Tribal youth attend Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood hosts summer camps in Tampa expands basketball camp EDUCATION v 1B COMMUNITY v 3A SPORTS v 1C

Volume XXXIII • Number 7 July 27, 2012 Seminole veteran Charlie Gopher’s discharge status rectified

BY PETER B. GALLAGHER in denying his family U.S. Army benefits. McCabe Special Projects Reporter recently filed a 32-page appeal (to upgrade Gopher’s discharge) with the U.S. Army. It was quickly denied. ST. PETERSBURG — An administrative “They said the veteran himself had to be there,” decision by the Regional Office of the United States said McCabe, shaking his head at yet another turn of Fourth of July Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has cleared the events. “I jumped on a plane and went to Washington, way for the late Seminole Indian war hero Charlie D.C., walked in and said, ‘How stupid are you people? Steel Gopher to receive the full burial benefits denied Didn’t you read my report? The veteran is dead.’” him and his family for the past 38 years. McCabe, a Vietnam veteran himself, said he has “In the eyes of the VA, Charlie received an no idea how long it will take the U.S. Army to rule. honorable discharge,” said Vietnam Veterans of “It’s very difficult to get the Army to reverse a America (VVA) Bureau Chief Marc McCabe, who decision made so long ago,” he said. spent nearly four years and thousands of miles of travel McCabe works from an office embedded in the St. battling with both the VA and the U.S. Army to reverse Petersburg Regional VA headquarters, but he answers their decision. “Now we just have to wait on the U.S. to no government authority. He travels each week to Army to follow suit.” the Brighton Veteran’s Building to counsel and assist The VA originally decided against Gopher’s appeal Seminole veterans in recovering the benefits owed in early July, and then, reversed their own decision the them – more than $3 million so far. next day without comment. McCabe said fear of the “No group was more mistreated by our military potential intervention of U.S. Congressman C.W. Bill than American Indians after their service,” he said. Young and VA Secretary Gen. Eric Shinseki may have “I’ve got more work than a whole office of people forced Smith’s hand: “There is a lot of validity to that could handle just right here among the Seminoles.” reasoning,” McCabe said. “She was the victim of a two- Rita Gopher McCabe, who was just an infant when frontal attack. Here was The Seminole Tribune asking her father died, approached Marc McCabe (no relation) questions and getting ready to interview Congressman when he began his counseling trips to Brighton. Her Young and there I was on my way to Washington to compelling story about her father gripped him, and he drop this whole case right on Gen. Shinseki’s desk.” dedicated much of his time during the last 18 months Congressman Young is a longtime supporter of to the Gopher case. veterans’ affairs and a member of both the powerful “It all looked like something that just was never Committee on Appropriations and the Appropriations going to be able to happen,” Rita McCabe said. “But Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Marc and his staff are so smart. I know they will not Affairs. He is also Chairman of the Subcommittee on give up. Defense. Gen. Shinseki is a decorated Vietnam veteran “When we finally got my father’s records, all who served during the same years as Gopher and is a the battles he fought and the medals he won, it was survivor of a land mine explosion that blew off part of like a slap in the face the way he was treated. It was his foot. shameful. I felt like this is my dad and if I or my sister “Gen. Shinseki is a Vietnam combat veteran, and don’t do something, the connection to him will just get she knew I could get an audience with him,” McCabe less and less and less.” said. “Congressman Young approves the VA budget. Marc McCabe and the VVA traveled to MacDill The last thing these VA bureaucrats want is the U.S. Air Force Base in Tampa to pick up the medals that Congress and the VA headquarters calling them up.” were awarded – but never given – to Gopher. They are Gopher, an untreated victim of post-traumatic being arranged in a shadow box and will be presented Omar Rodriguez stress disorder, received an other-than-honorable to the family with the flag at a ceremony around The Naples community celebrates the Fourth of July with a beach barbecue. Seminole reservations across Florida discharge in 1974 after numerous desertions that were Veteran’s Day. enjoyed plenty of fun and games in celebration of Independence Day. initially covered up by the Army, which kept confining “At least that is the plan right now. A lot of people him, restoring his status as a Team Leader and returning want to attend from all over the country,” Rita McCabe him to the front lines throughout his nine-year military said. “Hopefully, the Army will have made their F See JULY FOURTH on pages 8 & 9A career. (Read Gopher’s tale on page 7A.) decision by then as well.” Then, the desertions were used against Gopher Senior profile: Rachel Billie

BY JUDY WEEKS dugout canoe to visit cousins deep in the Everglades Freelance Writer when the water was high and the mosquitoes were as thick as clouds in the sky. IMMOKALEE — A pacemaker, artificial knee, During her early years, Rachel’s family moved diabetes and arthritis may have slowed Rachel Billie around a lot following seasonal work in the tourist down, but she is a long way from coming to a stop. camps and fields. They would journey as far north as the Sitting at her sewing machine, this energetic 76-year- Silver Springs attraction in Ocala with Charlie Cypress old recalled how she once sewed to feed her children and then return to Big Cypress and Ochopee in time to and to keep a roof over their heads, but now she sews as work in the vegetable fields. a labor of love to put clothes on the backs of those same “I was small, but I remember my mother and aunts children and their offspring. Creating intricate Seminole teaching me how to put my hair up in the traditional patchwork patterns is a part of her daily therapy. style while we were in Ocala,” Rachel said. “We dressed Rachel was born in the woods a short distance from up every day so that the tourists could come and watch Everglades City near the intersection of U.S. 41 and us as we lived in the village. I used to watch the crowds State Route 29, currently called Carnestown, on May gather around to see Bobby Tiger wrestle alligators 10, 1936. The youngest of five children belonging to when we stayed in Miami. Charlie Billieboy and Annie Billie, she is a member of “We learned to work when we were very young,” the Panther Clan. Rachel continued. “I watched my mother sew and make The 1930s and 40s were a transitional period for baskets. When she would move off to cook and do the Seminole people, and Rachel spent her early years things, I would climb up to her old hand-crank sewing living the traditional camp lifestyle off the land while her machine and try to make stuff. It was fun, and she family adapted to economic, social and environmental encouraged me when she caught me trying to sew.” change. Her father frequently drove the car for Lacking babysitters, whole families went to the Deaconess Harriet Bedell as she made her bimonthly fields, and the youngsters followed their parents up rounds of the camps along the Trail, administering to the and down the rows of tomatoes, learning to pick the sick, teaching the children and helping the women with produce in the fields at Ochopee and near Big Cypress. the production and sale of their crafts. Following the seasons and work, they set up temporary Riding in the old car was always a wonderful camps wherever they went. adventure, but this wasn’t their only transportation. Rachel has vivid memories of trips in her father’s F See RACHEL on page 14A

Christine McCall Beverly Bidney The new bronze statue created in Herman L. Osceola’s likeness was revealed during the rededication ceremony. Big Cypress rededicates Herman L. Osceola Gymnasium BY BEVERLY BIDNEY leaders, the Seminole Police Department (SPD) and Staff Reporter the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard. The program included a ribbon cutting by Osceola’s family, remarks by Tribal dignitaries and a flag presentation BIG CYPRESS — Herman L. Osceola may have to Osceola’s mother, Ruby Osceola. Among those who lived a short life, but he left a long-lasting legacy for the addressed the crowd were Chairman James E. Billie, youth of the Tribe. Before joining the Marine Corps, Big Cypress Councilman Mondo Tiger, Brighton Osceola worked with children who were always happy Councilman Andrew J. Bowers Jr., Big Cypress to see him at the Big Cypress Gymnasium. Board Rep. Joe Frank and former Chairman Mitchell After renovations, the Herman L. Osceola Cypress. Gymnasium in Big Cypress was rededicated in his “Today brings me back to 1984,” Ruby Osceola honor on July 5. A life-size bronze statue of Lance Cpl. said. “He was the smartest son and he always called Osceola now stands in front, watching over the kids as me. I can hear his voice clearly today.” they enter through the doors. Archive photo More than 200 people attended the ceremony, Rachel Billie (child on bottom left) watches as Alice Doctor, Suzie Doctor, Eddie Cypress, Rosie Billie and Annie Tigertail fix including Osceola’s family, Tribal members and F See DEDICATION on page 6A their hair and beadwork at the Silver Springs attraction in Ocala around 1940.

