teachers daily. Their dedication to their academics is inspiring the classroom so they can provide support,” academic lives. The school has tried to make space in Copeland Hall and the Native Downing wrote. the transition as smooth as possible. NORMAN, Okla. — A $4.8 million American Studies Department. given the circumstances we are all trying donation to the University of Oklahoma will to survive in,” said Amy Carr, a sixth-grade Tutoring is available in small groups “No one is not going to get promoted or The Horizon Foundation’s gift and one-on-one daily through Zoom and graduate because of COVID-19, provided launch a new institute dedicated to studying will support classrooms and spaces for teacher. Native American nations. Many middle school students have been Google Hangout. Students may enter a they do the schoolwork,” Principal Dorothy community events and interdisciplinary Zoom Conference at any time during the day Cain wrote in an email to the Tribune The Horizon Foundation, a grant- research. using the program so they are familiar with making nonprofit from the Dallas area, made it. Elementary students have been getting and get one-on-one assistance. in early April. “We certainly don’t want NNC Director Amanda Cobb-Greetham The school uses Google Docs to ensure COVID-19 to stop students from completing the donation to establish the Native Peoples said the Native Peoples Initiative will help small group and individual support through Institute. Google Hangouts and Zoom, both of which all students are online daily and completing the school year as long as they show up for advance issues of tribal sovereignty, increase their work. Downing said 99% of the their classes.” The university hailed the gift as one that understanding of indigenous cultures and are conferencing platforms where they can will make OU “the premier center for Native see each other and communicate face-to-face students are completing their work. One Teachers post weekly schedules and enrich experiences of native students. family lives too far out for internet or cell students must complete their lessons. American research and teaching,” according “This initiative highlights collaboration in real time. to a news release March 30. The school also has a Google Classroom phone service, so the school sends packets Some portions of the classwork are live, with Oklahoma’s 39 Native Nations,” which the students complete. such as Jennifer Brittingham’s art lessons. “This gift fortifies the universitywide Cobb-Greetham said in OU’s news release. for Creek language, arts and crafts, physical Native Peoples Initiative, led by the OU education, media center and morning “Our students, our parents, our Education-based programs – including “We are committed to listening closely colleagues, and our community are all USATest Prep, Edgenuity and Holt Native Nations Center, and will enhance our and responding to tribal needs and are announcements where Downing gives her collective understanding and appreciation daily “Words of Wisdom.” working together to reassure and provide McDougal – are being used. Flexibility is establishing an advisory board, chaired by stability and normalcy to our students during also part of the implemented system. of the compelling landscape of Native OU Tribal Liaison Officer Warren Queton, Downing didn’t let a worldwide experiences, benefiting all people,” OU pandemic stop the PECS school spirit. She these unprecedented times. The PECS family “As long as kids complete the work to ensure strong community engagement.” has been a group of professionals and has for the day they are fine,” Cain said. “If [a Interim President Joseph Harroz said in the Horizon Foundation President Rod figured out a way to have a virtual “spirit release. week” where students upload pictures conducted themselves in an ethical way and student] wants to sleep in and work later, or Sanders said OU is the “perfect location” for they have been a model for all. They have if parents have a lot of kids and not enough The Horizon Foundation’s donation the initiative, as it operates in a state where showing their spirit on the PECS Friends includes three $1.5 million endowed chairs group Facebook page. reassured our students and parents and have laptops and are sharing the technology, we 39 tribal nations are headquartered. reminded them that our stakeholders and the can’t expect them all to adhere to an exact to attract nationally recognized scholars in Sanders is the co-founder of Highland Each day is a different subject. On Native American studies. Monday of the first week students posted tribe are all committed to taking good care schedule. We tried to create scenarios for Homes, one of the largest private home of everyone. I told our staff that when we families.” Areas of study for these endowed chairs building companies in the country. photos of themselves in their pajamas; will include Native American spirituality and Tuesday they uploaded photos with their are on the other side of this, we will all be Learning programs from Discovery “The Horizon Foundation is very commended for our proactivity and our well Education have been incorporated into some the environment, Native American history pleased to make this gift, which we hope will pets; Wednesday asked for photos in their and culture, and Native American language favorite reading spot; Thursday’s photo was thought out decision making. Our teachers classes. For example, the schedule for one deepen engagement with the Native Nations week in Rebecca Tiger’s second-grade class preservation and revitalization. and communities in Oklahoma and across of posters with encouraging words; and the Leading the initiative, OU’s Native week wrapped up Friday as students posted included sessions on animals, holidays and the country,” Sanders said. “We believe it is neighborhoods. YouTube is also being used Nation Center will receive $300,000 for a important that there is a better understanding photos wearing a PECS shirt. building study to “provide a home” for the The spirit week was such a success, for instruction such as physical education, of Native American cultures, spirituality, where students are directed to fitness center and the Native American Studies values and views of the world.” Downing turned it into a weekly event. For April 13-17, some of the topics for photos exercises; those are in addition to other included the Easter holiday, reading and instructions to practice, such as dribbling working out. and sprinting. “It’s a nice way to bond with everyone Ahfachkee has made sure students have NICWA offers training in June and stay