Pensacola artist Indian Day photos OHS wraps up tackles Osceola story from Hollywood, Trail volleyball season v COMMUNITY v 7A 3B-4B SPORTS v 5B

www.seminoletribune.org Free Volume XLIV • Number 10 October 30, 2020 Tribe Tribal members prepare to move into creates first Lakeland Reservation homes BY DAMON SCOTT sovereign Staff Reporter

Building a new housing development wealth takes time – something that hasn’t been lost on Seminoles in the Tampa area. They’ve been long anticipating the completion of homes on the new Lakeland Reservation site. fund The wait is almost over for some. Seventeen new homes have been BY ARI RIOSECO completed as part of phase one of the Special to the Tribune community. Phase one will see 47 new homes in total. The Seminole Tribe of Florida has When all is said and done of four phases created a sovereign wealth fund for the of homebuilding, there will be 147 single- financial benefit of generations to come. family homes, each on 1-acre lots. Some of It is known as the Seminole Real Estate the homes are for purchase and others will be Fund (SEMREF), a holding company of the set aside as rentals. tribe. SEMREF recently acquired its first The Lakeland Reservation – located real estate investment asset. Welcome to about 37 miles east of the Seminole Hard McKinney Uptown Apartments: a 144-unit, Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa – will serve midrise, residential complex located in lively as the new reservation for the Tampa tribal uptown Dallas, Texas. community. Some tribal members lived on The fund was created to bring the Tampa Reservation until the Hard Rock generational wealth to the lives of tribal opened in 2004. members. Sovereign wealth funds are owned The Lakeland property is massive by a sovereign nation, such as the Seminole – approximately 900 acres within Rick Morales/Jacob Cos. Tribe, and aim to diversify sources of unincorporated Polk County. The acreage When fully completed, phase one of the new Lakeland Reservation will have 47 homes; 17 had been completed by the end of October. revenue to better prepare for the volatility of was purchased in 2007 and put into trust in markets. Sovereign wealth funds have been 2016. It has a country feel with many water parcel untouched,” Fabian Lefler, Tribal members could move into the phase one buildings, too. In addition, the Seminole successful all over the world. The Abu Dhabi features, trees and other vegetation. Community Development director of homes by January 2021. He said phase two Police Department and Seminole Fire Investment Authority (ADIA) was formed Amenities are being built as well, planning and development, said. “We only (26 homes) would begin by the end of the Rescue have forged arrangements with Polk to expand into other markets in an effort to including construction of a gatehouse, which developed 180 acres out of 900. All the year and would take about a year to complete, County officials. balance its sources of revenue and acquire provides security and controlled access wetlands, all of the natural features and followed by phase three (26 homes) and Lefler said the pandemic hasn’t hindered more investments with long-term growth. to the development similar to Seminole essence of the property is still in place. Even phase four (48 homes). the construction timeline. communities in Fort Pierce and Hollywood. though this is a housing development, we’ve A community center is expected to be “It will be a gated community that maintained the beauty of the land.” completed in the next two years, Lefler said. F See SOVEREIGN FUND on page 6A preserves most of the land on the trust Lefler said he’s hopeful that tribal There will eventually be new government F See LAKELAND on page 6A Chairman Osceola named NAFOA High stakes, short-lived Tribal Leader of the Year BC bingo hall BY BEVERLY BIDNEY “On behalf of the Seminole Tribe of Staff Reporter Florida and its members, I humbly accept is demolished the award as Tribal Leader of the Year,” Chairman Osceola said. “It is my distinct pleasure and honor to humbly accept and to BY BEVERLY BIDNEY HOLLYWOOD — The Native let everybody know that I did not know I was Staff Reporter American Finance Officers Association up for the award. The things we are doing are (NAFOA) named Chairman Marcellus W. not only for our people and our tribe but for BIG CYPRESS — The Big Cypress Osceola its Tribal Leader of the Year during all Native Americans and Indigenous People bingo facility – once touted as the largest its virtual fall conference. across the world. Making a difference starts in the world, but reduced to a vacant The award is in recognition of Chairman with you as a leader. Having the right team skeleton for the past several years – was Osceola’s “outstanding work and dedication around you to help facilitate that dream is recently demolished to make way for future to your tribe as Chairman of the Seminole most important. So again, thank you.” development. Tribe of Florida,” Cristina Danforth, NAFOA has bestowed the honor since The 5,600-seat bingo hall, said to be the NAFOA president, wrote in a letter. 2008. Nomination forms are sent to member size of two football fields, opened with great The organization’s 38th annual tribes of the organization and others in the fanfare in March 1987, even garnering a story conference was supposed to be held in community. The selection is made by the in The New York Times. Most players were Nashville in April, but the Covid-19 five-member board of directors, who are bussed to BC from cities around the U.S. But pandemic derailed those plans. Instead, the elected by the membership. The criteria the bingo hall didn’t always hit the jackpot; it event was held online from Oct. 5-9. include effectively leading a tribal nation, closed and re-opened numerous times before Chairman Osceola accepted the award making major financial decisions and finally shutting its doors in the 1990s. in a video played during the first day of the demonstrating significant foresight and Players were drawn to the bingo hall’s conference. resolve in the advancement of his or her generous cash prizes, up to $250,000, tribal nation. Nominees must be the primary along with plenty of new cars to be won. leader of the tribe and have been in office for Additionally, the lure of non-bingo activities, at least one year. such as Dixieland bands, closed circuit TV “The award is all encompassing of what and TV gameshow-type giveaways, proved they have done for their tribe as a whole,” to be popular. The idea was to change the said VaRene Martin, a member of the image of bingo from a staid grandmother’s Thlopthlocco Tribal Town, NAFOA director game to something as exciting as the Super of tribal and corporate relations and first Bowl to perk and retain guests’ interest. vice president. “He is a young leader and The Seminole Tribe partnered with to lead the Seminole Tribe of Florida with developers Richard Knowlton and William everything they have going on is a huge Van Horn, who invested $4 million to build task. People look to the tribe as an example the bingo hall. At the time the BC facility of success in economic development. It was opened, the tribe already had three successful very impressive to buy the Hard Rock and bingo halls in Hollywood, Tampa and build on it.” Brighton. The Hollywood and Tampa halls Terence E. O’Farrell, senior vice were the most profitable in the country. president of KeyBank, nominated the The tribe wasn’t concerned the BC Chairman because of his sound direction of bingo hall would take business away from the tribe and its significant accomplishments Hollywood; the belief was if Big Cypress in 2019. took business from Hollywood, it wouldn’t “The Tribe is the owner of the Hard Rock Courtesy image make a difference to the tribe’s overall brand and operates one of the most successful Seminole Tribe Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. accepts the NAFOA’s Tribal Leader of the Year bottom line. gaming enterprises in the world,” O’Farrell award. The good times didn’t last long as wrote on the nomination form. “In October financial issues plagued the outside entity 2019, Sieminole Hard Rock Hollywood the Tribe that includes continued economic and fiscal policy, developing innovative that managed the hall. By April 1988 – barely celebrated that grand opening of the iconic growth and providing for the health and education initiatives, and providing essential a year after opening – the hall was deeply Guitar Hotel. The $1.5 billion project is opportunity of its citizens.” information, resources, and support to meet in debt and closed. When it reopened in a world class dining and entertainment NAFOA was established in 1982 the challenges of economic growth and September 1988 under new management, the destination that demonstrates the economic and is an independent national non-profit change. The organization is governed by raucous atmosphere and many of the extra- strength and vision of the Tribe. Moreover, organization providing leadership for the an all Native American board of directors curricular enticements were gone. It closed again in February 1989 for renovations and Damon Scott in 2019 the Tribe exercised its sovereignty advancement of culturally-vibrant American and all proceeds to the organization are when Chairman Osceola notified the State of Indian and Alaska Native communities channeled back to Indian Country for the reopened in April 1990 to coincide with the Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola speaks at a pre- Florida that it would end its revenue sharing filming of a movie at the bingo hall titled Super Bowl event in January at the Seminole by: promoting excellence in financial benefit and advancement of Native people. payments after the State violated terms of management, advocating sound economic “Arrive Alive,” which was never completed. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. the Compact. Chairman has a vision for F See BINGO on page 6A

See Hollywood Reservation INSIDE: Editorial...... 2A Sports...... 5B Community...... 3A Education...... 1B home for sale pg. 5A 2A • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 Editorial Celebration of Indigenous People’s Day...and more

and contributions of Indian country to the Now, more than ever, America needs tradition of voting. As partners in this great • Ernie Stevens founding of this Republic. Indian Country, the leadership of our Native People. To help democracy, it is the responsibility of Native along with our friends and neighbors, will restore the Environment and fight Climate Americans to remain active and visible as continue to take the Indigenous People’s Change, Native traditions emphasize respect parts of the political landscape undergo a he National Indian Gaming Day message of celebration, unity, and for the land, the water, and the sky because major cultural change in America. TAssociation joins the rest of Indian education, in reclaiming our history and the Creator gave us a duty to protect Mother Indian Country has been here and country, many States, cities, and counties, in our rightful place in the founding of this Earth. preserved through much tougher times, celebrating this year’s “Indigenous People’s Country. As each of us observes Indigenous only this time, all of Native America must Day.” Indigenous People’s day is now being People’s Day in our own manner, I want participate and engage in the electoral At its core, Indigenous People’s Day is exclusively observed by more than 130 ask each of us to think about how Native process. Only through our political an opportunity to educate American citizens metropolitan cities, including Los Angeles Americans truly influenced this country. Our engagement can our voices be heard, about the First peoples of this continent, and towns and states, such as Minnesota, Native Nations welcomed the first European our treaties be respected, and our Tribal and tell the story of our traditions, culture Alaska, Maine, Louisiana, Oregon, New settlers and Columbus with a gratitude and Governments can survive for the next seven and contributions to world history. It is an Mexico, Nevada, Vermont, South Dakota, respect for these immigrant visitors. While generations. opportunity to tell the history of North and as of last week in my home State of the sentiment was not always returned in On this Indigenous People’s Day, I urge America, not from the European settler Wisconsin. NIGA kind, Native Americans never stopped you to take the steps necessary to register perspective, but from the perspective of the Native Americans have always had the Ernie Stevens Jr. loving their country and continued to treat to vote, and please make Indian Country’s indigenous people living here since time most diverse and productive traditions of their neighbors with respect throughout the voice be heard on November 3, 2020. immemorial. Even in the year 2020, we are Agriculture in the World. The Three Sisters, Native American farmers. centuries to come. still educating our citizens that Christopher Corn, Beans and Squash, gave sustainable Our traditions and cultures emphasized Through recognition such as Indigenous Ernie Stevens Jr. is the chairman and Columbus did not “discover” America in food to our People. Potatoes, Peppers, and our Native Peoples’ connection to the natural People’s Day and the upcoming Native national spokesperson for the National 1492, but instead found a vibrant, diverse, Tomatoes are Native American crops and world. We venerated the Eagle, the Wolf, American Heritage Month, we can reflect Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) in and culturally sophisticated Native America have successfully given European and Asian the Bear, and the Turtle in our Six Nations on today’s Native Americans who still stand Washington, D.C. This article was posted with over 100 million inhabitants. nations their national dishes from pizza and Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The Salmon proud and ready to offer a helping hand as on the NIGA website Oct. 12, Indigenous We stand with the National Congress spaghetti with tomatoes to Irish stew based and Killer Whales are the sacred totems of partners in this Republic. People’s Day. of American Indians (NCAI) and our other on potatoes and Thai curry made with chili the Northwest Native Peoples. In the Great Soon, all of us will have an opportunity sister organizations, in our commitment peppers. Today, 60% of the crops grown Plains, the Buffalo was sacred because it exercise our civic duties and participate to educating the public about the history worldwide are the original products of gave life to the People. in America’s time honored democratic Growing up Cherokee and why Indigenous People’s Day means so much

• Jenna Najera rather excited to participate in CCBC’s first accurate. He felt marginalized because at It took many years before it became this happens ALL THE TIME. But let’s face celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day. every turn it was clear that there was no clear to me why we hadn’t been allowed the fact that we didn’t have princesses and, Growing up in Baltimore City in place for a Cherokee man. His people were in their home and why they doted on my frankly, no one is entitled to make up their the 1960s, my father lived through the not significant enough to merit their own other sisters while barely acknowledging genealogy for more likes on social media. or the first year in its history, the riots that engulfed the streets after Martin identity, as if their place in history was no my presence. I also came to understand that There are hundreds of tribes and nations Community College of Baltimore Luther King Jr. was assassinated. He and more than an obscure footnote. I had something better than anything they in the United States that receive federal FCounty (CCBC) is celebrating his siblings were often targeted because of My father met my mother, who was brought home with them — I had my dad. recognition, and many more that don’t. Indigenous Peoples Day in place of their Indigenous background in senseless white, in the ’90s through mutual friends. Looking back on everything that my Each has its own unique history and culture; Columbus Day. This means a lot to me as attacks by neighbors and people he thought At the time she already had three children, father and I went through, I’d like to say that we are not all the same. But we share one a student at the college studying radiation were his friends, both Black and white. The and before long, they welcomed me into I wish none of it had happened, but I can’t commonality — we endure. Anyone that therapy and a woman of Cherokee heritage violence got so bad that he and my uncle had the world. Typically, a family consists of change the past. My father is an incredible has the day off for Columbus Day, or as we who has often felt my history has not been to protect themselves with metal trash can grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, but man. He’s raised me to be just like him, to prefer to call it, Indigenous Peoples Day, recognized. lids and sticks. my father and I weren’t permitted to meet accept everyone for who they are, regardless should take a few minutes to learn something My father, John, also attended CCBC My father and his siblings didn’t look my maternal grandparents until I was around of what they look like, who they love or new about the rich cultural heritage of the in the ’80s and has been a huge influence like anyone else around them, and if they 6 years old because of our race. what higher power they believe in. It’s my Indigenous people that have lived on this on me. He is a great teacher and storyteller weren’t being brutally attacked, they were Every holiday, my mother would dress fervent hope that with this new dawn of the continent for millennia, and still do. and has spent my entire life educating me subjected to a myriad of racial slurs and up my three older sisters and take them to acknowledgment of the histories, cultures about the history of our people — the true threats. Even after moving into a different her parents’ house and celebrate while my and traditions of Indigenous people that the Jenna Najera (naj747337@email. history, not the G-rated version that is most neighborhood, things didn’t change. father and I stayed home because we weren’t sun will set on the chapter in which we were ccbcmd.edu) is a student of Cherokee often presented in history books and to the Throughout his life every document my welcome there. We didn’t have the cocktail depicted as nothing more than Halloween heritage who attends Community College public. The stories of my father’s childhood father filled out, from his library card to of European blood. I have memories of my costumes, villains in Western-themed of Baltimore County. This article is from and the obstacles he has overcome haunt his driver’s license, excluded who he was. sisters coming home with so many presents movies and ignorant savages. I also hope the Baltimore Sun and was posted Oct. 12, me to this day. My own experiences with The choices were always, Black, white that they would have to make multiple trips that when I speak about my heritage, I won’t Indigenous People’s Day. racism have been more subtle than his, but or other. It wasn’t until he got older that to the car just to bring them all in. At my be interrupted by yet another white woman they have shaped me into who I am today, the option for “American Indian/Alaskan young age I didn’t understand why I was telling me that their great, great, great someone who is proud of her heritage and Native” appeared, and even that isn’t totally treated differently. grandmother was a Cherokee princess. Yes, Starting a publication in times like these

obstacles tribes and their members face when interest of building opportunities for tribal and months, we’ll be writing about how • Levi Rickert building tribal enterprises: the patchwork of self-reliance. And we want to give tribes a they’re coping and pivoting and re-imagining federal laws, bureaucratic red tape, limited voice when decisions are being made that themselves to survive and, eventually, thrive. access to capital and the fact that most affect American Indian and Alaska Native We’ll cover the news, but also dig into the people are unfamiliar with what’s involved businesses. strategies and best practices that tribes are oday (Oct. 1), we are launching in operating a business in Indian Country. Above all, we want to change the employing to bounce back as the economy a new digital media site called And that was before COVID-19. narrative about Indian Country. For many, recovers. Most of all, we’ll share stories and TTribal Business News. In the We believe Tribal Business News can tribal gaming is the first thing that comes research to help you navigate these trying middle of a pandemic. In a year when media help remove some of those hurdles. An to mind when economic development in times and difficult conditions. companies are struggling and, in some cases, online publication (for now), TBN will Indian Country is mentioned. But the $130 As we get started, we need your support. going belly up. highlight what tribes are doing to build billion tribal economy is more than casinos. Send your news, comments, suggestions and Some might say, “What are you their economies as well as the strategies It’s agriculture and energy, manufacturing story ideas. Consider a paid subscription. thinking?” and innovations they’re using to overcome and real estate, technology and tourism, and Talk to us. But my Native relatives and friends get challenges. We’ll bring you thoughtfully much more. And it’s happening across the You can reach me directly at publisher@ it. Oftentimes, this is how it goes in Indian reported and well-crafted stories about country — from southeast Florida where tribalbusinessnews.com or send news to Country. Native entrepreneurs, M&A, expansions, you’ll find the Seminole Nation, owners [email protected]. As founder and editor of the general best practices, economic data, government of the globally famous Hard Rock brand, Megwetch. news publication Native News Online, I’ve policy and other relevant business news. all the way up to northern Alaska, home of witnessed the resilience of tribes and learned Our goal is to make Tribal Business News the $3.4 billion Native-owned Arctic Slope Levi Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi many lessons over the past 10 years. When required reading for tribal council members Levi Rickert Corporation. Nation) is the editor and publisher of Tribal it comes to tribal enterprises, there is often a and the leaders of tribal enterprises. But we Like the majority of businesses around Business News, as well as the founder, recurring theme: Doing business anywhere also want to make it a first stop for state and the country, tribal enterprises and Native publisher and editor of Native News Online. is a challenge, but it’s even more challenging federal legislators, policymakers, economic and anyone interested in doing business in owned businesses have been hard hit by the To view the Tribal Business News website, in Indian Country. developers, entrepreneurs, bankers, lawyers Indian Country. We want to educate and COVID-19 pandemic. In the coming weeks go to tribalbusinessnews.com. Tribal leaders and advisers know the connect Natives and non-Natives in the Hard Rock Hotels earn high ranking