INSIDE: COMMUNITY: A HEALTH: 6A EDUCATION: B SPORTS: C ANNOUNCEMENTS: 3C 2A • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012

Seminoles are good neighbors

• Tony Sanchez Jr. thing to do. especially, need to understand we are look at us as a bunch of greedy individuals. naturally wonder, “What are they doing?” In the societies where we live, people not just a sovereign nation. We are their Nothing is further from the truth. and make a visit to talk with us. But human need to understand we are good neighbors. neighbors. We have been here hundreds and I attended the Florida Cattlemen’s nature being what it is, most will not. Many he perception We are concerned about the welfare of our hundreds of years, and we are always going Association banquet a few weeks back. will react with a level of skepticism to what Tof the Seminole neighbors. We just need to do a better job to be here. Give them some background on They showed a video that included Gov. they perceive. But if we do not put anything Tribe of Florida, of letting the outside community understand who the Seminoles are and what we do for Scott. Now, you might think, “What does he out there contrary to the misinformation what others think, that. the state. know about cattle? Nothing!” But, the video they are hearing or spreading, then shame should be of great Our gaming facilities – in fact, all of Think about it. When the gaming issue showed he was on a fact-finding mission on us! concern to all of our economic ventures – are strictly for the comes up, for example, and we hear there and spent some time on one of the state’s When I was working at Immokalee, us. What does the purpose of self-sufficiency, to not rely on may be a referendum item on the ballot largest ranches. Just to get an idea how it all I once scheduled a staff meeting at our average non-Indian government subsidies, to be one less group to expand the scope of gaming in Florida, works. That ranch took him in and educated new building. When everyone was there I know about our the government has to be concerned about, shouldn’t we make sure that people who him. They knew there was legislation said, “I’ll bet you are wondering why we Tribe? They all freeing those funds for other purposes. Over enter the booth can make an informed coming up regarding land use, water rights, are meeting here instead of our regular know about the the years, that has been the foundation of decision? They should understand that our fertilizers, precautions regarding building, conference room, but I want you to Hard Rock casinos our government; from the cattle program of relationship with the state and its citizens pollution, all issues that would be crossing understand what your hard work did for the and hotels, they know about the smoke the 1940s through everything we do today, has existed long before gaming got here. the governor’s desk. Seminole Tribe. You helped the Tribe build shops, a few may even know about our the Seminoles have been industrious and And it is a relationship we want to continue. When he makes his decisions now, this building, and all 3,000-plus Seminoles cattle program. worked for everything we have. The Tribe is very committed to our he will be better informed. Too often our thank you for it.” But when something negative happens, Now, we do have a PR firm, but it seems Gaming Compact, and we remain very legislators base their decisions on very I wanted them to understand that we everyone in the world will suddenly know like it’s only run to react to something, current with our payments to the state. And little information. Shame on us for not aren’t a Trump or a Caesars or a Harrah’s, about it. Every negative incident that takes an incident or an issue that needs to be that money stays right here in the state. It’s doing our best to educate them. And I am that we are a group of people who appreciate place in our gaming facilities turns up in the addressed that affects us in some fashion. I not shipped out to another state or country. talking about not only our state legislators, what they do. I couldn’t think of a better newspapers, you hear it on the radio, you believe we need to go beyond that. Not just And, of course, as the Tribe’s revenue but our local leaders as well, the mayors way to get that message across. see it all over the Internet. Most of the time, react, but reach out. increases, the state’s share continues to and city commissioners. Everyone needs The reality is we are not necessarily it is reported and discussed by people who For every negative story written about increase. It’s a very positive relationship. to understand who we are. We can’t reach happy about bad things that happened have a flawed perception of the Seminole us, we need to generate two or three positive The number of jobs we create has a them all today. But we need to start that to Seminoles long before any of us were Tribe. We need to do a much better job stories. We need to reach out to The Miami very positive economic impact to our local outreach. born. We can’t change that. We can’t sit letting people know about our positive side. Herald, the Sun Sentinel. Why, look at the communities. We want to continue to add to When the Seminole Tribe acquires around and feel sorry for ourselves. We Our charitable work is a good example. St. Pete Times and how quick they were to that economy. We are very concerned about properties in other parts of the state, we try to operate within the borders of the We assist significantly such organizations jump on the negative. Let’s tell those folks our neighbors outside our boundaries. This need those communities to know who regulations and policies that govern us, but as the Alonzo Mourning Foundation, about the positives and see how they react. is not a one-sided relationship – it benefits we are. It seems as if every time people at the same time we want the citizens of the Wade’s World Foundation, the Jason Taylor I seem to remember a long time ago, both parties. hear the Seminoles are coming to a new state of Florida to understand we are their Foundation and many more too numerous maybe 10-plus years or so, the Tribe initiated We cannot pretend. In order for us neighborhood the neighbors are afraid they neighbors. to name – all charitable causes to which we a proactive PR policy. I remember it seemed to maintain these relationships, we can’t will wake up one morning and see some are major contributors. Make no mistake to work; we were all over the place, spots pretend we are invisible. We have to show huge tower, a huge gaming facility, right about it, it has never been our practice to on TV and all. And then it just went away. I who we are, what we do, what we do with our in their backyard. Who is telling them the Tony Sanchez Jr. is President of the look for praise or advertise our generosity don’t know what happened. Maybe we need revenue, the services we provide to Tribal truth? Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc. to the community. That’s not why we get to bring that back. members – the politicians, especially, need We have to reach out. There will be a involved. We do it because it is the right The state of Florida and its citizens, to know all that. Too often I am afraid they few people who just out of curiosity will