connected,” Downing said. “We access to their lessons. Any student without can focus on the students socially and a laptop was provided one by the school. emotionally while they are home.” Google Chrome Books were distributed FROM PRESS RELEASE Training will be offered twice over During a typical four-hour day of April 15. two separate weeks. The first week will be distance learning, students spend about three “A big thank you to Douglas Zepeda from June 1-5 with a daily 90-minute web- hours working on academics; 30 minutes in and Bello Solano for distributing the laptops The National Indian Child Welfare based training each morning. The second music, physical education, music or media; to our families and to the entire IT team for Association’s June training institute, due to option will take place on June 17-18 in a and 20 minutes in recess. their support during this time,” the school take place in Portland, has been moved to more condensed two-day training format. Downing said the students are involved wrote in its daily update for Tribal programs. a virtual format. The training, “Enhancing Both trainings will be taught by Terry and completing their work. Although the For the few students who don’t have Basic Skills for Tribal Child Welfare Cross, NICWA founder and senior advisor. Florida Standards Assessment tests were internet access in their homes, arrangements Workers,” is geared toward tribal child Participants will learn from Terry as well as cancelled for the year, assignments are still were made to deliver packages containing welfare workers who want to improve on have small group discussions sharing best being graded and those grades will be used their required school work. their basic skills. The training will strengthen practices from their community. Note that to to determine promotion. The Ahfachkee community has learned an ability to work with children and families attend, you must have access to the internet, Parents play an active role in the process to work together from a distance. and improve caseload management. Topics computer sound, a microphone (or phone), by supporting the educational process at “We would like to thank our Ahfachkee include effective interviewing skills, case and a computer. Early bird registration ends home. students, parents, teachers, teacher assistants, management plans and services, working May 15. For more information visit nicwa. “They are truly our partners in education. and support staff who are doing an amazing with substance-abusing families, writing org. The whole community has been involved in job to support our Virtual Learning Program. effective court reports, and case records and supporting us,” Downing wrote. This has truly been a team effort,” the school documentation. The school is still teaching the standards, wrote in its daily update for Tribal programs. so the virtual lesson plans are the same as if PECS was still open. PECS Facebook “We must be rigorous so that when our First-grader Kaison Bush is ready for PECS’ on- students go back to school, they aren’t behind. line learning. 2B • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 College president earns American Museum offers ‘Hearts of Our NLC hosts Indian College Fund honor People: Native Women Artists’ youth poster FROM PRESS RELEASE STAFF REPORT and photography. The exhibition is organized by Jill contest The American Indian College Fund Ahlberg Yohe, associate curator of Native announced March 26 that Sandra Boham, WASHINGTON, D.C. — As of American Art at the Minneapolis Institute STAFF REPORT president of Salish Kootenai College, is its publication time, the Smithsonian’s of Art and Teri Greeves, an independent Tribal College and University Honoree of American Art Museum and its Renwick curator and member of the Kiowa Nation. An the Year. Boham was chosen for the award Gallery in Washington, D.C., are temporarily advisory panel of Native women artists and HOLLYWOOD — The Seminole for her contributions to American Indian closed due to COVID-19. Still, art lovers and Native and non-Native scholars provided Tribe’s Native Learning Center is holding higher education. She will receive a $1,200 anyone else can view the current featured insights from a range of nations. The a poster contest for all Tribal youth titled honorarium from the American Indian exhibition “Hearts of Our People: Native presentation is organized in collaboration “What Home Means To Me.” All forms of College Fund. Women Artists” online in the current exhibits with the National Museum of the American art are welcomed, but it needs to be poster- Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) category at americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick. Indian. friendly. Posters must be original art work. serve remote reservation communities Photos, videos and audio are part of Markers, paints, crayons, colored pencils, where residents would find earning a higher an extensive online exhibit that features 82 beads and fabric can be used. Create a poster education to be difficult, if not impossible, artworks dating from antiquity to the present, that shows what home means to you. Submit without them, while also growing a pool made in a variety of media from textiles and a photo of your poster to wilmanoah@ of professionals in careers that tribal beadwork, to sculpture, time-based media Courtesy photo semtribe.com or krystalcedeno@semtribe. communities desperately need. com. Entries will be accepted from April Salish Kootenai College (SKC), located Sandra Boham, president of Salish Kootenai 1-June 30. The age categories are 5-10, 11- on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Pablo, College. 