DOCSLIB.ORG

October 30 2020 Seminole Tribune

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
October 30 2020 Seminole Tribune 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.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Brighton Incentive Awards Shelby Osceola
    Golfers Putt Around Big Cypress Indian Day Senior Bowling Big Shot goes for the hole in one. Story below. Annie Jumper goes for a strike. page 10 page 9 Presort Standard U.S. Postage Paid Lake Placid FL Permit No. 128 “Voice of the Unconquered” 50¢ www.seminoletribe.com Volume XXII • Number 13 October 19, 2001 Brighton Incentive Awards By Michael James Dyer was the first teacher chosen BRIGHTON — On September from Florida for the Disney’s National 21, Tribal students were awarded for their American Teacher’s Awards, and one of hard work and achievements at the annual three from across the United States to be By Janice Billie Incentive Awards program, held under the chosen as a finalist. In addition to being a BIG CYPRESS — The oak trees outside the Brighton Education recipient of the award, she has served many Big Cypress Community Building. twice on the Board for Disney’s Institute members who came out to celebrate Several last minute develop- on Education. Indian Day did not let a steady driz- ments kept the scheduled keynote speak- In her speech, Mrs. Dyer talked zle of rain dampen their spirits or er, Patrick Smith, and Tribal Officials about her experiences as a tutor of the enthusiasm. from attending the program. Seminole students for the past 16 years. Hosted at the new and Mr. Smith, author of “Forever Initially, she tutored students of all ages at improved Big Cypress Community Island” and other acclaimed novels, was the Education Building on the reservation. Center, formerly known as the Youth unable to appear due to illness.
    [Show full text]
  • Winter 2002 (PDF)
    CIVILRIGHTS WINTER 2002 JOURNAL ALSO INSIDE: EQUATIONS: AN INTERVIEW WITH BOB MOSES FLYING HISTORY AS SENTIMENTAL EDUCATION WHILE WHERE ARE YOU REALLY FROM? ASIAN AMERICANS AND THE PERPETUAL FOREIGNER SYNDROME ARAB MANAGING THE DIVERSITY Lessons from the Racial REVOLUTION: BEST PRACTICES FOR 21ST CENTURY BUSINESS Profiling Controversy U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS CIVILRIGHTS WINTER 2002 JOURNAL The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency first established by Congress in 1957. It is directed to: • Investigate complaints alleging that citizens are being deprived of their right to Acting Chief vote by reason of their race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, Terri A. Dickerson or by reason of fraudulent practices; • Study and collect information relating to discrimination or a denial of equal Managing Editor protection of the laws under the Constitution because of race, color, religion, sex, David Aronson age, disability, or national origin, or in the administration of justice; Copy Editor • Appraise federal laws and policies with respect to discrimination or denial of equal Dawn Sweet protection of the laws because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or in the administration of justice; Editorial Staff • Serve as a national clearinghouse for information in respect to discrimination or Monique Dennis-Elmore denial of equal protection of the laws because of race, color, religion, sex, age, Latrice Foshee disability, or national origin; Mireille Zieseniss • Submit reports, findings, and recommendations to the President and Congress; • Issue public service announcements to discourage discrimination or denial of equal Interns protection of the laws. Megan Gustafson Anastasia Ludden In furtherance of its fact-finding duties, the Commission may hold hearings and issue Travis McClain subpoenas for the production of documents and the attendance of witnesses.