Now it’s the Army’s turn Tribal Council convenes

he first time Marc McCabe spoke Tto Seminole Tribal member Rita for special meeting McCabe, he found they had more in common than just their last names. Both had fathers who were valiant U.S. Army soldiers who died as a result of the Vietnam Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation War. Resolution: Modification one of But there was a glaring difference: homesite lease HL-1009 for Amos Tiger – Marc’s father, Sgt. Maj. Patrick J. McCabe, Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation died on the battlefield in 1968, the same Resolution: Assignment of homesite year his son enlisted. Rita’s father, demoted lease HL-3143 to Carlene Osceola – Sgt. Charlie Steel Gopher, died at home in Hollywood Seminole Indian Reservation Brighton in 1974, two months after he was Resolution: Renewal of Tribal officially discharged from the Army. Rita revocable permit between Seminole Tribe was not yet 2 years old. of Florida (permittor) and Gem Thorpe Rita and Marc first met 18 months Osceola (permittee) for Seminole business ago at the Florida Seminoles Veteran’s compound unit two – Hollywood Seminole Building, where Marc, as Bureau Chief for Indian Reservation the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Resolution: Renewal of Tribal was counseling Seminole vets, many of revocable permit between Seminole Tribe whom had been denied proper benefits. of Florida (permittor) and Henry Samuel The more Seminoles he talked with, the Nelson Jr. (permittee) for Seminole more disturbed he became, coming to this Peter B. Gallagher BY CAMELLIA SMITH-OSCEOLA business compound unit one – Hollywood conclusion: “No veterans have been more Marc McCabe is the VVA Regional Bureau Chief lead investigator on the Charlie Steel Gopher case. Editor in Chief Seminole Indian Reservation abused by the military system than the Resolution: Renewal of Tribal Native Americans.” careless U.S. Army Commanding Officers of the VVA. BRIGHTON — The Tribal Council revocable permit between Seminole But after piecing together the (COs) kept the obviously mentally ill Hopefully, the U.S. Army will follow convened on June 8 at the Veteran’s Tribe of Florida (permittor) and Melissa compelling story of Charlie Gopher from soldier on a treadmill from jail to front suit, admit its abuse of this heroic soldier Building on the Brighton Seminole Indian Joy DeMayo D/B/A Lawnboyz, LLC dusty military records, the personal accounts lines to jail to front lines numerous times, and officially upgrade his discharge to Reservation. An announcement was made (permittee) for Seminole business of Rita, sister Carla, mother Louise, aunt reinstating him as Team Leader each time honorable, where it belongs. And for God’s by principal Brian Greseth of the Pemayetv compound unit six – Hollywood Seminole Beulah and battlefield narratives from the super soldier returned from his serial sake, U.S. Army, give the man the Purple Emahakv Charter School in Brighton on Indian Reservation soldiers who served in his battalions, Marc AWOL episodes. Heart you denied him so many years ago. how well the students did on their FCAT Resolution: Renewal of Tribal was astounded. No veteran he ever heard “He was worth more to them fighting And since McCabe has done all the work scores this year. revocable permit between Seminole Tribe about suffered more abuse at the hands of the enemy than being treated for his serious for you, Army, try to make your decision James E. Billie, Chairman of the of Florida (permittor) and Mark Steven the U.S. Army than Gopher. mental condition,” said Marc, a former before Veteran’s Day. Seminole Tribe of Florida, made a comment Osceola (permittee) for Seminole business “It’s a crime what they did to one of the Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsman who “It brings so much sadness over about addressing, in the near future, the compound unit 12 – Hollywood Seminole heroes of this country,” he said, anger rising was wounded in Vietnam. “We have me when I think of my father’s death,” quality of the buses used to transport Indian Reservation as he spoke. eyewitness accounts of a serious head injury wrote Rita in a letter that is part of a 32- students today. Resolution: Issuance of a homesite A fearless Vietnam War soldier, a he suffered. The COs knew something was page package Marc sent to the U.S. Army Forty five resolutions were passed lease to Danny Ingram Billie – Immokalee courageous man credited with saving wrong and they ignored it. All they cared Headquarters with a demand to upgrade on the consent and regular agendas, four Seminole Indian Reservation hundreds of lives who spent nearly every day about was he could still fire that machine Gopher’s discharge, restore all benefits tabled and two withdrawn. Here are a few Resolution: Approval of a Tribal of his service on the front lines of Vietnam’s gun and run through the jungle without to his family and wipe away the shame presented that day: alcoholic beverage license for The Swamp most vicious battles, a paratrooper machine making a sound.” his family, clan and Tribe have carried for Resolution: Issuance of a homesite at Seminole Paradise, LLC – Hollywood gunner whose epic bursts of foxhole fire A professional analysis of Gopher’s decades. “Such a tragic ending to a life that lease to Noemi Ginnie Billie – Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation covered the advances and retreats of entire case by Jacksonville clinical therapist had touched so many people and had so Seminole Indian Reservation Resolution: Service agreement units, Gopher was unceremoniously booted Rhonda Myrick found that in addition to many more lives left to touch.” Resolution: Issuance of a homesite between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and out of the Army and back to Brighton PTSD, Gopher had suffered a traumatic Finally, our highest respect and lease to Alec Darian Cypress – Big Cypress Mateu Architecture Inc. (consultant) where with the shame of an other-than-honorable brain injury during battle. His PTSD appreciation for the many months Seminole Indian Reservation the basis of payment is a fixed price for discharge. markers included alcohol abuse, migraine of grueling research and hours spent Resolution: Assignment of homesite the architectural and engineering services They tore away his rank, took away headaches, continued desertions, crashing through the jungle of U.S. Army lease HL-2287 to Danielle Janine Jumper- for their quested design and construction his benefits, told him he was through and insubordination and isolationism. bureaucracy by Marc and his staff to bring Frye – Big Cypress Seminole Indian administration services for the Tamiami watched him walk away. Then, four years “Had the Army early on provided justice and honor to Gopher at long last. Reservation Trail community and office building located later, the Army sent two truckloads of counseling and proper remands, this soldier Also, for the yeoman’s job he and the VVA Resolution: Occupancy and use of at 57257 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, Fla. Military Police to Brighton to arrest Gopher more than likely would be still alive today,” have performed for Seminole veterans, land by the Big Cypress Council Office for Resolution: Delegation of 20- one more time. Just so they could kick him the report concluded. who have received more than $3 million in a public practice golf course/driving range day trespass hearing to Tribal Council out again. Officially. Thankfully, the move to right the denied benefits in the past 18 months. – Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation representative for the respective reservation Two months later, he hung himself. Army’s wrongs has begun. The U.S. “I don’t give up,” Marc said. You can Resolution: Occupancy and use of Resolution: Approval of the His family got no flag, no Vietnam Department of Veterans Affairs should almost see Charlie Gopher firing from a land by the Seminole Tribe of Florida Seminole Tribe of Florida policy regarding headstone, no salute, no thanks, no nothing. be applauded for its courage in granting foxhole in his mind. “If you’re right, you Housing Department for phase one of the the pledging of a minor’s per capita Gopher’s crime? Untreated post- Gopher the burial benefits denied 38 years can’t give up. You fight until you win.” Eloise Osceola town home rental project – distributions traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ago. And all those medals Gopher earned Seminole warriors and their families Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation A Seminole Tribune review of Gopher’s will finally be brought to his family in can feel secure. Marc McCabe is on watch. Resolution: Assignment of homesite bizarre military tour of duty revealed that Brighton in a shadow box display courtesy – Peter B. Gallagher lease HL-1237 to Mary Edith Huff –

The Seminole Tribune The following deadlines apply to all Advertising: Publisher: James E. Billie If you would like to request a reporter or is a member of the submissions to The Seminole Tribune: would like to submit an article, birthday Advertising rates along with sizes and other Editor in Chief: Camellia Osceola Native American Journalists Association. information may be downloaded from the [email protected] wish or poem, please contact Issue: Aug. 31, 2012 Senior Editor Brett Daly at Letters/emails to the editor must be signed Deadline: Aug. 15, 2012 Internet at: Senior Editor: Brett Daly 954-985-5702, ext. 10725 and may be edited for publication. • www.SeminoleTribune.org/Advertise [email protected] Or by fax at 954-965-2937 Issue: Sept. 28, 2012 Copy Editor: Kathryn Stolarz Subscription rate is $35 per year by mail. Deadline: Sept. 12, 2012 Postmaster: © 2012 Seminole Tribe of Florida Make checks payable to The Seminole • Please send address changes to Staff Reporters: Tribune, 3560 N. State Rd. 7, Hollywood, Issue: Oct. 26, 2012 Andrea Holata, Peter B. Gallagher, FL 33021 Deadline: Oct. 10, 2012 The Seminole Tribune Beverly Bidney Phone: 954-985-5702 3560 N. State Road 7 Contributors: Fax: 954-965-2937 Please note: Submissions that come past Hollywood, FL 33021 Judy Weeks, Rachel Buxton, Omar Or subscribe online at deadline will be posted in the Rodriguez, Raevin Frank, Janay Cypress, www.SeminoleTribune.org following issue. Braudie Blais-Billie, Christine McCall 3A • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012

4-H hosts end-of-the-year banquet

Braudie Blais-Billie Tribal seniors put on doll-making and palm-fiber-harvesting demonstrations for youth. Hollywood Reservation holds Community Culture Open House