PRESS RELEASE North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction questions and ranks 102 hospitality brands music and entertainment vibe that sets Hard International was honored as one of Forbes Study. In addition to being honored for across six market segments to measure guest Rock apart,” said Dale Hipsh, senior vice magazine’s best employers for diversity and HOLLYWOOD — For the second outstanding guest satisfaction among upper satisfaction, advocacy and loyalty. president of Hard Rock Hotels. “Our team top employers for women. consecutive year, Hard Rock Hotels has upscale hotel chains, the brand has been Hard Rock Hotels has been ranked as members curate a playlist perfect for fans of HRI’s parent entity is the Seminole been honored by leading data and analytics included amongst the top 10 overall hotels the No. 1 upper upscale guest room. Each all ages and we are honored to be recognized Tribe of Florida. company J.D. Power as one of the top- in guest satisfaction of the 102 hotel brands Hard Rock Hotel property features an array by J.D. Power once again for our enduring performing hotel brands in the firm’s 2020 ranked in J.D. Power’s list. The study of signature brand offerings. dedication to hospitality.” analyzes guest responses to more than 150 “Guests are immersed in an unparalleled Earlier this year, Hard Rock

The Seminole Tribune The following deadlines apply to all Advertising: Publisher: The Seminole Tribe of Florida Contributors: Martin Ebenhack, Carlos is a member of the submissions to The Seminole Tribune: Advertising rates along with sizes and other Fuentes, Ari Rioseco Native American Journalists Association. information may be downloaded online at: Phone: 954-985-5700 http://SeminoleTribune.org/Advertise © 2020 Seminole Tribe of Florida Letters/emails to the editor must be signed Issue: Nov. 30, 2020 Senior Editor: Kevin Johnson, ext. 10715 and may be edited for publication. Deadline: Nov. 11, 2020 Postmaster: [email protected] Please send address changes to: Subscription rate is $35 per year by mail. Issue: Dec. 31, 2020 The Seminole Tribune Staff Reporter: Beverly Bidney, ext. 16466 Make checks payable to: Deadline: Dec. 16, 2020 3560 N. State Road 7 [email protected] The Seminole Tribune Hollywood, FL 33021 6365 Taft Street Staff Reporter: Damon Scott, ext. 10704 Hollywood, FL 33024 [email protected] Phone: 954-985-5700 Fax: 954-965-2937 Advertising: Donna Mason, ext. 10733 [email protected] 3A • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 Community A ‘Historic victory for Indigenous rights’ of donations and acquisitions, include rest,” Paul Backhouse, senior director of the NMNH revises approximately 1,500 Seminole ancestors Tribe’s Heritage and Environment Resources exhumed from dozens of burial sites across Office (HERO), said in a statement. Florida, as well as tens of thousands of Committee member Tina Osceola, who repatriation policy archaeological artifacts like potsherds, is also a Seminole Tribal Court associate arrowheads, bone tools and wooden effigies. justice, said she was pleased with the “Until now, there has been no legal NMNH’s decision, but that there’s still more BY DAMON SCOTT mechanism to return those ancestors to to accomplish. Staff Reporter their homelands. That transition can now “The revised policy has been a begin,” Domonique deBeaubien, collections long time coming and I feel generations manager and chair of the committee, said in overdue,” Osceola said in a statement. “As It appears the resolve, advocacy and the announcement. our tribe continues to seek the return of our pressure has yielded results. deBeaubien said the goal for the tribe stolen ancestors, we will continue to work The Seminole Tribe’s repatriation and the committee has always been to push on behalf of Indian Country to pass better committee announced Oct. 21 that the NMNH to revise its policy to include all laws that can help to return more ancestors, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural Native ancestral remains in its collection, funerary, sacred and objects of cultural History (NMNH) revised its repatriation and not just those that have been identified patrimony.” policy regarding human remains and other by the museum. Osceola said her hope was that many in items. Two successful resolutions spearheaded the U.S. and around the world would begin The committee, part of the Tribal by THPO and sponsored by the United to shift from the belief that Native culture Historic Preservation Office (THPO), has South & Eastern Tribes (USET) and the and people are only valuable when owned, been working for years to influence the National Congress of American Indians displayed or studied. NMNH to change its dated policy. (NCAI) encouraged the NMNH to adopt a “There is still much work left to do,” On Oct. 21 the committee announced repatriation policy that gives equal weight she said. that the NMNH had done just that. to tribal knowledge and oral histories, For more information, go to stofthpo. THPO officials have received a and create a process that would allow all com and follow #NoMoreStolenAncesetors revised repatriation policy that includes ancestors to be repatriated. on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. provisions to repatriate human remains and “The eventual enactment of this policy funerary objects back to affiliated tribes is a historic victory for Indigenous rights that the NMNH has previously identified as and an encouraging sign that the National Courtesy photo “culturally unidentifiable.” Museum of Natural History recognizes the Seminole Tribe repatriation committee members Tina Osceola, left, and Domonique deBeaubien, went Officials said the objects, which importance of returning ancestors to finally to Washington, D.C. in February to push for changes in the National Museum of Natural History’s the NMNH obtained through decades repatriation policy. ‘Culturally unidentifiable’ no more

Seminole Tribe and NMNH over whether or a reasonable connection to ‘unidentifiable’ What would a return entail? A closer look at A big part of the controversy was the not the remains were actually unidentifiable. remains. Smithsonian’s “culturally unidentifiable” The NMNH has a significant amount In the 1960s the Indian Claims deBeaubien: We do not house or repatriation policy change designation – especially as it applied to of information about where the remains in Commission determined the scope of each accept human remains at the Ah-Tah-Thi- the ancient people of Florida. Can you question were taken from, and all of the tribe’s aboriginal lands before the process Ki Museum or THPO. This would involve a BY DAMON SCOTT explain? remains we have been pursuing came from of Indian Removal forced tribes off their coordinated effort with tribal leadership and Staff Reporter the state of Florida. The Seminole Tribe feel homelands. The ICC determined that the elders to choose an appropriate location for deBeaubien: Most repatriation laws that all of the ancient tribes of Florida are Seminole Tribe of Florida had aboriginal reburial. All of the details would be worked (National Museum of the American Indian their ancestors, and the modern day tribe is a land claims to the entire state of Florida. out in advance, and the remains would be The Seminole Tribe announced Oct. Act/NMAI and Native American Graves mixture of Creek descendant peoples as well Under the new NMNH policy, the S.T.O.F. directly transferred to that location for a 21 that the Smithsonian National Museum Protection and Repatriation Act/NAGPRA) as ancient tribes like Calusa and Tequesta will be able to claim any remains that were respectful burial. of Natural History (NMNH) revised its rely on what is called ‘cultural affiliation’ that were absorbed in the 18th and 19th taken from the state of Florida. repatriation policy regarding human remains in order to designate to whom remains are centuries. For more information, go to stofthpo. and funerary objects. repatriated. This term means that there is a The NMNH argued that all of the com and follow #NoMoreStolenAncesetors The change is a big deal and an effort clear connection between the human remains ancient tribes had been wiped out before on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. that took many years and countless hours of and a modern, federally recognized Native the ‘Seminoles’ came into existence, and work by tribal members and Tribal Historic American tribe. were therefore not related to the remains Preservation Office (THPO) employees – Legally, this connection can be made in question. This point of view has been which includes the repatriation committee. by providing certain lines of evidence proven archaeologically, The committee consists of Domonique including geographical, kinship, biological, historically and through deBeaubien, Tina Osceola, Paul Backhouse, archaeological, anthropological, linguistic, oral tradition to be Anne Mullins, Bradley Mueller, Kate oral-traditional and historical. completely false. Macuen, Willie Johns, Erica Ashton and ‘Culturally unidentifiable’ is where Despite our best Juan Cancel. deBeaubien is committee chair. things get complicated. This is when an efforts, nearly all of Mr. Johns, who devoted years of service to institution has human remains, but they the Florida remains repatriation, passed away Oct. 27, 2020. cannot, or sometimes will not, make a had been labeled as The Seminole Tribune asked connection between the remains and culturally unidentifiable, deBeaubien, collections manager and chair a modern day Native American tribe. and up until [Oct. of the committee, to explain some of the Sometimes a museum will list remains as 21], the NMNH did terms and aspects of the new policy. The culturally unidentifiable if they’ve lost all not repatriate remains following has been edited for length and provenience information from the remains with this identification. clarity. and don’t know where they came from. They would only return It sounds nightmarish that you could remains they believed In addition to human remains, have the possession of someone’s remains to be ‘culturally funerary objects and objects of cultural and not have keept track of where you took affiliated,’ and anything patrimony are part of the new policy. them from, but this is so common that’s with an ‘unidentifiable’ What are those exactly? partially why the law is written the way it designation had to be is. It was normal practice in the 19th and retained by the museum. deBeaubien: Funerary objects are early 20th centuries for major museums to objects that were intentionally left or made send treasure hunters to loot mounds. All What happens for people when they died, and they were they cared about was collecting treasure and now? placed with that person during burial. remains and they took very few notes. Objects of cultural patrimony are deBeaubien: The essentially objects so important to a tribe, This was particularly bothersome for new policy put out that it isn’t owned by an individual, but by the Seminole Tribe? by the NMNH now the tribe as a whole. Sometimes these objects allows tribes to claim were taken by treasure hunters or sold by deBeaubien: It has become even more remains that have been someone who didn’t have the authority loaded over the past few years as museums labeled ‘culturally to sell them. They are included as objects have been able to dictate to tribes who they unidentifiable.’ It allows that may be repatriated since they are often can and cannot identify. In this case, there tribes to use aboriginal considered very sacred. was a major disagreement between the land claims to establish Native American entrepreneurs get businesses incubator boost

BY DAMON SCOTT the bill into law Oct. 20. guidelines that recipients must follow. Staff Reporter In essence, a business incubator “These business incubators will is a way to help startup businesses provide Native businesses and Native Two congressional powerhouses grow and thrive through free or low- entrepreneurs with tailored technical who champion Native American cost workspace, mentorship and assistance, financing, skills training, issues have seen a new bill they expertise, access to investors, and in and access to a network of similar supported signed into law. some cases, working capital in the professionals and potential investors, The law sets up business form of a loan. the Native American Finance incubators for Native American According to the national Officers Association (NAFOA) said businesses and entrepreneurs. It nonprofit lending network Accion, in a statement. “The goal is to give requires the Department of the those involved in incubators typically participants the skills and tools they Interior to establish a grant program work around other entrepreneurial need to be innovative and to grow in the Office of Indian Energy businesses that have a similar focus. their businesses to better serve Native and Economic Development for “Joining an incubator is almost communities.” “establishing and operating business like joining a college program: You NAFOA has been supportive incubators that serve Native American have to apply, be accepted, and then of the bill since it was initially communities.” follow a schedule in order to meet introduced years ago. On Sept. 21, the House of benchmarks set by the incubator. “We congratulate Representatives passed the “Native You’ll also need to commit to a length Congresswoman Haaland and Senator American Business Incubators of time to be a part of the incubator,” Udall for all the hard work they have Program Act,” after Rep. Deb Accion states. put in to push this bill across the finish Haaland, D-NM, introduced it in The new law states that grant line,” the statement read. “NAFOA 2019. applicants may be from institutions of will continue to work with Congress, A companion bill was higher education, private nonprofits, the Department of Interior, and tribes championed in the Senate by Sen. Native American tribes or tribal to help ensure the program’s success Tom Udall, D-NM – and ultimately nonprofits. The Department of once the implementation process passed. (Udall had introduced the Interior must issue a grant for a three- begins. legislation in the Senate years ago). year term and may renew a grant for More can be found at nafoa.org. President Donald Trump signed up to three more years. There are other requirements and 4A • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 Max Osceola Jr., 'a true legend' Congressional speakers BY BEVERLY BIDNEY focus on pandemic, Staff Reporter technology, economy during HOLLYWOOD —Max Osceola Jr., who passed away Oct. 8 at age 70, leaves a lasting legacy for the Seminole Tribe, South NAFOA conference Florida and beyond. He passed away at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston due to complications from BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Covid-19, according to the tribe. Staff Reporter A leader, athlete and educated man with an easy smile and infectious laugh, Osceola served as Hollywood Councilman from The 38th annual fall conference of 1985 to 2010. the Native American Finance Officers Current Hollywood Councilman Association (NAFOA), held online from Chris Osceola, who is not related to Max, Oct. 5-9, featured a pair of Congressional described him as “a modern-day warrior and decision-makers who shared their a true legend among his people and many perspectives and experience of working others around the world.” with Indian Country. New Mexico Rep. “He will forever be embedded in our Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) and Alaska hearts and the history of the Seminole Sen. Lisa Murkowski spoke about the harsh Tribe,” Councilman Osceola said. “He was health and economic effects the pandemic my friend and mentor and I will miss him has had on Indian Country as well as the dearly. It has been an honor to call him my struggles endured with limited technology. friend. My sincere heartfelt condolences Haaland is in her first term in Congress. to his family and my sincere gratitude for She described meeting a Native American sharing him with us.” constituent as she was walked through the Rep. Deb Haaland During Max Osceola Jr.'s tenure on Capitol’s statuary hall after being elected in Tribal Council, Seminole Gaming expanded 2018. and flourished as a major presence in “We stood crying and hugging each other Florida's gaming industry; scholarships and it made me realize how important it is for tribal students were established for for us to have representation in Congress and K-12, trade schools and higher education; in every office,” said Haaland, a Democrat and Florida State University was given the who is seeking re-election. “Our work in tribe’s blessings to use the Seminole name Congress might have inspired others to run for its athletics teams. and be a voice for our people. I’m pleased "We don't look at it as a mascot, we for what we have been able to accomplish, look at it as a representation of the Seminole but there is so much more to do.” Tribe," he said in an Orlando Sentinel article Haaland serves as co-chair of the in 2003. "They work with us in representing bipartisan Native American Caucus with our heritage. This is our tribe, and the tribe Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole that is represented needs to have final say, (Chickasaw), who she calls a mentor. and they need to respect that." “When we get together, we bring up all His platform for re-election to the Tribal the issues that are important,” she said. “We Council in 2007 outlined his perspective work together across the aisle. We got several on life as he emphasized preserving tribal bills signed into law and are working hard to Sen. Lisa Murkowski culture; the importance of education so get broadband to our rural communities.” tribal members could learn to manage tribal The coronavirus pandemic has affairs; housing; health and recreation for Tribune file photo highlighted the disparities communities enforcement and economic development. If we are able to tackle those pillars, I think exercise; employment training programs; Max Osceola Jr. of color face, including in Indian Country. dividends; trust funds and tribal economics. Haaland said Native Americans are about things will be so much better. Those things schools office building in downtown Fort 11% of the population in New Mexico and work together to ensure tribes have what Lauderdale. at one point had more than 50% of the state’s they need to become successful.” He said the most satisfying aspect of positive cases of Covid-19. Alaska contains about 40% of the his education is that he followed the Elders’ “The White House didn’t want to give country’s tribes and Sen. Murkowski has wishes of more than 50 years ago by getting Indian Country a dime from the CARES been negotiating with and for them during an education and returning to help the tribe Act,” Haaland said. “With colleagues from her 18 years in the Senate. She talked about thrive. the other side of the aisle we were able to get the skills used to negotiate successfully. As an athlete at Hollywood's McArthur $8 billion for Indian Country. We passed the “I would say patience, particularly at High School in the 1960s, Osceola excelled HEROES Act several months ago and it is this time when our world has become so on the football field. He was part of the still sitting on [Senate majority leader] Mitch partisan,” said Murkowski, a Republican. team’s talented group of Seminoles. In 1967, McConnell’s desk. We will keep fighting for “It’s difficult to get to the merits ofthe Osceola (defensive end), Moses Jumper broadband service, Indian Health Service issue because politics complicates things. Jr. (linebacker), Moses Osceola (defensive and everything else that will make life better The shared interest is to bring about change tackle) and Mike Tiger (safety) earned All for us.” and good policy. You have to have a level County First Team Defense honors. For four Limited access to technology is a of patience and stay focused on the purpose. kids from the Hollywood Reservation to problem for about 1.5 million Native That’s easier said than done, but I feel it is make County First Team was no doubt one Americans. Haaland said the digital divide about treating both sides with respect for of the most remarkable accomplishments is harming tribes and, with Sen. Elizabeth the views they have to offer. If you start the in the tribe’s history with athletics. On Feb. Warren, D-MA, introduced the DIGITAL conversation off respectfully there is greater 5, 2002, all four were inducted into the Reservations Act which will give tribes willingness to negotiate in good faith.” Seminole Sports Hall of Fame. Their plaques permanent spectrum rights and licenses She has been a member of the Senate are displayed in the lobby at the Howard over their own land and enable them to Committee on Indian Affairs since being Tiger Recreation Center on the Hollywood deploy wireless internet services. If passed, elected in 2002 and says her time on the Reservation. the act will fulfill self-governance and self- committee has been rewarding. During the Max Osceola Jr. is also in the Broward management of natural resources on native next session, she said the committee will be County Sports Hall of Fame, alongside lands. focused on what needs to be done in a post- professional athletes such as Rocky “It lays the groundwork for more Covid world. Marciano, Dan Marino, Jeff Conine and permanent solutions,” Haaland said. “I have “We are seeing a devastating impact Jason Taylor. spoken to tribes who are operating their on our economy and healthcare systems,” After he got word of Osceola’s passing, governments on dial up. Communication Murkowski said. “We are a state that isn’t musician Stevie VanZandt, of Bruce is a right in this era. I also introduced a connected by roads, over 80% of it isn’t Springsteen’s E Street Band, tweeted “RIP broadband for all bill, which recognizes it as connected. Think of what that means if Max Osceola Jr. Former representative of a civil and human right.” you have to get to a clinic a distance away. the Seminole Tribal Council. One of the A lack of broadband has hindered some Many villages are shut in and don’t have the great visionaries that has helped make The tribal communites in areas such as education capability to respond if someone contracts Hard Rock a huge success, and believed in and telehealth. the virus. They told air carriers not to come and supported Little Steven’s Underground Haaland and Warren also introduced the and they can’t seek help from other villages because of lockdowns. It means isolation.” Tribune file photo Garage from the beginning. Our love and Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act, The impact on Alaska’s Native villages Two Florida legends: Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden and Max Osceola Jr., condolences to his family.” which would address chronic underfunding, shown here at a golf tournament. Condolences on Twitter also came from barriers to sovereignty and holding the includes a halt to the ferry system and villages FSU President John Thrasher who stated: federal government accountable for honoring on islands being shut off from supplies. The “Max Osceola Jr. was a great friend to FSU the country’s legal promises to tribes. state’s largest regional airline, Ravn Alaska, is also a board member of AIGC. “He not filed for bankruptcy in April. “The future is bright and the strength of only worked towards the betterment of and always supportive of our relationship “The bill works to resolve federal the Seminoles is not measured in money but with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Jean and funding barriers,” Haaland said. “The U.S. “It’s tough to run a business when you their livelihood, but the importance of their are cut off,” Murkowski said. by our character of ourselves which is taught education was always his top priority.” I are deeply saddened to hear of his passing.” government hasn’t lived up to its trust to us by our Elders who saved this tribe from Education was an important part of Former Florida governor and current responsibilities; everything they failed to do termination 50 years ago,” he wrote in his Osceola’s life. He attended the University U.S. Senator Rick Scott tweeted: “Ann and has an effect on everything else. That failure candidate statement in the April 27, 2007 of Tampa, where he played football. He I send our thoughts and prayers to former affects education, housing, healthcare, law edition of The Seminole Tribune. transferred to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Seminole Tribe leader Max Osceola Jr.’s Osceola’s effort, dedication and time College where his team won a national family and friends. We are thankful for his devoted to the community extended beyond college football championship. He earned leadership and his legacy will live on for the tribe. He was active in the tourism degrees from Broward Community College generations to come.” Summit offers lineup of business industry and organizations including the and the University of Miami, and was an Osceola is survived by wife Marge, Boys & Girls Clubs, Ann Storck Center, avid Hurricanes fan. his son Max Osceola III, daughter Melissa topics for Indian Country Winterfest Boat Parade, Stranahan House and His service to the tribe dates back to the Osceola DeMayo, daughter Meaghan the Pine Crest School. He supported Victory 1970s when he served as the tribe’s education Osceola, son Jeff Pelage, as well as several Junction Camp, a North Carolina nonprofit director. He was proud of the impact he had sisters and brothers, grandchildren and BY DAMON SCOTT for children with serious medical conditions. on the education of tribal members. extended family. Staff Reporter He was an enthusiastic motorcyclist and In 2017, Osceola was inducted into The family suggests donations be made participated in benefit rides, such as the Kyle the Broward Education Foundation Hall to the Max Osceola Memorial Scholarship A Native American-owned and operated Petty Charity Ride Across America. of Fame. A star with his name on it is in Fund at the AIGC, the Center for Native media company is hosting its second summit He was a key figure in brokering the the plaza in front of the county's public Scholarships, at aigcs.org. focused on business issues significant to tribe’s purchase of Hard Rock International, Indian Country Nov. 17 through Nov. 20. which was completed in 2007. He often The Native Business Summit is referred to the time before casinos as “BC.” organized by Native Business, which in During a 2006 press conference at Hard addition to the event, operates a magazine, Rock Cafe in Times Square to announce the business app and podcast. tribe’s purchase of HRI, he served up some Native Business was founded in 2018 by memorable words for posterity. Gary Davis (Cherokee Nation) and Carmen “Our ancestors sold Manhattan for Davis (Makah Tribe/Yakama and Chippewa- trinkets. Today, with the acquisition of the Cree). Hard Rock Cafes, we’re going to buy it back The first summit took place in 2019 and Carmen Davis one hamburger at a time,” he said. brought hundreds of tribal stakeholders and “Max was a great mentor, friend, Native entrepreneurs from across Indian National Congress of American Indians, brother and tribal leader,” said Ernie Stevens Country to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino U.S. Department of Energy, Indian Energy Jr., chairman of National Indian Gaming Tulsa, organizers said. LLC, Strongbow Strategies, Six Nations Association. “He had a tremendous passion Because of the pandemic and safety Manufacturing, Tallchief Hemp, Tribal Tech dedicated to advancing not only his Seminole concerns for in-person events, this year’s LLC, Arctic IT and more. people but all of Indian Country. His passing summit will be held in a virtual format. The summit agenda includes keynote is a tremendous loss for us all.” Speakers that are scheduled to present speakers, business spotlights, roundtables, In his memory, the American Indian include leadership from many tribes, one-on-one interviews and panels. Graduate Center (AIGC) has established including the Cherokee Nation, Mandan, The final day of the summit features the Max Osceola Memorial Scholarship Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, Mashpee the “Native Business Award” presentations. Fund to honor his dedication to advancing Wampanoag Tribe, Mescalero Apache Tribe, Award categories include “Tribal educational opportunities for Native Otoe-Missouria Tribe and the Shinnecock Sovereignty Champion of the Year,” Tribal American youth. Indian Nation. Enterprise, Entrepreneur, Business and “He was a true gentleman with high Tribune file photo Leaders from organizations with an Native Disruptor. standards who believed in working hard interest in Indian Country are also scheduled There are several options for tickets for our Native American communities, Max Osceola Jr. listens to the marching band from McArthur HIgh School, his alma mater, during the to present. The organizations include the Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame ceremony in 2017. to the event. For more information, go to especially our youth,” said Stevens, who National Indian Gaming Association, nativebusinesssummit.com. 5A • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 BC community, environmental issues Hard Rock Premium drive Quenton Cypress Hard Seltzer to be

