Princess Ulele Tribe a big hit with Ozzy Osceola leaves returns in Tampa students in Rome OHS with good memories COMMUNITY v 5A EDUCATION v 1B SPORTS v 5B

www.seminoletribune.org Free Volume XLIV • Number 5 May 29, 2020 Casinos Chief DiPetrillo remembered for nearly begin to 50 years of service to Broward, Tribe BY KEVIN JOHNSON reopen Senior Editor Donald DiPetrillo, who served the Tribe of as its fire BY KEVIN JOHNSON chief since 2008 and had worked for fire Senior Editor departments in Broward County for nearly 50 years, died April 30 at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood. He was 70. Emerson, Lake & Palmer wasn’t there to William Latchford, executive director greet customers, but their lyrics would have of public safety for the Seminole Tribe, been appropriate for the reopening of the fondly remembered Chief DiPetrillo for his Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. “Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends. We’re so glad you could attend; come inside, come inside.” The Tampa venue, like all in the Hard Rock/Seminole Gaming family, closed March 20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tampa’s doors remained closed until the evening of May 21 when the casino and hotel reopened with a bevy of new precautions aimed at keeping customers and staff safe. “Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming have made a tremendous commitment to sanitary protocols and a safety-first mentality for both guests and team members,” Jim Allen, CEO WPLG of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard A Seminole Tribe ambulance carrying the casket of Seminole Fire Chief Donald DiPetrillo is saluted by the department during the chief’s funeral procession Rock International, said in a statement prior at Lauderdale Memorial Park in Fort Lauderdale. Chief DiPetrillo died April 30. He had served STOF as chief since 2008. to the reopening. “We are making sure our resorts are safe and sound so our guests and dedication and demeanor. a new level of professionalism to the Fire for over 50 years of service, helped shape team members have peace of mind when “Don played a major role in bringing Department operations of Seminole Fire the future of the fire service, not only within they return.” Rescue,” Latchford said in a statement from the Seminole Tribe, but also in the State of Tribune file photo the Tribe. “Chief DiPetrillo understood that Florida.” Seminole Fire Chief Donald DiPetrillo. success in life was about just being nice. If F See CASINOS on page 4A you care for people, the rest takes care of F See CHIEF on page 7A itself. His care, commitment, and leadership From home, Battiest brothers provide inspiration to Indian Country BY KEVIN JOHNSON said. Senior Editor On May 12, their performance of “The Storm” – with the brothers providing vocals at their separate homes in Hollywood, HOLLYWOOD — Nine years ago Kazumi Shimokawa (piano) in Culver City, endurance and perseverance – both firmly , Joshua Daubin (percussion) in imbedded in the fiber of the unconquered Seal Beach, California, and Matt Beach Seminole Tribe – were core traits that (guitar) in Canton, Ohio – debuted on the Spencer Battiest and “Doc Native” Battiest Native American Music Awards YouTube incorporated in their award-winning channel. The five-minute video attracted song “The Storm.” The brothers from the more than 1,000 views within 48 hours. Hollywood Reservation have performed it “Both Doc and I have been inspired the several times since its debut, but their virtual past few weeks by all artists who have not rendition in May amid the COVID-19 let this virus stop their creativity or keep pandemic served as a timely and well-needed them down,” Spencer said. “We wanted to reminder of survival during difficult times. perform for our community and show that “We can overcome. We can get through even in quarantine we are all in this together. this together. I dedicate this to all my Native I pray this song and message of our Tribe’s people. Stay strong and we will weather the history inspires hope and reminds us that storm,” Doc states at the start of “The Storm: although we are going through a difficult Live From Home” video. time right now, we will all be together again Inspired by other Native American soon. Our hearts are with those who have artists who have been sharing their talents in lost loved ones and with the first responders online performances during the quarantine, who are fighting to keep us all safe.” Spencer and Doc decided they also wanted “‘The Storm’ is an incredibly passionate to be a source of inspiration and assurance in and powerful vocal and visual delivery that Indian Country; what better way to spread a inspires and empowers,” said Ellen Bello, positive message than through “The Storm,” president of the Native American Music which honors the Seminole Tribe’s history Awards. of triumph over tragedy. With the band members isolated in “There is healing in music so we wanted three different parts of the country, putting to give our people some good medicine together a video virtually was a challenge through our music and show our support that the band was happy to tackle. with this performance. We are stronger “One of the challenges getting this together and we will get through this,” Doc project together was just getting it done in a

Courtesy photo Clockwise from left, “Doc Native” Battiest (vocals), Spencer Battiest (vocals), both in Hollywood; Joshua Daubin (percussion) in Seal Beach, California; Matt Beach (guitar) in Canton, Ohio; and Kazumi Shimokawa (piano) in Culver City, California, perform “The Storm.” The virtual performance debuted May 12 on the Native American Music Awards’ YouTube channel.

timely fashion because we all have different from Native artists. Certainly, the quarantine spring in the musical “Distant Thunder” at schedules and different time zones,” Doc has separated artists physically, but it’s also Lyric Theatre in City, but the said. “ Even in quarantine we’re all working brought them closer together online and pandemic has pushed it back to March 31 to musicians, so to film, record, mix and provided additional exposure to the vast April 18, 2021. Meanwhile, Doc has enjoyed video edit within the time frame we needed amount of talent in Indian Country. success with his new single “Instagram,” presented some pretty daunting hours trying “I’ve noticed that there has been an which reached No. 1 for two weeks in a row to get this completed in the best quality that uptick in artists reaching out to one another on the Indigenous Angels Radio Deadly 10 we could produce. Thankfully our team was and supporting each other’s new projects,” countdown. up to the task.” Doc said. “This situation has put us all in a “[It] has quickly become one of my The Native American Music Awards, bind and kind of tied us down to working most streamed songs as a solo artist to date,” Canada’s National Arts Centre, Facebook, in the studio because we can’t go out and Doc said. YouTube and other outlets have served as perform like we want to, so the next best Spencer and Doc aren’t just performers; avenues to highlight virtual performances thing is reaching out to collaborate with our they’re also big fans of the talent they’ve Kevin Johnson peers and it’s brought forth some beautiful seen during the quarantine, including beyond At left, “Doc Native” Battiest and Spencer music and some interesting collaborations the borders of music. Battiest perform at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & that might have never happened if we were Casino Hollywood’s new on Oct. all still touring.” 16, 2019. Spencer was supposed to perform this F See MUSIC on page 7A

Visit the Tribune’s website for news throughout INSIDE: Editorial...... 2A Health...... 9A Sports...... 5B. Community...... 3A Education...... 1B the month at seminoletribune.org 2A • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020 Editorial An Irish filmmaker’s firsthand experience with the goodness of the people

of the Grand Canyon. in majestic bright letters over the door of a are chilly enough. We didn’t take much lobby to transfer money to his bank account • Kevin McCann Before our trip, my partner Mání and I hotel. As Irish people. we thought we were convincing. As the interview went on, I and he met me at the hotel to give me cash. met with a Navajo filmmaker in Los Angeles home and dry with that name. However, glanced at the key and was struck by this act After our comfortable night in the hotel, we named Pamela Peters. kindly suggested in the Navajo language, ‘hogan’ means of kindness. This man didn’t know us. He had enough money to enjoy our trip and get Editor’s note: Kevin McCann, who runs people we could interview and spoke of ‘house’. But all was not lost. The Western was just helping strangers in trouble. home. We were saved. the Irish film production company Maccana Native America’s struggle for recognition. Navajo Fair hadn’t started yet and they had Otto told us that he lost his mother when Over the next few days, we enjoyed Teoranta, reached out to IrishCentral this Pamela warned us about the apprehension a couple of tent spaces to rent – and we had he was 7 years old. A month before she died, the Western Navajo Fair - rodeos and month after news of Irish donations to towards ‘white people’ making films about enough to pay for a night. she sat her only child down and instructed rollercoasters mixed with pre-dawn ritual Native American communities amidst the them because of misrepresentations and The lobby computer at ‘Hogan’s Hotel’ the young Otto to follow a meaningful dances and tribal gatherings. Otto invited us coronavirus crisis began to go viral. This is skewed narratives - similar to objectionable became a part-time office as we figured out a path in life. As an adult, he joined the tribal to his home to meet the tribal council after his story of his firsthand experience with the Irish stereotypes and revisionism. solution. Pamela, the Navajo filmmaker back council to serve his people. the parade through Tuba City. We saw no goodness of Native Americans. Our trip would coincide with the in LA, was now our only point of contact “There are 572 Native American tribes other white people while we were there. Western Navajo Fair, the last tribal festival and helped to arrange interviews. Hearing recognised by the Federal Government and The Choctaw tribe whose ancestors his month, tens of thousands of Irish of the year. We packed our rented car with our predicament, she paid for a meal for us Navajo is the largest”, he told us, “In my gave Ireland the gift during the famine live Tpeople are donating to a $5 million camping gear and enough snacks for a week. along with a second night at the campsite. first term, we built a $19 million sewerage in Oklahoma, another 1000 miles to the fund-raising campaign to help the Navajo We left LA at daybreak and drove east for 10 That evening, the Hogan Restaurant served scheme on the reservation. This year, it’s east. The love of community and wisdom in and Hopi tribes battling the Coronavirus. hours. At Flagstaff, (on Route 66), a beautiful meal with traditional blue corn infrastructure - building roads and fixing generosity seen in 1847 lives on to this day. Irish donors see this as the time for a long- we filled up with gas before heading north- bread (highly recommended) before the potholes.” Right now, has one of the overdue payback for the gift of $170 sent east. The sun set behind us as we crossed the arrival of the Navajo Council Delegate and Otto’s eyes welled with tears when highest rates of Covid-19 infection and I am by the Choctaw Tribe to Ireland during the border into the reservation at a dusty plain medicine man. Mention of the name Otto Tso telling the Navajo story. We had seen those proud to join the tens of thousands of Irish Famine. As I have seen with my own eyes called Wolf Crossing. We pitched our tent was greeted with smiles and nods of respect. same tears when speaking with Pamela. In donating to their fund-raising campaign. the goodness of the Navajo people, I have a at the remote Hopi Cultural Center under Soon after our meal, Otto came in and sat their eyes was the hurt of the native people. personal reason for donating. October’s harvest moon. down opposite us in the booth. He wore a A hurt from an unhealed wound. A hurt that To donate to the Navajo and Hopi As an Irish writer and filmmaker The next day, after visiting a Hopi Tribal tribal necklace and traditional turquoise still allowed for compassion to strangers. communities, who are struggling greatly interested in telling a story about Native museum and nearby crumbling villages, beads around his neck. We ordered some tea. “The sun is our father and the earth is through the coronavirus pandemic, visit America, I was aware of their similar I discovered that I had lost our wallet. We Half-way through our interview, the our mother.” Otto told us, and with a smile the Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 history to Ireland in terms of colonization were in a very remote area with poor phone hotel porter came over and handed the key added: “I like to tell people that our backyard Relief Fund or the Official Navajo Nation and cultural oppression but knew very little coverage and $20 in cash. Rather than return of Room 207 to Otto. He passed it over to is the Grand Canyon.” COVID-19 Relief Fund. about who they are today. And so to find out to LA, we had faith and decided to ‘plough us. He had kindly arranged for Mání and Before leaving, I took a photo of Otto This article appeared in the Irish Times. more, I went on a camping adventure last on.’ The full tank of gas took us to Tuba City me to stay that night in the hotel. We were and Mání beneath a picture of a Navajo October to Navajo Nation, a land reservation – population 8,611. happy camping and were initially reluctant herdswoman. The next day, Otto did us a the same size as the Irish Republic - just east Our eyes lit up when we saw ‘Hogan’ to accept, but October nights in Arizona final favour. I used the computer in the hotel Long-term solutions will be needed for Navajo Nation • Ronson Chee donations and support has been good for on a reliable potable water infrastructure Eventually, the Nation needs to stop the Nation during this calamitous time, but to support it, so is a sustainable water looking to outside resources to solve our unfortunately a lot of the aid is only satisfying infrastructure is dependent on a sustainable problems. the immediate needs and is a temporary economy. We know what needs to be fixed, we he disproportionate high rates of “band-aid” fix that is not addressing the root Water infrastructure and economic know the issues better than anyone else. We TCOVID-19 on the Navajo Nation of the problem. development must be planned together. You live it, we know what it takes to haul water (Nation) has recently made headlines at the After the COVID-19 cases reduce and cannot have one without the other. so why do we rely on outside people who world stage and has brought to light the lack headlines subside, the overall underlying What is needed is an integrated have never hauled water a day in their life to of in-home sanitation facilities and lack of problem still will not have been addressed. planning framework for water infrastructure solve our problems? Only the Navajo Nation potable water infrastructure coverage. The Nation will be able to put out implementation that can balance economic can solve its own problems. This lack of this critical water this fire, but what about a potential second development and health objectives. A The Nation has the technical persons infrastructure has been attributed as one of the wave of COVID-19? A different pandemic? Nation-wide global master planned approach to address this problem. We have Navajo primary reasons for the disproportionately Drought? Climate change? Economic driven by a common vision is needed to medical doctors, epidemiologist, water high rates of COVID-19 cases on the Nation recessions? These potential disruptions will plan, design, and integrate all stakeholders engineers and planners, accountants, as many residents do not readily have access also be exacerbated if the root of the problem and agencies. lawyers, and experts in almost every field to the clean water needed for handwashing is not addressed. The master planning must be led by that can help solve these problems. The and other sanitary uses. A significant effort must be spent on the Nation and not an outside agency. Nation must call on them, ask for help and The lack of potable water infrastructure long-term solutions. Left unaddressed, This integrated planning framework must put them to work. coverage on the Nation has been a long- the Nation will leave itself vulnerable also involve input from the Navajo Nation A short paper is available summarizing standing issue prior to the COVID-19 to the next social disruption. Fixing the Council as to which water infrastructure some of key issues regarding the lack of Ronson Chee pandemic and is also one of the primary underlying issues requires a call to action projects should get funded. water infrastructure on the Nation. It also underlying causes for the multitude of issues from the Nation’s leaders and government With project capital cost needs greatly provides some potential short- and long- that plague the Nation such as high-poverty departments to enact change. exceeding available funding, not all projects term solutions. The paper can be found at Ronson Chee, Ph.D., P.E., is a levels, low socio-economic status, lack The root cause for the lack of water can be constructed simultaneously. Thus, the https://riley-eng.com/publications. Feel free water resources engineer and owner of of jobs, and other non-COVID-19 health infrastructure deficiencies on the Nation is Nation’s leaders must decide which projects to contact me with questions and feedback at Riley Engineering. He is on the board of disparities. the absence of a stable sustainable economy. should be funded first and in a systematic [email protected]. directors for the Navajo Engineering and The influx of outside resources, As a sustainable economy is dependent manner, which is not an easy feat. Construction Authority. New study shows decrease in diabetes prevalence for American Indian/Alaska Native adults the CDC Division of Diabetes Translation age groups studied starting in 2013 or 2014 Although results varied by geographic Diabetes prevalence in a population is • Rear Adm. Michael and the Department of Epidemiology and through 2017. region, diabetes prevalence either decreased primarily affected by diabetes diagnoses Weahkee Biostatistics at Imperial College or leveled off in all regions. in a given time period and diabetes-related . Diabetes prevalence for mortality. The decrease in prevalence seen in This substantial decrease in American Indian and Alaska this study is especially noteworthy because he prevalence of diagnosed diabetes diabetes prevalence is great news Native adults remained higher it occurred at the same time that diabetes- Tin American Indian and Alaska for American Indian and Alaska in 2017 than that seen in other related mortality in Native patients was also Native adults decreased significantly from Native people and communities. studies of the general US adult decreasing, suggesting the decrease was 2013 to 2017, according to a new study It means that fewer American population and other racial/ driven by fewer new cases of diabetes. published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research Indian and Alaska Native people ethnic groups. While we are encouraged by these and Care, a journal published by BMJ in have to live with diabetes and Although it is not possible positive outcomes, we know that there is partnership with the American Diabetes its complications, such as heart to determine specific reasons for still work to be done. The IHS will continue Association. disease and kidney failure, and may these decreases, there are many to include type 2 diabetes prevention and After years of increasing, the percentage also result in reduced health care potential contributors, including diabetes treatment among our highest of American Indian and Alaska Native costs. In addition, as diabetes is a improvements in type 2 diabetes priorities. adults with diabetes consistently decreased risk factor for severe COVID-19 prevention services by IHS, from 15.4% in 2013 to 14.6% in 2017. This disease, this improvement in the tribal, and urban Indian health Rear Adm. Michael D. Weahkee, an represents a 5.2% decrease in prevalence, health status of Native people is facilities. Key to these efforts is enrolled member of the Zuni Tribe, is director which is the percentage of people with a especially welcome. the Special Diabetes Program for of the Indian Health Service. He administers condition. Other key findings from this Indians, commonly referred to as a nationwide health care delivery program This study documents the first known peer-reviewed article based on SDPI, which provides funding that is responsible for providing preventive, decrease in diabetes prevalence for American data from IHS and tribal health for type 2 diabetes prevention curative and community health care for Indian and Alaska Native people. The study facilities include: and diabetes treatment services approximately 2.6 million American Indians was led by Ann Bullock, director of the Diabetes prevalence to 301 programs in Native and Alaska Natives. IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and decreased for both men and Rear Adm. Michael Weahkee communities throughout the Prevention, and included researchers from women from 2013 to 2017 and for all .