13 and 14-18. Prizes will be awarded. Montana, will provide a four-year nursing curriculum beginning in the fall of 2020, “I loved it because it served a social thanks to Boham and nursing department justice issue at the time: I was helping to director Dr. Lisa Harmon. SKC is the first increase the very low graduation rates in IAIA student TCU to offer a four-year Bachelor of Science my community. We had a lot of students degree in nursing. Culturally responsive interested in getting their GEDs. For every nursing training helps nurses give health student that was told college wasn’t for them wins award care with better outcomes in their tribal and had barriers put in place, I felt by going communities, where people experience into education I could help break down for ‘Yaku, higher rates of health disparities. those barriers,” Boham said. Boham’s career in education started After working for the Tribal Work with her role as an adult basic education Experience Program (TWEP), Boham the Water teacher on her home reservation, born of gained a wide array of experience learning her desire to work in the realm of social about the tribal college from the ground justice, knowing that education creates up. She became the college’s registrar and Spirit’ opportunities. But it wasn’t her first job the director of admissions. She also served Minneapolis Institute of Art that hooked her. Rather, it was her first as the assistant director of Upward Bound Jamie Okuma (Luiseño/Shoshone-Bannock), experience with SKC as a student herself. and Gear Up and worked in financial aid Adaptation II, 2012, shoes designed by Christian FROM PRESS RELEASE “I first became interested in higher before pursuing other education career Louboutin, leather, glass beads, porcupine quills, education in high school because my parents opportunities both outside of and in the sterling silver cones, brass sequins, chicken didn’t go to college. They didn’t have the state of Montana with a variety of learning feathers, cloth, deer rawhide, and buckskin. Tribal College Journal announced opportunity. My mom is from the reservation communities. She worked at the Northern Richard Church, Odawa-Pottawatomi April 1 that Suni S. Vizcarra Wood, of the and dad is from Southeast Kentucky, where California Indian Development Council Cherish Parrish (Ottawa/Pottawatomi), The Next Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), is his path was going to be in the military or in Eureka, California where she taught Generation — Carriers of Culture, 2018, black the recipient of the 2020 TCJ Student Best coal mining. He went into military. They Indian Studies at Humboldt State and the ash and sweetgrass. Film Award for his original work, “Yaku, the both wanted me to go to college. In 1977 College of the Redwoods. She rounded out Water Spirit.” As part of the award, Vizcarra Salish Kootenai College started and was her education experience back in Montana Wood will present his film at the Pocahontas holding classes.” serving students from K-12 as the Director Reframed “Storytellers” Film Festival in “‘Let’s try this together and see what of Indian Education for the Great Falls Richmond, Virginia. you think,’ my mom said. It started with School District in Montana, and at the Vizcarra Wood is from Taos, New taking night classes with her, and that got Department of Corrections as the Education Mexico, but spent much of his life growing me excited about higher education,” Boham Director for women. up in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in said. After returning home to SKC, in 2013- Cusco, Peru, where he was immersed in Boham graduated from St. Ignatius 14 she was named Academic Vice President the Indigenous Peruvian culture of his High School in 1978. In the winter of 1979, and later Acting President in 2015, until she father. He studied sculpture at Bellas Artes while she was attending the University of assumed the role of president in February Diego Quispe Tito in Cusco and is currently Montana as a freshman, SKC was looking 2016. pursuing a BFA in sculpture at IAIA. He is for someone to teach adult education classes. a member of the Kusi Kawsay Educational Community, and a musician of the Kusi Ñan traditional Cusqueña music group. MIT program seeks solutions from “In my artistic works I try to transmit and communicate messages to awaken Native innovators the conscience of our people about the importance of our ancestral cultural identity,” FROM PRESS RELEASE The Solve Indigenous Communities he said. Fellowship is now accepting solutions NMAI Photo Services The short documentary, “Navajo CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — MIT through July 7, 2020. Each selected Fellow Denver Art Museum Sisithunwan Dakhóta artist, Tablecloth, 1900– Winters” by Lonnie R. Begaye, also of IAIA, Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts will receive a $10,000 grant, as well as Nimi’ipuu (Nez Perce) artist, Bag, ca. 1900, corn 1910, wool, glass beads, brass beads, and cotton earned an honorable mention. This is the Institute of Technology, announced April access to a nine-month program of support husk, yarn, rawhide, and wool. thread. second year that TCJ Student is partnering 7 that is has launched the third year of its for additional resources and partnerships. with the Pocahontas Reframed “Storytellers,” Indigenous Communities Fellowship, “Indigenous communities are on the a national film festival that features a wide seeking Indigenous-led solutions that drive frontlines of tackling many social, economic, array of Native filmmakers and films. social, environmental, and economic impact and environmental issues, bringing culturally Minneapolis Institute “We’re thrilled for Suni, and look in Native communities across the US. relevant, inter-generational solutions,” of Art forward to featuring his outstanding film, The Fellowship, made possible in said Alex Amouyel, executive director, Nellie Two Bear “Yaku, The Water Spirit,” at tcjstudent. part by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, MIT Solve. “We are thrilled to offer this Gates (Gathering org. Suni’s work illustrates the great artistic invites applicants with innovative solutions Fellowship for a third year — and to expand of Clouds Woman) energy so prevalent at TCUs, while also that leverage traditional knowledge and the application to innovators across the (Ihankthunwanna underscoring the creative connections technology to support and scale positive entire US, while continuing our commitment Dakhóta, Standing between Indigenous peoples throughout the impact. To that end, Solve welcomes Native- to Oceti Sakowin, Hopi Tribe, and Navajo Rock Reservation), Valise, 1880–1910, Americas,” said Bradley Shreve, editor of led solutions that: Nation communities.” Tribal College Journal. • Increase access to jobs, financial The Fellowship is open to applicants beads, hide, capital, and skills development opportunities; from all sectors. Submitted solutions must metal, oilcloth, • Support language and cultural include the use of technology for practical and thread. revitalization, quality K-12 education, and and functional purposes. Strong preference support for first-generation college students; will be given to tribal members and Native- • Provide healthy and sovereign led projects that directly benefit and are food, sustainable energy, and safe water; and located within Native communities in the • Improve healthcare access and United States. Apply at https://solve.mit. outcomes, including for mental health and edu/ by July 7, 2020. substance use disorders.