BY DAMON SCOTT His experience has also placed him Staff Reporter in a unique view regarding the tribe’s launched later this year work in climate resiliency, which includes Everglades restoration and projects that BY BEVERLY BIDNEY BIG CYPRESS — Quenton Cypress between HRI and Stewart’s Enterprises was involve the Army Corps of Engineers, like Staff Reporter negotiated by Broad Street Licensing Group already has an extensive resume for someone the Western Everglades Restoration Project 25-years-old. And there are no signs that he’s (BSLG). (WERP). In February 2020, HRI announced its slowing down. The Corps has plans for a variety of To start, the Big Cypress resident has HOLLYWOOD — The Seminole Tribe partnership with BSLG to further extend water-related construction projects along of Florida’s Hard Rock International (HRI) the brand’s consumer reach through targeted worked for the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Lake Okeechobee that have an effect on various capacities for almost a decade. He and Stewart’s Enterprises announced Sept. products that emphasize the brand’s core Seminole land and the Everglades to the 30 a partnership to bring Hard Rock Premium DNA, which is deeply rooted in music. In started at age 16 when he enrolled in the south. Tribe’s Summer Work Experience Program Hard Seltzer to market later this year. addition to Hard Rock Premium Hard Seltzer, “They keep saying the Everglades is a Crafted for music fans nationwide, Hard HRI and BSLG will continue to introduce a (SWEP) – designed for those who are still in big filter and think they can send their dirty high school. Rock Premium Seltzer will be available in a variety of new products to fans around the water south,” Cypress said. “They think it’s variety of options which highlight the Hard world throughout 2020 and beyond. He continued to work for the museum going to clean it up.” after graduation through the Work Rock Cafe’s most prominent cocktails and “Through our partnership with Stewart’s, Cypress thinks much of the reason water fan favorite flavors. Cans are emblazoned we have created truly unique flavor profiles Experience Program (WEP), a branch of is often diverted south instead of through east Tribal Professional Development (TPD), with the iconic Hard Rock logo and an image and music-inspired package designs that fans and west tributaries is because many of the of an electric guitar. The alcoholic beverage will love,” said Mark Linduski, director of which generally consists of those who are east-west communities consist of wealthy just out of high school and figuring out the will be available at beverage retailers and licensing for HRI, said in a statement. “As Florida constituents and tourists. grocery stores during the upcoming holiday we continue our efforts to grow Hard Rock’s next steps of their education and career. However not all ‘restoration’ is bad, he Cypress has also organized trips to season. licensing platform globally, this collaboration said. Stewart’s Enterprises, Inc. is the positions us as a premium brand within a Egmont Key – helping to educate Tribal “But mistakes are repeated and then members, on its Seminole history and the exclusive licensee of the original Stewart’s surging category.” a Band-Aid is slapped on it and they do Root Beer brand. The licensing partnership environmental challenges it faces today. something to compensate,” Cypress said. He’s long been a part of the Osceola “There are no putting things back to how Warrior Legacy that participates in historical it was. Restoration means how it was. reenactments, including at Fort King in All we can hope for now is Everglades northeast Ocala. Cypress was also consulted preservation.” on a recently approved Fort King master Cypress said because Florida is now plan, too – one that includes the development checker-boarded with manmade canals, Beverly Bidney and construction of a museum and education there’s no way to ever return the Everglades Quenton Cypress center. to its natural state. Big Cypress, for example, He said he does his best to learn from used to be wetter. He’s heard from elders the tribe’s elders. He previously organized a who built homes on stilts and used to walk in aspirations. He said he’s going to run for trip to the Orlando Museum of Art so a group knee-high water to get to school. Tribal Council in April 2021 to represent Big of elders could see a collection of Seminole “Big Cypress is named Big Cypress Cypress. patchwork on display. because there used to be big cypress trees, “It’s been a long time in the making,” “This was patchwork some of the elders some as big as [California] redwoods,” he Cypress said. “I’ve learned so much about had made themselves in the early 1980s,” said. how the tribe operates by attending council Cypress said. Cypress said the trees stopped getting briefings.” There’s much more. the amount of water that was needed due to He said he’s been encouraged to run for Cypress is currently the community the draining of the Everglades and increased council by friends and family. engagement manager for the tribe’s Heritage logging operations. “My whole thing is community,” he and Environment Resources Office (HERO) “[The Everglades are] like a crumpled said. and he works with the tribe-owned business up piece of paper. You can’t take that paper Cypress is married to Maria Cypress. Hard Rock – Seminole Heritage Services – that brings an back to what it looked like, but you can at The couple has one daughter, Willow. Hard Rock Premium Hard Seltzer is scheduled to hit markets later this year. Indigenous perspective to the environmental least flatten it out,” he said. and cultural review of various projects. Meanwhile, Cypress has political Home for sale on Hollywood Reservation 6311 N. 36th St. Hollywood $425,000 A 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family residence is for sale on the Hollywood Reservation. The house is approximately 2,548 square feet on a 1/4 acre lot. The property includes a back patio (brick pavers), chickee hut and storage shed in back yard, small screen enclosure at front door, and wooden fence along both sides and rear of property. Please note that all appliances including dishwasher, range, refrigerator, washer and dryer have been removed.

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play” environment just outside their home. F SOVEREIGN WEALTH From their newly renovated units, McKinney From page 1A residents can take in the inspirational view of the Dallas skyline. The property also offers The China Investment Corporation exclusive amenities to its residents, such as (CIC) is another example of a well-balanced access to a salon on the ground floor, a coffee sovereign wealth fund that protects itself bar, Wi-Fi, parking garage, a third-floor pool from volatility by investing in multiple and a rooftop gym. The tribe procured the markets. What these sovereign wealth funds complex, strategically maximizing return on have in common is the procurement of real investment by utilizing a balance of cash and estate investments. credit. The demand for multifamily apartment Until now, the tribe’s sovereign wealth rentals has increased since April. This fund has received most of its revenue demand is a reaction to the similar needs from casino properties, but after extensive of competing communities. Renting is research and deliberation, it was concluded becoming increasingly more affordable. that commercial real estate is the next Millennials are waiting longer than previous advantageous, conservative opportunity generations to purchase single-family for tribal investment. By investing in homes, while empty nesters are downsizing apartments, such as the McKinney property, to apartments after experiencing an increase the tribe is taking its first steps in diversifying in their property values. As a result, the its sources of revenue. McKinney Uptown real estate market is experiencing a high Apartments stands out from the opportunities demand for apartment units and has become that surround the tribe. The consideration a global investment opportunity. Upscale process was thorough, including a financial communities, like McKinney Uptown analysis, due diligence, business plan, Apartments, have the characteristics needed evaluation of economic conditions, analysis to be a reliable asset for the tribe. The of return on investment, and effect of product is not just a building, but a lifestyle inflation or deflation. In fact, SEMREF with existing customer-loyalty. continues to review an ever-changing long McKinney Uptown Apartments (3) During the global market shifts of 2020, list of opportunities to further contribute The Seminole Tribe’s sovereign wealth fund, known as the Seminole Real Estate Fund (SEMREF), recently purchased McKinney Uptown Apartments in McKinney Uptown Apartments has remained to the tribe’s sovereign wealth fund. The Dallas, Texas. The 10-story building features 144 units. Among the amenities are a rooftop fitness center and an outdoor pool. a desirable and competitive community generational wealth does not stop here. Each to join. Even through the struggles of the day brings continued development to grow Covid-19 pandemic, 100% of its tenants the future wealth of tribal members. are paying their rent on time and in full. Residents are surrounded by dining, retail, Ari Rioseco is a freelance writer and a offices, and entertainment in the local area, Seminole Tribe employee. providing the experience of a “live, work,

McKinney Uptown Apartments The interior of an apartment at McKinney Uptown Apartments.

ment occasionally used the deteriorating, Once demolition is complete by the end language director, and Tampa Reservation F BINGO empty shell of the building for training of November, the bingo hall will be replaced F LAKELAND administrator Richard Henry brought tribal From page 1A exercises. In August 2014, SPD filled the with a new preschool, senior center and an From page 1A members to the land in Lakeland for years to building with a group of officers and police auditorium for special events. All facilities show them the potential it held. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma wreaked vehicles as they completed required Florida will have independent parking areas and “We kept working. The pandemic was Jim and Henry held community events havoc throughout South Florida and tore the Department of Law Enforcement handgun access from both Josie Billie Highway and tough going, but didn’t slow us down,” he on the site. They developed a cooking area, facility apart. It was repaired, but never used training. The cavernous space of the bingo West Boundary Road. Construction is slated said. fire pit, and organized cultural gatherings for bingo again. hall allowed plenty of space to hold different to begin in late 2022. The effort required dozens of meetings like Indian Day – including times of song Instead, the Seminole Police Depart- simulations at the same time. and years of planning and strategy. The and dance. TCD office and its executive director They wanted to make it a welcoming Derek Koger, as well as senior director of place where Native language was spoken operations Derrick Smith, oversaw much and the culture was honored. of the work between the tribe and city and The Tampa community now numbers county officials. about 250. About 100 were moved to An official groundbreaking took place make way for the casino. Those originally Jan. 23, 2019, when Tribal Council joined displaced tribal members are granted first in tribal members and employees, as well as line status to apply for the new homes. dignitaries from the city of Lakeland and The gatehouse will be located at 9610 Polk County to mark the occasion. Bryant Road. The main Lakeland property Herbert Jim, the Tampa culture address is 9523 Moore Road.

Courtesy photo (above), Tribune file photo (below) Above, the Big Cypress bingo hall just before it was torn down in October. Below, when the hall opened in 1987, thousands of people came to try their luck at high-stakes bingo.

Rick Morales/Jacob Cos. The four phases of home construction on the Lakeland Reservation. 7A • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 Artist tackles Osceola story with help from Seminole Tribe

BY DAMON SCOTT American collection. It’s interesting that genuinely interested in our conversation. Staff Reporter they promoted the honorable death scene so When she realized I had travelled to listen to much. the oral history on DVD in the archive, she They also made a death mask for some pointed across the way and mentioned I was Native Americans know well that much reason. This was not a common practice at lucky because Bobby Henry was there also of the history of Indigenous Peoples is one- the time and you will not find many other selling jewelry with his family. sided, incomplete or fabricated, depending Native American death masks like this. So on the source. it always seemed suspicious, like something What was it like meeting Bobby It’s one of the reasons the Seminole was missing or maybe they were covering Henry? Tribe has spent considerable time and something up. Linezo: I explained that I came to Big resources to keep recordings of oral histories Cypress to listen to his oral history. I felt passed down by its elders. How did Bobby Henry help clarify lucky to find him there and honored to meet One of those elders is medicine man the story? him. He was a man of few words, but I told Bobby Henry. He has had stories recorded Linezo: He describes a different series him the general idea of my project and asked about several subjects, like influential of events that is still honorable but also if it would be OK to share his story. He said, Seminole leader Osceola. more realistic than the over-dramatic scene yes that would be fine – he wants the story Working with Henry’s story as one as described by Weedon in his diary. He to be heard. starting point, Pensacola-based artist and describes the negotiations, the refusal to Tina also recommended that I talk with historian – Sean Linezo – has recently sign a treaty and two gunshots at point blank Paul Backhouse, who I eventually met, and taken a closer look at varying versions of range. he introduced me to Quenton Cypress, who Osceola’s death and says there’s more to the So when I found the Bobby Henry story, invited me to Fort King where I met Charlie story. Through the journey of his research I made plans with my little sister to go to Osceola and his family and the weapons he met Henry and forged other connections the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and request to demonstration team and then eventually to with the Seminole Tribe. listen to the oral history that is recorded and Durante Blais-Billie. So now I feel like I Linezo, who said he is of Indigenous stored in the archive. have real relationships. ancestry, but not federally recognized, is the Justin Giles mentioned that Tina Osceola I have spent a lot of time with the three- artist-in-residence at the nonprofit School knows a lot of things about a lot of things hour oral history recording. I have listened House 4 Reimagining Education (SH4RE) and she was selling jewelry in a booth with to Bobby Henry talk about sitting around – part of the Pensacola Private School of her daughter, Dakota, at an event. Tina was fires with his many teachers and how a lot Liberal Arts. He wants to create a bronze not only friendly; she seemed supportive and of those stories are gone. His teachers are statue of Osceola in downtown Pensacola’s Plaza Ferdinand. The Seminole Tribune recently asked Courtesy image Linezo about the statue and his work with Sean Linezo, left, and Pensacola Mayor Grover C. Robinson IV, raised the flags of the Five Civilized the Seminole Tribe. The following has been Tribes at city hall – which include the Seminole Tribe of Florida – as part of the city’s first Indigenous edited for length and clarity. People’s Day on Oct. 12.

