EMAHAKV VPELOFV Seminole Paradise Update 2004 Hollywood Incentive At the Teaching Hammock seminar for Brighton 1–6 350,000 square feet of retail stores, restau- Awards–See all the winners grade students, Trista Osceola concentrates on her rants, bars, night clubs, and more are all slated Jackie Willie, one of 33 kindergarten incentive award coloring to open by November 2004 receipients, holds his certificate. Page 10 Page 13 Page 9
50¢ www.seminoletribe.com Volume XXV • Number 12 September 3, 2004 Suraiya Smith Graduates The 2004 Miss Florida Seminole and with Bachelor’s Degree Junior Miss Seminole Princess Pageant
Adelsa Williams (L-R) Grandmother Josephine Villa, graduate Suraiya Smith holding son Kamani, and mother Grace Koontz.
By Adelsa Williams FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Tribal citizen Suraiya Smith, Bird clan, proudly walked down the aisle to receive her bachelor’s degree of business administration from the American Intercontinental University (AIU). During the Commencement ceremony that was held at the Broward Convention Center on Saturday August 14, keynote Speaker Elaine Fitzgerald addressed the 2004 graduating class with a few words of wisdom. “Attitude is everything; with the right attitude you will go far,” Adelsa Williams she said, “Good things come to people who are willing to work hard.” (L-R) Junior Miss Seminole Krystle Young, Miss National Congress of American Indians 2003–2004 Cheryl V. Dixon, and Miss Seminole Originally from the Brighton reservation, Smith has recently Jo Jo Osceola. Congratulations to all the winners and participants! Please see the special Seminole Princess Pageant section on page 21. taken an internship position in the Seminole Tribe’s housing department. Through the newly developed Professional Development and Training Program, under the human resources department, Smith has received the proper guidance and placement into the start of her career. She is also another advocate of the higher education program. Tiffany Doctor Memorial All Girl Rodeo Smith commented that AIU is one of three schools she attended prior to completing her degree, and found it to be the most comfortable By Felix DoBosz only a great athlete, but was also quite popu- ular at that time. She loved her family the experience of all. She feels that some schools are overcrowded and stu- DAVIE, FL — On Saturday August lar. Many admired her because, even though most, and took great pride in being an active dents lose motivation because the environment is just not right for them. 14, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the she had many friends, she never limited her member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. “You have to find a school that’s right for you,” she said. Davie Rodeo Association at the Davie Rodeo friendships to people who were the most pop- She is greatly missed by her family Smith plans to learn more about other programs within the tribe Arena sponsored an all and friends and people and eventually get into the marketing venue, specifically the cultural girl rodeo. The Hollywood who never even met her aspect. Horse Club organized this but had heard through “When people hear ‘Seminole Tribe,’ I want them to know that is second annual event for different sources what a not only just about the casino,” said Smith. the late Tiffany Doctor, warm, kind, beautiful, who was tragically killed and dynamic person she in an auto accident on really was. Snake Road near Big Debbie DeHass, Immokalee Celebrates Cypress in early 2002. of the Hollywood Horse “They called her Club said “Fifty-five T-bone at the rodeo,” her girls of all ages were Elaine Aguilar’s Birthday mother Colleen Osceola competing for all around By Judy Weeks remembers. “She played Buckles, in 26 different IMMOKALEE — The Immokalee community turned out in football with the boys at categories in this year's large numbers on Tuesday August 17 for an appreciation/birthday party for her school in St. all girl rodeo.” Liaison Elaine Aguilar. The gym was attractively decorated with purple Petersburg, Admiral Doctor worked banquet tables, balloons, banners and beautiful floral centerpieces. Big Farragut Academy. for Hollywood Board Cypress Council Representative David Cypress was glad to be the sponsor Tiffany often loved to Representative David of this happy occasion. play sports at her school; DeHass, helping out Despite a week of planning, distribution of flyers and careful she excelled in basketball, every chance she got, she preparations, this surprise party was a well kept secret. Elaine had a morn- softball and even boxing. learned to bull-ride and ing appointment in Fort Myers, which made it possible to put everything Big Jim Osceola trained got really good with the together without her knowledge. her to practice boxing. horses too. At noon everyone had gathered in the gym in anticipation of her She was one of those girls Debbie said, arrival. A quick phone call located her 15 minutes away and preparing to that did everything, if she “Tiffany was a tough and Felix DoBosz stop for lunch. Her daughter, Sheila, told her that she did not have time. liked it, she did it again.” popular girl, she loved to Reba Osceola rides horse Bay in the steer roping competition. “David and some men have been waiting here for over an hour Doctor was not See RODEO, page 12 regarding some projects. Hurry,” she told her mother. When she pulled up to the tribal field office, which was empty, she was amazed to see all of the vehicles at the gym and went to investi- gate. As she opened the door she was greeted by a round of applause and a NAJA at the UNITY 2004 Convention chorus of happy birthday. The shocked look on her face was enough to satisfy everyone that she was genuinely surprised. By Adelsa Williams Elaine was escorted to the table of honor by Amy Yzaguirre who WASHINGTON, D.C. — Each was acting as emcee. Along the way, she encountered her husband and year the Native