Dear Sally, What’s it like being an alligator during the coronavirus?

BY CARRIE DILLEY Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Visitor Services and Development Manager

BIG CYPRESS — While the domesticated animals in our lives (particularly our dogs, maybe less so our cats) have enjoyed seeing us all day during these recent times, have you wondered how our free roaming friends have been faring? Our Alligator Pen Pal program, launched on April 13th, brings Sally, our resident alligator, into the homes and hearts of people everywhere. Sally has brought smiles to the faces of Museum staff and visitors for years, and now people who may not be able to see Sally in person can interact with her through handwritten or email correspondence. People can chose to either write Sally a letter and send it to the Museum, or send an email to us at: [email protected]. Everyone who writes to Sally receives a personalized letter or email in return. We have been trying to come up with fun ways to reach our community during the closure and engage in new and interesting Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum ways. The Alligator Pen Pal program is just Sally the Alligator, seen here in the Cypress Dome, is accepting letters. one of a number of new activities that we have launched in the past few weeks. Our So far the program has been very well bacon, and does she like cars? The letters education coordinator created numerous received. In the first week, we have already are signed with love and many include games and puzzles, along with a guided received five letters in the mail and three drawings. It has been great to see the support painting activity, which have been distributed emailed letters. All the letters we have and appreciation of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki from on our social media channels. These received are from children, the youngest our youngest constituency, especially during activities bring our exhibits and collection being just three years old! Of course, the this challenging time. into people’s homes. Although the Alligator author may have had a little help penning We are currently promoting the program Pen Pal program is intended to keep youth that letter. Most of the senders have asked on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Reach and adults alike occupied during the closure, her specific questions including: what she out to Sally today—she’s sure to write you we don’t plan to stop the program once we looks like, how she likes being an alligator, back! resume normal business operations. what kind of toys she likes, does she like 3B • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 Tribal leaders struggle against ‘very slow’ allocation of COVID-19 aid