What did you discover about Osceola? all gone, but he has the stories. He is the which led to the Fort Mims massacre and Linezo: In my research I found an messenger. There is a lot to hear and a lot to Battle of Horseshoe Bend. All of these local article from The Seminole Tribune published learn from. It’s been a pleasure to work with battles relate directly to Andrew Jackson, in 2015: ‘Bobby Henry’s story: U.S. soldier Paul and Quenton and Durante and everyone and to Osceola – as his great-uncle and as murdered Osceola.’ I had read so many at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki. Everyone has been so an elder who influenced his resistant spirit. stories of Osceola’s life and death. Most supportive and I truly feel an honor to of the popular history described an over- have worked with such culturally sensitive Where can people connect with you? dramatic and honorable death scene. All of subjects and the support of this team. Linezo: The Pensacola Museum of Art the stories were almost identical – captured will host a screening of “Statues Also Die,” under a flag of truce, imprisoned, and in his The experience gave you the idea for which is about my work, followed by a last moments he dressed himself, painted a statue. discussion on Zoom on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. his face red, said goodbyes to everyone and Linezo: Around November 5th, I will clutched his knife to his chest as he breathed be launching a fundraising campaign for the Editor’s note: For more, go to his last breath. production costs of the bronze statue. The pensacolamuseum.org. Search “Statues Also However, all of these stories seem to be only resistance to the idea was in featuring Die” at seminoletribune.com for more about copied from a single source – a single diary Osceola in opposition to Andrew Jackson. the film. SH4RE’s programming for the entry that can be found in the official archives So rather than Osceola as an adult, I have remainder of the year will feature Linezo’s from Osceola’s last attending physician, Dr. suggested that we feature Peter McQueen work through online workshops, panel Frederick Weedon. (Osceola’s great-uncle, a leader of the Red discussions and screenings of “Statues Also Stick Creeks) as the figure on the pedestal Die.” Go to schoolhouse4.org for more. Not the whole story. and at the base of the monument a full-size Linezo: The diary entry leaves out bronze statue of Osceola as a young boy the details that followed, which includes looking up to him. the well-known fact that this same doctor decapitated and stole the head of Osceola. There’s still an element of Andrew Not to mention he also allowed Osceola to Courtesy image Jackson? be stripped of all regalia, which was sent to Linezo: McQueen relates to Pensacola an officer in the U.S. military with a Native Sean Linezo is the creator of several works related to the Seminole Tribe and its iconic leader Osceola. and the local Battle of Burnt Corn Creek,

STOFHERO.COM

The effects of 2020 and the COVID-19 have been working from their homes, causing 1,176 permits issued by the Tribal Inspector’s pandemic can be felt the world over, and HERO and TCD employees to find new ways Office, 943 inspections by the ERMD staff, the impacts have dramatically changed the to communicate such as online meetings and a record-breaking 7,714 shovels test SAFER working environment for governments and and virtual presentations. The pandemic completed by THPO staff. businesses alike. The Seminole Tribe of not only showed HERO and TCD new ways Florida and its employees were no exception. to communicate, but also the importance While adjusting to working remotely, these AT HOME The “Safer at Home,” order established by and dedication needed for a high level departments were able to remain fully Tribal Council on March of 2020, created of collaboration. operational during the pandemic, however BUILDING THROUGH new challenges for collaboration and this new work structure meant that everyone communication between the various Through this commitment to continuous needed to be moving in the same direction THE PANDEMIC departments in the Seminole Tribe of Florida. communication and collaboration the HERO and always on the same page. In order to and TCD departments have been able to accomplish this, a new fully digital permitting By Bernard J. Howard Interdepartmental communication is the key realize extraordinary accomplishments system was developed, along with new point that ensures work is completed within during such an unprecedented time. These permitting guidelines. These new guidelines a timely manner and meets the regulations endeavors include reviewing and permitting will not only help streamline the review of the Tribe. This is a given and an absolute over 400 projects since the “Safer at Home,” process for large STOF developments, but that all departments strive for, specifically order went into effect in March, along with the also will help simplify the process for Tribal those within the Heritage and Environmental completed construction of 47 new homes, and Members wanting to conduct projects that Resources Office (HERO) and the Tribal an additional 32 currently under construction, require permits on their own homesites. Community Development (TCD) departments. across the reservations. A commitment by These guidelines are currently in the review Since the establishment of the “Safer at the departments to overcoming the hardships stage, but more information will be available Home,” order the majority of staff members that came from the pandemic also led to to communities in the following months.

HOUSING PROJECTS ARE BEING TOTAL PERMITS ISSUED BY TRIBAL BUILT DURING PANDEMIC INSPECTOR’S OFFICE

Hollywood Lakeland • Hollywood – 471 • Immokalee – 70 • Townhomes – 103 units / 14 buildings • Single Family Homes – 17 • Big Cypress – 294 • Lakeland – 175 • Single Family Homes – 31 • Brighton – 147 • Tampa – 17 Immokalee • Fort Pierce – 2 Big Cypress • Single Family Homes – 9 • Single Family Homes – 38 Averaging 150 permit approvals a month.

HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL NUMBER OF CASE PLANS RESOURCES OFFICE SUMMARY

Number of Case plans Number of Cases Number of Cases Prime Metric for 2020: 11.9 Days processed by TCD reviewed by ERMD reviewed by THPO • Average Turn-Around for THPO 2020 projects: 8.5 Days Departments • March – 58 • March – 51 • Average Turn-Around for ERMD 2020 projects: 14.7 Days • March – 61 • April – 76 • April – 30 • Average Turn-Around for TID 2020 projects: 12.4 Days • April – 38 • May – 81 • May – 66 • May – 75 • June – 40 • June – 53 • June – 56 • July – 43 • July – 53 • July – 58 • August – 65 • August – 62 • August – 58 • September – 55 • September – 48 • September – 40 • October – 32 • October – 29 • October – 39 8A • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020

What are we up to? Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum during the 2020 public safety closure – part 1

During the closure, “visitor services” Although these opportunities existed prior BY CARRIE DILLEY, REBECCA PETRIE has taken on a whole new meaning. Finding to the pandemic, we have seen an increase AND TARA BACKHOUSE new ways to connect with our audience and in the number of people who connect with Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum remain relevant shapes our day-to-day tasks. us remotely. Our doors have metaphorically Rather than viewing visitation as a tangible opened through our new virtual tour, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum metric, counted by the number of people created in collaboration with Seminole Immerse yourself in culture and history from your own device by visiting our virtual museum at BIG CYPRESS — The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki who tour the museum, we have begun to Media Productions (SMP), where anyone ahtahthiki.com/virtual-tour/ Museum, like most other departments within put more emphasis on views, impressions worldwide can easily navigate through our the Seminole Tribe and industry-wide, has and engagements in the virtual world. galleries and boardwalk. This virtual tour is adapted to changing operations and a greatly not intended to replace visiting the museum in stock by early October). Baby blankets, reduced staff over the in person, and it would be impossible to ornaments that celebrated the museum’s past seven months. replicate the immersive experience you get alligator wrestler exhibit, and new book titles Although we closed to while at the museum, but it still ignites a are all available. Orders can be placed via the visitors on March 14, spark in viewers, and hopefully challenges online store (seminole-store.com ) or over we have strived to fulfill them to want to learn more. Through the phone (863-227-3430). We are currently our mission during our social media channels, Facebook, working on a virtual marketplace scheduled this time: to celebrate, Twitter, Instagram, blog and YouTube, we to “go live” in November. Available through preserve and interpret take that engagement further. With our the museum’s website (ahtahthi.com ), we Seminole culture and new education coordinator on board, we will be providing a space for Seminole and history. Some staff have begun planning ways to expand our other Native American artists, artisans and have continued to work relationships with educators from as near as crafters from all over the country to show diligently on the projects the Ahfachkee School to places across the their wares by linking their websites to they planned before the globe by providing resources and building ours. This is something that wouldn’t have pandemic while others our capacity for remote outreach and other been considered in past years. Vendors from have shifted gears to learning opportunities. The visitor services across the country have been letting us know fulfill new needs. We and development team is here to answer that they are excited to have a new outlet are excited for the day questions and provide thoughtful messaging to sell during these challenging times. The when we can reopen our that challenges the colonial narrative and museum store may be “closed”, but we are doors to the Seminole breaks down the standards of traditional open to providing the community with those community and to classroom education. items that, hopefully, bring comfort and joy visitors far and wide, The online museum store was re- into lives. That is a goal that everyone at but in the meantime launched in August and the push was on the museum shares. Stay tuned for our next we are fortunate for the to bring in our custom items and, as odd as article where we’ll share updates about our unique opportunities it sounds, prepare for the holiday season. upcoming exhibits, both virtual and in the we have right now to Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Face masks featuring Seminole patchwork gallery, as we prepare for our reopening to designs were ordered and sold out as soon as better serve the Seminole community. connect in ways that we Find many unique Seminole inspired gifts and collectibles at seminole-store.com. may not have been able the word hit the street that they were available to do before. (they were quickly reordered and were back

Native veterans memorial opens Nov. 11 with virtual honor

BY DAMON SCOTT the American Indian, is many years in the stainless steel circle resting on a carved Staff Reporter making and is one that is close to the tribe’s stone drum. It also incorporates water for leadership and members. The tribe is one of sacred ceremonies, benches for gatherings 85 tribes who have supported it financially. and four lances where veterans, family Veterans Day – Nov. 11 – is always a In addition, Stephen Bowers, the former members, tribal leaders and others can tie busy one for the Seminole Tribe with tributes Veteran Affairs director for the tribe, and cloths to signify prayers and healing. and gatherings to honor the contributions of President Mitchell Cypress, campaigned for those who have served in the U.S. military and gathered support for the memorial for ‘Why We Serve’ and their families. a decade. This year the pandemic has altered “The [memorial] will serve as a To coincide with the memorial’s what would be typical events, but the tribe’s reminder to the nation and the world of the opening, the museum has published “Why veterans will still be recognized for their service and sacrifice of Native American, We Serve: Native Americans in the United service on a local and national level. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian States Armed Forces,” a 240-page book The first memorial in Washington, veterans,” Kevin Gover, director of the that commemorates the history of Native D.C., to honor Native American veterans museum, said in a statement. “Native American military service. officially opens to the public on Veterans Americans have always answered the call to “Native Americans serve in the Day. The milestone will be marked with an serve, and this memorial is a fitting tribute military at one of the highest rates of any online message and dedication. to their patriotism and deep commitment to ethnic group, and the book explores the Organizers had planned to open this country.” many reasons why — from love of home the National Native American Veterans The memorial was commissioned to the expression of warrior traditions,” a Alan Karchmer for NMAI Courtesy photo Memorial with days of events and a by Congress to recognize that Native statement read. The National Native American Veterans Memorial The book "Why We Serve: Native Americans in the procession of Native American veterans. Americans have served in every major U.S. The museum is hosting a virtual will open Nov. 11 on the grounds of the Smithso- United States Armed Forces" will be the focus of While the public will be able to visit the site military conflict since the Revolutionary discussion of the book on Zoom with senior nian's National Museum of the American Indian in a discussion Nov. 12 on Zoom. in person, the events and procession were War. editor Alexandra Harris on Nov. 12 at noon Washington, D.C. postponed due to the pandemic. Museum It was designed by Harvey Pratt (EST). Details are at AmericanIndian. (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of si.edu. YouTube by searching “SmithsonianNMAI” officials said they would reschedule events Avenue SW. when it is safe to do so. Oklahoma). He is a multimedia artist, In addition, the museum has launched at YouTube.com. retired forensic artist and Marine Corps an exhibition titled “Why We Serve.” To watch the Nov. 11 virtual message The memorial, located on the grounds marking the opening of the memorial, go of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Vietnam veteran. The museum is located on the National Pratt’s design features an elevated Mall at Fourth Street and Independence to AmericanIndian.si.edu or access it on

USET & USET Sovereignty Protection Fund welcomes 3 new tribal nations Police identify suspect in theft of guitars

PRESS RELEASE served as an official interpreter between more descendants discover their heritage from Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls the British and Indians living in this area and return to Amherst to celebrate their On Oct. 20, three Tribal Nations were between 1702 to 1727. The Adamstown Indian culture. The tribal nation operates STAFF REPORT theft at the bar on Oct. 18 around 10:30 a.m. welcomed as new members during the band became officially known as the Upper numerous programs designed to assist Police said the suspect who is wanted virtual annual board of directors meeting Mattaponi Indian Tribe in 1921. tribal citizens and to educate the general NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario — Police is Daniel Patrick Rees, a 44-year-old man of the United South and Eastern Tribes, The Nansemond are the Indigenous public. It purchased 110 acres of land on in Ontario, Canada, said Oct. 23 that they with significant ties to the Waterloo and Inc. (USET)1 and United South and Eastern people of the Nansemond River, a 20- Bear Mountain and acquired new parcels as have recovered the three guitars that were Cambridge areas in Ontario. Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund (USET mile long tributary of the James River in well. The Monacan Nation, one of the few stolen from the Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Rees is facing charges of theft under SPF). Virginia. The tribal nation was part of the American Indian tribal nations that still Falls, Ontario. $5,000 and failure to comply with probation. The tribal nations are the Upper Tsenacomoco (or Powhatan paramount remain in their ancestral homeland, has One guitar is from Pink Floyd, which Anyone who may have information Mattaponi Indian Tribe, the Nansemond chiefdom) which was a coalition of made significant contributions to Virginia's had signatures of three of its band members. about this incident is asked to contact Indian Nation, and the Monacan Indian approximately 30 Algonquian Indian tribal history and development, and it continues to The other guitars are from Neil Young and detectives at 905-688-4111, ext. 9584. Nation. The USET/USET SPF membership nations distributed throughout the northern, be a strong group, dedicated to the survival Guns N'Roses. Anyone who may know the location of Rees now includes 33 Tribal Nations, including southern, and western lands surrounding of Indian people in Virginia and throughout Police said the guitars were taken in a is asked to contact your local police. the Seminoel Tribeo of Florida and the the Chesapeake Bay. The Nansemond the hemisphere. The tribal nation became Miccosukee Tribe, whose homelands people lived in settlements on both sides a state-registered corporation in 1988, and extend from the northeastern woodlands of the Nansemond River where they fished in 1989, it was recognized by the Virginia to the Everglades and across the Gulf of (with the name “Nansemond” meaning General Assembly as one of the eight Mexico. “fishing point“), harvested oysters, hunted, Indigenous tribal nations of the state. In The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe and farmed in fertile soil. The Nansemond 1993, the tribal nation became a registered is centered in King William County, were formally organized with elected nonprofit organization, developed a Virginia. The tribal nation has strong ties officers in 1984 and later applied for and museum steering committee, and held its to Christianity and their community is received Virginia state recognition in 1985. first annual Powwow in Bedford County. centered around The Indian View Baptist After more than 30 years of effort as the “We are so pleased to welcome three Church, built in 1942. The Upper Mattaponi Nansemond Indian Tribal Association, new members to our USET family. We own 32 acres of land and are a proud and the Tribal Nation (along with five other believe they will enhance our collective humble people of strong character and Tribal Nations from the original Powhatan efforts by bringing their own unique values, with much optimism and hope for paramount chiefdom) was granted federal experiences, culture, and history to the the future. The tribal nation was officially recognition. In honor of this turning point conversation and our advocacy efforts. recognized by the Commonwealth of they have returned to the name used by Their addition to our family will further Virginia on March 25, 1983 and received their ancestors—the Nansemond Indian build upon our principle and motto of Federal recognition in 2018. In 1608, Nation. The tribal nation is dedicated Because there is Strength in Unity,” stated Captain John Smith identified the village of to Nansemond historical and cultural USET/USET SPF Secretary Lynn Malerba, Passaunkack at the location of the present- preservation for the benefit of their tribal Lifetime Chief of the Mohegan Tribe. day Upper Mattaponi. The oldest surviving citizens and the community at large. The three Tribal Nations were federally King William County records dated 1885 The Monacan Nation, headquartered recognized on Jan. 29, 2018, through the list non-reservated Indians bearing the in Amherst County, has survived almost Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of surname Adams living in a settlement four hundred years since the first settlers Virginia Federal Recognition Act. Niagara Regional Police Service known as Adamstown. The name most landed at Jamestown. Today the tribal Pink Floyd's guitar, signed by three band members, was among three guitars stolen from the Niagara likely originated with James Adams who nation numbers over 2,000 people, as Falls Hard Rock Cafe in Ontario on Oct. 18. 9A • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 Health Immokalee, Tampa Seminoles celebrate Indigenous Pink Day

STAFF REPORT

Breast cancer awareness month in October included the American Indian Cancer Foundation’s annual Indigenous Pink Day on the 15th. The national breast cancer awareness campaign for Native Americans was on a digital platform and participants, including those in Immokalee and Tampa, walked wherever they were. Walkers were encouraged to post photos on social media with the hashtag #IndigenousPink. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American Indian women, according to the foundation. The Indigenous Pink Day virtual walk is meant to educate Native communities about the importance of early detection and remind individuals to talk to their doctors about breast cancer screening.

Courtesy photo (above), Beverly Bidney photo (left) Above, Immokalee residents Amy Yzaguirre, Cecilia Garcia, America Ramirez and Juanita Martinez walked together on Oct. 15, Indigenous Pink Day. At left, Sheena Yzaguirre and Sally Rosales celebrate Indigenous Pink Day with a walk through the Immokalee Reservation.

Courtesy photo Ronnie and Tricia Doctor walk together in Tampa.

Courtesy photoI Tampa resident Nancy Frank is happy to have survived cancer for 17 years. She and her family participated in the Indigenous Pink Day virtual Courtesy photoI walk in Tampa. Members of the Frank family, including Nancy Frank, front and center in the photo, Lauri Billie, Connie Osceola, Aaron Frank, Kevin Fran, Dominic Osceola and Amari Osceola walk together on Indigenous Pink Day on Oct. 15, to celebrate Nancy’s 17 years as a cancer survivor.