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: June 30, 2020 http://SeminoleTribune.org/Advertise Contributors: Aaron Tommie, Martin Letters/emails to the editor must be signed Deadline: June 17, 2020 Senior Editor: Kevin Johnson, ext. 10715 Ebenhack and may be edited for publication. Postmaster: [email protected] Issue: July 31, 2020 Please send address changes to: Subscription rate is $35 per year by mail. Deadline: July 15, 2020 The Seminole Tribune Digital Content Coordinator: © 2020 Seminole Tribe of Florida Make checks payable to: 3560 N. State Road 7 Analicia Austin, ext. 10739 The Seminole Tribune Issue: August 31, 2020 Hollywood, FL 33021 [email protected] 3560 N. State Road 7 Deadline: August 19, 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 • May 29, 2020 Community A Las Vegas rights purchase paves way Vietnam War veteran Don for potential Hard Rock enhancement Osceola, 77, remembered

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Asset Management. The venue closed in signage as well as intellectual property rights for teaching by example Senior Editor February for renovations and is scheduled for affiliated restaurant and entertainment to open this fall as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas trademarks and website domain names. HOLLYWOOD — Hard Rock with -based Mohegan Gaming “This agreement marks an exciting International, known globally for its hotel, & Entertainment managing the gaming side. chapter for Hard Rock, in Las Vegas and Believed to be first Native gaming, entertainment and restaurant Thanks to the deal, HRI has additional beyond,” Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock American in Florida to venues, has struck a deal that could increase growth opportunity in Las Vegas, which International, said in a statement. “We look its presence in Las Vegas. is home to a . HRI and forward to the opportunity of enhancing our succumb to COVID-19 HRI announced May 13 that it has its affiliates are no longer restricted from presence in Las Vegas, which will always be purchased all rights to the Hard Rock brand developing, owning, licensing, managing one of the most iconic entertainment markets and related trademarks in Las Vegas from or operating any Hard Rock-branded in the world.” BY KEVIN JOHNSON Juniper Capital. Juniper, a private equity casino and integrated resort within Clark Through ownership, licensing and/or Senior Editor firm, and other partners, including Virgin County, , which includes Las Vegas. management, Hard Rock has 262 locations Hotels, purchased the Hard Rock Hotel & Additionally, HRI now has exclusive full – including casinos, hotels, Rock Shops and rights to memorabilia, merchandise and Cafes – in 76 countries. Vietnam War veteran Don Osceola, who Casino Las Vegas in 2018 from Brookfield grew up on the Big Cypress Reservation, passed away April 29 at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood from complications related to the coronavirus, according to a press release from the Seminole Tribe. Seminole Commercial Cleaning The Tribe said Osceola, hospitalized since April 17, is believed to be the first Native American in Florida to succumb to the disease. He had initially tested negative provides vital services for COVID-19, then tested positive. Seminole Tribe of Florida Inc. President BY AARON TOMMIE Johansson, the Executive Director of Seminole Commercial Cleaning offers and U.S. Army veteran Mitchell Cypress STOF Executive Management Trainee Operations for STOFI. three options for disinfection: said Osceola earned many medals and was Seminole Commercial Cleaning has Electrostatic Spray Application often described as a “Little Audie Murphy” over 100 employees who work in places Electrostatic spray cleaning is the in reference to the World War II hero from Since the coronavirus pandemic has that include Seminole Hard Rock Support process of spraying an electrostatically Texas who was awarded 28 medals. reached the United States, many companies Services, the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s charged mist onto surfaces and objects. As Osceola was born a Seminole and later and people have been negatively affected. headquarters, various casinos, schools, the chemical exits the electrostatic sprayer, became a member of the Tribe As a result, heightened safety procedures water plants, and others places to provide it is given a positive electrical charge. of Indians when he married his first wife, are becoming the new normal throughout janitorial services. The droplets then become attracted to all Dorothy Billie, who was a Miccosukee. the country, especially within the Seminole Its operational procedures have negative surfaces, completely covering the They had one child, Deanna. STOF Tribe of Florida. increased due to guidelines initiated by visible area, underside and backside, with Osceola graduated from Clewiston Don Osceola Seminole Commercial Cleaning the CDC and trainings its employees have the disinfectant. Proper PPE will be used High School. He served in the U.S. Marines and Maintenance Services of Florida, received from Jani-King’s executives. when disinfecting. and was on active duty during the Vietnam LLC (SCCMSF) was established as a These adjustments have allowed Seminole Non-electrostatic Spray Application War, where he earned the Purple Heart, one in Gainesville and studied architecture at business of Seminole Tribe of Florida, Commercial Cleaning to ensure that the Equipment includes battery operated of many medals he received for meritorious Florida International University in . Inc. (STOFI) in 2012. Under the cleaning properties it operates in meet standards that and pump sprayers that do NOT produce service during the war. He worked for the National Park Service at service company Jani-King International, adequately combat the coronavirus. It also a positive charge. In this case, when the Deanna said her dad told her his first few Shark Valley in Everglades National Park. it is a franchise that provides commercial has EPA-approved disinfectants and Personal disinfectant chemical is sprayed on a surface months in Vietnam were “really scary.” His He was a police officer for the Miccosukee cleaning services for facilities throughout Protective Equipment (PPE) used to help the and the dwell time is reached, the chemical platoon came under fire more than once, she Tribe and also worked in the Tribe’s housing the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s reservations employees provide increased attention to must then be wiped from the surface. Proper said, including one time when bullets were department. and some of their surroundings properties. commonly traversed and handled areas such PPE will be used when disinfecting. flying inches away from him. He earned a Following the death of his first wife, Seminole Commercial Cleaning is a joint- as doorknobs and keyboards to help out. Manual Disinfection Application Purple Heart when a bullet hit the tip of his Dorothy, he married Mary Osceola, a partnership between STOFI and Premier “As businesses work towards reopening, Standard cleaners and water will be nose. member of the Seminole Tribe. They raised Properties Cleaning (PPC), the latter which we continue to receive requests for the used to pre-clean surfaces prior to applying “He taught me by example that no one son, Christian Osceola. Both survive is responsible for conducting the operational electrostatic sprayer,” said Johansson. “ As an EPA-registered disinfectant to frequently matter how bad things are, as long as you’re him. aspects of the franchise. more and more people try to go back to work touched surfaces or objects for appropriate connected to the Creator, things will work Funeral services were with the Akin- “Over the years, Seminole Commercial and begin to try to get back to normal living, contact times as indicated on the product’s out for the best,” she said. “Under any stress Davis Funeral Home of Clewiston. Cleaning has grown to become a premier SCCMSF will continue to provide every label. Proper PPE will be used when or pressure, I always saw him calm. He also Native American-owned commercial tool available to ensure the safest possible disinfecting. liked to learn a lot.” facilities cleaning company,” said Golden facilities to return to.” Osceola pursued theological studies

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BY KEVIN JOHNSON Hollywood – whose massive expansion Senior Editor was open for only five months before being shut down in mid-March with all the other Seminole and Hard Rock properties due HOLLYWOOD — Putting food on to the pandemic – handed out about 3,800 the table during the COVID-19 pandemic cards in round one. A similar number was became a little easier for furloughed Hard expected for the second round. Rock and Seminole Gaming employees. Seminole Hard Rock made the process Hard Rock International and Seminole as festive as possible. During the May Gaming distributed $4.4 million in grocery 15 distribution, a disc jockey – aka Hard store gift cards to about 22,000 team Rock employee Will Otis – blasted rock members in the U.S. and Canada who earn music. Tribal member Jo-Lin Osceola, also less than $50,000 per year. The first round of a Hard Rock employee, held up signs of distributions for the $100 cards was May 1; encouragement as a steady stream of vehicles round two came two weeks later. rolled through three lanes in the valet area. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Employees remained in their vehicles and were greeted by Hard Rock personnel – all wearing protective face coverings. They handed out Publix gift cards and anniversary pins that commemorate the 16th anniversary of Hollywood’s Hard Rock grand opening that occurred May 11, 2004. More than 600 vehicles came through in the first hour. “It’s been phenomenal,” said Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood President Bo Guidry, who was in the middle of it all as he helped with the distributions. “Thank God we have Jim Allen as our CEO and the Tribal Council; they’re so supportive of this. We’re feeding so many of our families. Our employees have been out of work for over a month and a-half and this is a way for us to give back.” Although faces were covered, it was evident plenty of smiles were present on the giving and receiving ends. Kevin Johnson “They’re giving us signs like ‘God Seminole Hard Rock employee and Tribal member Jo-Lin Osceola shows support for team members as they receive grocery store gift cards May 15 at Bless You,’ and ‘Can’t Wait to Come Back Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. to Work.’ So everybody is excited,” Guidry said. A passenger in an SUV flashed a yellow sign with the words “Thank You Seminole Hard Rock. All is One.” Although no announcement had come yet as of press time on the reopening of the Kevin Johnson Hard Rock in Hollywood, its sister property Seminole Hard Rock employee Bebe De Azevedo in Tampa reopened its doors May 21. shows a Publix gift card and 16th anniversary pin In addition to the gift cards, HRI and that were given to team members in Hollywood on Seminole Gaming have provided more than May 15. $27 million in payroll relief to employees during the COVID-19 crisis, including

Kevin Johnson Pablo Astardjian, director of food and beverage for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, gives a friendly wave to a team member during the grocery store gift card distribution. Kevin Johnson A passenger in a vehicle shows support for Seminole Hard Rock during its grocery store gift card continued health benefits to all team parent entity of HRI and Seminole Gaming gift cards and continued health coverage. giveaway to team employees. members. – has also provided a boost to furloughed The Seminole Tribe of Florida – the employees on the tribal side through Publix

• Thousands of alternating slot special emphasis on high-touch surfaces and not reopen May 21, but Hard Rock Cafe and The Tampa facility is the first of F CASINOS machines will be turned off, to help ensure common areas. Rise Kitchen & Deli were among the eateries six Seminole Gaming casinos in Florida From page 1A social distancing on the casino floor. • Hand-sanitizing stations will be available. Hard Rock Event Center and spa to reopen. Opening dates for Seminole • New Plexiglas barriers will divide available on the casino floor, at the entrances services, for example, were not open and not Gaming’s other Florida casinos in Brighton, The guidelines in Tampa under Hard players at table games, poker games and and throughout the resort. all rooms in the hotel had reopened yet. Coconut Creek, Hollywood and Immokalee Rock’s “Safe and Sound” program include: customer service areas. • Constant purification and disinfecting The return to full business will likely had not been announced as of press time. • Temperature checks for all guests • 850 signs will be posted throughout of the air flowing into the complex through be gradual. According to the American Gaming and team members prior to entry. Any guest the complex to encourage social distancing the AtmosAir bipolar ionization system “So as business volumes hopefully Association, all 989 commercial and or team member with a temperature above and help ensure adherence to “Safe and designed to destroy virus particles in the air continue to grow and we can be effective tribal casinos in the U.S. closed due to the CDC guidelines will not be allowed entry. Sound” program guidelines. and on surfaces. at creating a safe environment, then we’ll pandemic. As of May 23, AGA’s casino • A requirement that all guests wear • More than 100 team members will • An overall 50 percent reduction in slowly look at opening that valve. Our goal tracker showed 164 casinos had reopened. masks or cloth face coverings that meet be part of a new “Safe and Sound Clean guest capacity throughout the resort. is to get as many people back to work as soon CDC guidelines, without exception. Masks Team” to focus on cleaning and disinfecting Indeed, the resort did not reopen at as possible,” Allen said in an interview with will be provided to guests, as needed. surfaces throughout the complex, with 100% of operations. Many restaurants did the Times after the reopening.

Hard Rock Hard Rock Plexiglass dividers are in place at the gaming tables at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. Signs describing sanitation efforts are on the casino floor in Tampa. 5A • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020 Native American princess sculpture returns to Tampa's Ulele restaurant

BY KEVIN JOHNSON way alongside the Hillsborough River. The story and legend behind Princess Ulele is that Senior Editor she belonged to the Tocobaga Tribe, which lived in the Tampa area dating back more The Ulele restaurant in Tampa is back, than 1,000 years. In the 1500s, as Europeans and so is its giant Native American princess. began to appear, the princess helped save the To coincide with the reopening of the life of a captured Spanish explorer who was popular restaurant just north of downtown, slated to be burned to death by her own tribe. owner Richard Gonzmart celebrated the The area’s past is something Gonzmart return of business and the reappearance of wants to emphasize. the Princess Ulele (pronounced you-lay-lee) “I want this story to be shared with sculpture as he met the media May 20. children about the people that called this The 11-foot tall, 1800-pound bronze home long before we were ever here,” bust is now located on an outdoor lawn at the Gonzmart said. restaurant near the Riverwalk that winds its Two years ago, the sculpture was in the news when the city of Tampa said it was

WFST-TV (Tampa) The Princess Ulele bronze bust has returned to the Ulele restaurant in Tampa. Two years ago, the sculpture was removed amid per order of the city.