American Journalists children who all proudly hugged and congratulated her. Association (NAJA) hosts a conference for David Cypress took the microphone and wished her a happy all its members. NAJA, being one of four birthday not only on his behalf, but also Chairman Mitchell Cypress and associations that make up the UNITY Board Representative Paul Bowers, who regretted that they could not organization, partook in this year’s UNITY Journalists of Color, Inc. convention, See ELAINE, page 8 which is held every five years. This event marks the third ever UNITY convention. The first two conven- Tribal Council Welcomes UM tions were held in Atlanta, Ga. in 1999 and Green Bay, Wis. in 1994. This year, UNITY members gathered in the nation’s President, New Seminole Princess capital from August 4–8. Conveniently, this By Shelley Marmor is a presidential election year, and both HOLLYWOOD — After invocation by Maggie Osceola, the candidates made a stop to speak at the Tribal Council welcomed the 2004–2005 Seminole Princess, Jo Jo UNITY conference. Osceola. Osceola, 17, spoke briefly, saying she was honored to be the new UNITY 2004 held more full-day princess, and assured the council that she would be happy to attend any training sessions than any journalism con- events they needed her to in order to represent the tribe. vention. It also held a massive media and Immediately after, the council welcomed their special guest, career expo that featured more than 400 University of Miami (UM) President Donna Shalala. She asked Osceola to recruiters and exhibitors from across the stay after and speak with her about attending UM after she graduates high country. Also, there were receptions and school. other social gatherings including golf tour- “She looks like a ‘Cane to me,” Shalala said about Osceola. naments for the early arrivals, prior to the Shalala spoke to the council, including UM alum and Hollywood start of the convention. Representative Max Osceola Jr., about some programs the university Each of the four national organi- would like the tribe to sponsor. This included sponsorship of a breast can- zations that form UNITY, the Asian cer program, an environmental program, an educational research program American Journalists Association, the Nery Mejicano focused on keeping people in school, and a $2.5 million grant for UM’s National Association of Hispanic (L-R) Iretta Tiger, Shelley Marmor, Felix DoBosz, Michael Kelly, Virginia Mitchell, Darline Diabetes Research Institute. Buster, Melissa Sherman, Adelsa Williams, Stephen Galla. See NAJA, page 17 See COUNCIL, page 3 The Seminole Tribune 2 September 3, 2004
Grand Opening of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Commemoritve Issue of The Seminole Tribune History... Culture... Lobbying Is A Must Enterprises... By Dr. Dean Chavers have 200 or more Indian representatives present. They spend a Learn about the rich history of The Seminole For the past 30 years I have been worried about the lack full day on the hill talking directly to members of Congress. Dr. Richard Bordeaux of Todd County Schools in South Dakota is the Tribe of Florida. In this colorful 64 page of lobbying on Capitol Hill by Indian people. I was so frustrated about the lack of it that I ran for the National Indian Education past president of both NAFIS and NIISA. I attended the NIISA booklet, there is something for everyone, Association (NIEA) board twice, hoping NIEA would be the one summer meeting in Reno, Nev. in June, and was again highly from students to history buffs and even aca- to get on the hill and push for legislation. NIEA still has not done impressed with the caliber of this organization. demic researchers. Don’t miss this great it. Brent Gish is the Executive Director of NIISA. He is also opportunity to take home the only compre- So let me tell you how happy I am that there are at least the Superintendent of the Mahnomen Public Schools in Minnesota, and I interviewed him later about the situation. He hensive guide to The Seminole Tribe of two Indian organizations that are actively lobbying on the hill. They are the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and told me they started 15 years ago to lobby seriously. John Florida’s rich history and culture, as well as the National Indian Impacted Schools Association (NIISA). And Forkenbrock told them that the only way to grow is to tell their the tribe’s enterprises. Buy one get “Day in we need a lot more than this. story to Congress personally. He said the best lobbyist is an Indian the Life of Big Cypress” Free! I got so frustrated at NIEA not doing it that some of us school board member. 15 years ago created an organization solely devoted to lobbing on When I asked Brent what worked best when lobbying, Please send check or money order in the amount of $8 to The Seminole Tribune, the hill. It was called the Coalition for Indian Education. To make he said they have found that talking about successes really helps. Commemorative Booklet, 6300 Stirling Road, Hollywood, FL 33024. Or order a long story short, after a few years, some people took over and Many members of Congress still do not know how Indian schools online at www.seminoletribe.com/marketplace. For more information please call ran it into the ground. have to have impact aid just to operate. But giving them the hard (800) 683-7800, Ext. 1266. But starting in 1990, I started trying to get a delegation facts about the Indian child is their best resource. of people on the hill every year. The first year, despite my pleas They are now working to develop a profile of the typi- to a lot of people, I was the only person who showed up. As I cal Indian child to present to Congress. Congressional members went before the late Representative William Natcher’s Housing do not understand the poverty of Indian Country and how it affects and Urban Development/Labor/Health and Human Services education, how Indian students have to travel up to 70 miles one