Stranahan program to feature Seminole artists Webinar to focus on Native American leaders response to Covid

STAFF REPORT Osceola will present the program. The STAFF REPORT Native American communities across the Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians; and Kevin tribe’s Spencer Battiest, who has merged country have been mobilizing to fight the DuPuis, chairman of the Fond du Lac Band Minority communities have been traditional Seminole music with the modern virus, often with success. of Lake Superior Chippewa. disproportionately impacted by the FORT LAUDERDALE – The sounds of pop and hip-hop, will be featured. A webinar on Nov. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. The webinar is part of the Community coronavirus pandemic, and Native Stranahan House Museum will host a virtual Seminole history with the Stranahan (EST) will feature an in-depth understanding Health Leadership Forum, a virtual event Americans are no exception. According to the history happy hour that will focus on the family goes back to the late 1800s when tribal of why American Indians are particularly series from U.S. News & World Report. For Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, history of music in the Seminole Tribe of members paddled in from the Everglades to vulnerable to the pandemic and the strategies more information visit: www.usnews.com/ American Indian and Alaska Native people Florida. The event will be held Nov. 18 at trade, learn English and set up camp nearby tribal leaders are implementing to protect news/live-events/webinar-covid-19-and- are 5.3 times more likely than white people 6:30 p.m. It will showcase the tribe’s impact for days at a time. their communities. Hear from Navajo Nation native-american-health-how-tribal-leaders- to be hospitalized due to Covid-19. Yet the on music, including traditional folk, rock Tickets may be purchased at www. President Jonathan Nez; Stacy A. Bohlen, are-beating-back-the-virus#contact. picture is not entirely bleak. Though it’s and hip-hop. tinyurl.com/stranahanhappyhour. chief executive officer of the National Indian Seminole cultural ambassador Everett often missing from the headlines, many Health Board and member of the Sault Ste. RichaRd castillo 954.522.3500 helping the seminole community For Many Years 24 houRs a daY Since 1990 I have protected rights like yours. Want to help keep your family My office defends DUIs, drug offenses, suspended licenses, domestic violence, and all felonies and and community safe this flu season? misdemeanors throughout Florida and the United States. Get your flu shot and encourage others to get theirs. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertise- ment. Castillo worked as a Public Defender in Broward County from 1990-1996 and has been in Contact your local Indian health care private practice since 1996. In 1995, he was voted RIchaRD caStIllo the Trial Attorney of the year. He graduated from provider for more information, visit FloRIDa cRIMInal DeFenSe attoURney Capital University in 1989 and was admitted to the Healthcare.gov, or call 1–800–318–2596. Florida Bar in 1990, Federal Bar in 1992, and the Fed- www.caStIllolawoFFIceS.coM eral Trial Bar in 1994. 10A • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 SEMINOLE SCENES

News4Jax BENEFICIAL BOOK: Seminole Tribe siblings Julius and Jy were featured in a Jacksonville TV news report about the paperback book they wrote to explain the importance of heritage, in particular natural hair. “We saw a lot of kids getting discriminated against because of their natural hair. We just felt like we should make a book about it to tell kids why their hair is so special,” Jy told News4Jax in a segment that aired Oct. 21. Their book is titled “The Miseducation of Natural Hair” and is available on Amazon and Google Books. Julius and Jy used proceeds from the book to purchase diapers for the Miles of Diapers collection drive which helps families in need of diapers, formula and wipes.

Twitter ROCK LEGEND: Eddie Van Halen, longtime lead guitarist and songwriter in the band Van Halen, died Oct. 6 at age 65. He is shown here in 2012 at the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal City Walk Hollywood in California, standing in front of a giant replica of his Frankenstrat guitar. Hard Rock Cafe permanently closed at the location in January 2020.

Beverly Bidney HALLOWEEN HOUSE: This home on the Immokalee Reservation is in the Halloween mood with festive and scary decorations.

Beverly Bidney (above), Kevin Johnson (below) HOUSING BOOM: New home construction continues on the Immokalee Reservation (above) and the Hollywood Reservation (below). These Hollywood units are located next door to the Seminole Fire Rescue station and behind Seminole Police headquarters. The Big Cypress, Brighton and Lakeland reservations are also seeing new housing developments.

Beverly Bidney MASK MARKER: A sign on the Immokalee Reservation reminds people to always wear a mask as reservations and the entire world continue to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hard Rock Atlantic City/Facebook FIRST RESPONDERS HONORED: On Oct. 28, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City celebrated National First Responders Day by committing $15,000 to AtlantiCare Foundation, Atlantic City Police Foundation and the Atlantic City Professional Firefighters Local 198.

Tampa Bay Rowdies/Twitter SOCCER SUCCESS: The Tampa Bay Rowdies won the USL’s Eastern Conference on Oct. 24. The Rowdies, whose uniform jersey sponsor is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, were scheduled to play in the league championship game Nov. 1 against Phoenix Rising FC. Seminole Hard Rock has been the team’s jersey sponsor since 2014. 11A • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 NATIONAL NATIVE NEWS Comanche, Otoe-Missouria say to expand gaming in Wyoming. see the problems first-hand. NDP MPP Sol a Draft Environmental Impact Statement the Lake Oahe reservoir just north of the they are observing new compacts “We extend an olive branch to the Mamakwa, whose Kiiwetinoong riding (DEIS) in November 2018 followed by a Standing Rock Reservation. state of Wyoming, the Governor, and the includes Neskantaga, told CBC News what public hearing and comment period. Tribes fear a spill into the river would OKLAHOMA CITY — Claiming legislators who are advocating for gaming. he witnessed there was “the utter failure” of The tribe has extensive historical ties pollute their water supply. Pipeline operator that the Oklahoma Supreme Court has We’re considered the [gaming] experts here. Canada and Ontario. to traditional land in the Muskegon region Energy Transfer and the Corps both maintain intruded on federal and tribal jurisdiction, We would like to look at partnerships that “We cannot treat people of Neskantaga with Muskegon County being home to the the pipeline is safe. Prolonged protests in the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria could be beneficial to both the tribe and the differently compared to people who are in Little River Band’s largest population base. 2016 and 2017 drew thousands of people to Tribe announced in September that they state,” Fasthorse said. “We would rather be Mississauga, people in Toronto,” Mamakwa Muskegon County is also one of the Little camps near the river crossing and resulted in will continue observing the 2020 gaming partners than adversaries.” said. “We cannot have this kind of apartheid River Band’s service areas and the tribe has hundreds of arrests. compacts negotiated with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Fasthorse said the tribe has kept sports system of access to clean drinking water.” long maintained governmental offices in “From the beginning of this litigation, office. betting “in its back pocket” since a 2018 While running water was available to Muskegon to serve its large number of local the Tribes have sought to reinforce the Attorney Rob Rosette, representing both U.S. Supreme Court decision cleared the homes in Neskantaga until last Monday, the members. centrality of Lake Oahe to their ceremonies, tribes, said the casinos will continue offering way, and decided to move forward this tap water in the community has not been safe “The tribe plans to develop a casino on their economy, and their identity,” Class III gaming under the argument that the spring after state lawmakers created the to drink since February 1995, and Mamakwa our traditional land in Muskegon County so Hasselman and Ducheneaux wrote. compacts, despite a ruling by the Oklahoma Wyoming Gaming Commission. Then, the said he has seen little urgency from Ontario we can serve our largest population of tribal Boasberg, who is overseeing the Supreme Court, are valid, and can only be COVID-19 pandemic hit. Fasthorse said the and Canada to change that. citizens in our service area,” said Tribal four-year-old lawsuit filed by the tribes, invalidated by a federal court. addition of sports betting will help the tribe’s “We have to have running water Council Speaker Ron Pete in a news release. ordered the extensive environmental study “That’s our legal position,” Rosette casinos maintain some “exclusivity” as state restored, as a first step,” he said. “That’s not “A casino in Muskegon County will enable last spring because he felt previous, less- said. lawmakers appear poised to expand gaming, happening. There is no plan.” the tribe to provide jobs, housing, health extensive environmental analysis by the Rosette also stated that neither tribe will and that the extra revenue will help keep the Initial tests on the substance found in care, education and other services to our Corps left lingering questions. Boasberg in observe language in the compacts allowing tribe afloat. the reservoir show it is a hydro carbon, but elders and youth. It will also provide a very July revoked the easement that allows for house-banked table and card games or sports “We don’t have a tax base revenue on more investigation is needed to determine positive economic impact for the Muskegon the river crossing and ordered the pipeline book betting unless they are legalized by the the reservation to support our programs where it came from and how it is getting in community.” shut down until its environmental soundness Oklahoma Legislature. or even the tribal government. We rely on the water, said Alvin Fiddler. The Little River Band’s proposed was proven. A federal appeals court allowed The tribes will also observe the 4.5% the revenues from our casinos to keep us The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe gaming and economic development would oil to keep flowing, however, ruling that exclusivity fee under the new compacts maintaining,” Fasthorse said. Aski Nation was also among the visitors to include: Boasberg hadn’t justified a shutdown. That rather than the higher sliding rates payed More than a dozen tribal nations have Neskantaga on Oct. 26. • Approximately 69,000 square feet of same appeals court is now determining by other tribes under the 2005 compact launched sports betting operations since “First of all they need to diagnose the gaming floor space; whether to uphold his decision regarding the agreement, which those tribes – including 2018, including tribes in Montana , Colorado problem, or problems,” Fiddler said. “Then, • 1,700 slot machines; study. the Cherokee Nation – say automatically and New Mexico. According to Katherine they need to look at the system as a whole.” • 35 table games; Tribes are asking Boasberg to issue an renewed at the beginning of 2020. A federal Rand, a professor of law and co-director The federal government’s “scope” for • 220-room hotel; injunction while the legal fight plays out. judge ruled on July 28 that the compacts did of the Institute for the Study of Tribal lifting boil water advisories is too limited, • Event and meeting room space; and A court-ordered injunction would prohibit automatically renew. Gaming Law and Policy at the University focusing only on the water treatment plant • Dining and entertainment options. Energy Transfer from operating the pipeline. There have been no plans announced by of North Dakota, sports betting has been and ignoring the pipes leading to homes and As part of the EIS, the BIA reviewed “With the pipeline now operating Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter “generally positive” for those tribes. She the waste water system, he said. potential environmental impacts of the illegally, and the Corps poised to take no to challenge the Comanche Nation or Otoe- said the revenue associated with launching a “The community, they want to look at casino project, including land use, geology action, the case for suspending pipeline Missouria Tribe, and the state might be sports betting operation tends to come from the whole system from source to tap and and soils, water resources, agricultural operations is even stronger,” the tribal awaiting the decision in a federal lawsuit “amenity spending” in casino restaurants, the whole system needs to be assessed and resources, biological resources, cultural attorneys wrote. “DAPL has operated for filed by four tribes. gift shops and hotels. to detect any problems and to fix them,” resources, traffic, air quality, noise, public nearly four years, generating hundreds of The Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw and “There really isn’t expected to be Fiddler said. health/environmental hazards, hazardous millions of dollars for its owners, while Citizen Potawatomie nations have filed suit much direct gaming profit associated with a Federal Indigenous Services Minister material and waste, public services and exposing the Tribes to catastrophic risk and against Stitt, U.S. Secretary of the Interior sportsbook. It’s a way to bring people into Marc Miller said he is aware of the socio-economics. ongoing trauma that have never been subject David L. Bernhardt, the Comanche Nation the casino, to expand the customer base and interconnected problems. to the scrutiny that (federal law) requires.” and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe. The plaintiffs so forth,” said Rand. “It is complex,” Miller told reporters in - Manistee News (Michigan) U.S. Department of Justice say those agreements initially allow lower Fasthorse said the tribe hopes to create Ottawa on Oct. 26. “But we’re committed to spokeswoman Danielle Nichols declined fee percentages for the Comanche and Otoe- a sportsbook atmosphere similar to what you repairing it and I hope we’re close.” In landmark approval, BIA comment Oct. 19 on the tribes’ filing. The Missouria than other tribes pay under their might find on the Las Vegas strip at its three A spokesperson for Indigenous Service Corps and Energy Transfer have until Nov. casinos on the Wind River Reservation. He Canada told CBC News that it is providing grants Coquille Tribe autonomy over 20 to file a formal response in court. compacts. All Oklahoma tribes agreed to the its forest lands same exclusivity terms that went into effect said the tribe has some remaining regulatory more than $16 million for “all aspects” of The Corps also could shut down the in 2005. requirements to satisfy with the National the water treatment plant upgrade project pipeline – and even order it removed. The Under the renewed compact, tribes Indian Gaming Commission, but that sports and that more funding will be provided for A Native American tribe in Oregon has line is now considered an “encroachment” on pay the state 4% to 10% of revenue to betting could be available at the Wind immediate repairs “as necessary.” become the first in the U.S. to receive full federal property because Boasberg revoked exclusively offer Class III gaming, which River Hotel and Casino before the 2021 As for a plan, spokesperson Adrienne authority to manage its forests. the easement. The agency is still determining includes slot machines, craps and roulette. Superbowl. Vaupshas said experts with the department The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved how to address that, but Boasberg has said The state collected $150 million from the are working with Matawa, the First Nations the Coquille Tribe’s Indian Trust Asset previously that he believes it is “unlikely” fees in 2019, but Stitt has said Oklahoma - Wyoming Public Media management group that provides technical Management Plan on Oct. 20. This grants that the Corps will order the line shut down. tribes pay too little for gaming in comparison support to Neskantaga, to formulate one. it autonomy over its roughly 10,000 acres to agreements in other states. Employee error caused Fiddler said community members — of trust forest land and resources…a first - Bismarck (N.D.)Tribune By a 5-1 vote, the Oklahoma Supreme government leak of tribal data, both the evacuees in Thunder Bay and for any of the country’s 574 federally- those remaining still in Neskantaga — are recognized tribes. Court denied on Sept. 15 a rehearing request watchdog finds New Mexico tribal operators by Stitt concerning the validity of gaming increasingly anxious to know what the plan Mark Johnston is executive director for denounce ‘reckless’ racetrack is. the Coquille Indian Tribe. compacts he forged with the Comanche Employees at the Treasury Department gambling expansion plans Nation and Otoe-Missouri Tribe. It’s possible evacuees may not be able to “We’re just excited about the opportunity and the Bureau of Indian Affairs were return to Neskantaga this winter, Mamakwa to be first,” he told KLCC. We respect the A legal position similar to that of the responsible for leaking a spreadsheet of A squabble between New Mexico tribal Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribe said. burden that that creates going first because proprietary data from the nation’s tribes, For his part, the MPP said he is taking you better do it right or you’ll mess it up for casino operators and the state’s racetracks is being employed by the United Keetoowah according to a new report from a government escalated Oct. 19 after the tribes pushed Band, though the tribe does not currently two bottles of water from the Neskantaga those folks that come behind you. watchdog. water plant back to Queen’s Park with him “And we know that we’re not going to back against proposed gambling expansion. operate a casino. The UKB announced A report from the Department of the At a legislative hearing in Santa Fe, on Sept. 11 that it considered its gaming this week. be the only tribe that considers this, because Interior’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) Ontario is a signatory to Treaty 9, along of the value from a sovereignty perspective.” Stuart Paisano, Governor of Sandia Pueblo, compact, signed on July 1 with Stitt, is in found employees “did not look at the entire said the plan would violate the tribe’s effect, citing federal jurisdiction, approval with Neskantaga and Canada and has an Sovereignty – or self-governance – is spreadsheet before forwarding [an] email obligation to help end the crisis, he said. a longstanding goal for tribes. And timber exclusivity on casino gaming and threaten of the Interior Department, and notice of and did not realize the spreadsheet contained revenue-sharing deals with the state. The the contract’s publication in the Federal “Especially during a pandemic, to see is an important resource for the Coquille. potentially confidential information.” the continued complacency of government, Johnston said annual revenues support key racing industry-backed plan would allow the Register. Employees told the OIG the emails tracks to offer unlimited slots, table games, The validity of the UKB gaming in 2020, in Ontario, in Canada, you can programs, including tribal healthcare and containing the spreadsheet were sent as a see how racism affects this community,” education. online gambling, and sports betting around compact, and another negotiated by Stitt way to remind tribes to apply for $8 billion the clock. with Kialegee Tribal Town, is awaiting Mamakwa said. In a release, Darin Jarnaghan, the in CARES Act funding set aside for tribal That racism costs lives, he added, noting Coquille Tribe’s natural resources director, “This proposed legislation presents not review by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. governments, not realizing the sensitive only a renewed challenge to our economic Under its compact, the UKB could offer that a 23-year-old woman died by suicide in says removing the need for federal review data was attached. The data was then shared Neskantaga last year, without ever having of projects gives his team greater flexibility security, but a reckless attempt to expand Class II and Class III gaming at a venue in outside the government, including with private wealth at the expense of our ability Logan County, and would pay fees of up to tasted clean water from the tap in her home. and efficiency. The work towards self- other tribes. determination was enabled by the Indian to provide essential government services,” 15% on adjusted net revenue above $500 “The spreadsheet included the names of Paisano said, as reported by the Associated million. - CBC Trust Asset Reform Act of 2016. It created the tribes that submitted the information; the a new pathway towards increased self- Press. The UKB did not announce the placing Currently, each racetrack, or ‘racino,’ tribes’ authorized representatives’ names, Little River Band of Ottawa determination for tribes willing to undertake of land into trust in Logan County, and would titles, and contact information (including is restricted to just 600 slots and can remain need to submit a Section 20 application to Indians’ Muskegon casino project the “rigorous process of creating the phone number and email); and other self- management plan.” open for no more than 18 hours per day, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs to put land in reported amounts for the tribes’ population, reaches milestone 122 hours per week. trust for gaming. With approval, the tribe Until now, no other tribe has succeeded land base, employees, and expenditures. in meeting that challenge. Johnston credits Meanwhile, most of New Mexico’s could construct and operate its facility. Such Several stakeholders later asserted that some MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. — tribal operators signed fresh compacts with land must be within one mile of a highway the hard work of tribal members and of the details included in the spreadsheet The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ leadership, in developing “responsible, the state in 2015, which directs them to share or turnpike. were sensitive and proprietary,” the OIG Muskegon County casino project is taking between 2 and 10.5 percent of revenues, Stitt has also said he wants to negotiate sustainable forestry.” The tribe has also been wrote, noting that this violates government a significant step forward in its approval certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. depending on the size of those revenues, in a specific compact for each tribe. Under policy requiring the protection of sensitive process. return for regional exclusivity. the 2005 compact, fees are the same for data. On Oct. 23, the Bureau of Indian - KLCC (Oregon) The casinos are the economic lifeblood all Oklahoma tribes. A few tribal leaders The leak was revealed in April amid a Affairs (BIA) formally published a Notice of the tribes, and many remain closed indicated on July 28 they were still open to because of the coronavirus pandemic. But lawsuit from tribes challenging a government of Availability of a Final Environmental Tribes again ask federal judge to revision, though terms suggested by Stitt in decision to release CARES Act funding Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Little River the tracks are also struggling financially, and previous months would require more than to so-called Alaska Native Corporations, Band’s Fee-to-Trust and casino project at a shut down Dakota Access Pipeline were so even before the pandemic hit. They minor adjustments to the existing compacts. which have vast land holdings and secure former racetrack in Fruitport Township. argue gambling expansion is necessary to significant profits from timber and oil sales “This is an incredible step forward in American Indian tribes who oppose the save New Mexico’s racing industry. - Cherokee Phoenix (Oklahoma) that are then shared with tribal members. our process to build the Muskegon County Dakota Access Pipeline have again asked a Under the tracks’ proposal, the state The lawsuits delayed the distribution of Casino Project,” said Larry Romanelli, federal judge to stop the flow of oil while would scrap tribal revenue-share payments funding to tribes for months. Ogema of the Little River Band of Ottawa the battle over the line’s future plays out in and collect more money in taxes from the Northern Arapaho Tribe to “The administration leaked tribes’ Indians in a news release. “This project is several venues. expanded commercial ventures. introduce sports betting to Wyoming confidential financial records to the public about job creation for our community and The Standing Rock Sioux and other A 2019 Union Gaming Analytics study much faster than it sent them aid, and yet I want to thank everyone — our steadfast tribes in the Dakotas succeeded on their claimed the state could generate an extra $62 The Northern Arapaho Tribe has plans Republicans continue to be confused about community, our federal and state leaders, first attempt, only to have an appeals million in tax revenues from racinos, should to launch a sports betting operation on the why so many tribes have distrusted the labor unions and tribal members for their court overturn U.S. District Judge James they be permitted to offer full-blown casino Wind River Reservation in the coming federal government for so long,” House support for this project.” Boasberg’s shutdown order earlier this year. gaming. months. Tribal leaders hope the addition will Natural Resources Committee Chairman In the FEIS, the BIA considered Now, they’re asking the judge to clarify his If online gaming revenue is added to the help the tribe’s three casinos recover from Raúl Grijalva, who requested the report, said both the Little River Band’s proposed earlier ruling to satisfy the appellate judges mix, that could jump to about $75 million, months of closure and revenue loss amidst in a statement. casino project and a range of economic and then order the line to cease operations. Ethan Linder, director of marketing for the pandemic. “Public trust in the competence and development alternatives, and concluded The tribes argue that potential harm to Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, told Brian Van Enkenvoort, CEO of the integrity of the executive branch is never that the Little River Band’s project as their water supply outweighs any economic The Sante Fe New Mexican last month. tribe’s flagship Wind River Hotel and more important than in the midst of a global proposed is the preferred alternative of the impacts of shutting down the line that’s been For now, the tribes do not want to Casino, said the tribe is poised to offer its health crisis. ... This was a shameful failure federal government. moving North Dakota oil to a shipping point give up their hard-won compacts, less so casino patrons a unique experience. of federal relations with Indian Country,” he A public comment period will soon be in Illinois for more than three years. their exclusivity. But some lawmakers are “Well-regulated sports betting is added. instated after which the federal government “The Tribes are irreparably harmed clearly taken with the plan, especially as the an excellent way to make the gaming will issue its final decision on the application. by the ongoing operation of the pipeline, state looks for ways to heal its post-Covid experience even better for our customers,” The process then moves to the State of through the exposure to catastrophic economy. Van Enkenvoort wrote in a statement. “This - The Hill Michigan for concurrence of Gov. Gretchen risk, through the ongoing trauma of the Democratic Rep. Antonio Maestas is truly an amenity that sports fans can’t find Whitmer and action by the legislature. government’s refusal to comply with the of Albuquerque, chair of the legislative anyplace else in Wyoming.” Neskantaga First Nation water “The Muskegon County Casino Project law, and through undermining the Tribes’ economic and rural development committee, sovereign governmental role to protect their told the Associated Press it was a subject Sports betting remains illegal under crisis shows ‘apartheid system’ of is slated to bring approximately 3,000 jobs Wyoming State Law, even after the creation to the region; including 1,500 high paying members and respond to potential disasters,” at least “deserving of conversation.” He of a statewide gaming commission to clean water access, NDP MPP says full-time jobs and 1,500 construction and attorneys Jan Hasselman and Nicole added that the pandemic would force the regulate “skill-based” games earlier this year. ancillary jobs,” states a news release. Ducheneaux wrote. state to take difficult measures to protect the But unlike most gaming tribes, the Northern A week after the evacuation of a remote The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians The Oct. 16 filing in U.S. District Court economy. Arapaho Tribe does not operate its casinos First Nation in northwestern Ontario, First is building this casino with internal financial in Washington, D.C., came as the federal But while lawmakers acknowledged under a compact with the state. Instead, the Nations leaders say there is still no plan to resources and no taxpayer dollars but is agency that permitted the pipeline was the potential tax benefits of the proposal, tribe answers to federal regulators with the restore running water to the community. expected to generate economic development wrapping up a two-day public meeting to there were calls for more research to better U.S. Department of the Interior. Neskantaga First Nation shut down of $15 million in tax revenue for the State help determine the scope of an environmental understand its impact on the state budget and “The state has no regulatory authority its water plant on Oct. 19 after an oily of Michigan and millions more for local study U.S. District Judge James Boasberg tribal communities. over us when it comes to gaming,” said substance was discovered in the reservoir. governments, according to a news release. ordered in March. Northern Arapaho Business Councilman An evacuation began the following day and The Little River Band has been working The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - casino.org Stephen Fasthorse. now, only a few essential workers remain on the project for more than 10 years. The launched the study about a month ago. Still, Fasthorse hopes the move doesn’t in the fly-in community, located about 450 tribe filed an application in February 2015 It’s expected to take more than a year to damage relations between the state and tribal kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont. requesting the BIA place 60 acres of land in complete, and will help determine whether governments, and that the tribe’s efforts can First Nations leaders and technical trust for a $180 million casino and economic the Corps reissues an easement for the serve as a model should state leaders decide advisors visited Neskantaga on Oct. 26 to development project. The BIA published pipeline’s Missouri River crossing in 12A • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020