on city property and ordered it removed. It everything in order with the city, the legacy press conference by Seminole Tribal was hauled away to a warehouse. Now, with of the princess can live on in full view of member Herbert Jim, of Tampa. customers and others along the Riverwalk. the Ulele restaurant had been closed WFST-TV (Tampa) "Respect history; respect those since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Herbert Jim talks to the media May 20 at the Ulele who sometimes weren’t respected," said restaurant in Tampa. Gonzmart, who was accompanied at the COVID-19 deaths surpass 100 for Navajo Nation Miss Indian World Cheyenne BY KEVIN JOHNSON told CNN on May 11 that infrastructure May, President Trump announced to tribal Senior Editor hasn’t helped in the ordeal and suggested the leaders that the Navajo Nation would receive Kippenberger participates in federal government reevaluate the needs of $600 million through the CARES Act to tribal communities. battle COVID-19. Oregon virtual powwow The Navajo Nation reported that the “We’ve been aggressively testing our Also, according to the White House, number of its citizens who have died from citizens here on the Navajo Nation, but the the Trump administration has provided COVID-19 reached 100 as of May 10. Just virus just spreads like wildfire,” he told 50 ventilators to the Navajo Nation and BY KEVIN JOHNSON two weeks later, the number had climbed to John King in a live interview. “We have 30- the federal government has deployed two Senior Editor 153. plus percent of our Navajo citizens here on disaster medical assistance teams and built Those grim figures come as the Navajo Navajo don’t have running water. We have three 50-bed federal medical stations. Nation, whose sprawling 17 million acres multiple generations of family members Help is also coming from celebrities. The COVID-19 pandemic has halted includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico and living under one roof as well.” Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her and altered events around the world, but Utah, endures some wife Portia De Rossi the duties and responsibilities of being of the highest rates of donated about 240 Miss Indian World continue for Cheyenne infection per capita protective medical Kippenberger. in the country. More face shields to the In early May, the Seminole Tribe’s than 3,000 confirmed Navajo Nation and first-ever MIW was part of the University cases represent nearly other tribes through of Oregon’s 52nd annual Mother’s Day 18 cases per 1,000 De Rossi’s art Powwow hosted by the school’s Native people. Navajo’s company. American Student Union. The pandemic population is 175,000; Also on the forced the event to be a virtual gathering more than 18,000 relief front, Go Fund only as it moved to Facebook from May 8-9. have been tested. Me pages have been Kippenberger delivered a Mother’s Day The rate in sprouting up. Navajo greeting to the attendees. which the virus has Nation started a “I am constantly reminded of the many hit Native Americans COVID-19 relief fund contributions of guidance, support and tough in Arizona and New that has raised more love that I am blessed with from all the Mexico is drastically than $230,000 as of women that surround me in my own life,” disproportionate mid-May. Kippenberger said in her message. “And compared to their Another relief although we are unable to come together in population in those fund has raised more person to sing and dance in celebration of all states. Natives than $3.5 million these incredible women, may we still honor account for about five for Navajo and Hopi our mothers, aunties and grandmothers no OU Native American Student Union/Facebook percent of Arizona’s families. The roots matter where we are in the world. Sing your Miss Indian World Cheyenne Kippenberger overall population, loudest, dance your hardest for the women addresses the University of Oregon's 52nd annual CNN to this one date to but, according to the the 1800s when the who surround you.” Mother's Day Powwow, a virtual event that was Arizona Department Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez talks to CNN’s John King on May 11. Choctaw donated Kippenberger’s remarks were held in May. of Health Services, money to the Irish to appreciated by the Powwow attendees. they have 18% of help during Ireland’s “We are so honored to have Miss regalia and ceremonial observances. the state’s deaths from COVID-19. The Nez also said the health system in the Potato Famine. As a way to say thanks in a Indian World a part of this experience. She Also in May, Kippenberger and her numbers are jaw-dropping in New Mexico, country needs improvement. modern-era fashion, the Irish fund organizers is a phenomenal person as her leadership reign as MIW were the focus of a story in too, where Natives account for 11 percent of “I think this pandemic has shed light on reciprocated the gesture by setting up a Go and advocacy work includes uplifting and Indian Country Today. She also hosted an the population, however, they comprise 57 the inadequacy of our public health system Fund Me page that has far surpassed its healing tribal communities,” student union Instagram discussion about mental health in percent of the infections, according to the throughout this country, but more so here on initial goal of $2 million. member and 2020-21 Miss Indian University Native American communities. New Mexico Department of Health. the tribal communities,” he said. of Oregon Angela Noah posted on social Kippenberger is in the second year of Navajo Nation president Jonathan Nez During a meeting in Phoenix earlier in media. her reign. She agreed to remain MIW when Even though it was a virtual experience, this year’s pageant was cancelled. the powwow still featured dance, music, Seminole Fire Rescue helps in the battle against Moon Fish wildfire BY KEVIN JOHNSON U.S. 41 corridor that is home to the preserve, was discovered May 7 just south of Loop Hard Rock Hotel Maldives up Senior Editor Everglades National Park, the Seminole Road in the southeast corner of the preserve Tribe’s Trail community and the Miccosukee and close to the national park boundary. Indian Reservation. The parks said the source of the fire was an for two awards Seminole Fire Rescue as well as Seminole Emergency Management individual who was cited. personnel from federal, state and local issued a smoke advisory May 9 to the In addition to Seminole Fire Rescue, agencies were involved with the battle Trail community, explaining that the fire additional personnel assisting Big Cypress STAFF REPORT bureaus and hotels. The hotel is nominated against the so-called Moon Fish wildfire on a was moving in a direction away from the and Everglades Fire and Aviation were from in the best hotel resort regional category. border of Monroe and Miami-Dade counties. community, but air quality could be impacted the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife The Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, located Hard Rock Maldives is located on A Big Cypress National Preserve media from smoke. People with breathing, Service, Bureau of Land Management, on the island nation of Maldives in the Indian a lagoon and features 178 guestrooms, representative said May 26 that the fire is respiratory or other serious health issues Bureau of Indian Affairs, Collier County, Ocean, has been nominated for two awards. including beach villas, family suites and now 100% contained. The fire's size was were advised to remain indoors or leave the Florida Highway Patrol and Miami-Dade The hotel is a candidate for the Conde Nast one and two-bedroom overwater villas. The approximately 25,834 acres, according to area. Fire Rescue. Travelers Readers’ Choice Award 2020 and property also has an infinity pool, a tuk-tuk the preserve. Big Cypress National Preserve and A tropical system that moved through the fourth annual Stella Awards. The latter bar on a terrace, panoramic ocean views and The fire was located in a region of the Everglades National Park reported the fire the area also helped the containment. recognizes airlines, conference centers, a private boat jetty. convention centers, convention and visitor

Big Cypress National Preserve Hard Rock The Moon Fish wildfire encompassed almost 26,000 acres in the Tamiami Trail region of the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. Hard Rock Maldives villas stretch over a lagoon. 6A • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020

BY CHARLES FOX Philadelphia Inquirer An act of remembering Native American children who died so long ago

CARLISLE, Penn. — Maj. Steven Brewer sat by the graves like a teacher reading a children’s story. The students were arranged in straight lines as if still seated at the school desks they occupied more than a century ago on the same grounds. The site on May 23 was the cemetery of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School on the campus of the Army War College, where a group of Native Americans have come every Memorial Day weekend since 1973 for a vigil of sorts. They come to honor the students who died while attending school there and to decorate their graves. The practice was started by the American Indian Society of , D.C. and continued in recent years by the Circle Legacy Center of Lancaster. Because of the coronavirus and a lock down on the military base, this year was different. Attendees were limited to those who had a military ID. A group that in past years normally numbered about 50 was reduced to eight this year because of restrictions intended to help stop the spread of the deadly virus. It was up to Brewer, a non-Native American, Karen Collins, an Eastern Shawnee elder who helped originate the memorial practice, and Shawndae Sharp’s family to carry on the tradition. Before the pandemic, Brewer’s family had intended to participate in the larger ceremony. His wife, Chelle McIntyre- Brewer, is of Cherokee descent. Their children, Lorelei, 14, and Killian, 7, had started growing sage last June to dry and bundle for the event. But they could not be present to see their work used to decorate the 189 graves, 170 of them for Native American students. Lorelei was born with a serious heart condition. To diminish possible exposure to COVID-19, the family, with the exception of Charles Fox/Philadelphia Inquirer Steven Brewer, who works in the Army health Maj. Steven Brewer sat by the graves on May 23 like a teacher reading a children’s story. The students were arranged in straight lines as if still seated at the school desks they occupied over a century ago clinic at the Carlisle barracks, has quarantined on the same grounds, now a cemetery of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School at the Army War College. inside their Duncannon home since March 3. McIntyre-Brewer says the lesson for their children is something they emphasize in the family: “It’s not always about you. Focus on someone else. It’s a lesson in humility.” Brewer wanted to continue a tradition that Lorelei had started a year earlier of reading to the graves. The book that was chosen was “We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Cherokee author Traci Sorell. The book teaches resilience and gratitude for the experiences of ancestors. “Last year, Lorelei sat in her wheelchair and read three stories and even took the time to hold the book out and show the pictures around,” Brewer recalled. “I wanted to make sure we did this. I know it was really important to her and it touched me seeing it.” The cemetery has become a lasting symbol of the assimilation effort initiated by the United States government at Carlisle and later at other boarding schools. Opened in 1879, it was the nation’s first federal off-reservation boarding school, created to solve “the Indian problem” by cleansing children of their “savage nature.” Thousands of Indian children were shorn of their names, languages, religions, and family ties. About 8,000 students attended the Carlisle school during its 39-year history. Since 2017, 11 students have been disinterred and returned to their native lands. There will be no homecomings this year. Like many things, the pandemic has caused a postponement until next year. “Even with those repatriated, it doesn’t mean we forget,” said McIntyre-Brewer. “There is still a memory of what happened and a memory that still needs to be reconciled with. We are still understanding a significant Charles Fox/Philadelphia Inquirer amount of loss.” Karen Collins, left, an elder from the American Indian Society, leads the group in prayer on May 23. They usually number about 50, but because of the coronavirus had to keep the tradition alive with a smaller group. A group of Native Americans have come every Memorial Day weekend since 1973 to the cemetery of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School at the Carlisle Barracks to honor the students who died while attending school there and to decorate their graves.

ing, dancing. Native people are talented in share their talents as they would if they were Jr. and RedCloud, Crystal Lightning and their new hit ‘Mamacita.’” F MUSIC all types of ways. It seems that all of us are at a live powwow,” he said. “And even more Artson. Although the pandemic has hurt the From page 1A eager to share what’s inside of us creatively.” so, some who may be afraid to, this has giv- “And of course our Mag7 family,” Doc music industry in many ways, including The Social Distance Powwow group on en them the opportunity to come out of their said. “Supaman and his son H.a.n.z.o had an throwing production schedules off track and Facebook is among Spencer’s new favorites. shell and post dances and songs they may amazing father son collaboration that really cancelling concerts and award shows, the “The best part of this whole experience From singing contests and dancing to cele- have in other instances not shared. It really inspired me. I could go on and on with all opportunities for Native artists to be heard has been discovering new artists,” Spencer brations of graduations and sobriety to seek- is a beautiful thing.” the new music/performances that I’ve really and seen online – and grow as a community said. “Every day it seems people are being ing prayers for loved ones who are ill, the As for music, several artists have caught enjoyed as well as PJ Vegas killing it with – perhaps have never been greater. more open to sharing their gifts and talents, page emphasizes positivity. the attention of Doc, including Snotty Nose his new single and we can’t forget the big “It’s been a great time for Indigenous not just in music but in art, fashion, cook- “Every day different artists of all fields Rez Kids, RezCoast Grizz, Antoine Edwards homie Taboo and the Black Eyed Peas with music in this unfortunate time,” Doc said. 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 • May 29, 2020

being named chief, he participated in the Lauderdale, he served as Davie’s fire chief “The @FCABC is saddened to hear of the funeral home to the cemetery, where dozens F CHIEF grand opening ceremony for the Big Cypress and emergency management director from passing of #SeminoleTribeFireDepartment of emergency personnel from the Tribe From page 1A Reservation’s Jimmie Cypress Public Safety 2001-07. Fire Chief Donald DiPetrillo. Chief and other agencies and departments lined Complex on Oct. 17, 2008. The facility is An outpouring of sympathy and respect DiPetrillo was a staple in the South Florida the street and entrance to the cemetery. A The Tribe said Chief DiPetrillo died home to the reservation’s fire, police and for the Davie resident came from those he fire service. We are a safer Broward because large U.S. flag was strewn high above the from COVID-19 and that he is believed to other emergency personnel. served and worked with throughout his of his leadership. Rest in Peace, Chief!,” the procession attached to Seminole fire engines. have contracted the coronavirus while on Chief DiPetrillo oversaw several career. Fire Chiefs Association of Broward County Chief DiPetrillo graduated from duty attending the “EMS Today” emergency firefighter/EMS graduation ceremonies “The men and women of the Broward posted on Twitter. McArthur High School in Hollywood in medical services conference in Tampa. The in Tribal headquarters auditorium. In his Sheriff’s Office mourn the loss of Seminole After the chief’s passing, Miami TV 1967. He earned a bachelor’s degree in conference was held in early March at the addresses, he often stressed to new graduates Tribe of Florida Fire Chief Donald DiPetrillo, stations showed a tribute from emergency public administration from Barry University Tampa Convention Center. He had been the importance of family – both within the who sadly lost his battle with COVID-19. A personnel who gathered at the hospital and a in Miami Shores. He also held an associate’s hospitalized since mid-March. Tribe and at home. true public safety icon in the South Florida procession with emergency vehicles, led by degree in fire science from Broward College. Chief DiPetrillo’s brother David had “Once you join the Tribe, you are part fire community for nearly half century, Seminole Fire Rescue, that accompanied the Chief DiPetrillo joined the U.S. Navy in been posting updates on Facebook during of one big family,” DiPetrillo told graduates Chief DiPetrillo served with pride, dignity casket to the funeral home in Plantation. 1971 as a Yeoman 2nd Class and served on the hospitalization. in May 2016. “The Tribal members count on and dedication,” Broward County Sheriff’s On May 6, first responders from board the U.S.S. Wasp. He was honorably On April 30 he posted: “My brother us as a family and as co-workers to support Office posted on Facebook. throughout Broward and well beyond discharged into the United States Reserves Donald DiPetrillo has fought a long, hard, them as much as we count on them to help “He will be missed by all. Thank you honored Chief DiPetrillo by lining up in 1972. courageous fight for his earthly life. His fight us.” for your years of service. RIP Chief,” the along stretches of the casket’s journey from He is survived by his mother, Joan, and is over. Donald is at peace with his savior Chief DiPetrillo’s firefighting career Davie Fire Rescue Department posted on T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home in son, Tyson, of Davie, two brothers, David Jesus Christ, who welcomes him into God’s stretched back to the early 1970s. He worked Facebook. Plantation to Lauderdale Memorial Park in and John, and Lindy Maracic, his girlfriend. loving arms.” for the City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue “Gone from our sight, but never from Fort Lauderdale. Chief DiPetrillo’s tenure as the Tribe’s Department from 1973-2001 and served as our hearts. Rest in Peace Chief DiPetrillo,” A Seminole ambulance, adorned with fire chief lasted 11 years. A few months after assistant fire chief. After retiring from Fort the Town of Davie posted on Facebook. dark drapes, carried the casket from the

Tribune file photo Martin Ebenhack Seminole Fire Chief Donald DiPetrillo enjoys a lighter moment during a graduation ceremony in 2016. Firefighters line up to honor Chief Donald DiPetrillo at Lauderdale Memorial Park on May 6.

Tribune file photo Chief DiPetrillo shakes hands with a new Seminole Fire Rescue graduate in 2016.

Kevin Johnson (2) Martin Ebenhack Fire departments from throughout Broward County, including Plantation, above, and Pompano Beach, below, lined the funeral procession route to salute Seminole Police officers pay tribute to Chief DiPetrillo at the funeral procession. Chief DiPetrillo.

Martin Ebenhack A U.S. flag flies above at the cemetery. 8A • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020

What do you think about your environment? The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum wants to know

even notice or think about them at the time. colder, wetter or drier than it used to be? BY TARA BACKHOUSE Think back to when you were younger. Do These kinds of changes affect us, they Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Collections Manager you remember different animals, like birds, become a part of history. fish, or even insects? Do you remember The museum’s collection includes different trees? Were there more of them, information about the environment in a History is not only about people, it is were they bigger? What about water? We variety of surprising ways. Nineteenth also about the environment. The two are see it every day. But has the quality or century newspapers that reported news of intertwined in many ways. We often don’t availability changed for you? Is it warmer, the Seminole Wars boldly cite Florida’s

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Early 20th century photograph of a man poling a canoe along a canoe trail leading from Tommy Osceola's second camp. This photograph was taken before Everglades drainage was completed and before roads were constructed in the area.

environment as a military problem, as the Today, the Florida environment is ever-present water and dense vegetation threatened by forces such as climate change kept hidden and hindered the and large scale water management practices. movement of U.S. troops (to view the Let’s not forget what the environment means information about this newspaper in our to us. The museum, the Tribal Historic online collections, search for 1995.8.8). Preservation Office and the Environmental Handwritten letters from the 1800s also Resources Management Department are show that the U.S. Army saw the Everglades working on several projects to protect environment as a hostile enemy. the environment and to honor its history. Seminole people used their environment Whether it’s an educational program with to their advantage. Luckily for Seminoles, local schools, a plan for dealing with climate the U.S. Army did not! change, re-designing the galleries in the Photographs show a different side to museum, or making sure the Seminole voice the landscape of South Florida. Some of is heard on federal consultation levels, they the museum’s earliest photographs show all have one goal: to tell the Seminole story historic water levels around camps. Canoes and to make the environment a big part of could move freely in the beautiful watery that story. Your knowledge and experience environment. However this became less with the environment are essential. and less possible as the 20th century moved If you’d like to work with us on any of forward. As land was drained and roads were these projects, let us know. If you want to constructed, cars replaced canoes and the record an oral history for future generations, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Seminole way of life changed. For example, we’re here to help. For more information roadside tourist camps sprung up where on our projects and our collection, contact Early 20th century aerial photograph of a Seminole camp on the Tamiami Trail where Bill Osceola grew up. This photograph appears to have been taken Seminole families could make money off [email protected]. before many of the current water management projects were in place. travelers passing by. National Native American Veterans Memorial designer discusses concepts behind his work

BY KEVIN JOHNSON taught artist from Oklahoma. Senior Editor He’s a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Marines Ceremony and spirituality will be two Corps’ Air Rescue and Security key components of the National Native and was stationed at Da Nang American Veterans Memorial. Air Base. He also has a 50-year Harvey Pratt, the memorial's designer, career in law enforcement as a explained the concepts behind his work forensic artist. during a teleconference in May hosted by He brings a wealth of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of experience to the memorial, the American Indian in Washington, D.C. having sculpted works for the The memorial is under construction and Oklahoma State Bureau of scheduled to be dedicated later this year on Investigation and the state of the NMAI grounds. The 18-minute video is Colorado, to name a few. available on YouTube. Elements such as wind, The memorial honors American Indian, fire, water and the earth are Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian veterans. incorporated in the NMAI "The Native American people have memorial. Pratt described the defended this land this country from the "path of life" that leads to the very beginning. We're still here; we're still memorial. defending this land for this country,” Pratt "As you walk this path of said during the discussion. life there is an audio system "...we are excited to be building and you can hear the drum beat, the National Native American Veterans the rolling thunder of the drum Memorial on the grounds of the museum to beat as it crescendos up into the honor Native veterans and bring awareness to thunder of the drums as you the extraordinary service of Native men and are walking to the memorial,” women in the United States Armed Forces,” he said. “Then, when you get said Mandy Van Heuvelen (Cheyenne River closer, you can hear softly the Sioux), NMAI's cultural interpreter manager, Indians sing a flag song or a who hosted the interview with Pratt. veterans song or a memorial Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho) is a self- song." Earthcam.com An aerial view of the construction scene at the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Memorial Day May 25.