Committee to testify, I asked one of the staffers who the only way to get to school, and so on. Bryan Jernigan, the communica- Attention Tribal Citizens Indian presenting testimony would be. The room was full of peo- tions director for NAFIS, is working on this profile, which origi- ple, but no Indians. nated in a committee. All tribal citizens of The Seminole Tribe of Florida Not one single other Indian individual or organization Terry Smith, the representative from Wapato, Wash., who who live out of state are eligible to receive a testified before that committee that year. And it was a powerful also runs the NIISA meeting, said it really helps to know your free subscription of The Seminole Tribune. committee with many programs under it. I was really impressed Congressional representative personally. The NIISA representa- Please fill out the information below and mail to: with the huge seals of the three departments on the wall behind tives have no trouble getting in to see their Congressional repre- The Seminole Tribune Natcher. They were several feet tall. sentative, according to both Terry and Brent. One of the frustra- 6300 Stirling Road, Room 235 - Hollywood, FL 33024 Several years before I started trying to get an Indian del- tions we had when I was leading delegations to the hill was that egation on the hill, the National Congress on American Indians we rarely got to meet with the actual representative. We usually (NCAI) eliminated its education staff position in an internal power got to meet with some staffer. But superintendents are important, Name struggle. That position has never been restored. National so they know their representative on a first name basis. Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) had just Brent is a longtime NIISA member. He has been super- gone out of business. So for a decade and a half, NCAI, NIEA, intendent at Mahnomen for 13 years, and has been in the district Tribal Roll Number and NTCA have not mounted a consistent lobbying effort on the for 31 years. He is a graduate of Mahnomen High School. And hill. I went to one NCAI mid-year meeting 15 years ago, think- his grandmother’s sister was superintendent of the district in the ing we were going on the hill. But instead we sat around in a hotel 1930s, after she was graduated high school in 1923. So he recog- Address for two days and listened to Indian leaders talk. What frustration! nizes the importance of the program, and the support from the Here we are in Washington DC but we were avoiding the action, president for it. The White House usually does not include impact which is always on the hill. aid in its budget, he said, but President Bush has put it into his City State Zip I was also frustrated in trying to get people to go to DC. budget. This means the Congressional representatives who han- By about 1994 I had identified 2,700 people, my colleagues, dle impact aid do not have to fight to get in put back in each year. whom I thought should be going to see their Senators and NIGA and NCAI sometimes join NIISA in lobbying, Brent says, but he is not aware that NIEA ever does. And the trib- Phone Representatives. I sent them all letters, and got 15 of them to go. Most of the 15 came from Adam Webster of Green Bay, Wis. who al offices in DC do not join them. He said we are still so frag- brought a van full of people. mented in Indian Country. We need a united front. The No Child The next year I mailed letter to the same 2,700 people Left Behind Act has put an additional burden on Indian land dis- E-mail and got 17 to go. And we decided that Monday morning when we tricts, he says. There is no immediate threat to impact aid now, met to plan strategy that we would ask all members of Congress but they need to get inflationary increases and an Indian lands what other Indians they had seen during the year. By the end of supplemental as the military recently got. But the main battles, Additional Info that week, we had found out of the 80 people we had met with which they have never won, are to get the program fully funded that only one had seen an Indian of any kind all year! By the way, and to get it forward funded. As soon as we receive this information, your subscription will our feet were killing us every day. When you go, wear tennis I am so glad that both NIISA and NIGA are on the hill be mailed to you. Thank you very much. shoes. The marble halls of Congress are pure hell on feet. on a regular basis. I just wish the other organizations-NCAI, No wonder they don’t understand what the problems are NIEA, intertribals, and tribal offices-would join in and see the in Indian Country. We don’t tell them. No wonder they think all value of lobbying. And we need to have our own travel agency, Indians are rich from gaming, when in fact it is less than 2 per- to bring members of Congress out to Indian Country. We have a cent of Indians are well off from gaming. They have no idea of small cohort of members who look out for Indian interests-Inouye, Announcement Form what’s happening in Indian Country because they never hear from Hayworth, Kildee, Nighthorse Campbell, Bingaman, and so on. us. But Indians do not make it onto the agenda of at least 500 of the Attention Seminole tribal citizens and employees: If you would like to 535 members in a given year. submit an announcement (birthday, baby, marriage, etc.) to The Seminole National Indian Impacted Schools Association (NIISA) has been lobbying regularly for years through its larger sister If Indian Country ever gets into trouble again, such as Tribune, and to insure correct spelling, please fill out the information provided the termination movement of the 1950s and 1960s, it will be below. If you have any questions about deadlines, etc., please call The Seminole organization, the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS). NAFIS is headed by John Forkenbrock, who because of the ignorance of the members about Indian affairs. I Tribune at (954) 