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20-SHRH-05905 - Seminole Tribune Ad-Nov_12-75x20-75.indd 1 10/22/2020 4:58:37 PM 1B • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 Education B Jim Allen inducted into business hall of fame at Nova Southeastern University BY BEVERLY BIDNEY The video highlighted Allen’s life and inductees in a live panel discussion following Allen stressed the importance of Staff Reporter career, from working in a pizza restaurant the induction ceremony, which was attended balance. to leading Hard Rock International. He by 384 people. The first question was about “I don’t do a good job at this, but there was determined to work his way up in the what the pandemic meant to the inductees’ needs to be a balance of community, family, Jim Allen received another accolade for hospitality industry. He started in the Bally’s companies. spiritual connection, career and loved ones his 40-year gaming industry career Oct. 26. management program in Atlantic City. He “The first thing was the significance of who matter most,” he said. “If you don’t In a virtual event, the chairman of Hard also worked at the Trump Organization, how we felt about our employees and their have balance, you could wind up being in a Rock International and CEO of Seminole Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hemmeter families,” Allen said. “We knew this would situation where you question if it was worth Gaming was inducted into Nova Southeastern Companies, Park Place Entertainment and cost millions of dollars and lost revenue, it. Stop, smell the roses, pursue life and your University’s 2020 Entrepreneur and Business Sun International Resorts. but we are proud of what we were able to dreams, but find the balance.” Hall of Fame, along with two other South “My career path was driven by a belief do. It was also an opportunity to revisit our When asked about structural changes to Florida business leaders. The hall of fame that life doesn’t come to you, you have to go business and we came out a little leaner. We the industry as a result of Covid, Allen said is part of the school’s H. Wayne Huizenga to life,” he said in the video. took a second look at the efficiency of the he doesn’t expect live concert events until College of Business and Entrepreneurship, In his acceptance speech, given via business for the long term.” late 2021 or early 2022. Restaurants are a named after the late owner of the Dolphins, Zoom, he said when he went to work for the What were the most important challenge; Hard Rock Cafes are in cities all Marlins and Panthers and founder of Waste tribe he saw the contract with the Hard Rock management and leadership skills prior to around the world. Regional gaming markets Management and AutoNation. was not favorable to the tribe. He told them Covid and will they be the same in a post- are doing well, but Las Vegas, Macau and “I’m the type of person who doesn’t like they could renegotiate it or buy the company Covid world? Singapore are challenged. Hotel business is a lot of recognition, but it truly is an honor to outright. The rest is history. As a global company, Allen said HRI down. be nominated for this award,” Allen said after His style of working is to stay measured had to close European locations months ago “It’s a mixed bag,” Allen said. “There being inducted. “I knew Mr. Huizenga; he and not get too emotional. and were able to reopen them. Now they are some benefits to employees working at was a neighbor. I always respected his career “Never get too excited when things are may need to close again. home, but working as teams and in groups is path, his success and what he has done for good or when things aren’t,” Allen said. “A crisis always brings out the best in not as good on WebEx or Skype. But we will South Florida and NSU. His philanthropic “Be a good listener and try not to react with great managers and we are proud of what take the next steps, be optimistic and move efforts were truly amazing. I will always emotions.” it brought out in them,” Allen said. “If you forward.” cherish being involved with something with The pandemic has thrown a wrench into have to close down again, it affects morale. The hardest business decision Allen his name on it.” most businesses, Hard Rock International We have to wear a mask and do the right ever made can’t be described in a single Allen is responsible for all gaming, and Seminole Gaming included. To help Tribune file photo thing until a vaccine is available.” incident, but he adheres to certain principles. hospitality and entertainment operations employees get through the closing of Hard Rock International Chairman and The inductees were asked about “Be a good listener, never react in an of the Seminole Tribe. He joined the tribe properties, the company distributed $4.4 Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen who inspired them in their careers. Allen overly negative or positive way, be humble in 2001, led its acquisition of Hard Rock million in grocery store gift cards to about mentioned both good and not-so-good and know life will throw curve balls at us on International in 2007 and since then has 22,000 team members in the U.S. and leaders who inspired him. a daily or weekly basis,” he said. expanded Hard Rock’s global presence from Canada. CEO of NSU, talked about the university’s “No doubt there were people who Allen’s business ethic is simple and fits 46 to 76 countries. “One of my proudest moments was core values, which are academic excellence, inspired me, but I also think you learn in well with HRI’s mottos: Love All-Serve “He has done more to positively affect in the pandemic, we stepped up for our student centered, integrity, innovation, through leaders who don’t do things the way All, Take Time to Be Kind, Save The Planet the tourist industry in Broward County, employees,” Allen said. “When they realized opportunity, scholarship/research, diversity you would,” he said. “It is a combination and All Is One. Florida and the world,” said Charles L. we were looking out for them, it hits you and community. of recognizing a person who is willing to “Always start with being humble, work Palmer, chairman of NSU’s board of hard in a good way.” “The people we honor tonight epitomize be a mentor and tough it out when your hard, be patient, persistent and polite,” he trustees and president and CEO of North The other inductees in the Hall of Fame those core values,” Hanbury said. “They boss doesn’t do that. It’s important to have said. “Giving back to others brings as much American Co. LLC, who introduced a were Dan Doyle Jr., CEO of DEX Imaging are all business leaders, philanthropists, someone who gives you a shot, but also to reward as the material things and is more video about Allen. “With a steady hand and Inc. and Kristin Johnson, CEO of Hotwire humanitarians and they all give back to the work for people who don’t treat you the way important than net worth. Never give up.” calm demeanor, he is steering the company Communications. community. This award is one to be coveted.” you would do it. The most important thing is through this pandemic.” Dr. George Hanbury, president and Andrew Rosman, dean of the Huizenga not to give up.” College of Business, posed questions for the FIU Global Indigenous Forum focuses on preserving Native identities; features Seminole, Miccosukee speakers

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Ceremonies and stories that teach how from the end of WWII until 1972, but U.S. Staff Reporter to be a good caretaker of the earth are passed military bases remain. Residents believe down from generation to generation in crime, noise and pollution are a direct result Elaponke. of the bases. Like so many other events in 2020, “As an educator, it’s important to teach Some Okinawans are descendants of the Indigenous People’s Week was celebrated it,” Osceola said. “It isn’t just learning letters original Ryukyuan people. An Indigenous online instead of in person. Florida and words; it’s using our oral teaching to help movement in Okinawa is active, Oyakawa International University’s Global Indigenous them understand who they are. I’m proud to said. Forum held two virtual events that touched share that knowledge with my students.” “We have a history of being an on what it takes to preserve Native identities. Osceola doesn’t limit her teaching to independent nation,” she said. “We the In the first event, held Oct. 12 via Zoom, inside four walls; she often teaches outside Indigenous Okinawan people have the right language was described as being the key to in nature. to our lands. Less than five percent of our Courtesy photos a culture’s survival. The second, held Oct. “The earth is my classroom,” she said. young people speak our language. Everyone Betty Osceola, left, and Miss Florida Seminole Durante Blais-Billie were guest speakers at Florida 14, screened films about the Japanese Ainu “I find that helps students connect and learn learns Japanese and English, they are International University’s Global Indigenous Forum in October. people’s culture and crafts, including a the language and how we use the Everglades. mandatory. We never have a chance to learn conversation with a woman who visited the Nature is your best teacher; you are more our own language.” Seminole Tribe. likely to remember what you learned during Oyakawa claims the Japanese The film focuses on Rie Kayano, who dreams come true.” profound teaching moments in nature.” government doesn’t recognize them as loved to sing and dance in the Ainu tradition Kayano said those words made her want First event: Our Talk, Our Land: Osceola says she has one foot in each Indigenous people and believes their as a child, but was made fun of by classmates to do this for all Ainu children. Indigenous Languages, Identities and world. She went to an American school, but language is a dialect of the Japanese in elementary school. Like other Ainu A second film was also screened, Social Justice spoke only Elaponke at home after school. language. She noted that in the last 20 years children, she was forced by the government to “Expressing Ainu Spirit, a Tradition and Home is a valid teaching setting as is the the Indigenous movement has grown. assimilate. In the film, Kayano said the Ainu Innovation,” which followed Ainu artists Rev. Houston Cypress, of the Miccosukee culture center, where tribal “People want to express their feelings; culture and language faced annihilation, but as they created works to be sold in a Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, was the members speak the language while making it was taboo 20 years ago,” Oyakawa said. stories and songs rescued it. trendy Japanese store. The artists combine event host. Cypress opened the session and patchwork and other crafts. “Now we speak more freely.” She moved to Sapporo to attend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary noted the poetry, rhythm and rhyme of the “As a woman, I can pass on my clan to Maria-Luisa Veisaga, a professor at university on an Ainu scholarship, joined designs to reflect how Ainu live today. Mikasuki, or Elaponke, language. my children,” said Althea Frye, director of the FIU Global Indigenous Forum, is an a band that sang traditional folk songs After the screenings, Blais-Billie made “It’s important to maintain the sacred the Miccosukee Advertising and Promotions. Indigenous Quechua from Bolivia. There and committed to re-learning her culture. a presentation and took questions from aspect of our language by keeping it to “Clans are proof of who we are. I can talk are many regional varieties of Quechuan, But motherhood and marriage put her the Zoom audience. She explained the ourselves as much as possible,” Cypress about the history of the Miccosukee, but the language of the Inca Empire. Quechuan aspirations on the back burner. Then she had importance of the land to the tribe. said. “We don’t teach it to outsiders because only if I know the language can I know the speakers live in the Andes in Equador, Peru, an opportunity to visit the Seminole Tribe, “We reflect ingenuity by adapting to the they aren’t prepared to take the responsibility culture. Language is the only other thing I Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. which changed everything for her. Everglades’ challenges,” she said. “We are involved in being Miccosukee.” can pass along to my children.” “Through language we express our Blais-Billie met Kayano during a stewards of the land and it stewards us in During the program, speakers explained Miss Florida Seminole Durante Blais- human interactions and thoughts, but there cultural exchange in Sapporo a few weeks return. We are as paramount to its survival as how their people connected language to Billie advocates for reclaiming Indigenous is discrimination of those speakers,” Veisaga before the visit. Kayano wanted to see how it is to ours. Our people remained dependent identity and the consequences of trying to knowledge and hosts a two-spirit discussion said. “With the establishment of the colonial the Seminoles lived and spent time with on the Everglades and we developed a keep their cultures alive. Miccosukee tribal group on Zoom. order, we were never again Quechua. They Blais-Billie in Big Cypress, Brighton and vibrant culture and skills.” member Betty Osceola teaches language “Before European contact, our people called us Indians or Indigenous. We were Hollywood. When she checked into the After the turn of the 20th century, and identity to young people by using origin had distinct ideas of how we relate to each forced to change our language.” Guitar Hotel in Hollywood, she was greeted the tribe had to find a new way to ensure stories. other,” Blais-Billie said. “Colonial language The consequences of being denied by a welcome sign in the lobby. She met economic independence. Tourism created “The Elaponke language was given perpetuates colonial ideas in our everyday access to their language was disastrous for with Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. at that economy and within a few decades, to us by the breath maker to communicate lives. Matrilineal clans and the role of the Quechua people and resulted in poverty, headquarters, who told her to stay vigilant tourist villages cropped up in South Florida. with him and all of his creations on earth,” women are sacred in our society. There is no discrimination and the government taking and she will be able to achieve whatever she “Today we still fight for our sovereignty Osceola said. “In order for a language to word in Elaponke or Creek for non-binary their lands. Today there are some schools sets her mind to. and protect our waters in the Everglades,” survive, it has to be spoken. Language is a or two spirit individuals that describe gender that teach the language. Kayano visited Pemayetv Emahakv Blais-Billie said. “An essential part of living thing and you must embody it in your variant people. But we have fully embraced “Children resisted learning the language Charter School in Brighton and was preserving our sovereignty and culture is our everyday life. Language defines who we are the Indian term two-spirit.” of their families to avoid discrimination,” impressed with the immersion program. languages, Elaponke and Creek. Language and ties us to everything.” Traditionally, two-spirit individuals Veisaga said. “We must fight for our rights.” Emma Johns, PECS dean, told her the tribe is is our tool to preserve our community, clans weren’t “others.” Blais- Margaret Noodin (Ojibwe) is an associate fighting to preserve the culture and language. and traditions.” Billie explained that the professor of English and Indian Studies at “It seems like a distant dream, but it can A question was asked whether the two Creator sees them as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. be done,” Johns said in the film. “What you languages were different dialects of the same valuable to the community She teaches language and created a website saw today was proof. But it takes people like language. Blais-Billie explained they are and not as separate from it. to teach children Anishinaabemowin, the you to know that and carry it forward.” not, but they both preserve the Seminole “They are valued on the Ojibwe language. At Billie Swamp Safari, Blais-Billie ideologies quite well. She also noted that basis of their contribution to “I learned the language when I was showed her the sites and told Kayano she Creek is written and Elaponke is not. the tribe,” she said. older, but I heard it as a child which made admired her for persevering in her mission When asked about the immersion Shinako Oyakawa, it easier to learn,” she said. “I use poetry, to save Ainu culture. program in Brighton, Blais-Billie said from Okinawa, Japan, began stories and songs to teach it.” “Everything you do on this earth touches she didn’t attend it since she lived on the her presentation by giving a Noodin is a co-founder and a primary everyone more than you can imagine,” Blais- Hollywood Reservation. brief history of her home in contributor to ojibwe.net, a site that promotes Billie said. “A lot of Indigenous people don’t have the Ryukyu Islands, which and teaches the language through lessons, Kayano said the visit with the Seminoles the privilege of having a fluent speaker in are located between Japan songs, stories and projects. gave her the confidence to share her Ainu the household,” she said. “All my language and Taiwan. The northern heritage, which she will do to honor her comes from the culture department and my most island of the chain is Second event: Ainu My Voice ancestors and help rebuild her society. grandmother. In the Seminole culture it is Okinawa. When she returned home, Kayano wrote the responsibility of the youth to approach The Ryukyu kingdom The Ainu are the other Indigenous people a song about her visit. Blais-Billie’s words elders to learn and maintain the knowledge. lasted from 1429 to 1879 in Japan. They live in the northern islands of resonated with her and made their way into My journey to learn the language was Courtesy photo and played a central role in the country and like the Okinawans further the song. empowering.” Shinako Oyakwa, from Japan, was part of the FIU Global Indigenous Asian trade. Japan annexed south, have suffered discrimination. The “All that you do is not only your will Forum discussion Oct. 12 on Zoom. the islands in 1879. Okinawa documentary “Ainu My Voice” was shown but the will of your ancestors. Your ancestors was occupied by the U.S. during the virtual event. will surely be pleased if you make their 2B • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 Arizona State’s law school starts Indian gaming and self-governance programs