The Warriors Circle of Honor, high steel circle. A large drum will feature which can be entered clockwise or flowing water. counterclockwise, will be a focal "This design was specifically for point for ceremonies, healing, Native Americans, for them to understand prayers and reflections. A circular and see where they can sit in there and be seating area within the circle comfortable and do their ceremony in private will allow people to become in or to be observed," Pratt said. harmony with nature, spirits and Pratt also wants the memorial to serve the earth, Pratt said. as an educational and emotional place for Directional points, or cardinal non-Natives, hoping they will absorb the points, will each carry significance. energy from the ceremonies. Southeast, for example, is white. The memorial is scheduled to be Pratt says it's where the sun comes dedicated on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2020, up and can be prayerful. although the pandemic has altered plans. A "You can start your day every message on NMAI’s website (as of late May) day with a prayer to the Creator and said the Native Veterans Procession, which try to be a better person today than was scheduled to be part of the dedication you were yesterday," Pratt said. events, has been postponed. The message Southwest is red and it is also states: "As of right now, we do not in recognition of the Creator; yet know how our plans for the memorial's northwest is yellow to honor dedication will be affected. We are exploring Mother Earth and northeast is all options available to us as we develop black to remember ancestors. these plans.” The area will have four lances with eagle feathers in tribute to awards that Native veterans earned. Pratt said people can tie a prayer cloth to a lance and say a prayer. "Every time the wind blows, NMAI that prayer goes out again," he said. An illustration of Harvey Pratt's design for the National Native American Veterans Memorial at the National Museum of the American Indian. Fire will be part of a 12-foot 9A • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020 Health Why COVID-19 is decimating some Native American communities

BY TIMOTHY M. SMITH American Medical Association

Native American populations face many of the same challenges as the larger U.S. population during the COVID-19 pandemic, including lack of ready access to testing and shortages of personal protective equipment. But the added burdens of chronic disease and persistent underfunding of American Indian health systems have put the nation’s indigenous population at higher risk of poor outcomes from the disease. An episode of the “AMA COVID-19 Update” explores these challenges and Courtesy photo notes ways to improve quality of care and Wes Studi appears in an announcement seeking donations for the Partnership With Native Americans outcomes. The April 30 episode, “The organization. pandemic’s impact on the Native American population,” features a discussion with an Alaska Native physician and an American Indian physician, who discuss how Wes Studi urges COVID-19 is affecting their communities. The AMA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are closely donations for Indian monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn Navajo Nation more at the AMA COVID-19 resource center and the AMA’s physician guide to The Navajo Nation has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its per capita cases surpassed New Country amid COVID-19 COVID-19. York and in May.

Large families, long histories that’s based on treaties in which our tribes challenges of the multiple data sets that we BY KEVIN JOHNSON made to the organization to help get needed Senior Editor resources to these communities. To appreciate the challenges facing exchanged land and natural resources for have to work with.” various social services, including housing, Learn more about why racial and ethnic “PWNA is delivering food, water and Native American populations during the other vital supplies every day, but their pandemic, one must first note the difference education and health care,” said Donald data on COVID-19’s impact is badly needed. When Wes Studi speaks, Indian Country Warne, MD, MPH, associate dean of listens, and the hope is that others will, too. warehouses are running low,” he said. in social units. Unlike some U.S. populations, COVID-19 has walloped some Native American Indians and Alaska Natives often diversity, equity and inclusion and director Where there’s opportunity The Oscar-winning actor has earned a of the INMED and Public Health Programs well-respected aura through his legendary American communities. This week the don’t live in nuclear families. Navajo Nation’s number of cases per capita “The old joke is, ‘For the Navajo family, at the University of North Dakota. “So that’s One thing Native American Hollywood career that has spanned five why there’s a Bureau of Indian Affairs. That’s communities have in common with the decades with roles in “Dances with Wolves,” became the highest in the U.S., surpassing it’s parents, children, grandparents and their and New Jersey. In addition anthropologist,’” said Siobhan M. Wescott, why there’s an Indian Health Service.” larger U.S. population is that telemedicine “The Last of the Mohicans,” “Heat,” Unfortunately, what little money flows could dramatically improve their access to “Avatar,” “Hostiles” and several others. to housing and clean water issues, other MD, MPH, assistant director of the Indians contributing factors to high numbers are Into Medicine (INMED) Program at the into the Indian Health Service (IHS) is spent care. Most tribal communities don’t even He’s also a Vietnam War veteran. on medical care, not public health programs, have a hospital, Dr. Warne noted. The message Studi (Cherokee) delivers health issues such as diabetes, a disease University of North Dakota and a member which Native Americans have the highest of Alaska’s Athabascan tribe. There is “quite putting Native American populations at The recently passed CARES Act through a public service announcement particular risk in a pandemic, said Dr. Warne, sets aside $1 billion for Indian health that was released this week is for people to prevalence rates of all racial and ethnic a bit of closeness and even sometimes living groups in the country. in the same quarters, which may or may not who is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe programming, much of which supports help Native American communities in the in South Dakota. telehealth activities. It also extends the COVID-19 battle. According to PWNA, federal aid has have running water. So washing your hands been slow to arrive. all the time, distancing from elders, from One example is the Navajo nation, which Special Diabetes Program for Indians. “It is serious and requires immediate has “really been decimated by COVID-19,” Meanwhile, the AMA has urged the attention,” Studi said in the PSA video. “Every day, remote reservation square one that can be very difficult.” communities face shortages of food, But the challenges transcend social Dr. Warne said, although government data Trump administration to collect and make “Housing on reservations is overcrowded demonstrating this is limited. As of late April, available COVID-19 mortality data by and there is a lack of clean water. Our Elders water and health care, and COVID-19 has structure, Dr. Wescott noted. magnified that reality,” Joshua Arce, PWNA “There’s higher disparities in chronic the Indian Health Service had administered race and ethnicity. It also recently worked are at greater risk. I thank all the health care only 27,000 tests for the novel coronavirus; with members of Congress to draft a bill workers who have left their homes to assist president and CEO, said in a statement. diseases, which can make people more “Donations are critical now as we bring vulnerable to COVID and have a worse about 3,000 had come back positive. on COVID-19 race and ethnicity data on the reservations, but more help is needed.” “The challenge is that IHS collects collection, which would expand the health The announcement is for Partnership relief to under-resourced communities.” outcome with it,” she said, noting that “these To donate to PWNA, go to are long-standing problems.” all of the federal Indian Health Service care system’s ability to quell misinformation, With Native Americans, a Native-led data, but many tribes actually operate improve access to testing and treatment and nonprofit which helps serve under-resourced nativepartnership.org or call 800-416-8102. Special status, but little funding their own health systems,” Dr. Warne said. ensure equitable distribution of resources. reservations. Studi requests donations be “And we also have urban American Indian “One thing that’s not very well health facilities, and their reporting to that Timothy M. Smith is senior news writer understood is that American Indians are the database is voluntary. So I would say that for the American Medical Association. This only [U.S.] population that’s actually born we’re really underestimating the prevalence article is on AMA’s website at www.ama- with a legal right to health services, and of COVID-19 based on some of the data assn.org/. NIHB releases budget request for fiscal year 2022 HHS announces $500M distribution to tribal hospitals, PRESS RELEASE Operations. NIHB is unequivocally opposed clinics, urban health centers all proposed IHS cuts. On May 3, NIHB submitted testimony “Tribal Nations continue to call on the to the U.S. Department of Health and Administration to prioritize department PRESS RELEASE increased labor costs due to employees billion dollars. resources to make American Indian and that have been exposed to COVID-19. At The distribution methodology is: Human Services (HHS) detailing the Tribal health budget priorities for fiscal Alaska Native health equal with the rest On May 22, the Department of Health least 233 facilities across the Indian health • IHS and tribal hospitals will receive of the country. Tribal citizens experience system serve as the only health care provider a $2.81 million base payment plus three year (FY) 2022. The testimony urges the and Human Services (HHS) announced Administration to follow the National Tribal tremendous health disparities, and this can $500 million in payments from the Provider for both IHS and non-IHS beneficiaries, percent of their total operating expenses be directly linked to the persistent, chronic making them critical to stopping the spread • IHS and tribal clinics and programs Budget Formulation Workgroup (TBFWG) Relief Fund to the Indian Health Service recommendations that includes funding the underfunding of the Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribal hospitals, clinics, and urban of COVID-19 and reopening America. will receive a $187,000 base payments and other Tribal health programs across the This funding provides support to these plus five percent of the estimated service IHS at $12.7 billion, strengthening Tribal health centers to support the tribal response access to Medicare and Medicaid programs, agency,” said Chairperson Kitcheyan. “We to COVID-19. healthcare facilities, which in some cases population multiplied by the average cost are seeing the devastating impacts of that may be the only healthcare facility within per user and expanding grants for Tribal behavioral The pandemic has disproportionately health. underfunding as our Tribal people suffer impacted IHS providers and programs. a day's traveling distance for those served. • IHS urban programs will receive a from COVID-19 in old hospitals with limited Combined with previous funding, this $181,000 base payment plus six percent of “Every year, Tribal Leaders put forward Many such providers have experienced a national budget request that proposes supplies and outdated equipment. America is significantly increased need for personal distribution brings the total amount of new the estimated service population multiplied seeing it too, and Tribes are looking to the resources to the Indian health system to $2.4 by the average cost per user to phase in funding increases and bring protective equipment (PPE) as well as the federal government closer to fulfilling Administration to make it right with a budget HHS that gives our people a chance to be healthier has allocated the treaty and trust obligations for health services," said NIHB Chairperson Victoria and live longer.” approximately NIHB also included budget 4% of available Kitcheyan. "This year, with many of our Tribal communities suffering from coronavirus, recommendations for other HHS agencies funding that have Tribal-specific programs, like for Urban Tribes urge the Administration to fulfill the historic agreements by putting forth a budget Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Indian Health (CMS); Centers for Disease Control and Programs, that will finally eradicate the persistent health disparities that have impacted Tribal Prevention (CDC); Substance Abuse and consistent with Mental Health Services Administration the percent communities for generations, and are now exacerbated by COVID-19.” (SAMHSA); National Institutes of Health In challenging of patients (NIH); Health Resources and Services served by The Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup and NIHB proposed to increase Administration (HRSA); and the Office of Urban Indian Minority Health (OMH). times, we are Organizations the President’s Budget Request to a total of $12.759 billion for the IHS in FY 2022 by The President’s Budget Request for (UIOs) in FY 2021 encourages substantive changes to relation to adding at a minimum : • +$337 million for full funding of Medicaid that could greatly harm access to careful to protect the total IHS healthcare for American Indians and Alaska active user current services • +474.5 million for binding fiscal Natives and deplete third-party billing population, as revenue collected by IHS, Tribes and urban our physical health. well as prior obligations • +$2.7 billion for program increases Indian health centers (ITU). In response, allocations NIHB urged CMS to protect these vital funds of IHS for the most critical health issues (~30% above FY 2021 enacted) and strengthen them in Tribal communities COVID-19 by ensuring that all eligible users can enroll funding. The Access the full FY 2022 Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup Recommendations in CMS programs. NIHB also reiterated remaining the request to provide exemption to Tribes Don’t forget to take funding will for the IHS budget on the NIHB website at nihb.org. and American Indian and Alaska Native be divided people from block grants and mandatory care of your mental and equally Earlier this year, the Administration released the President’s Budget Request for work requirements, and to protect Medicaid between expansion for all IHS beneficiaries. hospitals and FY 2021, and though it has increases to the emotional health, too. IHS budget for needed areas like Electronic “CMS programs, like Medicaid, clinics. Medicare and the Children’s Health Visit gov/ Health Records, the budget request also proposes significant cuts to 13 IHS line Insurance Program, play a critical role in the providerrelief Indian health care delivery system as its third- for information items with the largest cut to the Health Care Facilities Construction at roughly $134 party revenue brings in crucial supplemental on the Provider funding for Tribal health programs and it Relief Fund. million below the fiscal year 2020 amount. Contact your local Indian health care Overall, the President’s FY 2021 Budget also supports the federal government’s trust responsibility,” Chairperson Kitcheyan said. provider for more information, visit Request for IHS fell short of the Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup Recommendations Healthcare.gov, or call 1–800–318–2596. across every IHS line item except for Direct 10A • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020 SEMINOLE SCENES

During COVID-19 restrictions in Fort Lauderdale, an increasing number of residents walked and biked along the city’s Riverwalk in downtown. The Riverwalk has longtime connections to the Seminole Tribe. At the start of its north side path along the New River is a monument that marks the start of the – Cooley’s Landing. At the end of its path on the south side is a sculpture and monument honoring the Seminole Tribe of Florida titled “Florida: A Seminole Girl.”

‘Seminole Girl’/Stranahan Landing

In 2015, a 12-foot sculpture of a 5-year- old Native American girl playing under palmetto fronds she is holding over her head (as a parasol) was unveiled by the city. The bronze “Florida: A Seminole Girl” artwork also shows a crane dancing alongside her and a baby alligator at her feet. The $100,000 sculpture was designed by Nilda Comas. It also includes 500 tiles in Seminole patchwork style with the names of donors, many who are Tribal members. The Tribe paid for half of the cost of the entire project. Elementary school students from the Big Cypress Reservation created ceramic tiles that depict Florida’s flora and fauna. Those are located at the bottom of the statue’s 4-foot-tall base. The artwork’s location is across from the Stranahan House, home of the pioneer couple Miami Dolphins Ivy and Frank Stranahan in the early 1900s. COACHING LEGEND: The giant screen outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens features a tribute Frank Stranahan set up a trading post on to Don Shula. The winningest coach in NFL history, who led the 1972 Dolphins to a Super Bowl victory the river to do business with the Seminoles and a perfect season, died May 4 at age 93. and others, who bartered alligator hides and teeth for calico, beads, pots and pans and sewing machines. The statue is located at the city’s Stranahan Landing Park.

Cooley’s Massacre

This plaque and monument was erected Hard Rock/Facebook at Cooley’s Landing, located at 450 Cooley LITTLE RICHARD, BIG Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. As the plaque VOICE: Richard Wayne explains, the site is where William Cooley Penniman, more had a plantation in the early 1800s. In 1836, commonly known as early “local Indians attacked Cooley’s homestead,” rock ‘n’ roll star Little thus sparking the Second Seminole War. Richard, died May 9 at age 87. He was known for energetic music and a flamboyant wardrobe. He wore this outfit on stage in Courtesy photos (4) 1970 and it became part of Above and at left, the memorabilia collection “Florida: A Seminole Girl” at Hard Rock Cafe in New sculpture and plaque. At Orleans. right, Cooley’s Massacre plaque. Both are located along the Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale.