BY JOSHUA GERARD GARGIULO Cronkite News

PHOENIX — The Navajo Nation has the country’s third-highest rate of COVID-19 infections, but it has had to watch as funds go to less hard-hit areas in a “very slow” federal aid process, Navajo President Jonathan Nez Navajo Nation/Facebook said [April 17]. The Navajo Nation flag. Nez was one of several tribal leaders iStock from around the country participating in a patients and within the communities we the money would go directly into tribal Land O’Lakes products will no lonnger use the image of a Native American woman on its packaging. virtual House Natural Resources Committee serve.” communities … but chairman, it has been session on the federal response to coronavirus The committee session came as Nez very slow.” in Indian Country – and their consensus was said the Navajo Nation saw the number of Michael Chavarria, governor of the Land O’Lakes removes image of Native that the response has not been good. confirmed COVID-19 cases rise to 1,042 on Pueblo Santa Clara Tribe in New Mexico, “Tribal nations are the first citizens [April 17], 122 more than [April 15’s] total. said tribes cannot get the help they need if American woman from packaging of this country, but sometimes we feel The number of deaths from the virus rose to they are not part of the conversation, but that we are pushed aside and that we are 41, he said. that no one in the federal government is STAFF REPORT Over the years, Native American tribal bidding against each other,” Nez said on Even though that is the third-highest consulting them. He said he was glad to hear the videoconference that included state and members and groups have said the imagery number of cases per capita, outside of New that the Interior Department might pause its was insensitive and a form of cultural tribal leaders from Minnesota, New Mexico, York and New Jersey, Nez said federal funds development of scores of policies. the Great Plains and Alaska. An iconic yet controversial image has appropriation. are not being sent to the hardest-hit areas, “We urge the department to take the The imagery was described by “All these tribal leaders on the panel, like his. Allocation is being made instead by next step, which is to suspend any of these been removed from the packaging of a well- we are all bidding against each other for known food product after 92 years. Indigenous author Lisa Monchalin in her population, he said. policy decisions and focus on addressing book “The Colonial Problem: An Indigenous these finite resources of gloves, of masks, of Beyond the immediate health concerns, the response of this COVID-19 effort,” The Arden Hills, Minnesota-based Land gowns, face shields,” Nez said. “We are even O’Lakes butter company no longer features Perspective on Crime and Injustice in speakers said the COVID-19 pandemic is as Chavarria said. Canada” as an example of the “romanticized bidding against governors … and it seems much of an economic catastrophe in Indian “Our relationship with the federal the image of a Native American “maiden” on like the person with the most money gets the its packaging. and sexualized” construction of Indigenous Country as it is in the rest of the U.S. government is not race-based. It is based women. resources.” “Many tribal communities have found upon the political status of us as sovereign Land O’Lakes President and CEO Beth Officials on the videoconference said Ford said in a statement that the company Native American imagery is also the their entire revenue snapped off overnight. political governments,” he said. subject of an ongoing exhibition that opened they appreciate the $8 billion in aid set These tribal leaders are making impossible Nez said the Navajo recently received has redesigned its packaging to acknowledge aside for tribes in the $2 trillion federal its farmer-owners “whose milk is used in 2018 at the Smithsonian Institution’s decisions,” said Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy rapid test kits from the government, but it National Museum of the American Indian in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Flanagan, a citizen of the White Earth Nation can take many tests to calibrate the machines to produce Land O’Lakes products as it Security, or CARES, Act, but that it is prepares to turn 100 years old.” Washington, D.C. of Ojibwe. correctly and his tribe is only getting a finite The “Americans” exhibit looks at how taking too long for the funds to reach Indian With many tribal areas already struggling number of tests. The new packaging has the same Country. familiar yellow background with trees and Native Americans have been, and are still, with poverty and high unemployment, But Nez said he is hopeful that Congress presented in popular culture through different Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, Flanagan said, it’s even more important for will “get things right” with tribal funding a lake, but “Farmer-Owned” is now featured and chairman of the Natural Resources above the brand name, absent the Native examples of imagery. Indian Country to pull together in the face of in an expected fourth stimulus package, Examples include food products like Committee, convened the session to “profile the pandemic. and leaders at Friday’s event optimistic in American woman in the center. and bring to attention, what is going on and “As a farmer-owned co-op, we strongly the Land O’Lakes maiden and the Calumet “When it comes to COVID-19, we are general about the near future. baking powder can, motorcycles (Indian what is not going on in Indian Country.” all in this together,” she said. “During good “A couple weeks ago, we were told feel the need to better connect the men and “This virus doesn’t see Democrat or women who grow our food with those who Motorcycle) and even U.S. military weapons times, we are often erased and forgotten, so that coronavirus … would wipe us all out. systems (the Tomahawk Land Attack Republican … and it shouldn’t rely on during a time of crisis I find myself kicking But I want to tell all our listeners today that consume it,” Ford said in April. “Our farmer- political patronage to provide resources to to-fork structure gives us a unique ability to Missile, Apache helicopter and Black Hawk and screaming and doing everything I need Native American people are resilient. We helicopter). the neediest and the hot spots,” Grijalva said. to do to make sure our people are seen.” are overcomers, and we will get through this bridge this divide.” The Indian Health Service did not Speakers in the event raised a long- together,” Nez said. respond directly to complaints raised in the standing complaint about the federal “Times are tough right now but Navajo online session, but said in a statement Friday government’s lack of respect for tribal people, and Indian country, have been First Native American woman named to that it is working hard with partner agencies sovereignty. Nez said tribes are being forced through a lot and we will also get through to deal with a “rapidly evolving situation.” to apply for grants, which slows the process. this,” he said. “We are a strong and resilient lead Southwestern arts ogranization “The potential public health threat posed “Tribal leaders have been advocating people and we will get through this together.” by COVID-19 is very high,” the statement for direct funding to tribal governments for STAFF REPORT said. “We must be vigilant in our efforts to Peone, who lives in Santa a very, very long time,” Nez said. “And this Fe, New Mexico, can trace slow the spread of infections among our is an emergency, and so you would think The Southwestern her roots to arts in Santa Fe. Association for Indian Arts Her father Richard (Eastern in April named Kim Peone, Band of Cherokee) and an enrolled member of the mother Annabelle (Colville Hard Rock Atlantic City sees biggest Colville Confederated Tribes Confederated Tribes) met of Washington, as its first while attending the Institute female Native American of American Indian Arts in winner yet on its ‘live’ slots executive director. Santa Fe, and started a family. “The Board is excited by Kim Peone has served BY DAMON SCOTT tribes and tribal entities The unique Atlantic City slot machines the impressive background Staff Reporter Peone brings to SWAIA in numerous professional are located in a locked room without public capacities. Most recently, access. In order to play, you use an online to lead Indian Market through our Centennial year Peone was the CEO/CFO Hard Rock International recently moved device and receive a virtual invite from of a tribal corporation in into the “live” slot machine space at its HardRockCasino.com. (2022) and into the next century. Peone’s 30 years of Washington State. Her full Atlantic City property. While it’s a virtual experience, the circle journey has led her The 12 slot machines are located at the player is controlling the real slots. experience in Indian Country, astute business and financial back to Santa Fe to pursue Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in Hard Rock officials say there is room to SWAIA background, as well as great professional opportunities. New Jersey. They look exactly like the same expand the online slots in the future. Kim Peone managerial and leadership Her expertise is building ones found on the gaming floor – because You don’t have to be a New Jersey accountable, sustainable, and they are actually real. The difference is you resident to play, but at this time you do have skills were a perfect fit for SWAIA’s needs going forward,” Board Chair disciplined Native organizations that exceed play them online from your home. to be located within the state’s borders. expectations of key stakeholders. The concept has become especially Joe Lupo, the president of Hard Tom Teegarden said in a press release. popular in the midst of the COVID-19 Rock Atlantic City, said the pandemic that has seen the temporary experience is similar to live closure of casinos across the U.S. – including table games. In New Jersey, those run by Hard Rock International and Hard Rock fans can already Seminole Gaming. (The Seminole Tribe of play those. Florida is the parent company of Hard Rock He said online gaming International). Hard Rock has been available in New VANGUARD SCHOOL'S In addition, casino customers are, The play-from-home slot machines are exclusive Jersey for about six years, naturally, spending more time at home. For to Hard Rock. and that the live slots were those who want to still play slots, Hard Rock a natural evolution for Hard offers the option. recently furloughed by his company – was Rock presence. The Atlantic City online slots recently BEYOND playing the “Divine Fortune” slot machine Just like the in-person had the biggest jackpot winner to date. when he won the jackpot amount. experience, Lupo said, Player “Gary M.” won $230,553 on a $5 bet, Just two weeks before that jackpot, whenever you win, you get a according to Nikki Balles, director of public Balles said, the largest winner was “Michael payout – the live slot is linked the classroom relations and community affairs for the Hard M.” who won almost as much ($226,170) on to a bank account that allows Rock Atlantic City. the “Lock It Link” slot machine. both deposits and withdrawals. Balles said the winner – who was Players also can earn rewards. into the Great OUTD RS SUMMER CAMP JUNE 21, 2020 - JULY 18, 2020

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Join Us this Summer! www.vanguardschool.org | [email protected] | (863) 676-6091 4B • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 Sports C FHSAA Ready to rebound again, Skyla Osceola focuses on staying positive and healthy cancels BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor

HOLLYWOOD — When Skyla spring Osceola is healthy and playing a lot of minutes, she can be a force on the floor. Proof of that came in her freshman season on the Nova Southeastern University sports women’s basketball team two years ago when the standout guard from the Hollywood Reservation played in every game, led the Sharks in assists and finished second in the BY KEVIN JOHNSON nation in the best assist-turnover ratio in Senior Editor NCAA Division II. Turn the clock back even further and more evidence can be found in her No state champions will be crowned this high school days at American Heritage in spring for Florida high school sports thanks Plantation where she was the Patriots general to the COVID-19 pandemic. who could dictate the pace of a game. The Florida High School Athletic Asso- Unfortunately, her health hasn’t always ciation, which oversees high school athletics, cooperated. announced the cancellation of all FHSAA-af- Similar to some of her other injury- filiated spring sports April 20, two days after plagued seasons in her career, the 2019-20 Gov. Ron DeSantis decided schools will con- season at NSU, which wrapped up in March, tinue distance learning for the remainder of won’t be found on Osceola’s list of favorites. the 2019-20 academic year. It started out with plenty of promise. She got “…it is with heavy hearts that the FH- the front row, center seat in the team photo, SAA has decided to cancel all FHSAA affil- and she poured in 17 points in a preseason iated events, inclusive of the state series and exhibition game against Division I Florida all championship events, for spring sports. Atlantic University. But the good, early Jeff Romance The safety of our student-athletes, coaches, momentum – which she had worked so hard Nova Southeastern University guard Skyla Osceola calls a play during a game from the 2019-20 season. Osceola’s season was hampered by injuries, but officials, and fans is our top priority. With to attain after sitting out the previous season she’s determined to return in good health for next season. the evolving threat of the CORONAVIRUS due to injury – didn’t last long. (COVID-19), we must ensure that we do not A variety of injuries interrupted her floor.” determination comes from wanting to be Osceola, who is majoring in exercise contribute to the spread of this illness. We are season and hindered her effectiveness when Certainly, injuries have been obstacles the best that I can be for my team, coaches, and sports science and on track to graduate deeply saddened for our student-athletes who she did play. Knee, rib and head injuries throughout her career, but the daughter family, and myself, but most of all for God. I next spring, doesn’t take for granted the have seen their seasons and/or high school were the culprits. of Marl and Francine Osceola has always feel like I am back on his path instead of my support she has received on her rollercoaster careers end so abruptly. Our Association “Not my greatest moments,” Osceola maintained a positive attitude thanks to a own and I’m all in.” journey. knows the impact and role high school athlet- said in an email to the Tribune. solid foundation of faith and family. “Injuries are always very difficult, “I just want to say thank you to everyone ics play in the lives of so many and will con- She appeared in only 15 of the team’s 28 “The key for me to staying positive however, I do feel Skyla tackles the injury who has supported me throughout my tinue to work towards the betterment of high games, and started just six. She averaged 16 is keeping my faith strong,” she said. “I with the right mindset,” Freeland-Curry said. collegiate career so far,” she said. “It’s been school sports. We know this is a trying time, minutes and 2.7 points per game. know there’s a reason why I went through “She is very mature and does everything a bumpy ride, but nobody said it was easy but the health and safety of all is of utmost “Injuries played a huge factor. They a rough patch and it allowed me to get my she needs to do to return to play as quickly trying to be great, right? It’s such a blessing importance to this Association,” the FHSAA were injuries out of my control, but I had to priorities straight. Keeping my family and as possible. I believe her family is very knowing I have support no matter what. My stated in a statement. . do the best I could with them. It was tough friends close to me and keep building my encouraging and supportive through her support system is truly like no other. Thank The FHSAA also announced that it will and I’m not happy about this season, but I relationships helps me keep going. My injury which helps her tremendously.” you God for making this all possible.” not grant additional eligibility to the stu- know what I got to do to be better for my dent-athletes impacted by the abrupt end team and myself,” she said. of their seasons. The announcement means The Sharks struggled with injuries and Okeechobee High School seniors, including consistency, posting a 14-14 record that the Tribe’s Jacee Jumper (softball), Ozzy included an early exit in the Sunshine State Osceola (baseball) and Kaleb Thomas (base- Conference tournament. ball), have played their final games for the “Overall, our season was disappointing Brahmans. The softball and baseball teams due to the number of injuries our players were less than halfway through their regular sustained throughout the season,” NSU seasons when play was halted in March. coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry said in an email to the Tribune. “ In her limited action, Skyla did impact the game very positively. For two seasons, she has been consistently very positive with her plus/minus statistic. When she is in the game, we usually either improve a lead or take the lead back.” Having sat out a couple of seasons due to injuries in her career, Osceola is all too familiar with how missing significant amounts of playing time makes it that much more difficult to bounce back, but she is determined to be healthy come opening tip of next season as a redshirt junior. “Conditioning is going to play a huge factor in how great I want to be,” she said. “Since the injuries it’s hard to stay in shape and that’s what I lack the most right now. I just need to get in the best shape I can right now and that’s what I’m doing.” The team is eager to have a healthy Kevin Johnson Osceola, too. Ozzy Osceola squares up for a bunt in a playoff “We are optimistic that Skyla will be game against Jensen Beach on May 7, 2019. The healthy next season,” Freeland-Curry said. remainder of the 2020 high school spring sports “She has dedicated herself to getting in the season, which was halted in mid-March due to best shape of her life this summer, so we COVID-19, has been cancelled by the FHSAA. are hopeful this could reduce injury moving Jeff Romance forward. I know Skyla wants to be on the Skyla Osceola launches a 3-point shot during a game in the 2019-20 season. Schimmel sister signs with University of Cincinnati