BY BRAUDIE BLAIS-BILLIE Mabel Osceola held her own demonstration Contributing Writer of how to harvest palm fibers from a palm tree. Using a small hatchet, she showed HOLLYWOOD — In a room that onlookers which pieces to use and which Andrea Holata smelled of wood and frybread, Tribal seniors techniques to employ. Osceola then gave The New Sensation Horse Club members show off their awards during the 4-H banquet held on June 26 in Brighton. and youth gathered to celebrate Seminole a brief history on how for generations culture. It was the Hollywood Culture before her, Indian dolls were made and sold Department’s Community Culture Open during times of hardship for profit. They BY ANDREA HOLATA things that you learn in 4-H are going to success,” 4-H coordinator Polly Hayes said. House on June 20, and a group of children symbolized Seminoles’ ability to survive. Staff Reporter be useful throughout life,” Johns said. “We all look forward to another great year.” from the reservation’s summer camp “Culture should be kept alive,” Frank “Parliamentary procedure and learning Next year’s show and sale will take came early that morning to visit. Spread said. BRIGHTON — To end a year of about government are going to be useful life place in Brighton in conjunction with around the room were sewing machines, Frank aims to inspire the youth to responsibility and hard work, Tribal 4-Hers skills, so don’t take it for granted.” Brighton Field Day from Feb. 10-12, Hayes patchwork, beads, a carving station, Indian be curious, ask questions and discover were rewarded with a banquet on June 26 at Cattle owners and swine producers said. There will be new restrooms and a new dolls and baskets. themselves in a cultural approach. He the Brighton Veteran’s Building. received plaques for producing the Grand barn for the steers. The event – open to anyone interested believes that passing time doing traditional Family and 4-H Club staff gathered in Champion and Reserved Grand Champion “The 4-H has been overhauling the old in the demonstrations, discussions and activities and speaking with elders are the the auditorium to recognize the youth for steers and swine, and many others received hog farm at Brighton with all-new, quality traditional foods – brought Seminole best ways to get in touch with Seminole their dedication to raising their projects awards throughout the night. show stock,” she said. “4-Hers will be able history into the limelight. Cultural director culture. throughout the 4-H season. Graduating seniors and elected officers to pick out show-quality pigs in November Bobby Frank said he finds it tremendously “Ask seniors how they grew up, to Immokalee 4-H leader Melonie Hamlett were also commended, as well as those to be ready for show in February.” important to raise the youth’s awareness of elaborate on old days,” he said. welcomed the youth on stage to recite the involved with horse club, heifer club, Youth interested in raising steer projects their identity and heritage. The event showcased activities that 4-H Pledge and the Pledge of Allegiance record book, steer, swine and small animals. are encouraged to check with cattle owners. “[This event] is the stepping stone,” he youth were encouraged to participate in, before dinner. Specific recognition was given to those Shipping will begin July 9, Hayes said. said. “We guide them to ask questions.” such as fishing in the Everglades, picking For the awards portion, Hamlett participating in the club for certain lengths For more information and for steer Tribal members ages 6-13 learned the sweetgrass for weaving baskets and introduced former Board Rep. and current of time. contacts, call the 4-H office at 863-763- basics of their native language, Mikasuki, harvesting palm fiber for constructing dolls. cattle director Alex Johns, who thanked the “I am proud of the 4-H staff as they 5020. from LaToyia Stewart (Bird Clan), a Frank said he wishes for the children to learn youth for all their hard work and reminded go beyond their duties from office to teacher for 5- and 6-year-olds at the Culture and understand the process of gaining such taking leadership to go that extra mile for Department. The children learned how important materials – not just what they’re them of the value of 4-H. F See more 4-H photos on page 13A “I didn’t know it at the time, but the the youngsters to make the 4-H program a to say hello, thank you and the Pledge of used for. Such understanding leads the way Allegiance, as well as how to count. Paul toward the goal of the Culture Department: Buster, teacher of 2-year-olds with the to pass on knowledge. Culture Department, spoke with the Tribal “Come over. We’re here,” Frank said as Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki helps Roanoke-Hatteras summer campers about the importance of his ending remark. language. For lunch, Tribal members Myra Among the turquoise beads and Frank, Donna Turtle and Shannon Tiger unfinished baskets, the Seminoles at the Band reconnect with their past cooked frybread, chili and sofkee over an Culture Department wear their culture with open flame. pride. They only hope their future leaders After the children left, Tribal member will do the same. Hard Rock Tampa expands: World’s sixth-largest casino

BY PETER B. GALLAGHER combined and features more than 5,000 Special Projects Reporter slot machines, 110 table games and 50 poker tables. There is even an enclosed TAMPA — There’s something unusual smoke-free slot room with 70 machines. A about the new pool bar at the Seminole new restaurant (there are six on site), Rise, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa. A features American soups, salads, sweets huge window wall stretches behind the bar, and sandwiches made with 10 hearth emitting natural light onto patrons sitting ovens baking specialty artisan breads. The inside at nearby gaming machines. Outside, expansion also includes a new five-story, sunlight bathes a tropical scene of palm 1,300-space Winner’s Way parking garage. trees and margaritas, people in bathing “Those who wonder why we put in suits, some swimming in the pool, others these changes should know that our patrons resting in unique poolside chickee cabanas. requested all this,” Morales said. “They “What is unusual is being in a casino have been asking for more space, more and also being able to see outside,” Hard dining options and more parking.” Rock public relations manager Gina Morales One of the largest employers in Tampa said. “We are one of the only casinos in the Bay, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel world – Las Vegas, Asia, anywhere – that & Casino pays more than $74 million opens up and lets the outside in like this. annually in salaries and wages to local It’s beautiful out there. We are in Florida. team members. The property employs We embrace Florida in all ways.” more than 3,300 people, and the overall Also unique is the clock on the wall expansion project created nearly 1,000 next to the new Rise Kitchen & Bakery. jobs in construction and hospitality, two “You don’t see many clocks in casinos of the hardest hit job sectors in Florida. either,” she said. “But we’re different – in Brett Daly (Hillsborough County’s unemployment rate a real good way. We’ve had a very positive is currently 8.4 percent and remains higher The Seminole Tribe reunites the Roanoke-Hatteras Band with a necklace made by their Tribe in the early 20th century. reaction to our expansion…We are Florida’s than the national unemployment rate of 8.2 ultimate entertainment destination.” percent.) After a $75-million expansion, the BY BRETT DALY model canoe, turtle rattles and masks – and and culture of their ancestors alive. Tampa Hard Rock now sports a casino F See HARD ROCK on page 12A Senior Editor catalogued the items. When Backhouse “Words cannot express my gratitude,” floor that is larger than five football fields researched the pieces, she discovered the she said. “We have lost a lot of our culture, BIG CYPRESS — The Seminole necklace belonged to the Roanoke-Hatteras tradition and heritage. Every time we get Tribe’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum reunited Band. something of our heritage back, it connects the Roanoke-Hatteras Band of North “We decided to deaccession it and us to our past.” Carolina with a piece of their history on reunite it with the Tribe that created it,” she As a token of her appreciation, she July 12 by returning an early 20th-century said. presented Big Cypress Board Rep. Joe shell necklace made by their people. In order for the Museum to deaccession Frank with a shell necklace made by her Museum employees, Seminole Tribal pieces of any collection, they must get Band. members and leaders, and Roanoke- permission from the Tribal Council. “I truly feel our ancestors are pleased,” Hatteras delegates met at the curatorial Backhouse said they require this to ensure she said. building conference room in Big Cypress no piece of Seminole history gets lost. The Museum, which houses more for the exchange. “We are protectors of Seminole cultural than 20,000 archival and artifactual items “It’s very rewarding to do this and history; deaccession is not something we belonging to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, see the necklace find its home,” said Tara do lightly,” she said. “We only do it for a also returned artifacts to the Cherokee Backhouse, Collections manager of the really good reason. We thought it was more and the Catawba Indian Nations last fall. Museum. important to find [the necklace’s] owners.” The Cherokees received seven items, The Museum acquired the necklace Roanoke-Hatteras Council Chairperson including several buffalo fur masks, while in 1997 when it purchased a collection Marilyn Berry Morrison accepted the the Catawba received 26 items, including belonging to Frank Speck, an American necklace on behalf of her Band, which is several ceramic vessels. anthropologist and professor at the affiliated with the Algonquian Indians of “I believe it’s the right thing to do,” University of Pennsylvania who studied North Carolina Inc., a nonprofit organization Rep. Frank said. “The more of the past you Native American Tribes. Backhouse said comprised of people descended from the can retain, the better your future will be.” Peter B. Gallagher they purchased the 200-plus piece collection Roanoke-Hatteras and Mattamuskeet bands for several Seminole artifacts – including a who are committed to keeping the heritage F See more MUSEUM photos on page 4A Pictured is new pool bar at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. 4A • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012 Tribal members register to vote

Beverly Bidney The Osceola Brothers Band performs for the Food Truck crowd. From left, Tyson, 14, Sheldon, 11 and Cameron, 15. Osceola Brothers Band perform at Hard Rock Food Truck Rally