Seminole Scenes Rewind: Tribune photos from the past - Seminole Color Guard 11A • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020 NATIONAL NATIVE NEWS Gibson, Terre Haute get casino “We can see throughout time, people “We were working on that, and we Michigan to get their land back. They lost. license loved hunting big horned sheep. We see a lot told her that we would,” Remi Bald Eagle, It was the start of their 106-year quest - Vineyard Gazette (Martha’s Vineyard, of big-horned sheep on those rocks,” Hora a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe spokesman, within the justice system for acknowledgment Mass.) TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The added. told Indian Country Today. “Next thing you of their sovereignty. Indiana Gaming Commission on May 15 Hora believes most of the damage is know, she runs off and does something like The next step took two decades. Report: Measures to stop spread unanimously awarded a casino operator’s unintentional. She thinks the recreational this, so it’s a little confusing.” Congress enacted the Indian Recognition of COVID-19 in First Nations limited shooters don’t know the art is there, despite The Oglala Sioux, which had said it Act in 1934, and the DIA’s Bureau of Indian license to Terre Haute-based Spectacle Jack by lack of infrastructure LLC. several warning signs which have been shot was also considering Noem’s earlier plan, Affairs soon began receiving recognition Spectacle Jack is now owned by out. responded in a statement to her White petitions. Quintana said she’s also disturbed by House letter that “the governor is missing One of those was from Burt Lake, whose Suggested measures to limit the spread Terre Haute businessman Greg Gibson of COVID-19 won’t be effective in remote and is no longer a subsidiary of Spectacle the trash and illegal fires left behind, despite an opportunity to set a positive example of leadership first applied in 1935. vandalism being a class A misdemeanor. executive leadership.” More than 85 years later, the band is still Manitoba First Nations unless housing Entertainment of Indianapolis. conditions and access to clean water are Gibson and company, for more than She hopes something can be done to “Governor Noem’s decision to escalate waiting for an answer, Stupak said. preserve the sacred indigenous art. the tension right now over checkpoints “They essentially stiff-armed us,” Hamlin improved, says a new report. an hour Friday, outlined their plan to “Asking people to wash their hands build a 100,000-square-foot, $120 million “We should stop the shooting because doesn’t make sense from a public health said, of the unconstitutional treatment the band this is very important to Utah,” Quintana perspective,” Chase Iron Eyes, a spokesman receved. and isolate in overcrowded homes without enterprise to be operated under the Hard running water is like asking people unable Rock International brand and called the said. for Oglala Sioux President Julian Bear In 1978, the DIA formalized the process, BLM Public Affairs Specialist Runner and lead counsel for the Lakota with another layer of bureaucracy called the to afford bread to eat cake,” reads the report, Rocksino. released May 20 by the Canadian Centre for Groundbreaking is expected in Rachel Wootton tells FOX13 the bureau is People’s Law Project, said. “Part 83 process.” reviewing the archaeological vandalism and “We’re permitting people to pass Part 83 required tribes and bands to show Policy Alternatives (CCPA). September of this year and the casino is The research examines housing, water scheduled to open in September 2021, recreational target shooting in the area. through our reservations — we’re screening they’d been functioning as an autonomous unit people, according to the best advice from “throughout history until the present.” infrastructure and access to emergency according to Spectacle Jack executives. services in northern Manitoba First Nations Gibson told the gaming commission that - Fox13 (Salt Lake City, Utah) medical experts, not preventing travel,” The Band assembled thousands of pages Iron Eyes said, adding that “99.9 percent of paperwork and applied under the Part 83 including Wasagamack and Garden Hill previously he had little interest in owning a First Nations. There are no known cases of casino, but saw the opportunity to bring a South Dakota governor asks of drivers are allowed to pass through after process. answering a few questions.” It took 20 years, a delay Stupak calls COVID-19 in the area. major development to his home town. Trump to intervene in checkpoint Drawing on water infrastructure studies “This process has been a long journey A bipartisan group of 17 state legislators “unconscionable,” but they did hear back. dispute with Native American tribes has cautioned Noem against waging a legal In 2006, the BIA rejected their petition. from 2003 to 2018, the report outlines the for us, and today marks an important step history of limited access to clean water on down a path toward a successful opportunity battle with the tribes, writing that “the Band members had married into other bands South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem State of South Dakota [does not] have and there were gaps in their paperwork, BIA reserves across Canada, and highlights for many Hoosiers,” Gibson said. “... Seeing appealed to the Trump administration for the frequency of water shortages in an opportunity to bring a transformational the authority to enforce State law within investigators said. help May 20 in resolving a dispute over boundaries of a Reservation,” pointing to Then in 2014, after decades of criticism, Wasagamack, including a shutdown of the project to Terre Haute and Vigo County is roadside checkpoints set up by two Native community’s water treatment system earlier what excited, and ultimately sold me on the Fort Laramie Treaties of 1851 and 1868 the BIA acknowledged its tribal recognition American tribes trying to curb the spread that gave tribes jurisdictional powers and a process was broken, and announced reforms. this month. being involved in this project.” of the coronavirus, the latest move in a In 2018, just over half of the homes Spectacle executives told the 1990 appeals court ruling that says the state “Specifically, the process has been clash over which government entity has the doesn’t have control over roadways that cut criticized as too slow (a petition can take on the Garden Hill reserve had piped water commission the project, from start of ground ultimate legal authority. delivery, with 27 per cent using cisterns or work to grand opening, should take roughly through Native lands without tribal consent. decades to be decided), expensive, burdensome, Noem, a Republican who assumed “It is obvious that Gov. Noem knows inefficient, intrusive, less than transparent and holding tanks, and 21 per cent using bottled 16 months. office last year, wrote in a letter to President or pails of water in their homes, according to In that time Spectacle Jack looks to little about the limited authority she and the unpredictable,” the BIA said of its own rules. Donald Trump that the issue is “not a matter state government have in Indian country,” The new rules would be more objective, data in the report. build a 1,200-game casino complete with of tribal sovereignty” because South Dakota “It’s been really hard. I don’t have four restaurants, four bars, and an enclosed, Gary Pitchlynn, an attorney and law the agency promised. Groups like the Burt Lake has rights allowing residents and travelers professor at the University of Oklahoma, Band would have a new, if limited, chance to water in my cistern right now,” said Nora temperature-controlled walkway to the to access the roadways, and that the federal Whiteway of Wasagamack First Nation. adjacent Home2Suites hotel. Site plans also told NBC News. “Any action that might petition again. government has “an interest in interstate come from the federal government would The band re-grouped and hired Stupak. Whiteway lives with seven family include a provision for a future on-site hotel. commerce.” She also argued that the members in a three-bedroom home. Their The application spells out how the probably be tied up in litigation well beyond When the BIA changed its mind and nixed checkpoints do little to stop the coronavirus the immediate COVID threat, and there is re-petition opportunities in 2015, Stupak sued cistern, which sits next to an unreliable Rocksino at Terre Haute would be built on from spreading, and if anything, they septic tank, she said, frequently runs dry about 20 acres on the southwest side of the a good chance that further damage will be on behalf of Burt Lake. They should have the increase the risk of transmission because done to tribal/state relations regardless of the chance to appeal, he argued. because of how many people use the water intersection of Bill Farr Drive and Joe Fox people are exposing themselves when for showers and to rinse the toilet bowl. Street, immediately south of the Walmart ultimate outcome.” Judge Jackson of the U.S. District Court of they’re forced to stop. the District of Columbia, agreed. The no-appeal “It’s hard to teach the youth about this, super center along U.S. 40/Indiana 46. “The time has come for formal federal too,” she said. The plan calls for the casino to be built - NBC News rule wasn’t fair, she said. action,” Noem wrote, sending copies to the “One cannot reconcile the agency’s “You can’t tell them not to take a in the middle of the property with more Department of Justice, the Bureau of Indian shower or clean themselves because there’s than 1,500 parking spaces surrounding the Burt Lake Band prevails in federal repetition of the word ‘reform’ with the agency’s Affairs and South Dakota’s congressional breezy assurance in the pleadings in this case no water. Some of them aren’t [physical] building. members. court; can appeal BIA denial distancing, because they don’t think it’s Upon entering the casino, the plan calls that nothing has changed,” she wrote in her 24- What form the federal involvement page opinion. serious. It’s really hard.” for guests to be greeted by a bifurcated could look like is unclear. The White House, BURT LAKE in Michigan — A Problems with housing conditions gaming area, separated by the “yellow brick the Justice Department and others now Washington, D.C., judge ruled in favor of the that limit personal hygiene and physical road” walkway running between the main Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa - Traverse City (Michigan) Record involved did not immediately comment May Eagle distancing because of overcrowding are entrance and the center bar. 21 about the letter. Indians, clearing the way for their century-long Sovereignty under threat, another major issue, the report says. The pair of gaming areas on either Noem, who has previously threatened pursuit of tribal recognition. In 2016, Statistics Canada found that side of the walkway will have a mix of slot legal action against the Cheyenne River “Overall, I’m optimistic,” said Bruce Mashpee Tribe says 37 per cent of First Nations people on machines and table games. The plan, as Sioux and the Oglala Sioux tribes, wrote Hamlin, Burt Lake Band Tribal Chairman. reserve were living in housing that did submitted to the state, features 1,150 slot that as an alternative to litigation, she’d “We’re spotlighted nationally in this case. Our MASHPEE, Mass. — More than not have enough bedrooms for the size machines and 50 table games. like for federal assistance in shutting down argument has been used by others who’ve gone 100 people signed on for an internet and composition of the household, and in Around the perimeter of the gaming the “unlawful” checkpoints and requiring after, and received, recognition.” videoconference with the chairman and vice Wasagamack and Garden Hill First Nations, floor a number of amenities are planned, the Cheyenne River Sioux, specifically, In January a federal judge ruled the chairwoman of the Mashpee Wampanoag the person-per-room rates were respectively including: to comply with a Bureau of Indian Affairs Chinook Indian Nation of Washington state, tribe, Cedric Cromwell and Jessie Little Doe 24 and 22 times higher than the national • A Hard Rock Cafe, the centerpiece of memo on the matter. could not be banned from re-applying for Baird, May 4. average. the Hard Rock brand. The cafe is planned to Noem told reporters May 20 that federal recognition. The listening session was organized by Whiteway said she’s also worried have seating for 125 guests. affidavits and video recordings collected U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman the First Congregational Church of West Wasagamack doesn’t have the health care • A steakhouse, described as the casino’s by the state attorney general’s office were Jackson made a similar ruling in March Tisbury to learn about the recent federal facilities to treat people if they become ill. fine dining option, with seating for 60. provided to federal authorities to pursue. regarding the Burt Lake Band. The Department decision to revoke reservation status for the “We get scared here ... we don’t have a • A buffet with seating for 175 guests. “This isn’t about taking sides. This is of the Interior’s ban on re-petitioning, which had 321 acres of land the government holds in hospital nearby,” she said. • Hard Rock branded center bar and just about upholding the law,” Noem said, halted the band’s cause in 2015, was “arbitrary trust for the Mashpee. “The problem we have here is that sportsbook. The “energetic space” will seat adding, “We are asking for the help, and and capricious,” she said. Taking the land would end the tribe’s the nurses rotate [from other parts of the 75 guests and is to be considered the center hope the partnership of the White House can “This is one light at the end of a very, very right to govern itself, both leaders said. province], and they are still rotating. We’re of activity for the casino floor, according to be used to encourage” the tribes to comply. long tunnel,” Hamlin said. “Sovereignty cannot exist without trust worried they might bring that virus to us.” the application. The checkpoints have been up since The Bureau of Indian Affairs, which land,” Ms. Baird told the internet audience. Addressing the infrastructure problems • A Hard Rock branded coffee shop, the April and involve two of South Dakota’s previously denied to recognize the band, has 60 “The trust lands are the boundary within is a matter of life and death, said Shirley Constant Grind, that serves up to 25 guests largest reservations. Noem had warned the days to respond. which sovereignty is exercised.” Thompson, co-author of the report and 24-hours a day. tribes to take down the checkpoints on state “A re-petition is comparable to an appeal,” “They would disestablish our tribe, associate professor at the University of • A 300-seat entertainment venue, and federal highways within 48 hours or said attorney and former congressman Bart against American policy, against Native Manitoba’s Natural Resources Institute. Velvet Sessions, capable of hosting live face court action. Stupak. “And an appeal is a basic right that American law . . . and basically destroy us,” Thompson said the communities are in music, comedy events and other events. The Harold Frazier, the chairman of the everybody has.” Mr. Cromwell said. “triple jeopardy,” because of water problems, application says the space can be transformed Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, said on Stupak, of Venable LLC., a Washington The tribe is fighting the decision by housing problems and the fact that Canadian to host any type of event from a poker MSNBC last week in response to Noem’s D.C. law firm, has represented the band since Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt in service providers and resource extraction tournament to business events and meetings ultimatum that “we have every legal right 2015, though has long understood the details of the courts and also appealing to the public workers are still being allowed to travel to a cocktail reception or a wedding. to do what we’re doing” and that such a their case, he said. for support. to the area, without respecting the First • A high limit lounge complete with a precautionary measure is warranted because “I was running for office when they first “This issue that we’re facing really is Nations’ travel restrictions and lockdowns. private bar and light snack service. the tribe has insufficient medical resources approached me,” Stupak said Saturday. “And an existential crisis for us,” Ms. Baird said. “They are sitting ducks,” she said. • A Rock Shop, Hard Rock’s gift shop, to combat COVID-19, the disease caused truly back then, I knew nothing about this case. “The United States of America recognizes “We’ve had deaths from pandemics in that will sell branded merchandise alongside by the coronavirus. Those operating the I told them, ‘After I’m elected, I’ll be happy to that the tribes, indigenous people of this the past. This has to be the one that makes snacks and sundries. checkpoints are deputized under the tribal take a look at it.’” land, have paid for our right to continue to the change.” Overall, the building has an estimated government, which says they are determining That was in 1992. govern ourselves. We’ve paid with our blood In 2009 H1N1 influenza killed 11 maximum occupancy of 5,900 to serve the if the vehicle is on essential business — Congressional efforts succeeded in and we’ve paid with our lands.” people in the province, three of whom were projected 1.2 million guests per year. those coming from a coronavirus “hot spot” securing federal recognition for the Little There is no precedent or procedure for from Garden Hill First Nation. Hundreds of “This is a huge thing for the community, and not having essential travel have been Traverse Bay Band in 1994, and the Grand the federal government to take tribal lands people from the Island Lake area became and as I said during my presentation, this is turned away. Traverse Band in 1980. out of trust, the tribal leaders said. ill and some were admitted to a Winnipeg something that almost a year ago, I don’t COVID-19 has inundated Native Leaders of both bands have submitted “I think that the administration, in a hospital in critical condition. think people could have imagined this could American communities more than others. letters of support for Burt Lake, but Congress large sense, has anti-Indian policies across After the H1N1 outbreak, the federal be possible,” Gibson said. The Navajo Nation, for instance, now left them out. the board and I think one of the attempts of government paid for water and sewage has the highest infection rate per capita in Compared to other bands of Michigan’s the administration is to diminish trust lands cisterns and indoor plumbing for some of - Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, Indiana) the country, according to Johns Hopkins American Indians — many leaders prefer the so that people outside of tribes can access the home in the communities, but she said University data, surpassing New York and word “band” to “tribe” because they say it more tribes’ resources,” Ms. Baird said. irregular service and maintenance problems Ancient Native American rock New Jersey. accurately conveys their communities — the President Donald Trump’s casino have been common for the last decade. Burt Lake Band is small. art vandalized in Utah County “We feel like monitoring our borders interests are another likely reason for the “The H1N1 crisis [was] more than a and tracking everybody that’s going through At last count, there are 323 enrolled federal decision announced in March, the warning. People died, hundreds of people or attempting to go through will help us if members, many of whom live downstate at least Mashpee leaders said. WEST MOUNTAIN, Utah — were ill ... and an inadequate, low cost this virus ever comes here,” Frazier said. part of the year for higher paying jobs. “It’s clear there’s a big force associated solution was given,” said Thompson. Outrage is growing in Utah County over the The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, But like those larger bands, Burt Lake with the Trump administration (and) it’s vandalism of ancient Native American rock Indigenous Services Canada has said its which has about 8,000 members on its descends from signers of the 1836 Treaty of related to gaming,” Mr. Cromwell said. approach to COVID-19 is different than for art. reservation, is located within two counties. Washington, in which Michigan’s Ottawa, or Responding to a text from an audience A member of the Navaho tribe, Eileen H1N1 in 2009. Those counties have seen a single positive Odawa, and Chippewa ceded 7 million acres for member, Ms. Baird said it was about The report’s recommendations include: Quintana visits West Mountain with case of COVID-19 between them. white settlement, in exchange for reservation whether the tribe might be more successful her family to pray and give offerings to • Policies to ensure decisions by First Meanwhile, the Oglala Sioux, which land and annual payments of cash. in the land fight if it agreed not to enter the Nations leaders to lock down or restrict travel indigenous ancestors. has more than 19,000 members living on The Burt Lake Band — then called the gaming business on its reservation. It’s a “If you think about it, the voices are to and from their communities are respected the Pine Ridge Indian reservation, has seen Cheboiganning Band — was given 1,000 query she’s heard before, she said, with a and supported by federal departments. speaking to us 10,000 years back,” Quintana 14 positive cases of COVID-19 in Oglala acres along the western shore of Burt Lake in trace of weariness. said. • Collaborations between Canadian Lakota County. A lockdown was ordered Cheboygan County. “Asking that question is like saying, service providers, like health care workers Ancient Indigenous rock art is carved on the reservation over three days last week Documents in tribal archives show band do you think you would have an easier time into dozens of boulders on the mountain on and law enforcement, that continue after a positive case was confirmed there. members did not trust President Andrew with the Equal Rights Amendment if you services while respecting the restrictions to the east side of Utah Lake. A third tribe in South Dakota, the Jackson to make good on his side of the deal, would just stop asking for the equal pay part “This place holds a lot of history,” community access. Rosebud Sioux, said in a Facebook post however. of it,” she said. • Classifying resource extraction Quintana said. Monday that it has also set up driver They used allotment money to buy large “If people have a right, they have a Many rock art pieces are being workers as non-essential, which would checkpoints, although “commercial traffic tracts of their own treaty land outright. Then they right.” prohibit their entry to communities. damaged by recreational target shooters will be allowed to proceed through the put it in trust “in perpetuity” with the Governor The current crisis is not limited to on federal land managed by the Bureau • Special funding to deal with the checkpoints on to their destinations without of Michigan, historical documents show. Native American tribal members alone, Mr. lack of infrastructure, through Indigenous- of Land Management. Other rock art was issue.” Noem has not mentioned the tribe in The trust held for more than 50 years. Cromwell said. spray-painted over with swastikas and other led organizations. her public comments. But on Oct. 15, 1900, Cheboygan County “If they’re denouncing the tribe, they’re • Sustained programs to ensure food damaging graffiti. The governor has said her office has Sheriff Fred Ming, and land speculator John denouncing equal opportunity and your “To tell you the truth, it does really security, access to hunting and fishing gear, fielded complaints from drivers who say they McGinn, assembled a posse, rode into the rights as a citizen,” he said. delivery of clean water and extra fuel for hurt,” Quintana said. were on emergency or essential business and Band’s village, forced or carried people out of Mr. Cromwell also reminded listeners Desperate, Eileen reached out to state water deliveries. were rerouted. She had sought to come up their homes, doused the houses with kerosene, that the Mashpee Wampanoag provided food The recommendations should be archeologists in April. with a compromise with tribes allowing for and burned the village to the ground. and other assistance to the Mayflower settlers “It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” carried out by or done in partnership checkpoints on tribal roads, but not state and Twenty-five families were left homeless, and took part in the first Thanksgiving in with First Nations organizations to “build said Elizabeth Hora, Utah State Historic federal ones. with little food for the winter, no shelter for their 1621. Preservation Office public archaeologist. capacity, social enterprise and support self- In a letter to Noem last week, Frazier animals, and nowhere to go. “This is the thanks my tribe gets,” he determination,” the report reads. The rock art shows how groups of said the tribe would consider her request It’s an event the band refers to today as “the said. “We’re being attacked by our own people were organized, what they wore and — but now her bid for White House burn-out.” country. Who would ever think this would - CBC what they ate, said Hora. involvement has thrown the tribes for a loop. In 1914, the band sued the State of happen?” 12A • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020