966-6300, Ext. 1267, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Our fax num- hope someday we will have a major impact on the hill year round. ber is (954) 967-3482. Thanks. is known as “Mr. Impact Aid.” NAFIS represents both the Indian impact aid schools and the military impact aid schools. © Copyright, 2004. The opinions expressed here are Dr. Please Write Your Announcement Below (Please Print Clearly) NAFIS has two meetings a year in DC and NIISA has Dean Chavers’, and do not necessarialy reflect the opinions of its own meeting every summer as well. The NAFIS meetings will The Seminole Tribune or the Seminole Tribe of Florida. ______6300 Stirling Road Hollywood, FL 33024 [email protected] ______Dear Seminole Marketplace, The Sasha festival was a huge and it was the one item I wanted. I was so ______I belong to a Sasha Doll Club success! The ladies who put on the festi- happy when I won and have really and we held a three-day festival in Ft. val had made enjoyed it so much. ______Lauderdale in June As a child I never went to ADDRESS: ______of 2004. I have Florida, but I knew of the Seminole peo- read Betty Mae ple. My Aunt Hazel would bring back PHONE: ______Jumper’s book postcards with all the colorful cloths, and “Legends of the my friend even had a doll. I have, for as MOTHER: ______Seminoles” and in long as I can remember, wanted to meet a it is the legend of Seminole and that happened this year for FATHER: ______the Corn Lady. At all of us when we came to Florida. The the festival, I gave tape just means that I can have a part of CHILDREN: ______away a helper gift, that at home with me to see and enjoy “The Corn Lady” anytime. GRANDPARENTS: ______video, which I pur- On the tape you can see children, chased at the both Seminole and non-Seminole. If I, as Seminole market- a child, had gone to Florida that could CLAN: (OPTIONAL) ______place online, along have been me with all those other chil- with a few other dren; what fun. If you would like your photos mailed back to you, gifts. Please pass on how much this tape of sto- We would ries means to me. I love the Corn Lady please include your mailing address. like to thank Betty story the best. Mae Jumper Thank you so much, because the Sasha Alexis Festival was a great success [Editor’s Dear Editor, The Seminole Tribune note: please see the Hi, I hope you can help me. I f you need a reporter or you would Ext. 1267. E-mail letter below]. Seminole outfits for the dolls. was looking at the sofkee recipe on your like to submit an article, birthday [email protected], fax Sincerely, I had put together a folder on the website and I am a little confused it has Iwish or poem to The Seminole (954) 967-3482, or mail to: The Laura Ramshead Corn Lady with a little story on you, and baking soda in the recipe list, and in the Tribune, please contact the editor, Seminole Tribune, 6300 Stirling from the book “Legends of the instructions it has to add teaspoon of bak- Michael Kelly at (800) 683-7800, Road, Hollywood, Florida 33024. Dear Bette Mae Jumper, Seminoles” a copy of the Corn Lady from ing powder? Which one do you use? the book. I also Thanks for your time included a cro- Have a great day, cheted pattern for a Cherie he following deadlines Editor-in-Chief: Graphic Designer: apply to all submissions for Virginia Mitchell Melissa Sherman Corn Lady Tinclusion into the Tribune: Editor: Graphic Design potholder. Dear Cherie, Michael Kelly Assistant: These You should use baking soda, not Issue: September 3, 2004 Assistant Editor: Stephen Galla were donated on baking powder. Deadline: August 20, 2004 Shelley Marmor Reporters: your behalf along Sincerely, Business Manager: Iretta Tiger, with the video Seminole Marketplace Issue: September 24, 2004 Linda Jim Adelsa Williams “Legends of the Deadline: September 10, 2004 Receptionist: Photo Archivist/Reporter: Seminoles.” The Dear Editor, Darline Buster Felix DoBosz lady who won the I am the director of The Issue: October 15, 2004 Contributors: video sent me a Kidzeum, a children’s museum in Deadline: October 1, 2004 Alexandra Frank, Emma Brown, note for you to Grenada Elementary School, Grenada, Judy Weeks, Kenny Bayon, Gary Bitner, read [Editor’s note: Miss. We are preparing for an exhibit Issue: November 5, 2004 Lucy Evanicki, Michael Goodman, Nery please see the letter about Seminoles, and have built a chickee Deadline: October 23, 2004 Mejicano, Randi M. Simmons, below]. I have the house for our students to visit. I know that Susan Etxebarria and Tabitha Osceola, cassette tape and I child will ask why it’s called a chickee Christopher Scanlon, Barbara Boling Please note: Late submissions will be am enjoying it very house, and I can’t find the answer any- posted in the following issue. much, especially where. Can you help, please? The Seminole Tribune the Corn Lady. Thanks so much, Advertising: is a member of the Native American I just Eloise Portera, Director Advertising rates along with sizes and Journalists Association. Letters/e-mails to wanted to thank The Kidzeum other information may be downloaded the editor must be signed and may be edit- you again from the Grenada Elementary School from the internet at: ed for publication. Subscription rate is $30 bottom of my www.seminoletribe.com/tribune. per year by mail. Make checks payable to heart! Dear Eloise, The Seminole Tribune, 6300 Stirling Sincerely, Chickee means house in the Postmaster: Road, Hollywood, FL 33024. Phone: Laura Miccosukee language. Send Address Changes to (954) 967-3416. Fax: (954) 967-3482. Ramshead Sincerely, The Seminole Tribune Or subscribe on the Internet at Seminole Marketplace 6300 Stirling Road www.seminoletribe.com Hi Laura, Hollywood, FL 33024 © Seminole Tribe of Florida I won the wonderful tape of Seminole stories, The Seminole Tribune 3 September 3, 2004 Billie Swamp Safari Debuts New ‘Swamp Critter Show’ Swamp safari also features airboat rides, swamp buggy tours, eco-tours, Seminole culture and much more!