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY got a drum set about a year ago and Tyson picked Beverly Bidney Staff Reporter up the bass at the same time. Led by Cameron, the Tribal Treasurer Michael Tiger holds the sample ballot for the Aug. 14 primary election as Tonya Edwards, Broward County boys have played together ever since. Their younger voter education coordinator, answers his questions. HOLLYWOOD — Food, music, motorcycles brother Theron, 7, is learning to play the keyboard, and classic cars were on the menu at the Miami Food so an expansion of the band may be imminent. Truck Rally held at the Hollywood Seminole Hard “The boys are awesome,” their father, Terry BY BEVERLY BIDNEY on state and federal representatives and senators, Rock Hotel & Casino on July 12. A party atmosphere Tartsah Sr. said, “but they are brothers and they have Staff Reporter precinct addresses and a machine to check individuals’ pervaded the crowds of people wandering among their ups and downs. They also play baseball and are voter statuses. the 20 food trucks while they decided what treats to always very busy with activities.” HOLLYWOOD — With election year in full “I just wanted to do it,” said Ruggy Jumper, who eat. On the main stage, the Osceola Brothers Band A lot of people came out to support the boys, swing, the Broward County Supervisor of Elections registered for the first time. “You can’t say nothing entertained the crowd. including aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Office made it easy for people to register to vote about the outcome if you don’t vote. I thought I’d vote “This event brings people to the Hard Rock “They are just amazing,” the boys’ uncle Steve by bringing the voter registration process to Tribal and see if my judgment is right.” who normally wouldn’t be here,” said Jim Osceola, Osceola said. “They are also great athletes and good Headquarters on July 11. About a dozen new voters Registration is now closed for the primary organizer of the rally. “They follow the food trucks.” kids.” registered, and many others checked their voter status election, but it is still open for the Nov. 6 general The Osceola Brothers Band pleased the crowd Around 2,000 people attended the event, and throughout the day. election. The general election will include president, with a set heavy with classic rock and blues. Lead about 100 motorcycles and 20 cars were on display. “We have done this before,” said Stephen Bowers, U.S. senator and representatives in Congress, as well guitarist and singer Cameron Osceola, 15, wrote an Among the 20 food trucks were The Rolling Stove, Liaison for the Governor’s Council on Indian Affairs. as a host of state and local offices. original song titled No Sunshine, which the band Cheeseburger Baby, ChurroMania, Daddy’s Grill, “It was aimed at Tribal members and employees, but The deadline to register for the November election also performed. Don Mofongo and Fireman Derek’s World Famous it was open to anyone, even a person walking down is Oct. 9. People can register in person at any Broward Brothers Cameron, bass player Tyson, 14, and Pies. The event also included bar stations by Tequila the street. We just wanted to make sure people have County library or Department of Motor Vehicles drummer Sheldon, 11, have played together for Ranch and Renegade. the opportunity to vote.” (DMV) office or by visiting www.browardsoe.org or about a year. As the sun went down over the rally, the aroma The registration table was stocked with sample calling 954-357-7050 for more information. “We all get along and are happy playing,” of food wafted over the crowd, the music played, ballots for the Aug. 14 primary election, information Sheldon said. and it was clear that visitors were having a delightful The brothers’ musical career began when evening out. Cameron learned to play guitar at 9 years old. Sheldon

Beverly Bidney Photo courtesy of Travel Channel Hungry people enjoy the food all evening. Brighton Tribal members pose with Andrew Zimmern during the taping of Bizarre Foods. Bizarre Foods episode featuring Seminole Tribe to air in August

BY BRETT DALY Americans could see, so I am grateful to be able to Senior Editor tell that story in my show,” Zimmern said in an email. Norman Bowers, Chairman James E. Billie’s BRIGHTON — The episode of Bizarre Foods special assistant, helped organize the activities for the taped on the Brighton Reservation will air on the television show. Bowers said he took Zimmern on an Travel Channel on Aug. 27 at 9 p.m. airboat ride to catch mudfish and garfish, which they The show features host Andrew Zimmern slow-cooked over the grill for hours with their “guts journeying across the globe searching for unique and everything.” Despite their unappealing look, if cultures and foods to showcase. Zimmern traveled to prepared properly, Bowers said, the fish taste great. the Brighton Reservation from Dec. 7-8 to experience Bowers enlisted the help of mother, Lorene the traditional Seminole way of life and to sample Gopher; aunt Martha Jones; sister Charlotte Gopher; authentic Seminole foods. The menu for his visit and friend Diane Smith to prepare the food in a included swamp cabbage, turtle soup, frybread and traditional cooking hut on the reservation. Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney guava sofkee. “If you watch the show, this guy travels the Cameron Osceola adjusts the microphone stand on stage. Amy Latchford watches the show with her baby Brayden. “Watching traditional hunting, fishing, trapping world,” Bowers said. “For the Tribe to have the and most importantly, cooking frybread and turtle opportunity to show its traditional foods and show the with the women was one of the most beautiful and world, you can’t pass on it.” F More MUSEUM photos from page 3A fulfilling days of my life and something I wish all

Brett Daly Photo courtesy of Travel Channel Museum Collections manager Tara Backhouse presents Roanoke-Hatteras Council Chairperson Marilyn Berry Morrison Norman Bowers helps serve Andrew Zimmern food during the taping of Bizarre Foods in December. the packaged necklace to bring back to her Tribe. 5A • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012 Jimmie Robert/Jr. Buster Memorial Music Jamboree held in Big Cypress

Atilano Nunez Elgin Jumper poses in front of his art during his artist’s reception on June 22. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum showcases modern art Kathryn Stolarz Linda Beletso smiles with the Florida Blues Brothers at a jamboree in honor of her father, the late Jimmie Robert. BY BRAUDIE BLAIS-BILLIE master, international sculptor Nilda Comas. She Contributing Writer was researching Seminole culture for a life-size BY KATHRYN STOLARZ set up where a chickee on Robert’s camp once stood. He bronze statue of a Seminole girl she’s creating. After Copy Editor played a few more tunes, including a song he wrote for BIG CYPRESS — The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki treating their guests to the exhibits, the staff at the his grandfather, and wished everyone a happy Father’s Museum showcases Seminole life and tradition Museum insisted on viewing Jumper’s paintings and BIG CYPRESS — Linda Beletso remembers Day. through artifacts and historical items spanning featuring them on their Mosaic Art Wall. They were waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of her Big Cypress Tribal youth Natomah Robbins, a more than 300 years. But with the addition of looking for Seminole artists to feature, and Jumper’s father’s guitar as a young girl. He wouldn’t exactly tip- former Seminole Star Search winner, also performed contemporary Seminole artwork, the Museum has creativity was just what they needed. toe home after his evening performances. during the jamboree. She sang songs by Taylor Swift taken a modern twist. “He has amazing direction and amazing variety “He’d come home and he’d still be singing,” the and Adele and ended with the Tribal classic Seminole Tribal member and artist Elgin Jumper has in his work,” curator of exhibits John Moga said. “A Big Cypress Tribal senior said. “He’d wake us up.” Wind. worked on original paintings for seven years. His marvelous facility with color.” She and her siblings would gather around the fire In addition, the Florida Blues Brothers, dressed up oil-based, colorful collection earned him his first Moga described Jumper’s style as cubist on their camp and listen to Jimmie Robert play Hank as Elwood and Jake, arrived in the Bluesmobile and exhibit, “Colorful Warriors” shown as part of the because of his bold use of “an explosion” of colors. Williams songs into the wee hours. I Saw the Light was took to the stage to perform. Afterward, they posed Museum’s Mosaic Art Series from June 8 to July 16. He said he was happy to hear that Jumper went a favorite. for photos, signed autographs and even sang happy “It’s not really just playing around with style or in an entirely new direction with his artwork, mainly On June 16, she stood where those tunes once birthday to Tribal member Lorraine Posada, for whom anything like that,” Jumper said during an artist’s focusing on landscaping. floated through the air, welcoming the crowd to the a cake was brought out. Posada, the granddaughter of reception at the Museum on June 22. “It’s more Fellow Seminole artist and traditional arts seventh annual Jimmie Robert/Jr. Buster Memorial Robert, brought her three children from Immokalee to of a deep, intense investigation of style. Different coordinator Pedro Zepeda has known Jumper for Music Jamboree, while an old black-and-white photo the jamboree. styles to communicate what I feel as an artist [are] years and has seen his work begin as sketches on of her father sat on a table nearby. The final group to take the stage was the Cowbone important.” paper. Zepeda expressed his excitement in seeing About 30 Tribal members came out to commemorate Jr. Band, led by Paul “Chunky” Buster. Despite a few With just one look at his collection, the concept Jumper’s studio art continue to progress. Robert and his cousin Jr. Buster, who played rhythm rain showers, the show went on. Chunky sang a few of “investigating style” is understood. The vibrancy, “[The art show] is a history of my development guitar with Robert since he was a teenager. songs memorializing the musicians and told some abstract nature and boldness on each canvas reflect as an artist,” Jumper said. “They’re both together now in heaven having a stories as well. both tradition and personal flair. The subjects of his Jumper hopes his exhibit inspires others to wonderful time in heaven with Jesus,” Paul “Cowbone” Family and friends from Big Cypress, Hollywood paintings – Seminole people and their community express themselves and try out different styles Buster said in his opening remarks. “I’m sure that and Immokalee enjoyed the show and recalled the days – are brought to light as cultural symbols that also of art, he said. He encourages Tribal members to they’ve got good guitars there. God has the best.” when Jimmie Robert and Jr. Buster entertained with eternalize that culture. participate in the arts, communicate their ideas and Cowbone reminisced of his father’s performances their music. “I’m working for and with the Tribe,” he said. follow their dreams. For himself, contributing to the with Robert, recounting some of their history. “From the stories [my mom] tells, I almost miss “It’s always good to share.” Seminole arts has been the most rewarding decision He then kicked off the day’s musical performances him even though I didn’t get to meet him,” Posada said. Jumper got the opportunity to showcase his he has made so far. with Leaving on a Jet Plane on a small, covered stage “I think he would have been a great grandfather.” work after visiting the Museum with his artistic