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20-SHRH-03271 - Seminole Tribune Insert 5.25.indd 1 5/25/2020 4:06:36 PM 1B • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020 Education B Students in Rome learn about the Seminole Tribe

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor

Kids in Rome, Italy, have more than ample opportunities to learn about history right in their own backyard with the Colosseum, Vatican City and the Pantheon, to name a few. But a world history course for a class of 10- and 11-year-old students at the New School calls for lessons that stretch beyond Europe’s borders. So on April 29, thanks to the interactive virtual world, the students learned first-hand about the Seminole Tribe of Florida from two knowledgeable resources. The class’s teacher inquired with the Tribe’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum for his students to learn about Native Americans. Tribal member Quenton Cypress, who is the community engagement manager for the Tribal Historic Preservation Office, and Carrie Dilley, the visitor services and development manager at the museum, were happy to oblige. They discussed aspects of the Tribe’s history and culture with the students on a video call that left a lasting impression on both sides of the Atlantic. Some areas Cypress touched on were the importance of languages in Seminole culture and the impact European’s colonization had on Native Americans. His talk made news – literally – in the New School community. Student Anna wrote an article for the school’s newspaper Courtesy photo about the online learning experience. In it, Quenton Cypress and Carrie Dilley, first column, upper two photos, spoke about the Seminole Tribe to a class at the New School in Rome, Italy, on April 29. she mentioned how students learned about “…the dreadful European colonization of American Indian tribes.” Dilley talked about the museum’s role in boring lecture for the students—he reached are shared in the museum, and that people and, of course, Italian. Indeed, the topic was an eye-opening the Tribe and what it offers, and she showed them on a deeper level. He stuck in their will actually feel something,” Dilley said. “I actually cried when I watched their learning experience. Another student in the students a sweetgrass basket. minds. The Seminole story stuck in their “It was wonderful for me to be able to see video,” Dilley said. “It really meant so much the article mentioned how Europeans learn The learning didn’t stop at the end of the minds.” that happen with an audience that didn’t to me that the students wanted to make the about discrimination related to skin color class. Students brought home all the history Dilley said it’s gratifying when the actually get to visit us in person but was still video for us, that they remembered little and religion, but not in regard to Native and culture they digested about the Tribe and Seminole story resonates – whether it’s with so moved.” details about us and what we said, and Americans. shared it. visitors within the walls of the museum in A few days after the presentation, Dilley wanted to share a little bit about themselves. The students also learned about “One of the most touching parts of the Big Cypress or with eager, young minds received an email from the teacher that Language is what makes cultures unique, but stickball’s Native American roots. Cypress experience was that the students actually went thousands of miles away on another included a video of the students individually it also brings us together.” showed them a stickball stick. home and told someone about the Seminole continent. expressing their gratitude to Cypress and “Having a real Native American talking Tribe,” Dilley said. “So for Quenton to make “I think at the museum that’s what we Dilley. These weren’t just typical thanks to me was simply mind-blowing. I felt so such an impact on the students I think is always hope for, that our visitors actually yous; they came in French, German, lucky,” student Maria Sole said in the article. remarkable. It wasn’t some meaningless internalize the stories and the voices that Hungarian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish,

Okeechobee High seniors receive $1.3M in scholarships

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor Scholarships from Seminole Casino Brighton, STOF

Okeechobee High School’s stage Seminole Casino Brighton and the normally would be a busy location for the Seminole Tribe of Florida each provided school’s scholarship night ceremony with scholarship awards. The casino awarded seniors coming up to receive accolades. But $5,000 total in scholarships to 10 students. due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the students Receiving $500 each were: Dayton Buxton, from the class of 2020 did appear on stage, Tyekia Byrd, Julie Garcia-Arias, Kendall but only in photos that were shown on a large Harrison, Ta’makia Jones, Emily Land, screen. Still, the virtual ceremony, which was Brandon Mitchell, Aubrey Pearce, Jennifer streamed live May 14 on Facebook, didn’t Salas Garcia and Ashley Snyder. diminish their accomplishments. STOF awarded $2,500 scholarships to Principal Lauren Myers proudly told Cera Elliott and Simone Washington. viewers that the 354 scholarships awarded to Seminole students who earned 120 students represented $1.275 million. That scholarships included Kaleb Thomas figure includes $720,000 for students entering and Kamani Smith. Thomas earned two the military and $177,750 from national scholarships. He was named a recipient and state scholarships. The remainder came of the Florida Bright Futures Gold Seal from the Okeechobee community, including Vocational Scholarship ($2,000) and the businesses, organizations, memorials and Devon Venables Memorial Scholarship other segments. ($500). Smith won the Black Bull Media “Seniors, in the midst of an economic Films “I Matter” Scholarship ($250). shutdown, our Okeechobee community Thomas and Smith are among OHS pulled together and invested $377,635 in you seniors who are also Pemayetv Emahakv and your future,” Myers said. “You – 120 Charter School graduates. That group students awarded tonight – stood out among includes Aubrey Pearce, who earned several the class of more than 400. You did the work scholarships. She received the following: to provide personal statements and spend Okeechobee County Cattlewomen’s the time gathering transcripts and letters of Association ($500), Elks Most Valuable recommendation all to earn this recognition Student ($400), Kent Price Memorial and honor.” ($1,000), Hammock Scholarship ($600), The 75-minute ceremony hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America Okeechobee Myers and other OHS personnel drew more Chapter 1086 ($500), Bright Futures Kevin Johnson (2) than 4,000 views as of May 19. Academic Scholar ($7,000), Gilbert Ford The Seminole Tribe’s Kamani Smith, left, and Kaleb Thomas were among the Okeechobee High School class of 2020 scholarship recipients. “Built Ford Tough National FFA” ($1,000), Glades Electric ($4,000), Eli’s Western Wear ($500), Okeechobee County Farm Bureau “Young Farmer & Rancher” ($1,000), Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show and South Florida Fair. Seniors entering the military, including PECS graduate Jenna Brown, were recognized by OHS’s JROTC instructor Maj. Donavan Locklear. “These young men and women have put country before self by contracting to go into the Armed Forces of the United States,” Locklear said. “In doing so, they have sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States… Parents you should feel extremely proud of this moment for your part in your son or daughter’s commitment to serve their country.” Brown will be joining the U.S. Navy. The other students headed into the military are: U.S. Army – Jordan Bradley, Dallas Delgado, Danielle Harper, Issac Herron, Gloria Leviano, Juliett Navarro Nieto, Deborah Sales; and U.S. Marines – Demetri Smith. In her concluding remarks, Principal OHS Myers urged the recipients to set goals and OHS OHS Courtesy South Florida Fair Simone Washington was one of two recipients go after them. Juliet Garcia-Arias was among 10 Okeechobee Ta’makia Jones was among the Seminole Casino Okeechobee High School senior Aubrey Pearce, of the Seminole Tribe of Florida Scholarships for “You certainly will be a senior class that High seniors awarded Seminole Casino Brighton Brighton Scholarship recipients. a former Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School Okeechobee High School seniors. we will never forget,” she said. Scholarships. student, earned several scholarships. 2B • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020 New president named at Haskell Indian Nations University Native American