    [Show full text]
  • Challenge Bowl 2020
    Sponsored by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Challenge Bowl 2020 High School Study Guide Sponsored by the Challenge Bowl 2020 Muscogee (Creek) Nation Table of Contents A Struggle To Survive ................................................................................................................................ 3-4 1. Muscogee History ......................................................................................................... 5-30 2. Muscogee Forced Removal ........................................................................................... 31-50 3. Muscogee Customs & Traditions .................................................................................. 51-62 4. Branches of Government .............................................................................................. 63-76 5. Muscogee Royalty ........................................................................................................ 77-79 6. Muscogee (Creek) Nation Seal ...................................................................................... 80-81 7. Belvin Hill Scholarship .................................................................................................. 82-83 8. Wilbur Chebon Gouge Honors Team ............................................................................. 84-85 9. Chronicles of Oklahoma ............................................................................................... 86-97 10. Legends & Stories ......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • T H E N Ava J O N at I O N
    T H E N AVA J O N AT I O N JONATHAN NEZ | PRESIDENT MYRON LIZER | VICE PRESIDENT Welcome to the Navajo Nation Business Regulatory, Business Source Listing Application. All documents for application are located in this document. Please read through the application thoroughly and follow the instructions for filling out each page. To submit applications by email: [email protected] To mail applications: Business Regulatory, Division of Economic Development PO Box 663 Window Rock, Arizona 86515 To drop off applications: Karigan Professional Building 100 Taylor Road St. Michaels, Arizona 86511 Questions? [email protected] 928.871.6544 DIVISION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | BUSINESS REGULATORY DEPARTMENT POST OFFICE BOX 663 · WINDOW ROCK, AZ 86515 PHONE: (928) 871-6714 · FAX: (928) 871-7381 UPDATED: 08/13/2020 www.NavajoEconomy.org T H E N AVA J O N AT I O N JONATHAN NEZ | PRESIDENT MYRON LIZER | VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION APPLICATION TYPE: □ Application A: Construction Contracting □ General Contractor Lic.#______________________ Class:_____________ □ Special Trades Lic.#______________________ □ Subcontractor □ Application B: Professional □ Supplier □ DOCUMENTATION:Professional Services □ Proof of EIN or Social Security Number □ List of Past Projects/Work □ Duties & Responsibilities of Owner(s) or Highest Echelon □ Certificate of Indian Blood PROCUREMENT ITEMS: YES NO Are you a Veteran? Do you have a current Navajo Nation Business Site Lease? Do you have an outstanding loan with the Navajo Nation?
    [Show full text]
  • 2001 Seminole Princess Pageant Ing Florida Seminole Impact of Encroaching Family
    Tampa 2012 Diabetes Prevention Randolph Clay Pool Olympic Committee In Search Summer Circuit Of A Host City for 2012 page 5 page 8 page 9 Presort Standard U.S. Postage Paid Lake Placid FL Permit No. 128 “Voice of the Unconquered” 50¢ www.seminoletribe.com Volume XXII • Number 12 September 7, 2001 Tribal Ambassador Receives Doctorate Back (L-R): Mrs. Joann Henry, Joe Dan, Jo-lin. Front (L-R): Courtney and Joseph Osceola. Submitted by Joe Dan Osceola Represented all Native GEORGETOWN, KY— On Americans in health care programs. May 12, Georgetown College conferred Served on the Florida Governor’s an honorary doctorate degree upon Council on Indian Affairs under three Seminole Tribal Ambassador, Joe Dan governors. Osceola. Named one of the top 10 young A 1961 graduate of Georgetown Americans by the Junior Chamber of College, Osceola was the first Tribal citi- Commerce. zen to earn a college degree. Since then, In 1998, chosen to represent the he has been instrumental in advancing the Seminole Tribe as Ambassador to the causes of all Native Americans, including world. economics, education, and health care. A letterman in track and cross- Osceola’s accomplishments country at Georgetown College. include: Presently, Osceola owns and Elected President of the operates several businesses, including a Seminole Tribe at age 30, the youngest to construction company. hold the office in any Indian Tribe in Joe Dan is husband to Virginia North America. Osceola and father of Amos Billie, Brian Founder of the United South and Osceola, Gem Osceola, Wade Osceola, Eastern Tribes (USET), a coalition of the Jo-lin Osceola, Mercedes Osceola, Tasha Seminole, Miccosukee, Cherokee, and Osceola, Joseph Osceola, Jo Jo Osceola, Choctaw Tribes.
    [Show full text]
  • OPVP Inaugural Newsletter
    Office of the President and Vice President INAUGURAL NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2019 FIRST EDITION IN THIS ISSUE Inauguration Day Page 2 Advocacy for the Navajo People at the Arizona State Capitol Page 3 Proclamation in honor of the late Navajo Code Taker Alfred K. Newman Page 3 Offi ce of the President and Vice President 100 Parkway Meeting with Congressman Tom O’Halleran Page 4 Post Offi ce Box 3440 Window Rock, Arizona 86515 President and Vice President call for an end to the government shutdown Page 4 Phone (928) 871-7000 Fax (928) 871-4025 Honoring the Life of Milton Bluehouse, Sr. Page 5 For the latest news from the Office of the President and Vice President, 2019 Navajo Nation Inauguration Picture Highlights Page 6/7 please visit www.nez-lizer.com Food Drive Flyer Page 8 email [email protected] or find us on Facebook and Twitter. 1 President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer officially take office Joined by their families and thousands of Diné • Division of Community Development Dr. Pearl Yel- citizens during an Inauguration Ceremony held on lowman Tuesday, Jan. 15, Jonathan Nez officially became the • Division of Transportation Executive Director Gar- youngest Navajo Nation President as he and new Vice ret Silversmith President Myron Lizer were administered the oath of • Division of Economic Development Executive Di- office to assume the Navajo Nation Office of the Presi- rector JT Willie dent and Vice President. • Division of Public Safety Executive Director Jesse Navajo Nation First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez Delmar and Second Lady Dottie Lizer stood at their side, as • Navajo Nation Washington Office Executive Direc- Navajo Nation Chief Justice JoAnne B.