Courtesy of Jim Allen The site plan for what the council oak and its surrounding area will look like. Big Plans for Historic Council Oak By Iretta Tiger council oak is now on a regular maintenance sched- HOLLYWOOD — With so many people to ule. Debi Lee take care of and so many businesses to manage it’s Allen has landscapers Vila and Son check it Ray Becerra (right) educates visitors about birds of prey. hard for the tribe to remember everything. Perhaps on a monthly basis. Vila and Son also maintain the because it’s a tree, most of us forget that the council landscaping for the Hollywood Seminole Hard Rock oak needs our help from time to time. Hotel. Submitted by Gary Bitner scheduled periodically throughout the day. The price Jim Allen, CEO of Gaming Operations, rec- However, the improvements for the council BIG CYPRESS — An all-new swamp crit- is $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 4–12. ognizes the importance of the council oak and has oak do not end there. Plans for the beautification ter show is on tap for visitors to Billie Swamp Safari, Children up to age three are always free with a paid taken a personal interest in the welfare of the tree. around the council oak have been approved by the the Seminole Tribe’s popular tourist attraction in Big adult. “It started with mowing the lawn around it council and should begin in September 2004. These Cypress. The new show combines entertainment and Day packages are also available for purchase and making it look a little more presentable” said plans include benches, flowers and other landscaping education and includes several of the most interesting at the gift shop. Visitors should arrive no later than 2 Allen “Then we started to notice that the tree was and irrigation for the council oak and landscaping. animals found on the reservation. The Seminoles treat p.m. to enjoy each of the rides. The price is $38 for Long term the land with reverence and work hard to preserve the adults, $36 for seniors age 61 or over, and $24 for care is also being con- natural environment. As a result, the wonders of the children ages 4–12. Children up to age three are free sidered, funding for the Florida Everglades continue to bring joy to visitors with a paid adult. In addition, AAA members are eli- upkeep of the oak and from around the world. gible for a 10 percent discount, and discounted rates its surroundings will be The Swamp Critter Show is scheduled daily are available for groups of 15 or more. incorporated into the at 1:15 p.m. and costs $8 for adults and $4 for chil- A rustic camping village at Billie Swamp casino’s budget starting dren. Among the animals featured in the 45 minute Safari includes native-style chickees for overnight with the new fiscal show are the armadillo, skunk, opossum, ferret, stays. The overnight safaris run from noon to noon year. southern razorback hog and Florida white-tailed deer, and include two swamp buggy eco-tours, one during For those who as well as non-venomous snakes such as the bald the day and one during the evening, the alligator and are not familiar with python and red rat snake. Birds of prey are also fea- snake educational show, campfire storytelling, chick- the history of the tured, including owls and red-tailed hawks, as are ee lodging and an airboat ride. For more information Seminole tribe, this is tarantulas and scorpions. Shows will vary based on or reservations, call (800) 949-6101 or (863) 983- the famed council oak the availability of animals and their trainers. 6101 or visit www.seminoletours.com on the Internet. that the restaurant The Big Council Oak in the Cypress Campground Seminole Hard Rock offers RV sites, tent Hotel & Casino is sites and air condi- named after. tioned cabins. For The history more information, call Felix DoBosz and significance of the (800) 437-4102 or The council oak tree as it appears today, thanks to some help from Jim Allen. council oak is some- (863) 983-1330. thing Allen plans to On the road to incorporate into the Billie Swamp Safari is getting a little bit sickly, it didn’t look healthy so we, restaurant. Even at the site of the tree a plaque will be the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki in the casino division, just took the initiative to have placed near its base telling the importance of this tree Museum–the nation’s somebody come in and have an evaluation of the to the Seminole tribe. largest display of the tree.” Thank you Jim Allen, for both your compas- life and culture of the The diagnosis was not bad at all, it only sion and for acting on that compassion. Everything Florida Seminoles. The needed two procedures: pruning and shooting fertiliz- you are doing is greatly appreciated. museum includes er into the ground. With both procedures done the 5,000 square feet of exhibits in a modern museum adjacent to a The next resolution dealt with allowing trib- cypress dome near the Council al citizens to enter residential treatment programs, if Florida Everglades. Continued from page 1 the treatment they need is not provided by the family Visitors enjoy lifelike services department. Family Services Director Crissie displays of how “Each one of them speaks to issues that per- Carter spoke on this resolution and the council unani- Seminoles lived in the tain to the Seminole people,” she said. mously approved it. 1800s, along with rare After telling the council that Native Director of Law Enforcement Mike Floyd