STAFF REPORT plans, marketing ideas, improving student retention and growth, as well as enhancing Congessional interns Haskell Indian Nations University has university IT software and much more. I a new president. The Lawrence, Kansas, plan to use this experience to drive projects college will be led by Dr. Ronald Graham, to improve the student and staff experience selected who has an extensive history in education at Haskell. This will be a total university and law enforcement. Tony Dearman, team effort to move Haskell forward into director of the Bureau of Indian Education, the next phase of the college’s already FROM PRESS RELEASE made the announcement May 15. phenomenal legacy.” “Dr. Graham comes with tremendous According to his LinkedIn profile, skills and abilities not only in educational Graham previously served for five years as programs, but also in focusing on diversity the dean of instruction in health sciences, The Morris K. Udall & Stewart L. and inclusion in education,” Dearman said in public safety and industrial technology Udall Foundation (Udall Foundation) and a statement. “Dr. Graham is passionate about at Victor Valley College in Victorville, the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, soliciting and using input from stakeholders California. Graham was a criminology Management, and Policy at the University and fostering a team environment to create professor at Fresno City College for 13 years of Arizona (NNI) announced April 23 the success. His leadership style will provide Courtesy photo and he also worked at Northwest Christian selection of the 2020 Native American University in Oregon and the University Congressional Interns. the platform necessary for Haskell’s current Haskell Indian Nations University recently named dedicated staff to be part of team decisions Dr. Ronald Graham its president. of Nevada Las Vegas. His background also The program’s newest class of Udall that will move Haskell forward.” includes employment in law enforcement Interns comprises 12 students representing The Seminole Tribe of Florida has a as a deputy sheriff and police academy 12 Tribes and eight universities from around long history with Haskell. Some of the Graham is a member of the Eastern instructor in California. He also served as a the country. The Udall Interns were selected Tribe’s all-time top athletes – such as Moses Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. He started law enforcement professional in Afghanistan by an independent review committee on the Jumper Jr., Peter Hahn and Duelle Gore – work at Haskell on May 11. and Iraq. basis of academic achievement, leadership, attended Haskell. In recent years, Haskell “To work with a university, such as Haskell students represent more than and demonstrated commitment to careers in coaches have held youth clinics for young this flagship institution, that educates 140 federally recognized tribes, including Tribal public policy. Seminole athletes and have been guest tribal youth and future tribal leadership is the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Its enrollment The Udall Foundation’s Native Udall Foundation speakers at tribal functions on Seminole extremely exciting,” Graham said. “In the averages about 1,000 per semester. American Congressional Internship Caitlin E. Wanic, Bay Mills Indian Community, reservations. past, I have worked on five-year strategic Program, funded and comanaged by NNI, Dartmouth College provides Native American and Alaska Native undergraduate, graduate, and law students with the opportunity to gain practical experience with the Federal legislative process in order to understand Unity names ‘25 under 25’ firsthand the government-to-government relationship between Tribes and the Federal STAFF REPORT Government. Udall Interns are placed in Senate, House, and Federal agency offices in Washington, D.C., for an intensive MESA, Ariz. — Some of Indian nine-week summer program. Additional Country’s top young talent has been professional development and enrichment recognized thanks to the United National activities are hosted throughout the internship Indian Tribal Youth Inc. program and provide opportunities for the Unity announced on social media Udall Interns to meet and network with key during the week of April 27 the fourth class decision makers. From 1996 through 2019, of its “25 under 25 Native Youth Leaders,” 278 Native American and Alaska Native a national recognition program that honors students from 124 Tribes have participated Native American and Alaskan Native youth. in the Native American Congressional The program, launched in 2014, celebrates Internship program. the achievements of 25 outstanding Native However, in response to the COVID-19 Udall Foundation youth leaders under the age 25 every other pandemic, the Udall Foundation and NNI Dustin A. Rector, White Mountain Apache Tribe year. have made the difficult decision to cancel of the Fort Apache Reservation, Arizona State Miss Indian World and Unity peer guide the 2020 Udall Internship program. As a University Cheyenne Kippenberger, of the Seminole result, all of the 2020 Udall Interns have Tribe, participated in the announcement of been offered spots in the 2021 program. the winners. “While we are obviously disappointed Unity is a national network organization by the need to cancel the Udall Internship that promotes personal development, this summer, it’s important that we take the citizenship and leadership among Native UNITY UNITY time to recognize the 2020 Udall Interns for Youth. Claudia McHenry, Mvskoke Timothy Benally, Dine their achievements and to celebrate their Unity praised the youth leaders, noting impressive work in, and commitment to, they represent the organization’s core Indian Country,” said Dr. David Brown, the Udall Foundation’s Executive Director. “We welcome them to our growing community of program alumni and look forward to engaging all of our 2020 Udall Interns in the program next summer.” In the interim, staff from the Udall Foundation and NNI are working together to provide the 2020 Udall Interns with online professional development and networking opportunities to keep the class connected and supported. “The Native Nations Institute extends Udall Foundation its congratulations to the 2020 Udall Interns. Erika A. Salinas, Comanche Nation, University We look forward to the opportunity to work of Southern California and engage with the Udall Interns, albeit virtually, as they expand their knowledge about Indigenous governance and how that intersects with Federal policy,” said Joan Timeche, NNI Executive Director. The 2020 Udall Interns are: • Alayah C. Johnson-Jennings, Quapaw Tribe of Indians, Dartmouth College • Caitlin E. Wanic, Bay Mills Indian Community, Dartmouth College UNITY UNITY UNITY • Dustin A. Rector, White Bianca Hernandez, Gila River Indian Community Dlan Baca, White Mountain Apache Kennise McGertt, Salt River Pima – Mountain Apache Tribe of the Fort Apache Maricopa Indian Community Reservation, Arizona State University • Erika A. Salinas, Comanche Normally, the honorees are recognized Nation, University of Southern California mission and exude living a balanced life at Unity’s national conference, but due to · Niagra Rockbridge, 21, Diné, Ariz. • Garrett W. Briggs, Southern developing their spiritual, mental, physical the current coronavirus pandemic, the in- · Owen Oliver, 21, Quinault Indian Ute Indian Tribe of the Southern Ute Udall Foundation and social well-being. person conference was cancelled. A virtual Nation, WA Reservation, Northern Arizona University Womsikuk James, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay “Our Native youth are doing wonderful conference is being planned. During the · Sareya Taylor, 18, White Mountain • Hilary Edwards, Swinomish work in Indian Country,” Mary Kim Titla, Head (Aquinnah) of Massachusetts, Dartmouth next nine months, the 25 honorees will Apache, Ariz. Indians of the Swinomish Reservation, College executive director for Unity, said in a have an opportunity to receive training and · Shayla French, 19, Sault Ste. Marie Arizona State University statement. “Unity’s 25 Under 25 program networking in support of their work and Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Mich. • Imani M. Hicks, Pechanga Band is just one way of recognizing these young endeavors. · Timothy Benally, 21, Diné, Ariz. of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pechanga leaders and acknowledging the passion they Applicants were judged by an · Wyomee Cooke, 17, Diné, Ariz. Reservation, Duke University have to better their communities. There was independent committee based on the strength · Yasmine Quiroz, 23, Gila River • Janae A. Harris, Arapahoe Tribe an amazing response from outstanding youth of the application, nomination form, resume, Indian Community, Ariz. of the Wind River Reservation, Dartmouth applicants across the nation. A big congrats supplemental information and potential to College to the honorees and we wish nothing but the impact Native America. • Kenadi R. Mayo, Lac du Flambeau best to all nominees.” The 2020 class of 25 under 25 Native Band of Lake Superior, University of Youth Leaders are: Wisconsin-Madison • Stephanie M. Lefthand, Pueblo of · Adrien Pochel, 18, Wuskwi Sipihk Taos, Baylor University First Nations Cree, Ill. • Tyra M. West, Navajo Nation, Ohio · Alayna Harkreader, 19, Cherokee Valley University Nation, Okla. • Womsikuk James, Wampanoag · Alysia Coriz, 23, Kewa Pueblo, Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) of N.M. Massachusetts, Dartmouth College · Angela Noah, 23, White Mountain Learn more about the Congressional Apache, Ore. Internship Program and meet the 2020 Udall · Anthony, 20, Wuskwi Sipihk First Interns. Imani M. Hicks, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Nations Cree & Sicangu Lakota, Ill. The Udall Internship honors the Mission Indians of the Pechanga Reservation, · Autumn Adams, 23, Yakama Nation, legacies of Morris K. Udall and Stewart Duke University Wash. L. Udall, whose careers had a significant · Bianca Hernandez, 21, Gila River impact on Native American self-governance Indian Community, Ariz. and health care, as well as the stewardship of · Brook Thompson, 24, Yurok & public lands and natural resources. Karuk, Ore. For additional information about the · Caleb Dash, 17, Salt River Pima Native Nations Institute and the Udall Maricopa Indian Community, Ariz. Internship program, contact Bret Muter at · Claudia McHenry, MvSkoke, Okla. [email protected] · Dylan Baca, 17, White Mountain Apache, Ariz. · Frankie Pedersen, 23, Listuguj Mi.gmaq First Nations, Ill. · Kaitlyn Pinkerton, 16, Cherokee, Okla. · Kennise McGertt, 16, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, Ariz. · Kylie Hunts-In-Winter, 17, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Ariz. · Logan Monroe, 17, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Minn. Udall Foundation UNITY · Marco Ovando, 20, Shoshone UNITY Janae A. Harris, Arapahoe Tribe of the Wind Marco Avando, Shoshone Paiute Paiute, Idaho Shayla French, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of River Reservation, Dartmouth College · Nadira Mitchell, 19, Diné, Ariz. Chippawa Indians 3B • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020 TCUs selected Disbursement of billions in South Korea to provide 10,000 for cultivating COVID-19 begins for tribes, face masks to help Navajo student but frustration remains veterans fight coronavirus program designated for tribes in the CARES Act. The BY KIM GAMEL war, many as Code Talkers who used their BY KEVIN JOHNSON remaining portion – earmarked for tribes Stars and Stripes native language as an unbreakable code FROM PRESS RELEASE Senior Editor based on employment numbers in tribes and to confound opposing forces. Around 130 tribal-owned entities as well as expenditure of the Navajo veterans are still alive, the SEOUL, South Korea — South Nearly $5 billion from the Coronavirus data – is slated to be released at a date that ministry said. had not been announced as of press time. Korea will provide 10,000 masks and hand The 70th Anniversary of the Korean War Relief Fund is being dispersed to Native sanitizer to help Navajo veterans of the DENVER — The American Indian American tribes. According to the Treasury and Interior Commemoration Committee will deliver the departments, details of the allocation are: 1950-53 Korean War fight the coronavirus, masks and hand sanitizers to the veterans College Fund has selected five tribal U.S. Secretary of Treasury Steven the government said Monday. colleges and universities to participate in its Mnuchin and U.S. Secretary of the Interior • Distribute 60 percent of the $8 and their loved ones as an expression of billion to Tribes based on population data It was the latest in a series of gratitude for their contribution, according to new 30-month Cultivating Native College David Bernhardt announced details of the humanitarian shipments from South Korea Student Success Program to increase tribal distributions in a joint statement May 5, the used in the distribution of the Indian Housing a press release. Block Grant (IHBG), subject to a floor of to foreign veterans ahead of the 70th The items were originally supposed to colleges and universities’ (TCUs) capacity to same day the departments said the payments anniversary of the June 25 start of the war better recruit and work with students while would start to be released to tribes. $100,000. This data is based on U.S. Census be delivered on Monday, but the date has figures and is already familiar to Tribal that pitted the United States and the South been delayed. Officials said they plan to increasing their sustainability as higher “Our approach is based on the fair against the communist-backed North. education institutions in the process. balancing of tribal needs,” Mnuchin said. governments. hand them over sometime this week with • Distribute the remaining 40 percent The Navajo Nation has been one of the assistance of the South Korean consulate The five TCUs selected are: The Trump administration’s response the hardest-hit communities in the United • Oglala Lakota College, Kyle, South to tribal communities has been met with of the $8 billion based on the total number in Los Angeles, the Korean community of persons employed by the Indian tribe States, with coronavirus infection rates in Arizona and the Korean Missionary Dakota frustration from some leaders in Indian rivaling those of . • United Tribes Technical College, Country. and any tribally-owned entity, and further Association in America. data to be collected related to the amount of Health authorities have reported “We hope our small gifts will console Bismarck, North Dakota “This administration continues to 3,912 positive cases and 140 deaths on the • Stone Child College, Box Elder, drag their feet to distribute the funding higher expenses faced by the tribe in the fight the veterans in the midst of the COVID-10 against COVID-19. desert reservation, which covers parts of crisis,” said committee co-chairman Kim Montana and the resources that tribes need from New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, and has a • Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa everywhere, from every federal agency,” • Payment to tribes will begin [May Eun-gi. “The government remembers those 5] based on the population allocation, and population of 175,000. who made a noble sacrifice to defend a Community College, Hayward, Wisconsin U.S. Congresswoman and Native American South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots • Salish Kootenai College, Pablo, Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo), D-NM, said will take place over several banking days. strange country 70 years ago, and we hope Amounts calculated for Alaska Native and Veterans Affairs said it was “sending they will proudly tell their posterity about Montana May 20 during a live Facebook forum about protective items including 10,000 masks The College Fund hired Kelly COVID-19’s impact on Native American Claims Settlement Act regional and village the choice they made so many years ago.” corporations will be held back until pending to the hidden heroes of the Korean War Earlier this month, the committee LaChance (a citizen of the Confederated communities. The forum was hosted by the in the Navajo Nation for the people who Tribes of Siletz and descendant from the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center. litigation relating to their eligibility is sent 1 million masks to benefit all foreign resolved. are hit especially hard by COVID-19,” veterans of the war, including 500,000 to Dakubetede of Southern Oregon and the Kevin Allis, CEO of the National the respiratory disease caused by the Northern California and Southern Oregon Congress of American Indians, said there’s • Payments to tribes based on the Department of Veterans Affairs for employment and expenditure data will be coronavirus. American vets. Shasta Nation) to manage the program. Prior been a lack of transparency in how the About 800 Navajo men served in the to joining the College Fund, she served as an methodologies for funding distribution were made at a later date. Treasury will work with education director and education specialist created. tribes to confirm employment numbers and for two federally recognized tribes. She also “What we’ve seen so far is that they seek additional information regarding higher served on the AIAN Advisory committee really haven’t listened much to what has expenses due to the public health emergency. to the Oregon Department of Education, gone on and what has been voiced by tribal Haaland is pushing for the passage of an Higher slot payout reporting concurrently served as a Tribal Advisory leaders in the consultation.” emergency broadband measure that would Council member at three universities in In the same discussion, host Liz Watson help provide internet connection to those AIAN student services and programming, said problems associated with the pandemic tribal areas that don’t have access. She said threshold sought internet connection has essentially become a and additionally worked as the assistant for Native Americans stretch further back BY KEVIN JOHNSON $5,000 – to be in line with inflation. program director for the AIAN teacher than the current crisis. human right because it’s needed for home- based things such as schoolwork, working Senior Editor “The increased threshold would not program at the University of Oregon. “While we are all affected by this global only enable the IRS to focus its limited LaChance holds a bachelor’s degree pandemic, it’s clear that we’re not all at equal from home and telemedicine. “It’s wrong not to allow tribes to enforcement resources on those taxpayers from Southern Oregon University and a risk,” she said. “The coronavirus pandemic If the American Gaming Association who are most likely to have net slot winnings master’s degree in adult education and is exposing the deadly consequence of access spectrum over their own tribal lands, has its way, slot machine winners will have especially when it prevents tribal members at the end of the taxable year, but would training from Colorado State University. She decades of disinvestment and discrimination a higher payout threshold to reach before also significantly reduce close interactions is currently completing a doctor of education for so many communities, especially for from calling 911, from getting medical help, having to report their winnings. from their kids being able to access the required between gaming employees and degree in educational methodology, policy, Native Americans.” AGA describes the current threshold patrons to issue tax forms,” Miller said. and leadership from the University of The $4.8 billion being released is internet so they can do their homework,” she amount when winners have to fill out a said. “This policy change, supported by bipartisan Oregon. based on population data through the Indian tax form – $1,200 – as aniquated. Its been members of Congress, was already long Housing Block Grant. It represents more than in place since 1977 and AGA is urging overdue prior to the pandemic, and now has half of the portion of the original $8 billion the Trump administration to reform the additional importance as the gaming industry regulation. emerges from this crisis.” U.S. Poet “The current threshold is outdated and Last year Miller wrote the Treasury imposes significant compliance burdens on Department and urged the secretary “to Laureate Former Navajo pageant both the Internal Revenue Service and the update the reporting threshold for slot gaming industry,” Bill Miller, president and jackpots to a substantially higher level that CEO of the AGA, said in a statement May reflects current realities.” Joy Harjo 20. winner dies from COVID-19 Miller said the threshold should be appointed for a adjusted to a more modern level – such as STAFF REPORT second term

STAFF REPORT Valentina Blackhorse, who was Colegrove named public Miss Western Navajo Nation in 2015- 16, died from COVID-19 on April Joy Harjo ( (Creek) Nation) 23,according to media reports. safety director for Glades will serve a second term as the U.S. Poet Blackhorse, 28, from Kayenta, Laureate. Librarian of Congress Carla Arizona, was fondly remembered for Hayden announced the reappointment April her enthusiasm to compete in pageants FROM PRESS RELEASE Colegrove has been an employee of 30. Harjo, who was the guest speaker of the while representing her people. the county since 1996 and has served as its “She had a great passion for emergency management director. She had Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki-Museum’s lecture series Glades County announced May 14 in November 2019 on the Big Cypress competing in Pageants and was been serving as acting public safety director well known in that circle. She had that Angie Colegrove has been named the for the past six months. Reservation, will launch a new Library of county’s public safety director. Congress collection and online map featuring (an) immense love for sharing her poets and poetry. Navajo culture,” her family posted “Joy Harjo is such an inspiring and on a GoFund page that was set up engaging poet laureate,” Hayden said in to help pay for funeral costs and as a statement. “I’m thrilled she said yes to a a fundraiser for Blackhorse’s young second term to help the library showcase daughter. Native poets from coast-to-coast. Her Blackhorse also held the titles of profound musical and literary talents are a Miss Monument Valley High School gift to the nation.” and Miss Diné College. During her upcoming term, which starts In a statement, Navajo Nation Sept. 1, Harjo will work on a digital project President Jonathan Nez described called “Living Nations, Living Words: A Blackhorse as a loving person who Map of First Peoples Poetry.” Harjo and gave so much to her Nation and her Diné Facebook the library’s geography and map division people. Valentina Blackhorse will use a web mapping application that is Blackhorse worked for the Nation’s focused on storytelling and showcasing division of community development. Native American poets from across the She devoted much of her time to helping Blackhorse is survived by her parents, country. the Nation’s 110 chapters. DCD executive Danny and Laverne Blackhorse; her one- The project is expected to include director Dr. Pearl Yellowman remembered year-old daughter, Poet; her sisters, Victoria Native poets’ biographies and recordings her as a loving person who was very and Vanielle Blackhorse; and her companion Glades County Public Safety/Facebook of them reading and discussing one of their compassionate about helping others. Robby Jones. Angie Colegrove poems. The recordings will be part of a new collection in the Library’s American Folklife Center featuring the recordings of the Native poets. “It is an honor to serve a second term Program pays as Poet Laureate, especially during these times of earth transformation and cultural ranchers in SWFL change,” said Harjo, who is the first Native poet to serve in the position. “Poetry reminds us that we are connected beyond words, to help panthers and to communicate through poetry has the potential to expand the conversation into FROM PRESS RELEASE wordless depths, to help us move collectively into fresh cultural vision. To get there in understanding, we begin with the roots. In Ranchers in Southwest Partnership Program project. this country, the roots are found in the poetry Florida may be able to get paid To be eligible, a of the more than 500 living Indigenous for helping the Florida panther. producer’s operation must be in nations.” The U.S. Department of northeastern Collier County or Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on May 9, Agriculture’s Natural Resources southwestern Hendry County, 1951, Harjo is the author of nine books of Conservation Service will areas identified as essential for poetry. She is the editor of “When the Light provide technical and financial the long-term viability of the of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came assistance for conservation panther population. Through: A Norton Anthology of Native practices that improve its habitat For more information Nations Poetry,” to be published by W.W. through the Conservation contact District Conservationist Norton in August 2020. Stewardship Program. The Mitchell Aman at (863) 674- signup deadline is June 15. 5700. This is a Regional Conservation 4B • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020 Five Native American films, shows to stream this summer

STAFF REPORT

The streaming options for movies and TV shows have skyrocketed in recent years. When you fire up your favorite streaming device – whether it be a phone, tablet, laptop or TV – you can choose among several services like , Hulu, Apple TV+, Disney+, Amazon Prime and many more. Streaming has increasingly become a go-to option in recent months, as many traditional theaters have been temporarily closed due to Covid-19. In addition, many film festivals were postponed or cancelled this year. For those who stay connected to Native American filmmakers and actors, 2019 was something of a banner year. There were several projects that were featured at film festivals and also through commercial productions. Actor Graham Greene (Oneida) had roles on the CW Network’s “Riverdale” TV show and on Amazon’s “Goliath.” Adam Beach (Saulteaux) was featured on CW’s “Nancy Drew” and Netflix’s “Juanita.” Also in 2019, Wes Studi (Cherokee) received an “Academy Honorary Award,” becoming the first Native American actor to receive an Oscar specifically for acting. But mainstream recognition for Native Americans in the film and TV industries has historically been few and far between. However, streaming services have made the work of Native American and Indigenous artists more available. The Seminole Tribune searched the internet for a few options that might appeal to a variety of interests. We liked the list of five that Ryan Winn, a writer for the Tribal College Journal, recently wrote about. Winn also teaches in the liberal studies department at College of Menominee Nation.

“Basketball or Nothing” Tribal College Journal This Netflix docuseries follows the Check out what’s playing in the movie streaming world. Chinle High School boys basketball team as they attempt to grab their first-ever state title. The Wildcats are led by coach Raul Mendoza as they work to develop into a cohesive have been called controversial by some, Horse. “Throughout each phase of his life, written novel to win the Pulitzer Prize. a virus has caused the human race to lose team that brings pride to their Navajo but have also brought many accolades from Saul is met with racism and hardship, yet Through interviews, archival footage, and its sight. The survivors have devolved community. “The gameplay is expectedly her filmmaking peers. Much of her work he finds the means to persist,” Winn said. animation Words from a Bear “celebrates socially, as they are forced to rely on their compelling, but the series’ deep dives into has been featured internationally. After she “The journey leads him to a loving foster the storytelling powers of the man who remaining senses – until a set of twins are past motivations and future aspirations of its died in 2010, her youngest child – Heperi care family, numerous accolades, a chance singlehandedly launched the genre we born with sight. “The show is a mixture characters solidifies why the Wildcat Den is – went through her mother’s archives, to confront the demons of his upbringing, now know as American Indian literature.” of action sequences, plot twists, and a special place,” Winn said. “It’s impossible “illuminating the cathartic layers behind her and the opportunity to grab hold of what “Behind his booming voice and wry smile breathtaking cinematography that quickly not to be caught-up in this story of hope and drive to shatter white patriarchy and share he comes to define as most important to lies generations of his ancestors, whose spans decades, allowing Momoa to channel persistence, be it when they’re launching a her peoples’ perspective with the masses.” him.” The film doesn’t turn away from its memory he honors through word craft, a both the brooding disposition and thrilling buzzer-beating shot or traveling to a transfer “Merata did first what few have done better, depictions of 20th century racism, Winn fact made clear in his body of work,” Winn dexterity that’s made him an action star,” station to fill containers of water for their a fact captured in this career-spanning, added, and “the cast drives home the reality said. The film is more than a token nod to Winn said. Note: The series is intended for homes.” humanizing filmography,” Winn said. The that the scars of trauma never lie far beneath Momaday’s lifelong literary achievement, mature audiences. “The first season is worth film is available on Netflix. the surface.” Indian Horse is available on however. “It’s a reminder of why his words the price of admission, setting the stage for “Merata: How Mum Decolonized the Amazon Prime, Netflix and other streaming continue to resonate with new generations,” a story arc rich in minable plotlines,” Winn Screen” “Indian Horse” services. Winn said. The documentary can be found added. The series can be found on Apple through pbs.org and Amazon Prime. TV+. Merata Mita (Maori) has said she Indian Horse is based on Richard “Words from a Bear” became a filmmaker to reverse the lack Wagamese’s (Ojibwe) novel of the same “See” of her peoples’ stories in movies. Her name. The film tells the story of a First In 1969, writer N. Scott Momaday documentaries about Indigenous causes Nations’ Native boarding school resident- (Kiowa) made history when “A House See is a series starring Jason Momoa turned-hockey phenomenon, Saul Indian Made of Dawn” became the first Native- (Hawaiian) about a dystopian future where Documentary on Native American artists to air at OK film festival