BY KEVIN JOHNSON because these focused master’s degree programs and professor of practice, is an Law to help develop a solid and successful the tribal-federal relationship, the federal Senior Editor programs are not offered by any other law enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of degree program.” programs and statutes associated with tribal school in the country,” said Lawrence Nebraska. She is executive vice president of The Indian gaming aspect provides in- self-governance and the implementation of Indian gaming and self-governance – Roberts, who is heading up the program with community impact and engagement at Ho- depth courses for students on the industry’s that legal framework. two areas that carry plenty of significance Ann Marie Bledsoe-Downes; both served in Chunk Inc. She previously served as deputy regulation, compliance and implementation. “Tribes are implementing a number of for tribes throughout Indian Country – are leadership roles in the U.S. Department of the assistant secretary for policy and economic With revenue of nearly $34 billion in federal programs through self-governance,” the focus of new programs launched by Interior’s Office of the Assistant Secretary – development in the Office of the Assistant 2018 – according to the National Indian Roberts said. “Our focused degree programs Arizona State University. Indian Affairs in former President Barack Secretary – Indian Affairs and as the acting Gaming Commission – and providing are tailored for professionals who work in this The programs — described by the Obama’s administration. “Our graduates director of the Bureau of Indian Education. employment to hundreds of thousands of area to really understand the fundamentals school as the first of its kind — are offered will be able to hit the ground running, saving Students will be part of ASU Law’s workers, Indian gaming has a significant of tribal sovereignty and the federal statutes by ASU’s Indian Legal Program (ILP) at the both time and resources for a broad spectrum broader ILP community that includes dozens impact on economies, including at the local that promote tribal self-governance.” Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. of employers – tribes, federal agencies, of Native students from tribes across the and state levels. In Florida, for example, a Students can attend classes full or part- The Indian gaming and self-governance congressional staff and state agencies. country. In addition to Indian gaming and study released by the American Gaming time, in person or online and at ASU Law’s programs offer a focused degree in the We’re building off of more than 30 years of self-governance, the ILP offers focus areas Association in 2018 showed that tribal campuses in Phoenix and Washington, D.C., master of legal studies and master of laws. excellence at the ILP and this is another step of specialized study in Indian law, tribal gaming added $6.1 billion to the state’s and in the future, Los Angeles. The programs are designed to provide to further that excellence.” policy law and government. economy, supported nearly 46,000 jobs and “We’re excited about our existing students with a foundation to pursue careers Roberts, the programs’ full-time “ASU is a very fine institution that generated more than $1.1 billion in state, partnerships with the National Indian in Indian gaming or tribal self-governance, executive director and professor of has spread a lot of good will, energy and federal and local taxes and revenue share Gaming Association and the Self- such as executive positions with tribes and practice, is a citizen of the Oneida Tribe of education to Indian Country and received payments. The Seminole Tribe of Florida Governance Communication and Education tribal entities, tribal elected officials and Wisconsin. In addition to his work in the from Indian Country,” said National Indian owns six casinos in Florida, including Hard Tribal Consortium to provide our students other leadership or management roles in Obama administration, he previously served Gaming Association Chairman Ernest Rock venues in Hollywood and Tampa. with the insights they’ll need to land their government. as general counsel of the National Indian Stevens Jr. “Our tribal gaming industry The self-governance program dream jobs,” Roberts said. “Tribes and other employers are Gaming Commission. houses a powerhouse of expertise and is designed to educate students in investing resources in on-the-job training Bledsoe-Downes, director of the knowledge. It’s an honor to work with ASU understanding the legal framework of Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School Federal grants expand students of the month - September 2020 education options for Native American students STAFF REPORT STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math), counseling and mentorships, The U.S. Department of Education family engagement and test preparation. announced 40 new federal grant awards An ACE proposal was required to totaling $24 million to expand education include more than one education option options for American Indian and Alaska from which parents and students may native students. choose including; advanced, remedial The grants, announced Oct. 1 by U.S. or elective courses (including online); Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, are apprenticeships or training programs; geared toward helping Native American concurrent or dual enrollment options; communities with a variety of education native language, history or culture courses; options and services including additional supplemental counseling services; tuition; course options, apprenticeships, tutoring summer or afterschool education programs and other programs. The Accessing Choices and student transportation needed for those in Education (ACE) grant funds are critical programs; and many other education related to both rural and urban tribal communities services the tribe determines are needed in who are often faced with limited choices. its community. “All too often, Native American Grantees were also required to set up students do not have access to high quality a parent feedback process and respond to education options tailored to meet their parent requests for specific services not needs, culture, heritage and ambitions,” offered throughout implementation of the DeVos said in a statement. “We developed project. ACE grants cover three years, with the ACE grants to empower tribes to expand an additional two years of support available options for students, so they can then select if the project is achieving success. Grantees the courses, services and on-the-job learning may use up to the first year of the grant for experiences that are the right fit for them. I planning, such as hiring personnel, securing am hopeful that by empowering tribes and service providers and developing a method the students they serve with more options to collect parent feedback. for their education, we will see improved The full list of awards is scheduled to outcomes.” be available on this website: https://oese. The ACE funding will support ed.gov/offices/office-of-indian-education/ activities such as culturally relevant career demonstration-grants-for-indian-children/. exploration, skills development, on-the-job training, hands on learning with a focus on PECS’ Pumpkins on Parade

Students at Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School on the Brighton Reservation celebrated Halloween with the Pumpkins on Parade event. Students were asked to choose a favorite character from a book and decorate a pumpkin as that character. The students showed great enthusiasm for the project.

Courtesy photo Courtesy photo Arrow Johns (Herake is her Creek name) - Cassie Pearce- Pumpkin Book Courtesy photo Pumpkin Book Character: Pete the Cat Character: The Teacher From the Daniel Nunez- Pumpkin Book Character: Pete the Cat Black Lagoon

Courtesy photo Courtesy photo Dyani Kayda- Pumpkin Book Character: Harry Potter Isabella Virto- Pumpkin Book Character: Pete the Cat

Courtesy photos Mahala Bishop- Pumpkin Book Character: My Little Pony.

Courtesy photo Marley Jimmie- Courtesy photo Zayden Pewo- Pumpkin Book Character: Batman Pumpkin Madeline Solis- Pumpkin Book Character: Book Madeline Character: The Unicorn in the Barn 3B • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 Seminole Trail community celebrates Indian Day National Book Award finalists include book about dispossession of Native Americans BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Staff Reporter

The finalists for the 2020 National Book Awards, one of the country’s top literary contests, includes a book about the removal of Native Americans from their land in the Southeastern U.S. in the 1830s. “Unworthy Republic: The Dispossession of Native Americans and the Road to Indian Territory,” written by University of Georgia professor of American history Claudio Saunt, chronicles how the U.S. launched a national policy – the Indian Removal Act – to expel Native Americans from their land east of the Mississippi River. As described on Amazon.com, the book “reveals how expulsion became national policy and describes the chaotic and deadly results of the operation to deport 80,000 men, women, and children. The Indian Removal Act was a fiercely contested political act designed to secure new lands for the expansion of slavery and to consolidate the power of the southern states. Indigenous peoples fought relentlessly against the policy, while many U.S. citizens insisted that it was a betrayal of the nation’s values. When Congress passed the act by a razor- thin margin, it authorized one of the first state-sponsored mass deportations in the modern era, marking a turning point for native peoples and for the United States.” The book is one of five finalists in the nonfiction category and was chosen from 609 other entries. Other finalists in the category are Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, “The Undocumented Americans;” Les Payne and Tamara Payne, “The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X;” Jenn Shapland, “My Autobiography of Carson McCullers;” and Jerald Walker, “How to Make a Slave and Other Essays.” More than 1,600 books competed for the awards in five categories including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature and young people’s literature. One winner will be chosen from each category. Winners will be announced Nov. 18 at the 71st National Book Awards Ceremony, which will be streamed online on YouTube and at nationalbook.org. The National Book Awards was founded in 1950 to honor books, champion the work of writers, promote discourse in American culture and celebrate literary excellence. The mission of the National Book Foundation, which oversees the awards, is to celebrate the best literature in America, expand its audience and ensure that books have a prominent place in American culture.

NCAI convention to be held online Nov. 8-13

STAFF REPORT

The National Congress of American Indians’ 77th annual Convention and Marketplace will be held virtually Nov. 8-13. Topics on the agenda include: - large land base tribal nations - addiction - violence against women - tribal border - data management - climate action - post-election Native vote Seminole Trail Office photos - community reinvestment - communications for tribal The Seminole Trail government - census Community celebrated - economic recovery - tax and finance Indian Day in late - school mascots September with arts and - FEMA and Covid-19 NCAI President Fawn Sharp is crafts contests, raffles, scheduled to give the president’s address on food and prizes. Among Nov. 9 at 10:15 a.m. The convention was originally the contest winners scheduled to be held in Portland, Oregon, but NCAI announced in August that it would were Morgan Bert, Sally be held virtually. For more information and to register Osceola, Virginia Osceola visit ncai.org. and Sadrilynn Tiger. Due to the pandemic, this year’s celebration was greatly scaled back compared to previous years.

FROM PRESS RELEASE existing businesses in the 10-chapter region. federal government for the stated purpose gather information on business development Navajo Thaw Moonshot at NACET, an entrepreneurial of promoting negotiations to resolve a land resources and, if desired, start business TUBA CITY, Ariz. — A $150,000 development program based in Flagstaff, dispute between the Navajo and Hopi. After operations. project wins federal grant to provide business planning will provide services under the grant. decades of economic devastation, the freeze Navajo Thaw is supported by Native and entrepreneurship training for Navajo “We are so pleased to be a part of was lifted in 2009. When regional efforts Builders LLC, a Priority 1 Navajo company; federal grant to entrepreneurs has been granted to Navajo the Navajo Thaw effort to bring business to revitalize the area began last year, all Building Communities, a national economic Thaw, an extensive economic development planning and entrepreneurial services participating chapters indicated an interest development strategic planning company; support Navajo plan to address the long-term impacts of the to our neighbors, the Navajo people,” in entrepreneurial development. and was launched under the leadership of “Bennett Freeze” and the forced relocation said Moonshot President and CEO Scott Participants in the program will identify Navajo President Jonathan Nez and Vice entrepreneurs eras of Navajo history. Hathcock. business development opportunities, President Myron Lizer. The Navajo Hopi The funds, awarded through the USDA Navajo Thaw is a response to the Bennett conduct research to understand the Land Commission Office (NHLCO) is the Rural Business Development Grant program, Freeze, a 43-year development ban on 1.5 marketplace and their potential niche, create lead organization for the overall Navajo will support Navajo entrepreneurs and million acres of Navajo land imposed by the financial spreadsheets and projections, Thaw project. 4B • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 Hollywood Indian Day contest results

Beading (18-35) Clothing Traditional 1st: Kenzie Motlow (female 18-35) 2nd: Renee Stivers 1st: Tasha Osceola 3rd: Le’andra Mora 2nd: Dixie Tommie 3rd: Ariah Osceola Beading (36-59) 1st: Mercedes Osceola Clothing Modern (female 18-35) 2nd: Cassandra Jones 1st: Dixie Tommie 2nd: Tasha Osceola Beading (60+) 3rd: Ariah Osceola 1st: Lorretta Micco 2nd: Donna Frank Clothing Contemporary 3rd: Virginia Osceola (female 18-35) 1st: Talia Rodriguez Patchwork (18-35) 2nd: Tasha Osceola 1st: Courtney Osceola 3rd: Ariah Osceola 2nd: Kurya Kippenberger 3rd: Tasha Osceola Clothing Old Style (male 18-35) 1st: Hunter Osceola Patchwork (36-59) 1st: Mercedes Osceola Clothing Modern (male 18-35) 2nd: Cassandra Jones 1st: Hunter Osceola 3rd: Rachel Ann Billie Clothing Contemporary Patchwork (60+) (male 18-35) 1st: Loretta Micco 1st: Chief Charlie Jumper Osceola SMP 2nd: Virginia Osceola Donna Frank - 1st place Bakets (60+) 3rd: Wanda Lee Billie Clothing Old Style (female 36-59) 1st: Virginia Garcia Sanders Seminole Clothing (18-35) 2nd: Thomasine Motlow 1st: Tasha Osceola 3rd: Mercedes Osceola 2nd: Courtney Osceola 3rd: Kurya Kippenberger Clothing Traditional (female 36-59) Seminole Clothing (36-59) 1st: Alexandra Tommie 1st: Melissa DeMayo 2nd: Mercedes Osceola 2nd: Mercedes Osceola 3rd: Allison Osceola Clothing Modern (female 36-59) 1st: Mercedes Osceola Seminole Clothing (60+) 1st: Virginia Osceola Clothing Contemporary (female 36-59) Woodcarving (18-35) 1st: Mercedes Osceola 1st: Francisco Rodriguez 2nd: Thomasine Motlow 2nd: Anthony Gentry Clothing Old Style (male 36-59) Woodcarving (36-59) 1st: Marl Osceola 1st: Robert B. Frank 2nd: Kyle Doney 2nd: Kyle Doney Clothing Traditional (male 36-59) Woodcarving (60+) 1st: Kyle Doney 1st: Jimmy Osceola Clothing Contemporary Palmetto Doll (18-35) (male 36-59) 1st: Tatiana Herrera 1st: Marl Osceola SMP SMP 2nd: Courtney Osceola Tasha Osceola - 1st place Seminole Clothing Courtney Osceola - 1st place Patchwork (18-35) 3rd: Tyra Baker Clothing Old Style (female 60+) (18-35) 1st: Virginia Osceola Palmetto Doll (36-59) 2nd: Wanda Lee Billie 1st: Cassandra Jones 3rd: Agnes Billie-Motlow 2nd: Mercedes Osceola Clothing Traditional (female 60+) Palmetto Doll (60+) 1st: Wanda Lee Billie 1st: Wanda Lee Billie 2nd: Virginia Osceola 2nd: Loretta Micco 3rd: Agnes Billie-Motlow SMP 3rd: Agnes Billie-Motlow Loretta Micco - 1st place Beading (60+) Clothing Contest Modern Baskets (18-35) (female 60+) 1st: Kiana Bell 1st: Virginia Osceola 2nd: Tianna Garcia 2nd: Agnes Billie-Molow 3rd: Elena Jim Clothing Contest Contemporary Baskets (36-59) (female 60+) 1st: Cassandra Jones 1st: Virginia Osceola 2nd: Tina Devito 2nd: Wanda Lee Billie 3rd: Mercedes Osceola 3rd: Agnes Billie-Motlow

Baskets (60+) Clothing Traditional (male 60+) 1st: Donna Frank 1st: Mingo Jones 2nd: Loretta Micco 3rd: Virginia Osceola Clothing Modern (male 60+) SMP 1st: Mingo Jones Kyle Doney - 1st place Clothing Traditional Clothing Old Style (female 18-35) (male 35-59) SMP 1st: Dixie Tommie Clothing Contemporary Loretta Micco - 1st place Patchwork (60+) 2nd: Tasha Osceola (male 60+) 3rd: Talia Rodriguez 1st: Mingo Jones

SMP SMP SMP Tatiana Herrera- 1st place Palmetto Doll Wanda Lee Billie - 1st place Palmetto Doll Dixie Tommie - 1st place Clothing Modern (18-35) (60+) (female 18-35)

SMP SMP Jimmy Osceola - 1st place Woodcarving Virginia Osceola - 1st place Clothing Old Style (60+) (60+)

SMP Kiana Bell - 1st place Baskets (18-35)

SMP Photos by Martin Ebenhack and Carlos Fuentes SMP Kenzie Motlow - 1st place Beading Francisco Rodriguez- 1st place Woodcarving (18-35) (18-35) 5B • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 Sports C Strong season ends for Okeechobee as Brahmans look toward promising future