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor

Another Schimmel sister will be playing NCAA Division I basketball. Milan Schimmel, a younger sister of former University of Louisville stars Shoni and Jude Schimmel, signed with the University of Cincinnati, the team announced April 21. “It’s been quite a ride so far, but I’m beyond blessed and happy to say I’ll be continuing my career at the University of Cincinnati,” Schimmel posted on Instagram. The Schimmel family is from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indiana Reservation in Oregon. In 2013, Shoni and Jude drew a huge following in Indian Country when they helped propel Louisville’s memorable run all the way to the NCAA championship game. Now it’s their younger sister’s turn to play D1 ball. “Congrats lil sis; you earned it, you deserve it. Keep growing & glowing, you’re nothing short of amazing,” Jude Schimmel Milan Schimmel Instagram (left)/EFSC YouTube (right) tweeted. After playing one season at Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne, Milan Schimmel, younger sister of Shoni and Jude Schimmel, is headed to the University of Cincinnati. In her second year of college basketball, Milan Schimmel played the 2019-20 season for Eastern Florida State College in numbers across the board as she averaged teams as we continue to build a championship The NCAA Tournament, which would have Florida, she made quite an impression. Melbourne, where she earned All-Suncoast 14.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.5 culture,” said Cincinnati coach Michelle included the Bearcats, was canceled due to “Congratulations to (Cincinnati) for Conference honors. steals in 30 games. Clark-Heard. the COVID-19 pandemic. gaining a phenomenal PG & person in Milan! “I call her “Miss does it all on the floor “Milan is a versatile guard that has Cincinnati went 22-10 last season and Schimmel started her college career at She is an incredible unstoppable force! Her and some’!!,” Eastern Florida assistant the ability to play multiple positions in our reached the championship game of the Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. light will shine bright at Cincinnati & we coach Rob McDonald tweeted. system. She is able to score in a variety of American Athletic Conference where the She has two years of eligibility left. can’t wait to witness her journey!,” Eastern Indeed, the 5-foot-8 guard put up strong ways and brings great experience to our Bearcats fell to the University of Connecticut. Although she spent just one season in Florida head coach M.J. Baker tweeted. 5B • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 Angel Goodrich goes from lighting up Gabby scoreboards to putting out fires Lemieux BY KEVIN JOHNSON misses Senior Editor

After several years as a basketball cut by standout, Angel Goodrich (Cherokee) has found a new team and a new career. Goodrich recently became a member of the Tulsa Fire Department in Oklahoma. one shot “It was crazy and tough to imagine what I’d do once basketball was officially BY KEVIN JOHNSON over. All I knew was I wanted to help others Senior Editor and God made that possible this past year with his plans. I am so blessed to be part of something bigger and I can’t wait to start Native American pro golfer Gabby my career serving the Tulsa community,” Lemieux (Shoshone-Paiute Tribes in Idaho) Goodrich said in a post April 3 on the Native missed making the cut by one shot at the American Basketball Invitational (NABI) Symetra Tour’s season-opening tournament Foundation Facebook page. in Winter Haven. Lemieux shot 73-78 for a Goodrich, a 5-foot-4 guard, was a 151 total, which was one shot shy of the cut standout at Sequoyah High School, where at the 12th annual Florida Natural’s Charity she led the team to three Oklahoma state Classic held March 6-8 at the Country Club championships. She also played in NABI, an of Winter Haven. annual basketball invitational in the Phoenix “Today [husband and caddy Jared] and area that attracts some of the best Native I are back to the drawing board,” Lemieux, American high school-age players, including 23, posted on Twitter a few days after the those from the Seminole Tribe of Florida. tournament. “We had a little step back last Last year she was a guest speaker at the week in Winter Haven. Honestly, if it wasn’t NABI Educational Youth Summit. Neil Enns/Storm Photos for all the stroke penalties...we would have “Congrats Angel Goodrich (NABI Angel Goodrich during her days as a member of made the cut by a long shot‼ We didn’t think Alumn/WNBA) on another great the WNBA’s Seattle Storm in 2015. we had the best ball striking that week but accomplishment!,” NABI posted on its we fought hard and wheeled it back. Besides Facebook page. Goodrich, 30, starred at the University having to take three strokes and struggle a In 2013, Goodrich and fellow Native of Kansas, where she holds the school record little bit and still ‘make the cut’ (in our heads) American sisters Shoni and Jude Schimmel for career assists and was named Big 12 First the future for us this year feels like it’s going received the Phil Homeratha Leadership Team. As a pro, she played a total of 83 games in the right direction.” Award at NABI. The award is named for in the WNBA for the Tulsa Shock, which Lemieux’s opening round on the par- the late Haskell Indian Nations University drafted her in 2013, and the Seattle Storm. 72 layout featured two birdies, five bogeys women’s basketball coach. She also played for pro teams overseas. and an eagle on the par-5 18th hole. Her rollercoaster second round included five birdies, five bogeys, one double bogey and a quadruple bogey 8 on the par-4 10th hole. The field featured 132 players with the low 60 and ties making the cut. It was a 54- hole event. The Symetra Tour is the minor league tour of the LPGA. The purse was $125,000. Winner Janie Jackson, of Alabama, took home $18,750. The Symetra Tour has postponed tournaments through mid-June due to COVID-19. Lemieux’s season debut came a month after she played with 4-time PGA Tour champion Notah Begay and Seminole Tribe Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. in the Chairman of the Greens Charity Golf Tournament in Plantation.

Kofi Wallace/Facebook Kofi Wallace/Facebook Former WNBA player Angel Goodrich, who also played in NABI, receives training as a member of the Angel Goodrich, center, with fellow members of the Tulsa Fire Department. Tulsa Fire Department.