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor

“Love and Fury,” a film by Native American filmmaker Sterlin Harjo, will be among the the menu options for the deadCenter Film Festival. Described as Oklahoma’s largest film festival, the event is in its 20th year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be held online only, but the 11-day festival still has an array of gatherings that should appeal to any film buff. In addition to award-winning films, there will be filmmaker panels, celebrity discussions, screenplay readings and film classes. There’s also a “pop-up drive-in” movie experience for passholders. Harjo’s “Loveand Fury” is a fast-paced documentary that follows Native American artists in their careers in the U.S. and abroad. “The film is a conversation that I’ve wanted to have for a long time,” Harjo said. “Native art has been shackled to history by a false vision of what Native people are through the settler gaze of our current reality. I wanted to make something bold and in your face, directly putting up a finger to the shackles of the art world and historic representation of “Love and Fury” (3) our people. We are diverse, we are dark, we Scenes from Sterlin Harjo’s “Love and Fury,” which will be available in the deadCenter Film Festival in June. are beautiful and so is our artwork.” The cast includes Micah P. Hinson, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Haley Greenfeather English, Nicholas Galanin, Demian Dine Yazhi, Emily Johnson, Laura Ortman, Penny Pitchlynn, Bobby “Dues” Wilson, Julia Keefe, Aku Matu, Yatika Fields, Nani Chacon, Ginger Dunnill, Tommy Orange, Joy Harjo, Jeffrey Gibson, Sam English, Raven Chacon, Tick Suck, Spirit Plate and Nathan Young. The 93-minute film will be played June 12 at 6 p.m. (EST). Visit dcff2020.eventive. org for more information about the festival, which runs June 11-21. 5B • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020 Sports C Fond memories of OHS baseball for 4-year varsity letterman Ozzy Osceola BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor

Coming off a big win against Martin County in mid-March, the Okeechobee High School baseball team was feeling pretty good at practice before its next game. With a 4-4 overall record and having won two of their past three games, the Brahmans were right in the thick of a competitive season. But that next game never came. “In the middle of practice the coach got a text saying that we couldn’t practice,” said right-fielder Ozzy Osceola. The COVID-19 pandemic halted everything. For seniors such as Osceola – one of only two four-year varsity lettermen on the team (Brady Markham is the other) – the cancelation was especially tough to digest. Kevin Johnson No more at-bats in the purple and gold for the class of 2020; no more bus trips for Okeechobee High School baseball player Ozzy Osceola is at the plate in a 2019 district playoff game. road games; no senior night game; no chance Osceola, a senior this season, played four years of varsity. to battle for a district championship or perhaps make a run in the state tournament bulldog. He’s got a little something you can’t Behind the arm of Osceola’s cousin like the squad did when Osceola was a teach. It’s been nice having him.” Sean Osceola, Okeechobee emerged with a sophomore in 2018. As for highs, there were plenty along 2-0 win in an intense 8-inning battle that was “The worst part was not finishing it the way, but none more memorable than the scoreless until another Osceola — Lucas — and seeing how far we could have gone,” shocker Okeechobee pulled against Jensen scored as a pinch runner in the extra inning. said Osceola, who, along with senior Beach in the 2018 district semifinals in what Okeechobee lost to Martin County in Kaleb Thomas, comprised the Tribe’s was no doubt one of the greatest moments in the district championship, but the underdog representation on the team. Okeechobee High sports history. Brahmans weren’t through with their In a district with Port St. Lucie, South The semifinals of district tournaments postseason magic. They beat Dwyer in Fork, Suncoast and Westwood, the Brahmans tend to be packed with more pressure than a regional quarterfinal and then stunned figured they had a decent shot at capturing a the district championship game because Martin County in a rematch in the regional district title. seasons are on the line in the semifinals. In semifinals. “We could have won it all,” Osceola the district finals, both teams are already The surprising postseason journey said. qualified for the regionals, so they know there ended with a 2-0 loss at Doral Academy, but They already had a win against South will be at least one more game regardless of the memories won’t fade anytime soon. Fork and an impressive non-district triumph the outcome. “That was the most memorable season. against a strong Lakeland squad. Osceola On the night of April 30, 2018, the The most memorable game was versus said the team was playing better than people odds were stacked against Okeechobee. The Jensen Beach,” Ozzy Osceola said. expected. team’s mediocre .500 regular season showed Osceola and the rest of the 2020 class But that 5-2 win at Martin County High no indication that the Brahmans were poised are scheduled to graduate May 30 at the School in Stuart on March 10 turned out to to do damage in the playoffs, especially Agri-Civic Center. Due to the pandemic, be the final game. Osceola, who bats lefty against No. 1 seed Jensen Beach. Not only as of press time the plan was to allow only and throws righty, started in right field and did Jensen Beach crush Okeechobee twice students and staff at graduation. COVID-19 OHS/Facebook went 1-for-3 with a single and RBI. He also in the regular season (10-3 and 13-1), but not only prevented senior student-athletes A banner for Okeechobee High School senior Ozzy Osceola hangs on a fence at the baseball field. smacked a shot to deep right field that he said the Falcons had ace Lyon Richardson — from enjoying a proper ending to their prep would have been out of the park but died in one of the top prospects in Florida and the athletic careers, but it also spoiled graduation the wind for an out. country — on the hill when the teams met — one of the biggest nights for any family. As a key player for four years, Osceola in the Class 5A-District 14 semifinals. One “It’s not the way I envisioned it. I experienced some highs and lows in his month later, Richardson was drafted by the wanted my mom to be there and cheer for career. In his freshman season he had Cincinnati Reds in the second round. me. Everybody feels the same way; they already earned plenty of playing time, which “He was very difficult [to face], but we wanted their parents there,” Osceola said. included some as a managed to beat them,” Osceola said. With his OHS career done, Osceola is starter, but his year shifting his focus ended abruptly when to college. He he flipped over while will attend South driving a 4-wheeler Florida State and injured his pelvis. College in Avon He said he tries to Park. He’ll major in stay off 4-wheelers as business marketing much as possible now. at the two-year Okeechobee finished school and wants as district runner-up to join the baseball and lost in the regional team as a walk-on. quarterfinals. Although Osceola made COVID-19 robbed quite an impression in Osceola and his his first season. teammates in many “The guy has ways, he’ll still a lot of grit,” then- leave OHS with Okeechobee coach plenty of memories. Eric Kindell told The “I’ll never Seminole Tribune in a forget any of those 2017 interview. “Great moments,” he said. kid and very respectful to the coaches and to his teammates. He Kevin Johnson gives you everything Ozzy Osceola is greeted by his teammates during player introductions. he’s got. He’s a true Kevin Johnson Ozzy Osceola chats with teammates and coaches in a 2019 game.

Crisis highlights Indian Country collaboration, experts tell Arizona State University panel BY MARY BETH FALLER Young Native American exposure to playing in front of a Reporter, ASU Now basketball players are losing the college coach.” opportunity to pursue scholarships The tournament also includes The suspension of sports has because the Native American educational seminars. taken away a happy part of Native Basketball Invitational tournament, “These have grown American culture as the world deals held in Phoenix every summer, is exponentially and are mandatory with the COVID-19 pandemic, canceled, the panelists said. events for the players. Now the kids according to several experts on an Natalie Welch, who is Cherokee, will be missing out on how to apply Arizona State University panel on is an assistant professor at Linfield for scholarships and how to apply for May 15. College and formerly participated in financial aid,” he said. But the public health crisis also Nike’s N7 initiative. The panelists agreed that even has shown the resilience of Native “Hundreds of teams come to though some states are easing stay- American people, the panelists said Arizona to play ‘rez ball’ and there’s at-home orders, sports is not ready to during the “COVID-19 and Native scholarship money attached to that,” resume. American Sport” Zoom discussion she said. “When you watch them play rez sponsored by the Global Sport “There’s so much beyond just basketball, they’re on top of each Institute at ASU. the games being played. It’s also other,” Talahongva said. “If anyone knows Native the kinship and connecting with “Any sport has the potential Americans, we love our sports, and natives from Alaska to the Florida for impact. Softball is huge on my having to pause sports activity now is Seminoles. It’s an eye-opener for a reservation in the summertime.” difficult,” said Patty Talahongva, the lot of native youth.” Cahwee said that the public moderator and executive producer Brent Cahwee, a Pawnee/ health concerns go far beyond the at Indian Country Today, the event’s Euchee and co-founder of the news players. He was covering the Big- co-sponsor. She is a member of the site NDNSports, said the NABI 12 tournament in March when the Hopi tribe and an alumna of ASU. tournament is one of the top 10 decision was made to cancel. “Togetherness is another part of events in Indian Country. “What a lot of people don’t see Indian culture, that idea of caring for “One of the things I like is the in college and professional sports one another and our clanships,” she parade of teams, with hundreds of is that, behind the scenes, it takes a said. teams holding their tribal flags,” he small army to run that tournament, “When we talk about social said. with concessions, security, ushers,” distancing, it goes against the fabric “The kids save up their money he said. of our culture.” to travel and it might be their only F See SPORTS on page 6B 6B • The Seminole Tribune • May 29, 2020 We as indigenous people are it’s knowing your role. You’re FGCU athletics establishes hall of fame F SPORTS struggling for visibility all the not going to succeed by From page 5B time, and I see that changing yourself,” she said. BY KEVIN JOHNSON as we are showing up and “If I go to an outpatient Senior Editor speaking out.” clinic, I’m the only doctor “The NBA commissioner The panelists said they’ve there but the support staff is brought up the fact that a lot of seen their tribes stepping up amazing. I look to security to FORT MYERS — The Florida head coaches fall into the high- to help their communities and get patients in and out safely. Gulf Coast University’s athletics risk category. There’s a lot to collaborate with each other, The nurses and medical program has created a hall of fame. making sure the environment and they praised the Oglala assistants are my eyes and Its first inductees were a slam is safe to compete.” Sioux Tribe, which closed the ears.” dunk. Jordan Marie Daniel, a Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Tom sees COVID-19 The school’s legendary “Dunk member of the Sioux tribe, is to visitors despite the demands patients every day, but is City” men’s basketball team, which a marathon runner who uses of the South Dakota governor alarmed by the spread of the reached the Sweet 16 of the 2013 her sport to raise awareness to reopen. virus. She treated a very sick NCAA tournament, will be inducted about missing and murdered One of the hardest hit man who was dropped off by in the first class in February 2021. The indigenous women. communities is the Navajo his wife and son, who then left. team is also scheduled to be honored “All of my races have nation, which has seen more “I was frantic. They were when the University of Southern been canceled for this entire than 3,600 cases and 127 on their way to Walmart,” she California visits FGCU in November. year,” she said. “But until deaths. said. “I tested the son and wife. USC coach Andy Enfield was the there’s a vaccine I don’t see it Michelle Tom, who is They had no symptoms but coach of the “Dunk City” team. Linwood Ferguson/FGCU Athletics feeling safe at all.” Navajo, is a physician at the they tested positive.” “We are extremely excited to Florida Gulf Coast University fans get revved up for a game at Alico Arena. Daniel, who lives in Los Winslow Indian Health Care But she’s seen the silver finally be commencing our Athletics Angeles, rented a treadmill Center and the Little Colorado lining as well. Hall of Fame. Countless individuals major sponsor of the annual “Night An open call for nominations of because she sees too many Medical Center, both in “You can see the beauty,” have combined to produce so much at the Nest” fundraising event at worthy candidates for induction as people not following social- Winslow, Arizona, dealing on Tom said. “I’ve had so many collective success over our first two Alico Arena which raises thousands part of the first class on an individual distancing guidelines outside. the front lines of the crisis. emails. ‘How can I help?’ It’s decades, which will create a much of dollars for the athletics program. basis will run June 1-July 31. The “Even though things look Tom also was captain not just . It’s all Indian appreciated and recognized challenge FGCU’s basketball, softball and committee will finalize the inaugural weird in our sports world, there of the Sun Devil women’s Country.” for our HOF Committee to handle now volleyball teams have held clinics for class in October before announcing are still ways to stay fit and basketball team when she and into the future,” Ken Kavanagh, Tribal youth on Seminole reservations shortly thereafter. there’s probably even more was at ASU. She said the ASU Now is a multimedia director of athletics, said in a statement and at Alico Arena. Tribal member FGCU athletics is embarking on opportunity to raise awareness communication skills she news and information website. announcing the new hall of fame on Ahnie Jumper, from the Big Cypress its 20th year of competition in 2020. and keep talking about these learned on the team have been It is the storytelling center of April 30. “In turn, the transformational Reservation, is a catcher on FGCU’s The school has won 82 conference issues,” she said. important in working with Arizona State University. University-wide legacy generated by softball team. regular season and tournament titles “On May 5, I ran from patients. our 2012-13 men’s basketball team The Hall of Fame Committee in just 12-plus seasons at the Division sunrise to sunset in prayer. “When you’re on a team, more than lent itself to be treated in a consists of Dana Caldwell, Mike I level. The Eagles competed in special manner, relative to waiting the Estes, Susan Evans, J Webb Horton, Division II prior to moving to D-1. minimum post 20-year tenure required Ken Kavanagh, David Moulton, For more information visit in our bylaws.” Kathy Peterson, Butch Perchan, Dr. FGCUAthletics.com. The Seminole Tribe has a history Tom Roberts, Dr. Bob Ryan, John with FGCU athletics. The Tribe is a Sinnett, and Donna Sublett.

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Has the Prescription Opioid Crisis affected you or someone you know? You could be compensated from the Purdue Pharma L.P. Bankruptcy. File Your Claim by June 30, 2020. PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY. YOUR RIGHTS MAY BE AFFECTED. PARA INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL, VISITE EL SITIO WEB.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT? If you think you’ve been hurt by Purdue Pharma L.P., a U.S. limited partnership, its general partner and its subsidiaries, including Imbrium Therapeutics L.P., Adlon Therapeutics L.P., Greenfield BioVentures L.P., Avrio Health L.P., Rhodes Technologies, and Rhodes Pharmaceuticals L.P. (“Purdue”), or Purdue prescription opioids, like OxyContin®, or other prescription opioids produced, marketed or sold by Purdue, you can file a claim for compensation in the Purdue bankruptcy proceeding. The deadline to file a claim is June 30, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

WHAT IS A CLAIM AND WHO CAN FILE? A “claim” means a right to seek payment or other compensation. You must file a Proof of Claim Form so it is actually received by the deadline. It can be filed by you, by a legal guardian, by survivors, or by relatives of people who have died or are disabled. All Personal Injury Claimant Proof of Claim Forms and any supporting documentation submitted with those forms will be kept highly confidential and will not be made available to the public. You do not need an attorney to file a proof of claim for you. Additionally, partnerships, corporations, joint ventures, trusts, governmental units, and Native American Tribes may also file a proof of claim against Purdue. Go to PurduePharmaClaims.com to find a complete list of instructions on how to file a claim. You will also find a list of the opioids produced, marketed or sold by Purdue. You may file a Proof of Claim even if a settlement is contemplated in the Purdue bankruptcy so that your claim can be considered as part of any settlement.

WHO DOES THIS AFFECT AND WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS? If you think you’ve suffered harm from Purdue or its prescription opioids, you have the right to file a claim even if you may also have received reimbursement from insurance. Examples of claims that may be filed in the Purdue bankruptcy include death, addiction or dependence, lost wages, loss of spousal relationship benefit for things like child-rearing, enjoyment of life, etc., or Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (sometimes referred to as “NAS”), among others. The deadline to file a claim is June 30, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If you do not file a claim by the deadline, you will lose the right to file a claim against Purdue, and you will lose any right to seek payment or compensation you may have had. Proof of Claim Forms, a list of opioids produced, marketed or sold by "Purdue," and instructions for how to file a claim are online at PurduePharmaClaims.com. You can also request a claim form by mail, email or phone:

Purdue Pharma Claims Processing Center c/o Prime Clerk LLC 850 Third Avenue, Ste. 412, Brooklyn, NY 11232 Email: [email protected] - Phone: 1.844.217.0912

THIS IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION. Is Purdue out of money? No. For more information concerning Purdue’s bankruptcy, Frequently Asked Questions, Proof of Claim Forms, examples of personal injury and other claims that can be filed, instructions on how to file a claim, and important documents including the Bar Date Notice, visit PurduePharmaClaims.com, or call 1.844.217.0912.