artifacts. Part of the Americans are two-and-a-half times more likely to informed the council on the next resolution. This Debi Lee Seminole collection on contract diabetes, Shalala reminded them that finding dealt with expanding voluntary cooperation between Yusday Martinez (right) holds one of the animals from the new critter show. loan from the out more about the disease will have secondary law enforcement agencies. The resolution passed Smithsonian is featured rewards. unanimously, and Seminole law enforcement can now at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki “[The research aims] to save lives,” she said. share applicable information with surrounding area In addition to the Swamp Critter Show, Museum, including moccasins, leggings, turtle shell “But more importantly to save heartache.” law enforcement agencies. swamp buggy eco-tours and airboat rides operate rattles, silverwork, beaded sashes, and medicine bas- Tribal Treasurer Mike Tiger thanked Shalala Fields then informed the council that the daily. Visitors can travel high above the wet prairie kets. The museum also has exhibits of its own hold- for coming, and said the tribe is “looking forward to Seminole police department and the aviation depart- edge of Florida’s Everglades or glide effortlessly ings, including southeastern beaded shoulder bags working closely with UM in the future.” Max ment located the pilot, John Kagan, who crashed his along an airboat trail. A separate venomous snake and and Seminole patchwork clothing. Osceola Jr. also thanked Shalala, and said the council Hughes 500 helicopter in Big Cypress on Thursday alligator presentation is also scheduled to take place The exhibit gallery includes user-friendly will discuss sponsoring these programs in the future. August 19. He commended those who were pivotal in daily. True adventurers can stay overnight in a tradi- computers where visitors can find more information Executive Administrator Ken Fields then Kagan’s rescue. tional Seminole chickee surrounded by more than on the Seminole Tribe’s rich history and culture. In went over the 10 item consent agenda, and the coun- One of the final resolutions the council 2,200 acres of abundant native wildlife. Visitors wit- addition to the informative exhibits, the Museum fea- cil unanimously approved the items. Fields then voted on was a sponsorship agreement with ness first-hand the ecosystem of a land on the edge of tures a Legends Theater that presents the traditional called Education Director Louise Gopher up to speak Winterfest, Inc., the company that puts on the annual civilization and the solitary beauty of tropical hard- beliefs and legends of the Seminoles in a camp-like on a resolution that will honor the late Billy Cypress. Winterfest Boat Parade. The council approved this wood hammocks, cypress domes, airplants and gum setting. This resolution, which passed unanimously, sponsorship unanimously, and now the Seminole sloughs. They marvel at wildlife, from the rare pan- Topics include: transportation, economy:, changed the name of the Higher Education Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s logo will be featured on ther to alligators and crocodiles, deer, antelope, bison, history, rare artifacts, living village, spiritual beliefs, Scholarship Program to the Billy L. Cypress all advertisement for the boat parade, and all radio and southern razorback hogs. gift shop, and nature trail. Scholarship Program. This change is fitting, accord- ads will mention the Hard Rock. In the main ing to Cypress’s widow Carol Cypress since “he real- This sponsorship agreement will last five compound area, visitors ly did love learning.” years, beginning with this year’s boat parade in can enjoy an authentic Chairman Mitchell Cypress said the tribe December going all the way through to the 2008 Seminole village with will also honor Cypress at the Veteran’s Day celebra- Winterfest Boat Parade. many native Seminole tion in Big Cypress next month. chickees, a nature trail, animal and bird exhibits, including a herpetarium, an alliga- tor pit, a council house, restaurant and gift shop. The gift shop is open from 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. and is filled with native arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry and souvenirs. The Swamp Water Café serves American fare and Seminole delicacies such as catfish, frog legs, gator tail nuggets, and traditional Seminole fry bread. It is open from 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Billie Swamp Safari is open year Debi Lee ‘round except Gus “One Bear” Batista has his hands full with baby gators. Christmas Day. Admission is free and visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and enjoy many of the displays The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is open daily without charge. Tickets for the Swamp Critter Show, except Monday and holidays from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. airboat rides, swamp buggy eco-tours and alligator Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children up to and snake educational show can be purchased indi- age six. For more information, call (863) 902-1113. vidually or as a day package at the gift shop. Billie Swamp Safari and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki The airboat rides operate every half hour Museum are located on the Big Cypress Seminole from 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. The price is $12. Narrated Reservation, midway between Fort Lauderdale and Swamp Buggy Eco-Tours operate from 11 a.m.–5 Naples off I-75 (Alligator Alley). Take I-75 to exit p.m. The price is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors age 49, then drive north 19 miles. Sho-naa-bish! 61 or over, and $10 for children ages 4–12. The 45- (Thanks!) minute Alligator and Snake Educational Show is The Seminole Tribune 4 September 3, 2004 Celebrate Labor Day at Afachkeke Festival Tribe Supports Hurricane Charley Recovery Fund