Honorable mention honor for Silas Madrigal

STAFF REPORT

OKEECHOBEE — Some of the key players in Okeechobee High School boys basketball’s memorable 26-3 season this winter have been honored by the Treasure Lake Conference. The Tribe’s Silas Madrigal was one of three Brahmans who earned recognition by the conference. Madrigal, who led the team in scoring, was named All Conference Honorable Mention. The senior guard averaged 10.8 points per game. He also led the squad in field goal percentage (59%) and 3-pointers (45). Okeechobee brothers Malcolm and Markeze Kelly were named First Team. Okeechobee had two 13-game winning streaks, which included a victory against Suncoast in the Class 5A-District 13 Kevin Johnson championship. The Brahmans reached the 5A Gabby Lemieux hits a tee shot in February at the regional finals where they were eliminated by Kevin Johnson Seminole Tribe’s Chairman of the Greens Charity Pembroke Pines Charter. Silas Madrigal, center, and the Okeechobee High boys basketball team had plenty of reasons to smile in the 2019-20 season as the Brahmans went 26-3 Golf Tournament in Plantation. and won a district title for the second straight year. NABI cancelled for 2020

BY KEVIN JOHNSON unsafe, and social gatherings are the educational youth summit, trips Senior Editor restricted due to the current virus, the to see the Arizona Diamondbacks NABI Foundation strongly feels a host the Los Angeles Dodgers and a full cancelation is warranted.” “Night with the Phoenix Mercury of The Native American Basketball Each year NABI attracts more the WNBA.” Invitational, an annual highpoint for than 120 teams with boys and Once restrictions are lifted, some of the best young players from girls ages 14-19 from throughout NABI hopes to move forward the Seminole Tribe and the rest of Indian Country for the weeklong with its junior camps as well as its Indian Country, has been cancelled tournament at sites in and around golf tournament, which has been for 2020. NABI announced its Phoenix. It was just two years ago rescheduled to Oct. 5, and its first decision April 13. that a Seminole Tribe team – the alumni classic for ages 21 and over “It is with a heavy heart that we Savage Storm – won the Division set for December. All proceeds from are sad to officially announce that due I boys championship. This year’s the events benefit the foundation and to the current COVID 19 pandemic, championship games were scheduled its youth programs. the NABI Foundation has moved to be held at the Arizona Veterans The NABI cancellation comes forward with the full cancellation Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. on the heels of the cancellation of of the 18th annual Native American Registered teams will have the North American Indigenous Basketball Invitational and 2nd the option of a full refund or be Games in Nova Scotia, Canada, annual Educational Youth Summit automatically entered into the 2021 which traditionally draws about (NABI), scheduled for June 21-27, NABI. 5,000 Indigenous athletes. The 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona,” the NABI The cancellation’s impact will be NAYO basketball tournament that Foundation posted on its Facebook felt beyond the courts. NABI is more was scheduled to be hosted by page. “The decision was based solely than just basketball games; academic the Mississippi Band of Choctaw on the health and welfare of all the components, guest speakers and other Indians during Easter weekend, has youth and communities we serve. opportunities are a big part of the been postponed indefinitely. With the state of Arizona and many experience. The schedule included parts of the country still considered a college fair, a basketball camp, 6B • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2020 Duelle Gore in action in Mexican professional basketball league

With nearly all professional sports shut pandemic, here are some photos from Gore playing for Petroleros De Camargo in Mexico. Gore was a standout at Haskell pro a few years ago. The photos are from down across the globe due to the COVID-19 February of the Seminole Tribe’s Duelle in the Chihuahua State Basketball League Indian Nations University before he turned Petroleros De Camargo team’s Facebook.

Notah Begay III emotionally describes the coronavirus plight of the Navajo Nation

BY NICK PIASTOWSKI with that and try and push through, and you going to lose some family members, I’m The Golf Channel know, it’s been difficult but — I don’t know quite certain of it, and I just don’t know who why I’m getting emotional,” said Begay, an it’s going to be.” analyst for Golf Channel who is half Navajo With the PGA Tour on hiatus until at The call started out about golf. It turned and 100 percent Native American. “I haven’t least the middle of May, Begay said “it’s into something bigger. gotten emotional through this whole thing boots on the ground for me” in doing work On a Golf Channel conference call on till now. I guess it’s just there’s a historical with his foundation, the NB3 Foundation. April 9 to discuss weekend programming, context here that’s just tough for me to deal Through it, he said he has been directing Notah Begay III described how members of with. … What we have been working on food, water and resources to families in the his Navajo Nation community were being is just getting supplies and food, as much rural areas of the Navajo Nation. Begay “decimated” by the coronavirus. The Navajo resource.” hoped to get more support. Nation, which stretches 27,000 square miles At that point, Begay began to tear up. “There are people out there that have across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, “Sorry, guys, I apologize,” he continued. zero internet access,” Begay said. “They had seen 22 deaths and 558 positive cases “I really do.” don’t have mobile phone reception, that as of Thursday among its population of The New York Times reported that a lot of times aren’t — don’t know what’s more than 150,000, according to the Navajo several factors have led to the quick spread of going on, and so it’s just a matter of using Department of Health. In comparison, the the virus. Among them are a high prevalence the network and trying to connect, and entire state of New Mexico, which has of diseases like diabetes, a lack of running you know, hopeful that we’ll be able to get a population 13 times larger, has had 17 water and several generations of families through all this and hopeful that we’ll be deaths and 989 positive cases as of April 10, living in one house. able to get back into a regular golf schedule Kevin Johnson according to the New York Times. “It’s a scary thing for me,” Begay said. at some point.” Four-time PGA Tour winner Notah Begay III. “It’s kind of with a heavy heart that I deal “It’s scary. It’s been a scary process. I’m

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