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor

SOUTHWEST RANCHES — After one final team huddle and a last “one, two, three, ‘Chobee’” cheer, the Okeechobee High School volleyball team said goodbye to a season like no other. The Brahmans were swept by host Archbishop McCarthy High School on Oct. 21 in a Class 5A regional quarterfinal in Broward County’s Southwest Ranches. The scores were 25-20, 25-12, 25-19. Due to transportation issues, including poor weather and heavy traffic, Okeechobee’s bus arrived at the McCarthy gym just two minutes before the 7 p.m. scheduled start. The team was allowed to warm up and the match started 30 minutes late. Regardless of the late arrival and the match’s outcome, Okeechobee was just grateful to have had a season to play and an FHSAA postseason to compete in, which came seven months after the high school Kevin Johnson spring sports season abruptly ceased as the Okeechobee’s Elle Thomas delivers a serve in a Class 5A regional quarterfinal against Archbishop Covid-19 pandemic began its grip on Florida McCarthy on Oct. 21 in Southwest Ranches. and the rest of the U.S. “I’m just happy we got to have a the squad. “I’m glad nobody got sick. I’m one before freshman Sydney Matthews, a season,” said Okeechobee coach Taylor glad we did all the precautionary things. I former Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School Padrick. “I’m glad people went out of their think at the beginning nobody really knew student and the younger sister of current way to make sure it happened because I what was going to happen, and as the season Florida Southern College player Raeley know that there was talk about it being shut went on and we got used to what was Matthews, settled the Brahmans down with down completely. Super thankful we got to happening it kind of became normalish.” a kill and three consecutive service points. have a season, even if it was brief.” Camaraderie on the bench was far McCarthy reeled off five straight points to “It was good; it was just kind of off different compared to normal seasons. take a 16-11 lead and went on to win by five. because of Covid. It kind of threw everything Usually players scrunch together as they Game two was the only one that wasn’t Courtesy photo off, but it was all right,” said junior Elle loudly cheer for their teammates, but social close. McCarthy built a 17-5 lead on its way Silas Madrigal, a 2020 Okeechobee High School graduate, is continuing his academic and basketball Thomas, the only Seminole on this year’s distancing guidance meant chairs were lined to taking a 2-0 lead in games. career at North Park University in Chicago. He is shown here with North Park coach Tom Slyder. varsity squad. up in two rows with no one sitting within Faced with the 2-0 deficit, a two-hour Despite the obstacles posed by the touching distance of each other. bus ride back home and school the next day, pandemic, the Brahmans made the most of “We had to be so far away from Okeechobee could have easily let its season their time on the court as they finished with everyone, so you can’t be as excited,” end quietly, but the Brahmans dug down and From Okeechobee to Chicago, a winning record (9-6), which included six Thomas said. gamely fought to keep their season alive shutouts, earned runner-up in their district Additionally, in the McCarthy match in game three. Seven times the Brahmans Silas Madrigal adjusting to and a spot in the regional quarterfinals. Most just about everyone in the gym, except the pulled to within a point of McCarthy, but importantly, they made it through the season players, wore masks. Those who covered each time McCarthy answered with a kill or healthy while the pandemic continues its up included the approximately 40 spectators ace to maintain its lead, eventually pulling college basketball, big city global presence. and all four officials. away late to complete the sweep and up “It was very weird,” said Padrick, who On the court, Okeechobee endured a its record to 8-2 heading into the regional completed her eighth season at the helm of BY KEVIN JOHNSON So far, so good. Madrigal lives in a dorm slow start losing the first four points in game semifinals. Senior Editor on campus and has quickly settled into his Okeechobee played from behind new home thanks a warm welcome from the nearly all night and never got into an school. offensive rhythm of winning more than four After an outstanding basketball career “I really like how nice and helpful the consecutive points. staff and student body were during my first For health reasons, there were no at Okeechobee High School, Silas Madrigal was determined to keep playing, even if it few days,” he said. traditional hand-slaps between the teams at It’s no surprise that playing at the the net before or after the match, only a few meant going far from home and to a place that isn’t exactly known for the kind of rural collegiate level includes high-octane nods of the head in each other’s direction practices, which suits Madrigal just fine. from afar. vibe he’s accustomed to. Chicago and Okeechobee both border “The practices here are definitely more Okeechobee can build on its learning intense then at OHS. We’re always yelling experiences from the match and the season. large bodies of water, but that’s about the only similarity they share. and communicating on the floor and push The team loses three seniors (Mattie Garcia, each other more when we’re running or Piper Hans and Jessie Lashley), but will Madrigal, son of Letty and Howard Madrigal, is a Seminole tribal member learning new plays both on offense and return a strong core of eight players from the defense,” he said. class of 2022, including Thomas. who grew up in Okeechobee and attended Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School on the Madrigal, who brought plenty of energy “We’ll be senior-heavy next year, and at both ends of the court while helping lead they’re going to be solid,” Padrick said. Brighton Reservation before going to OHS. Since August, he has been in the Windy City OHS to two straight district championships, Thomas, a versatile player who can play said he hopes he can provide a spark to the up front or in the back, will be one of the attending North Park University, a private Christian school with an enrollment of 3,200. team when needed. senior leaders. “As a freshman I believe I will have a “Elle is great,” Padrick said. “She’s got The school is located on Chicago’s North Side, within five miles of Wrigley Field and role of bringing that energy to the floor when a great attitude. She’s super determined. it comes time to play,” he said. Recently, she’s not playing in the front row, the shores of Lake Michigan. Kevin Johnson “It definitely is a lot to take in, but I In his senior year at OHS, Madrigal, but she nails that back line and does a great a guard, led the Brahmans in scoring (10.8 Okeechobee’s Jaclyn Pearce sets the ball as Elle Thomas gets ready for a kill attempt in a Class 5A job defending. She has a fire that she gets got the hang of things quite fast and it has regional quarterfinal against Archbishop McCarthy on Oct. 21 in Southwest Ranches. been fun,” Madrigal said in an email to ppg) and three-pointers (45). He was one excited and she gets the girls excited. She’s of the main reasons the team compiled a good. I’m glad she’ll be back next year.” The Seminole Tribune. “I have been able to visit parts of the city. I have been to Lake sizzling 49-8 record the past two seasons. Michigan and I have even seen The Bean (a The start of North Park’s season, which 100-ton stainless steel structure shaped like a would normally be in early November, has Pandemic forces further delay for bean and popular with tourists).” been delayed due to the pandemic. The The North Park basketball program has team plays most of its games in Illinois; last a rich history on the court that includes five season it had a few games in Michigan and North American Indigenous Games national titles at the Division III level. Wisconsin. How did a kid who grew up in As for academics, Madrigal initially BY KEVIN JOHNSON participants, volunteers and their families together on beautiful Mi’kmaq lands and planned to be a sports management major and communities will always be at the shores to experience the hospitality the East Okeechobee – population about 5,600 – Senior Editor land in the country’s third largest city with a but now is considering exercise science. forefront of our mind,” said Dale Plett, Coast has to offer, but deeply desire to do The Floridian has been warned about president of the NAIG Council. so with the whole family at the table. We population of 2.6 million? “I ended up in Chicago basically by Chicago’s winter weather and he’s prepared. The council said it will continue to work want to thank everyone for their continued “I have been told about how cold the Seminole athletes will have to wait even with the host committee in Halifax, Nova patience and support as we navigate these getting in contact with the men’s basketball longer before competing in another North coach and later after I researched a little weather can get,” he said, “but it’s okay Scotia, to “determine the most appropriate challenging waters, especially during this because I like the cold weather.” American Indigenous Games. date for delivering the NAIG…” as well time where we have more questions than about the school I wanted to go there,” The pandemic, which first forced the as address age eligibility criteria and team answers,” said Christine Abrams, vice Madrigal said. 2020 Games to be postponed until the selection processes. president of the NAIG Council. summer of 2021, has now pushed the event If or when the Games take place in Usually held every three or four years, back into even further uncertainty. the Halifax area, including Millbrook First NAIG draws thousands of young Native In September, NAIG officials decided to Nation, it is expected to be the largest multi- American and First Nation athletes from FGCU Athletics names Jeremy call off the Games for the summer of 2021, sport and cultural event ever held in Atlantic throughout the U.S. and Canada to compete citing the ongoing Covid-19 global crisis. Canada. in Olympic-style competition that includes Boreland chief diversity and inclusion “This is such an unprecedented time “We understand this decision is difficult more than a dozen sports, such as archery, that we all have been navigating these last for our athletes and participants; however, basketball, softball, swimming, track and six months. There are no more disappointed STAFF REPORT as well as the Minority Leadership Group we are thankful and inspired by the support field, and wrestling. The event is for athletes and the student-athlete body. individuals than those that I have the of our funding partners and supporters, ages 13-19. In recent Games, about 25 to pleasure of calling good colleagues at the “It is an honor to work with our student- including local public health officials,” the 35 Seminoles have represented the tribe on FORT MYERS — Jeremy Boreland, athletes and these standing committees NAIG Council. This wonderful group of NAIG 2020 Host Society said on Twitter. Team Florida. Florida Gulf Coast University’s assistant committed and dedicated individuals - to help FGCU be a leader in each of these “We look forward to working with all of our athletics director for business development, areas,” Boreland said. “Having worked from coast-to-coast have wrestled with this partners to secure a future date soon.” has an additional title. Boreland will also decision, but the safety for all our athletes, with both the committee groups and then “We are truly excited to all come serve as the Eagles’ chief diversity and witnessing what our student-athletes want inclusion officer, the school announced Oct. to accomplish to make the community better 7. for all is inspiring and humbling.” “Jeremy has done a phenomenal job This marks the sixth year for Boreland at Trailblazers uniforms honor tribal nations in taking a leadership role for us focusing FGCU after joining the department in 2015. on diversity and inclusion initiatives,” said He was most recently elevated to Assistant FROM NBA.COM as acknowledging and honoring the tribal Native American Youth and Family Center Ken Kavanagh, FGCU director of athletics. AD for Business Development in July 2019. nations throughout what is now considered (NAYA), a Portland-area nonprofit working “He has created strong relationships with Before joining the Eagles, the native of Oregon who have called this land their home to enhance the diverse strengths of Native student-athletes, coaches and staff which Miami worked for six years with the Georgia The Portland Trail Blazers are the latest from the beginning.” youth and families through cultural identity helps us understand and enhance what we do State Athletics Department (2010-2015) and team to reveal a new uniform design for the With “Oregon” stitched across the chest and education.” in terms of not only diversity and inclusion for two years with the Florida State Seminole 2020-21 NBA season. of the uniform in an iconic font, the earth More details about the uniform are efforts but also social justice and equality ISP Sports Network (2008-10) The Blazers unveiled Oct. 29 their Nike tone colors were chosen to represent the, available on Blazers.com. projects that we hope will have long-lasting He is a 2010 graduate of Florida State City Edition design, which pays homage to “beautiful landscape of Oregon.” positive effects.” with a degree in sports management and a the team’s home state of Oregon. According In addition, the Blazers and their jersey- Boreland will serve as the point person minor in business. He received his master’s to the team, “the uniform celebrates the sponsor Biofreeze will, “donate a portion for coordination between the Athletics degree in sports business administration unique beauty of Oregon’s landscape as well of the net proceeds from jersey sales to the Diversity and Inclusion Committee (ADIC) from Georgia State in 2012. 6B • The Seminole Tribune • October 30, 2020 Following her milestone, Madison Hammond wants to Clewiston Golf Course renamed in inspire next generation of Native American athletes honor of former U.S. Sugar leader

BY STEVE HAMLIN When you see people like you, with your STAFF REPORT of U.S. Sugar. “He is missed, and it is good NWSL.COM similar story, doing what you want to do – to see his life and legacy memorialized at his favorite golf course that now bears his you know it’s an attainable goal.” CLEWISTON — Clewiston Golf A member of Hammond’s family did, name.” Editor’s note: Madison Hammond Course has added to its name. Fairbanks served as president and CEO however, make waves as a professional During a ceremony Sept. 15, the public became the first Native American to play in athlete. Her uncle, Notah Begay III, was a of U.S. Sugar from 1987 until his retirement the National Women’s Soccer League earlier 18-hole venue was renamed and dedicated in 2000. He was known for his passion four time PGA Tour Champion and NCAA in honor of a former U.S. Sugar executive. this fall. This story is from the league’s Champion at Stanford, alongside Tiger for sports and his love of the Clewiston website. The course is now known as the J. Nelson community. An annual golf tournament Woods. However, it’s Begay’s time in Europe Fairbanks Clewiston Golf Couse. and the developmental tour that Hammond in his name helped raise $316,000 for the Ask Madison Hammond about the Fall Company and city officials gathered course and city recreation programs. admires most. at the course to make the announcement in Series, and there is an undeniable pride in “His story shows how patience and “Nelson was a man of faith and his love her voice, an acknowledgement of her place Fairbanks’ memory. of his family and community shined through hard work pays off,” said Hammond. “There “From his involvement in his church, in league history. But, there is also a sense of are days when I come home from training during his time in leadership at U.S. Sugar,” responsibility. local charitable organizations, and the said Mali Gardner, mayor of Clewiston. “The frustrated and I’m reminded of his journey. Clewiston Golf Course, Nelson Fairbanks Hammond is a first – but wants to make He had to go to Europe before playing in City of Clewiston appreciates the support he sure she is not the last. fully embraced the Clewiston community,” generated for our local golf course, which we the PGA – yet he was still so successful. said Robert H. Buker, Jr., president and CEO “Representation is just so important He really is such a grounding presence who are proud to dedicate in his honor.” across the board,” said Hammond. gets what it’s like. Having that first-hand “Especially in this league – I think that we’ve experience of what it’s like to really be a true Twitter U.S. Sugar done a lot of good work in the past year, but competitor is going to help me so much in Madison Hammond From left, Clewiston there’s always room to keep growing. How my career.” City Commissioners many different ways can we get more Native After going undrafted and trialing different types of people recognizing you. Julio Rodriguez and American players to be inspired? I hope that in Spain, Hammond joined OL Reign in It’s so important for those who get ahead Melanie McGahee, U.S. I can just be a face for them to recognize, and Montana for preseason ahead of the club’s to try and keep pulling along those that are Sugar President and they can see themselves in me.” Challenge Cup run. While she ended the Fall behind them. It creates a chain reaction of CEO Robert H. Buker Hammond, who is Navajo, San Felipe Series with two consecutive starts, the Wake women supporting women, and it’s special.” and Mayor Mali Gardner Pueblo, and African American, moved away Forest alum made her debut on September However, it wasn’t the attention of the attend the re-naming from her native Albuquerque, New Mexico, 26th in Utah. While Hammond admits she stars that meant the most to Hammond – it ceremony Sept. 15 at at age nine and spent most of her formative probably had “one thousand thoughts” was fellow Native Americans and residents Clewiston Golf Course. years in Virginia. In a majority white entering the field, she did recognize the of Albuquerque reacting to her appearance community, connecting to a heritage that weight of the moment. on Men in Blazers. requires physical presence was difficult for “I did have a moment of ‘wow, I am the While she hadn’t Hammond – who took up learning the San first of me to step on this field.’ It was brief, seen it as a child, Felipe language, Keres, with her mother. and I smiled to myself,” said Hammond. “I the next generation “When Billie Jean King said ‘you have thought of my Mom and sister, who were at of Native American to see it, to be it’ – you can’t put it better than the game. It was special for me because, with girls had – even for that,” said Hammond. “Growing up, I didn’t. Covid, it was never guaranteed for them to a brief moment – Theodore Nelson Sr. For me, it wasn’t a barrier that I didn’t see see my debut. I should have only thought seen someone like Native American representation – but I think about the game, but I thought about them. It them do what they Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW5813, Indian Child Welfare that it would have been helpful to see that. was very special.” want to do. Around her “That was the Consultant-Expert, Board Member National Indian Child Welfare debut, Hammond most moving wave Association, Licensed and Insured, Seminole Health Plan Provider has caught the of attention,” said attention of actress Hammond. “People Gabrielle Union leaving comments Are you unhappy with your current counseling/child welfare services? and tennis legend saying “we’re Billie Jean King – Native American Now there are alternative services for you and your family. Philosophically, with both sending too” – from all these congratulatory different tribes. we all have difficulty balancing social life, culture, health, substance use/ messages to the For me, that’s young defender on really meaningful abuse, self-esteem, sense of belonging, emotions, our hopes and dreams. social media. because they might “As an athlete, have young girls you’re taught not to who play soccer, search for external and for them to be I offer 20 years of professional experience as a qualified therapist working validation – but able to say ‘look, to get validation there’s somebody with children, teens and adults in a confidential, private setting in your from those two, like you doing what it definitely you want to do it’ home or my office. I am available for individual counseling, dependency/ feels good,” said – that was just the Hammond. “It’s best part of it.” custody cases and tribal court; services are available for all reservations. nice to see people NWSL with platforms that touch so many Madison Hammond in action during a NWSL game this fall. Office: (754) 215-3113 6528 Osceola Circle, Hollywood, Florida 33024

Are You a Small Business Owner?

Broward County Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)

PUBLIC NOTICE ESTABLISHMENT OF BROWARD COUNTY’S OVERALL TRIENNIAL ACDBE GOAL FOR OCTOBER 1, 2020 THRU SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 (FY 2021-2023)

Broward County is proposing a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACD- BE) Non-Car Rental Goal of 23.3% and a Car-Rental Goal of 2% for federally funded Aviation Department contracts and projects. Getting certified with the Broward County Office of Due to the outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) provides local small businesses with increased access (COVID-19) the goal methodology may be requested for review until to participate in County procurement opportunities. November 14th. Broward County will accept comments on the ACDBE • Small Business Enterprise (SBE) st th goal for 45 days from October 1 (until November 14 ). • County Business Enterprise (CBE) • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) • Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Send all requests and comments to James Vose, Small Business Devel- opment Specialist, by e-mail [email protected], or by fax at 954-357- Certification in these programs provides a gate- way to other OESBD services that support the 7776. growth and sustainability of Broward County’s business community. Office of Economic and Small Business Development 954-357-6400 | Broward.org/EconDev To learn more, call or visit: 115 S Andrews Ave., Room A680 | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-357-6400 | Broward.org/EconDev @BCOESBD Broward County OESBD

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