    [Show full text]
  • THE WAR of 1812 in CLAY COUNTY, ALABAMA by Don C. East
    THE WAR OF 1812 IN CLAY COUNTY, ALABAMA By Don C. East BACKGROUND The War of 1812 is often referred to as the “Forgotten War.” This conflict was overshadowed by the grand scale of the American Revolutionary War before it and the American Civil War afterwards. We Americans fought two wars with England: the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Put simply, the first of these was a war for our political freedom, while the second was a war for our economic freedom. However, it was a bit more complex than that. In 1812, the British were still smarting from the defeat of their forces and the loss of their colonies to the upstart Americans. Beyond that, the major causes of the war of 1812 were the illegal impressments of our ships’ crewmen on the high seas by the British Navy, Great Britain’s interference with our trade and other trade issues, and the British incitement of the Native Americans to hostilities against the Americans along the western and southeast American frontiers. Another, often overlooked cause of this war was it provided America a timely excuse to eliminate American Indian tribes on their frontiers so that further westward expansion could occur. This was especially true in the case of the Creek Nation in Alabama so that expansion of the American colonies/states could move westward into the Mississippi Territories in the wake of the elimination of the French influence there with the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, and the Spanish influence, with the Pinckney Treaty of 1796. Now the British and the Creek Nation were the only ones standing in the way of America’s destiny of moving the country westward into the Mississippi Territories.
    [Show full text]
  • TNTCX NEWSLETTER Spring 2020 Issue No
    United States Army Corps of Engineers Tribal Nations Technical Center Of Expertise (TNTCX) TNTCX NEWSLETTER Spring 2020 Issue No. 9 Editors: Michael P. Fedoroff and Annie Harrison TNTCX Director’s Message Inside this Issue Welcome back everyone to a new issue of the TNTCX newsletter. Wow, what an incredible Director’s Message spring we’ve faced together. I pray that you and your families have been able to stay safe during the Covid-19 health crisis. As all of you are aware, many of the Native American Page 1 communities with whom we work have not been so lucky. Most tribes have had to take unprecedented measures to protect themselves from this invisible outside threat. As I write Tribal Perspectives this, USACE offices and tribes are just now re-opening their office doors for business. We hope you’ll understand as much of our content this month is playing catch-up from the (Restoring Traditional weeks leading up to our lockdown. Foodways) In this issue’s Tribal Perspectives section, we have a contribution from Ms. Annie Harrison on Page 2-4 the importance of traditional foodways. Our USACE focus this issue is provided by Jeremy Decker on SPD emergency assistance to the Navajo Nation in the face of the Covid-19 outbreak. The TNTCX Update catches up on outreach events from January and February, TNTCX Updates including events partnered with the Institute for Water Resources. As usual, the News and Pages 5-8 Notes section is full of information on coming events, newly released publications, and exciting training opportunities (Most of have been cancelled due to the Pandemic).