By Shelley Marmor Smoken features Hollywood tribal In case you haven’t heard already, the employee Vinnie Fontana on the bass guitar. Seminole Tribe is presenting the Afachkeke Fontana said they will do mostly cover songs at Festival at the Big Cypress Seminole reservation Afachkeke, playing tunes from artists including rodeo arena. The festival will take place on Janis Joplin and Trick Pony. The band also has two Saturday, September 4, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., CDs out, so pay close attention for original materi- Labor Day weekend. al. The idea for the festival came from Big Tribal citizen Paul Buster his Cowbone Cypress Tribal Councilman David Cypress. Band will follow Smoken for a 30 minute set. However, after the recent tragedy caused by Jesse & Noah take the stage at 1:30 p.m., Hurricane Charley on Florida’s west coast, the and will play for 45 minutes. They are the sons of Afachkeke Festival will now join the many efforts the David Bellamy, one half of the Bellamy to provide relief to the victims. Brothers, which will perform immediately follow- Visitors are encouraged to visit the ing Jesse & Noah’s performance. “Hurricane Charley Recovery David Fund—Neighbors Helping Bellamy and his Neighbors” table, set brother up onsite at the festi- Howard val. Representatives Bellamy, bet- from the tribe’s ter known as department of the Bellamy The Seminole Tribe of Florida Presents emergency Brothers, will services will take the stage at be collecting 2:45 p.m. and play for A hfachkeke M usic donations. All 90 minutes. The the money Bellamy Brothers are will be split co-headlining the fes- 50/50 tival along with John Festival between the Anderson. Red Cross and the These two Salvation Army for have been making music for more than two Labor D ay W eekend those in the hardest hit decades, and will no doubt play some of the hits counties (Lee, Collier, they are known for, including “Let Your Love SATURday, September Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, and DeSoto). Although Flow” and “For All the Wrong Reasons.” The the Afachkeke Festival is a free event, Chairman Bellamy Brothers are the most nominated duo in Mitchell Cypress and David Cypress encourage country music today, so they definitely know how donations. to entertain a crowd. 4 Afachkeke is the Miccosukee word mean- The final musical event at the Afachkeke ing “a happy day.” The festival got its name from Festival is co-headliner John Anderson, who will Seminole tribal citizen Mary Tigertail because she appear on stage at 4:45 p.m. and play until the fes- 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. thought it would best describe the event. tival’s close at 6 p.m. He is a country music legend The Afachkeke Festival is a family affair with more than 20 albums to his credit and more and will feature a children’s village. While at the than 30 songs that have made the Billboard top 20 village, youngsters can jump around in the bounce chart. Big Cypress Rodeo house, get their faces painted by a clown, and even With so many hit songs, Anderson will FREE ADMISSION TO enjoy some popcorn and a snow cone. The adults have a hard time picking and choosing which ones will not be left out in the food department to play. One song that will likely make the cut is either–vendors will be onsite selling Seminole cui- “Seminole Wind,” a songs the brought the house SUPPORT HURRICANE CHARLEY VICTIMS BY MAKING sine. down at the grand opening of the Tampa Seminole Gates at the festival will open at 10 a.m. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in March. A CASH DONATION AT THE BENEFIT The Seminole Color Guard, consisting of Paul Directions: From Naples or Fort Bowers, Stephen Bowers, Mitchell Cypress and Lauderdale take 1-75 to Exit 49, then 16 miles Charles Hiers Billie, will appear shortly after at 11 north on Snake Road (County Road 833), From a.m. Tribal citizen Jessica Buster will follow the Fort Myers take State Road 80 east through Color Guard with the singing of the national LaBelle to 833 south through the Big Cypress John Anderson Bellamy anthem. Brian Zepeda, Operations Director at the Reservation, Rodeo grounds on right (west) side of Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, will emcee the festival. road. From Lake Okeechobee take SR 27 south to There will be lots of music to enjoy. The 80 west three miles to 833. For further informa- Brothers first of five bands will be Smoken. They will take tion, please call (561) 308-0101. Also visit our the stage for a 30 minute set beginning at 11:30 website for a printable map a.m. www.seminoletribe.com/afachkeke. Jesse & Noah B ellamy C owbone B and Smoken
John Anderson Bellamy Brothers
10 a.m. - Gates Open Children’s Village • Bounce House 11 a.m. - Seminole Color Guard • Slide 11:30 a.m. - Smoken • Snow Cones 12:30 p.m. - Cowbone Band • Popcorn 1:30 p.m. - Jesse & Noah Bellamy • Clown 2:45 p.m. - Bellamy Brothers • Picture Taking • Fun Fun Fun! 4:45 p.m. - John Anderson