Kathryn Stolarz Lorraine Posada, the late Jimmie Robert’s granddaughter, reflects with daughters Lauren, left, and Lindsey.

Kathryn Stolarz Kathryn Stolarz Atilano Nunez Sherrie Robbins sits with daughter Redfeather while Alice Billie Gopher and granddaughter Thomlynn Billie share Attendees view Elgin Jumper’s works of art during the reception at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. daughter Natomah performs at the jamboree. a hug. Thomlynn is the late Jimmie Robert’s granddaughter.

Kathryn Stolarz Paul Buster introduces his son’s band, the Cowbone Jr. Band.

Kathryn Stolarz Kathryn Stolarz Atilano Nunez Big Cypress Tribal youth Natomah Robbins wows the crowd The Florida Blues Brothers arrive in style in their Bluesmobile. Pictured are original works of art Elgin Jumper displayed at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. with her vocals. 6A • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012

Keep the body furnace burning • Paula Bowers-Sanchez

ow many times have we heard that eliminating carbs Hfrom our diet will result in weight loss? Well, studies have shown that drastically cutting carbs, or totally eliminating them, can cut your thyroid function by 50 percent. That’s not good. Your thyroid acts as your metabolic thermostat by releasing hormones that play a major role in regulating both Photo courtesy of Kristine Frank body temperature and the rate of caloric Back row, from left: Marissa Osceola, Ross Zepeda, Corrine Zepeda, Barbara Frank, Joel Frank II and Brian Zepeda. Second row, from left: James Riles, burn. So in order to keep your thyroid Joelli Frank, Nicole Slavik, Martin Slavik, Serena Zepeda, Christina Billie, Brandon Frank, Connie Slavik, Wanda Zepeda and Lee Zepeda. Bottom row, functioning properly, you should keep from left: Aspen Tommie, Briar Tommie and Sandy Osceola. good carbs in your diet. What are good carbs? Good carbs are foods like whole grains, vegetables and beans. Naples starts summer fitness program Another way to keep your metabolism up is by eating small meals every two to furnace, and in order to keep that furnace three hours. The meal should consist of burning, you have to keep the fire going BY CHRISTINE MCCALL and help everyone [get] to their top fitness benefit from. Riles’ philosophy is, “I don’t one protein, one carb or fat (the portion with fuel. Contributing Writer potential,” Frank said. “I lost 12 pounds care what age you are; you should be doing should be about the size of your fist) and Also keep this in mind: The more already, and my blood pressure has gone some form of exercise.” vegetables. Or you can substitute a “meal muscle you have, the more calories you NAPLES — At the start of July, the down.” The Naples community has responded replacement” shake (protein shake) as a will burn (even while you’re sleeping). Naples community began its first summer Meeting three days a week for three-hour enthusiastically. meal. So it’s very important to have some type fitness program with the help of Naples sessions, the fitness program incorporates “We do a whole array of things,” It sounds contradictory, right? But of resistance (weight) training in your assistant Recreation coordinator Joel Frank several activities to keep exercise fun and Tribal youth participant Corrine Zepeda it’s true. You have to eat more frequently weight-loss plan. Jr. and personal trainer James Riles. motivating for all participants. Beginning said. “These fundamental activities keep to lose weight. When you skip meals, Remember, we are only given one The idea came along when parents with stretching, the session continues on us fit over the summer instead of sitting at your metabolism will slow down. So do body, and it’s up to us to keep that body expressed the need to keep the children to speed and agility exercises, then a high- home watching TV. It has been a wonderful not skip meals. By simply eating, you in good running condition. Treat your active during the summer, as well as to impact sport of Muay Thai kickboxing and experience.” stimulate your metabolism by triggering body like a prized possession. And most establish healthy habits for the year. With ends with a game of basketball. With such a great response, the digestion. And every time your body importantly, be mindful of what you’re the help of Frank and months of planning, With the supervision of Riles, the community hopes the summer fitness digests food, you are burning calories. putting in your fuel tank. the program began. fitness program allowed everyone to program will continue to motivate and keep Think of it this way: Your body is a “We want to keep everyone motivated experience exercise at a level they could all the youth active throughout the school year.

Christine McCall Beverly Bidney Osceola family members pose with the bronze statue made in Herman L. Osceola’s likeness. SPD Sgt. Jack Nash speaks to Ruby Osceola after presenting her with the U.S. Marine Corps flag.

came that awful day.” bleachers and a new floor may be added in F DEDICATION Struggling through tears, the Chairman the future, site manager Josh Jumper said. From page 1A recounted the story of the helicopter going The statue in front of the gym was down. created by artists Bradley Cooley and “Even though we lost him, I am still so Bradley Cooley Jr., who have made many In March 1984, Herman L. Osceola proud of him,” he continued. sculptures for the Tribe, including those at was participating in a joint American and The SPD Honor Guard presented Ruby the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Hollywood South Korean military exercise 200 miles Osceola with the U.S. Marine Corps and the Headquarters and Tree Tops Park. Cooley southeast of Seoul when the helicopter he Seminole Tribe of Florida flags and Herman has sculpted for 40 years, and his son joined was in crashed in bad weather. Eighteen L. Osceola’s nephew Bradley Osceola with him about 20 years ago. American and 11 South Korean soldiers the U.S. Marine Corps K-bar fighting knife. Working from four family photographs, perished that night. “It does not take someone dying in creating the 5-foot, 8-inch, 350-pound “Herman was very outgoing and combat to be a hero,” SPD Sergeant Jack sculpture took about nine months. The friendly,” his sister Veldina Osceola said. Nash said. “When you take the oath to artists first sculpted the clay, sending Ruby “He got along with everyone, especially defend this great nation, anyone at any time Osceola updates of the artwork to make sure kids. They were always so happy to see can be called forth to fight. We do it not to the features were accurate. When they and him, and he kept them out of trouble.” be heroes but to protect our way of life.” the Osceola family were pleased with the Chairman Billie served in the U.S. Afterward, Tribal members lined up to likeness, they made a mold of the sculpture Army during the Viet Nam conflict from wish Ruby and Bradley Osceola well. and sent it to a foundry in Colorado to have 1965-1968, and he is well acquainted with “I knew Herman since he was young,” the bronze made. military life. He believes growing up in the Rep. Frank said. “I want to thank his family “We are very proud to work with the swamp helped toughen him up and honed for sharing him with us.” Tribe,” Cooley said. his survival skills. Councilman Tiger shared a message of After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed “Back in the 1980s, this young man respect for him as well. a meal and reminisced about Herman L. Herman talked about joining the military,” “When a young man gives his life for Osceola. the Chairman said. “A few of us were talking his country, it means a lot to us,” he said. “He was younger than me, but we used about how we thought the time was right to “My hat is off to him.” to hang out,” Janice Osceola said. “He encourage kids to join the military. I told The first stage of renovations to the would always do things with the kids; he Herman how wonderful it felt to represent gym included the front exterior, entrance really loved them. Herman was a good man Beverly Bidney the U.S. He joined the Marines. Before he and the statue. The inside entranceway and and lived a good life.” Members of the late Herman L. Osceola’s family and Seminole princesses gather at the rededication left, we had a last drink with him. And then a new roof will be done next, and additional ceremony.

Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney Osceola family members cut the ribbon at the entrance to the Herman L. Osceola Gymnasium. Family members and princesses gather. Chairman James E. Billie addresses the crowd. 7A • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012 Classified Army papers tell Charlie Steel Gopher’s tale

BY PETER B. GALLAGHER A month after walking into the a bonus involved as well. On Nov. 14, 1967, hard labor). Special Projects Reporter Vietnamese swamps, he was promoted to Gopher signed both honorable discharge But on Dec. Specialist E-4 and made Team Leader of his (Convenience of the Government) and re- 19, 1969, the Army ST. PETERSBURG — Personal unit. A month later (Oct. 2, 1966), he and enlistment papers. suspended the hard documents and classified U.S. Army his men fought the Battle of Hoa Hoi, one Years later the Army would deny labor and restored documents that were hidden for more than of the war’s most vicious confrontations. A benefits due to him from the honorable Gopher to full duty as a 38 years piece together the account of month later, his entire unit was awarded the discharge. The reason: He did not serve the Rifleman for Company Charlie Steel Gopher’s military career. The Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary required three years. B, 1st Battalion, 508th documents reveal an astounding timeline heroism in combat actions; Gopher was Two weeks after he re-enlisted, on Infantry. of heroic battlefield service mixed with awarded the Individual Air Medal for Dec. 2, 1967, he walked off his post, absent “There was a war to mysterious desertions, all manipulated by meritorious achievement while participating without leave (AWOL) for the first time. fight and no one could an Army anxious – at all costs – to keep a in aerial flight. He was gone 28 days. There is evidence do it better than Charlie top soldier on the front lines. Gopher never actually received any of he found a flight back to the States and Gopher,” McCabe said. Gopher entered this world on Nov. 7, his medals. went home to Brighton. Then he flew back, “They didn’t want their 1943 in a remote South Florida chickee, There was no time for ceremony. His walked through the jungle and resumed his top fighting machine one of 10 children born to Maude and John unit was dispatched to Kim Son Valley for duty. No explanation. Two days later he pounding rocks in a Henry Gopher. He spent most of his life on what would become, by most accounts, the went AWOL again, this time for eight days. prison yard.” the Brighton Reservation and worked as a most ferocious campaign of the entire war. While he was gone, the Army officially For the next six ranch hand in the Seminole cattle industry. Some 32 American soldiers were killed and declared Gopher a deserter. He would be months, there is no He graduated from Chilocco Indian School 120 wounded by a surprise NVA ambush. arrested on sight. record of any odd in Oklahoma in June of 1965, one month Mike McCoy, who served with Gopher But when he came back, he was behavior on Gopher’s after the first U.S. Army Division left for at that battle, provided the Gopher family restored to full duty and made Team Leader part. Then in June of the Vietnam War. with a colorful narrative portraying Gopher again. The bloody Tet Counteroffensive was 1970, his CO told him During the 10 years of the Vietnam War, as the hero who stayed in his foxhole, about to begin, and they needed Gopher and he was discharged numerous Seminole Indians enlisted for “head popping up and down” and firing his his machine gun out in the field. He won by the Army. Gopher United States military service, more than at weapon to cover soldiers as they retreated to another Combat Infantryman Badge “for left immediately for any other time in the Tribe’s modern history. escape sure death. actions against an armed hostile force in the Brighton, not bothering In fact, American Indians across the country At one point, McCoy said, a grenade Republic of Vietnam.” to pick up his discharge comprised the largest per capita military exploded next to Gopher’s hole. “That’s basically what it was. Charlie papers, as the CO service of any ethnic group – including “I yelled for Charlie but no answer,” was such a great soldier that they were suggested. At least that’s whites and blacks – during the Vietnam era. he said. “Five minutes pass and no Charlie. willing to overlook his other problems,” the story Gopher told Military recruiters, fighting an unpopular I curse a blue streak, and the guys thought Vietnam Veterans of America Bureau Chief an FBI agent nearly draft, concentrated on an impressive cache the [NVA] killed Gopher. No way he could Marc McCabe said. “He was suffering from four years later, when of strong, dedicated Natives more than have taken that blast and lived. We are all post-traumatic stress disorder, and instead the government tracked Archive photo willing to defend their country. fighting like hell and no longer care about of receiving treatment, they sent him back him down at the Rollins Seminole veteran Charlie Steel Gopher’s family will be given the In this regard, Gopher was no different survival. It’s just how many can we kill out to the front lines – the worst possible Ranch where he was medals he never received. than most of his Tribe’s men. He enlisted in before they get us. I stand up to see and start move they could make for a person in working near Brighton. the U.S. Army on Nov. 9, 1965 – five days pounding the gun positions with my M79. Gopher’s condition. In fact, Gopher was so I couldn’t care less if they whack me now. “They used to call it ‘battle fatigue,’ but sincere that the agent decided not to arrest Operation Fish Hook. before Ia Drang, the first battle between He saved the lives of hundreds of the U.S. and the North Vietnamese Army “Suddenly, Charlie pops up, gun it was just not a typical diagnosis back then. him. The agent called the next day and blazing, and we are all elated. He is Whatever. Charlie Gopher was a classic confirmed that Gopher was cleared and American soldiers with his trademark M60 (NVA) – and was shipped off to basic machine gun. Day in and day out, he fired training in Fort Benning, Ga. bleeding from the ears and nose but alive. case; he had all the markers.” would get his official discharge papers soon. No doubt, the concussion had knocked him Five months after the award, Gopher Two weeks later, at 6 a.m. June 3, 1974, that gun from foxholes, hills and jungles It was the beginning of a wild and tragic for hours as return fire bullets and grenades military ride for Gopher, nine years full of out. I believe Charlie’s actions prevented disappeared again. He was demoted back two Army trucks filled with MPs drove up to the NVA from overrunning us and killing to Private and was gone for 78 days, much the ranch and hauled Gopher to jail. A ranch flew by his eyes. incredible heroism and mystery that reflects “He was without a doubt a true the heartrending horror and confusion that us all.” of that time spent in military jail. When he supervisor named Bill Vines wrote a letter Gopher was never the same after that got out (Dec. 10, 1968), he was made Team of complaint (that made it to U.S. Army warrior,” McCoy said. “He could move marked America’s controversial Vietnam through the jungle without a sound. He had experience. Quiet, he kept to himself and, event. The next time his mother saw him, Leader again and sent back out to the front Command headquarters in Washington, “she knew something was wrong. He was lines. Two days later, his team received the D.C.) accusing the Army of harassment. tracking skills that few others could ever friends and family said, never discussed his hope to have.” exploits on the battlefield. different,” said daughter Rita Gopher Presidential Unit Citation for Extraordinary On July 17, 1974, after an Army McCabe, who said her father was never Heroism. Eleven days after that, he was physician examined him and found no Gopher never sought treatment or By all accounts – statements from those claimed any medical condition; after who served with him and the list of medals awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries AWOL for seven days. A month after that, psychiatric issues present, nine years and under enemy fire. he took off for three days and the Army three months after enlisting, Gopher was suffering the concussion at Kim Son, he was he was awarded – Gopher was a powerful back on the ground fighting two days later. fighting machine, a fierce warrior trained Known throughout the Army for his began taking money off his paycheck. But officially discharged from active duty under heroics on the battlefield, Gopher was they made him Team Leader again. other-than-honorable conditions. Military records indicate he said he never in all types of warfare, including hand-to- experienced excessive worry or depression. hand combat. He was known throughout promoted to Sergeant E-5 on Feb. 13, 1967 On May 23, 1968, he left again, this He had served three years, 11 months, and awarded another Air Medal. By this time for 74 days, according to official U.S. 29 days of active duty, almost every day Nearly two months after his discharge, the Army, which kept moving him from at 2 p.m. on Sept. 13, 1974, Gopher hung Vietnam combat unit to Vietnam combat time, there were nearly half a million U.S. Army records. He was declared a deserter of that time on the frontline battlefield troops overseas, an increase from the 60,000 a second time. He was demoted again. But during the most violent battles of the 10- himself at his home in Brighton. His war unit, wherever the danger was greatest and was over. the fighting fierce. He was a paratrooper, an that were there when Gopher enlisted. As the in the middle of his desertion, he showed year Vietnam War. Gopher won the Combat Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III began, back up on the battlefield, they threw him Infantry Badge, two Air Medals with a V, The Army and Veterans Administration M60 machine gunner and spent most of his refused to provide a military funeral. His career as a Team Leader. Three months after he was made Team Leader for Company C, his weapon, made him Team Leader for the Parachutist Badge with three Overseas 3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry. Company A, 3rd Battalion, 50th Infantry Bars, the Vietnam Service Medal with five family was refused all burial benefits, walking off the bus at Fort Benning, he was including the flag and the official Vietnam promoted to Private E-2; two months after After four more months of fighting, and sent him back out to the front lines of Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, his Commanding Officer (CO) called him the Tet 69 Counteroffensive with his team. the National Defense Service Medal and medallion for his headstone in the remote that he was promoted to Private First Class Ortona Cemetery. E-3; and a month after that was awarded the in and offered him a deal. The Army would When they came back from the front, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross give him an honorable discharge after only the Military Police (MPs) were waiting with Palm Leaves. Regiments he led won Gopher was 30 years old. Combat Infantryman Badge. Two months Seven months later, Saigon fell and later, he was airborne to Vietnam with two years, six days service (instead of the for him. He was thrown in the brig for 126 three U.S. Army Presidential Unit Citations required three full years for enlistees) in days (during which time he assaulted three (Battles of Ia Drang/Kim Son, Pleiku and Charlie Gopher’s other war – Vietnam – Company A, 1st Battalion, 12th Calvary of was finally over. the 1st Air Calvary Division – the famed return for his immediate re-enlistment for a soldiers, was demoted all the way back to Hoa Hoi), the Vietnam Civil Action Honor “All the Way Brigade.” six-year term. There was a raise in pay and Private E-1 and sentenced to 60 more days Medal and the Valorous Unit Award for