    [Show full text]
  • The African American Experience and the Creek
    The African American Experience and the Creek War, 1813-14: An Annotated Bibliography Task Agreement NumberP16AC01696 Under Cooperative Agreement Number P13AC00443 Between The United States Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service Horseshoe Bend National Military Park and Auburn University August 8, 2017 Report Prepared By Kathryn H. Braund Hollifield Professor of Southern History Auburn University Table of Contents Introduction ....................................................................................... 3 Essay on Sources .............................................................................. 4 Annotated Bibliography ............................................................. 38 Manuscript Primary Sources ..................................... 39 Published Primary Sources ........................................ 56 Primary Sources: Internet Databases .................... 78 Newspapers and Periodicals ..................................... 83 Illustrations, Maps, and Photographs .................... 86 Secondary Sources ......................................................... 89 Tertiary Sources .......................................................... 113 Note on Accompanying Documents ................................... 115 2 INTRODUCTION This project sought to identify primary, secondary, and tertiary sources related to the experience of African-Americans prior to, during, and after the Creek War (1813-1814) and the War of 1812. For the period immediately following the Creek War, the project also sought information
    [Show full text]
  • Declaring a State of Emergency Due to the Confirmation of the Covid-19
    EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 001-20 DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO THE CONFIRMATION OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS IN REGIONAL AREAS SURROUNDING THE NAVAJO NATION, CLOSING THE NAVAJO NATION GOVERNMENT OFFICES, AND SUPPORTING THE CLOSURE OF ALL SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES ON THE NAVAJO NATION NAVAJO NATION OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT MARCH 13, 2020 WHEREAS: 1. The President of the Navajo Nation serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Executive Branch of the Navajo Nation government with full authority to conduct, supervise, and coordinate personnel and program matters. 2.N.N.C. §1005 (A); 2. The President shall have the enumerated power of issuing an executive order for the purpose of interpreting, implementing or giving administrative effect to statutes of the Navajo Nation in the manner set forth in such statutes. 2.N.N.C. §1005 (C)(l4); 3. With the concurrence of the President of the Navajo Nation, the Emergency Management Commission shall have the power to declare a state of emergency affecting the Navajo Nation and to obtain, coordinate and oversee assistance, whether in the form of goods, services, equipment, motor vehicles, or personnel, from all Divisions, Departments and Enterprises of the Navajo Nation for use in addressing the requirements of the People in any declared emergency. 2 N.N.C. § 884(B)(1)(3); 4. The Emergency Management Commission declared an emergency due to the confirmation of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in regional areas surrounding the Navajo Nation. 2 N.N.C. § 884(B)(l), See Emergency Management Commission resolution CEM 20-03-11; 5.
    [Show full text]
  • The Navajo Nation
    THE NAVAJO NATION JONATHAN NEZ | PRESIDENT MYRON LIZER | VICE PRESIDENT June 11, 2020 The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Trump, The Navajo Nation looks forward to reopening the Navajo Government in the coming weeks and rebuilding the local economy that has been devastated by the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). As of June 10, 2020, the Navajo Nation has 6,275 confirmed cases and 292 deaths.4 The Navajo Nation has an overwhelming majority of positive cases.5 In fact, the top five infection rates nationwide are Tribal Nations including the Navajo Nation. However, this is due to the aggressive testing we are conducting in our communities. We have tested almost 42,000 Navajo citizens, approximately 20-percent of the population that resides on the Navajo Nation, with 32,899 negative results. Nearly 3,000 individuals have recovered from the virus as well, with reports still pending. To ensure the completion of numerous life-saving infrastructure projects within the statutory expenditure deadline of December 30, 2020 for the tribal set-aside of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) in Title V of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, (CARES Act), the Navajo Nation, as a sovereign nation must be allowed to exercise self-determination by determining the appropriate level of environmental impact review for projects across the Navajo Nation. The process by which projects are reviewed pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process must be streamlined to cut out unnecessary procedures across multiple federal agencies for the immediate construction of critical projects.
    [Show full text]
  • 36-Mile Walk Helps Defend the Sacred Everglades by Danika J
    BULLETIN Serving Immokalee, Ave Maria and Eastern Collier County Vol. 54 No. 1 Thursday, January 7, 2021 36-Mile walk helps defend the Sacred Everglades by Danika J. Fornear Immokalee Bulletin OCHOPEE - Despite having to battle hordes of mosquitoes and blistering feet, a group of concerned citizens from across the state gathered for a 36 mile “Defend the Sacred” prayer walk through the Everglades to bring awareness of their opposition of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to turn over the 404 per- mitting process to the state of Florida. The walk was organized and hosted by Betty Osceola, Houston Cypress, and Garrett Stu- art through the Eco Preservation Project. “EPA is approving the State of Florida’s assumption of dredge and fill permits on all lands state and federal,” explained Osceola, leader of the prayer walk. “EPA is approv- ing for the Federal Agency to hand over permit authority in the Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Also in doing this EPA is allowing the definition of Indian Territory/Country to be re-defined at the objections of the Indian Tribes here in Florida and abroad. In essence under- mining tribal sovereignty and diminishing the size of tribal lands. “This allows the opportunity for more oil pads and roads to get to those oil pads to be built and rip away our resources. This will devastate these lands and waters and Immokalee Bulletin/Danika J. Fornear: A group of prayer walkers travel 36 miles through the Everglades to spread awareness about detrimental changes in See Everglades — Page 2 EPA permitting.
    [Show full text]