Free parking. No alcoholic beverages or coolers allowed, not responsible for lost or damaged property. Directions: From Naples or Ft. Lauderdale take I-75 to EXIT 49, then 16 miles north on Snake Road (County Road 833). The Seminole Tribune 5 September 3, 2004 Hurricane Evacuation Shelters
Big Cypress Hollywood Family Investment Center DSO Building Community Center
Adelsa Williams (L-R) Thommy Doud, Robert North Sr., Catherine Jumper, Amber Giehtbrock, Angie Margotta, Damon Brighton Brighton “Leon” Pewo, Robert North Jr., Herbert Jim, Catlin Jim, Max Osceola Jr., and Neko Osceola (front). Senior Center Pre-School Boys & Girls Club Discuss Ultimate Warrior Experience By Adelsa Williams “Tense and emotional,” said Robert North Jr. HOLLYWOOD — Following the Ultimate “I felt like something was watching us all Warrior Challenge trip to Snake River, Idaho in June, the time,” said Catlin Jim. The Boys and Girls Club gathered for a luncheon Robert North Sr. asked this final question to held on the Hollywood reservation at June Tiger’s the youth; what is a warrior? property. “Someone who accepts challenges,” Immokalee Boys & Girls Club member and warrior answered Neko Osceola. Immokalee High School experience traveler, Robert North Jr., opened the Catlin Jim said, “A warrior is a person that’s event with prayer. not afraid and fights within the heart, has a good Herbert Jim, Seminole preschool language soul, helps others, is emotional, and has love.” instructor and Coordinator Robert North Sr. conduct- Herbert Jim added that a warrior is someone Before Hurricane Season Starts YOU SHOULD: ed a series of questions for the youth regarding their who is full of understanding of their native traditional learned experiences during their traditional and spiri- ways. Assemble your Disaster Supply Kit. Write out your Family Disaster Plan. tual adventure. “We [Seminoles] are warriors because we These items are often scattered around your home Discuss the possible hazards with your family. North started by explaining the different are passed down from our ancient wars, and today we and simply need to be brought together into one Determine if you are in an evacuation area. Identify kind of activities the group encountered while on the are here because of our soldiers,” said Herbert Jim, location. an out-of-town family contact. trip. The group camped each night and had all provi- “If an elder has something to say, listen, because they sions and drew upon ancestry on how to live off the are trying to tell you something, you just don’t under- Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to Discuss the type of hazards that could affect land. stand it yet, but later in life you will find a place to 7 days your family. Know your home's vulnerability to For young warrior Catlin Jim, it was excit- use these teachings.” storm surge, flooding and wind. Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days ing since it was his first time riding in an airplane Hollywood Councilman Max Osceola Jr. while Damon “Leon” Pewo said that he was scared to attended the luncheon to congratulate the youth and — non-perishable packaged or canned food / Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your “fall in” while rafting the Snake River. shared a couple of words of wisdom as well. juices home for each hurricane hazard. In certain cir- During the rafting experience, the youth “Congratulations, you did something on — foods for infants or the elderly cumstances the safest areas may not be your learned about teamwork. Everyone took turns playing your own, even though you had people with you,” — snack foods home but within your community. — non-electric can opener captain while on the paddle boat. This required the said Osceola, “We can tell you how to do it, but now team to trust the captain’s command for proper steer- you saw how everything is done.” — cooking tools / fuel Determine escape routes from your home and ing of the paddle boat while rafting on the rough “You are all warriors, you have strength, and — paper plates / plastic utensils places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles. rapids. we want to show you that you can get high without Besides rafting, the youth seemed enthusias- using drugs or alcohol, high on life. When you’re Blankets / Pillows, etc. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, tic sharing their fishing experiences. After catching a strong, you make your family strong and you can fish, the youth learned how to cut and clean a fish. make the tribe strong.” Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes so all your family members have a single point of contact. “It was only gross when the tail was still Osceola encouraged the students to pass the moving,” said Damon “Leon” Pewo. word to their friends and advise on any other chal- First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if Herbert Jim asked the youth how they felt lenges they can come up with. about the spiritual aspect of the trip and being “You are tomorrow, we want to prepare you Special Items - for babies and the elderly you need to evacuate. exposed to the ancestral Nez Perce people’s sacred for that, so you can make the right choices,” conclud- lands. ed Osceola. Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how Flashlight / Batteries and when to call 911.