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Hollywood is all fun and games for July Fourth

BY RAEVIN FRANK Contributing Writer

HOLLYWOOD — On June 30, the Hollywood Reservation celebrated the Fourth of July at the Ball Field. More than 100 Tribal members showed up to the event to celebrate the nation’s independence. Some activities going on included face painting, waterslides, horseshoes and watermelon-eating contests. “I enjoyed the big waterslide the most, and I’m having so much fun,” 7-year-old Nettie Smith said. The event also featured food trucks with custom cupcakes and barbecue dinners. “I preferred the jerk chicken the most,” Tribal member Brooke Osceola said. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a great time. Kids filled up water guns ready to battle, slid down the slides and ate fresh watermelon. Hollywood Board Rep. Chris Osceola reflected on what Fourth of July meant to him at the event. “Family, friends, food and fireworks,” he said. Raevin Frank “Also, just spending time together on a holiday.” Gabrielle Diaz wins the youth watermelon-eating contest Tribal member and Recreation coordinator Leon during Hollywood’s Fourth of July celebration on June 30. Wilcox agreed. “July Fourth to me means hot weather and At the end of the event, many converged to watch Raevin Frank Raevin Frank celebrating Independence Day with your family and the firework display light up the sky. Hailee Osceola, right, and Jennifer Holdiness battle it out at the Hollywood Hollywood youth have some fun with water friends,” he said. Fourth of July celebration. guns.

Raevin Frank Raevin Frank Raevin Frank It’s time for the watermelon race...but you can’t touch it with your hands. Jennie Osceola gets her hand painted during the Fourth of July event. Tribal members get down and dirty in a game of kickball. Fort Pierce focuses on family for Independence Day

Rachel Buxton Rachel Buxton Rachel Buxton The Fort Pierce children entertain the adults with their dancing skills during the community’s Fourth of July party. Fort Pierce Liaison Jane Stockton, left, and daughter Celeste Tammia Tommie is all smiles as she comes down the giant Stockton make the Fourth of July complete with watermelon. waterslide.

BY RACHEL BUXTON Pierce community property manager Kathreen Martinez Freelance Writer said. “So that they could be entertained, and at the same time, it is a hot summer, so we got them a waterslide so FORT PIERCE — The Fort Pierce community they can have fun, snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn.” celebrated the Fourth of July in true American style She said they wanted to create a fun family with a home-cooked barbecue feast held at Chupco environment. Ranch on June 30. Tribal member Shamy Tommie, who can be seen at The definite underlining theme for the celebration all Fort Pierce gatherings, re-emphasized the meaning was simple: family. of not only the Fourth of July celebration but also of all “The overall point of today is definitely family,” Fort Pierce gatherings. Fort Pierce Liaison Jane Stockton said. “Everyone “All you really need is your relatives and friends coming together and it is the Fourth of July and it is and that is what makes your time anyway,” he said. “All something to do, something to do with family. To me, it you need is family and love.” Rachel Buxton is about family.” Tommie, along with his wife, Wanda, provided Shamy Tommie checks on his barbecue ribs. Although Liaison Stockton said they didn’t throw the meal for the Fort Pierce celebration through their their typical Fourth of July party, the community independent catering business, Tomahawk Catering. enjoyed their time together. They served Tommie’s infamous barbecue ribs and And as for the community members who attended, Wanda Tommie’s potato salad with community they could not have agreed more, including Liaison members packing up to-go boxes to enjoy later. Stockton’s daughter, Celeste, who helped out her Following lunch, the adults relaxed under the mother with the Independence Day celebration. chickee, catching up on family and community news. “It doesn’t really matter to me,” she said in regard Exhausted from the slide and ready to dry off, the to having a traditional backyard barbecue. “They (the children put on a dance show for everyone, including children) are having fun, and that is all that matters. As Tribal elder Bessie Tommie. The kids moved to the long as they are having fun, it is fine with me.” music and even got their grandma Liaison Stockton to The kids were entertained with a giant waterslide join in on the dancing fun. that offered hours of fun and refreshment from the “Today was all about getting everyone together – a extreme heat. time to mingle, a time to enjoy each other,” Martinez “The most important part for the event would said. Rachel Buxton Rachel Buxton probably have to be activities for the children,” Fort Jarvis Tommie has some fun on the waterslide. La’Shara Stockton visits her grandmother Bessie Tommie. 9A • The Seminole Tribune •July 27, 2012

Brighton Reservation celebrates Fourth of July

BY ANDREA HOLATA The next day, the community participated in Staff Reporter a 5K walk, kickball tournament and co-ed softball tournament. BRIGHTON — From June 30 through July 4, Then on July 4, the community enjoyed a fun-filled the Brighton community celebrated Independence Day day of activities, including horseshoes, the game closest across the reservation. to the pin, a pie-eating contest, a watermelon roll, tug- Sponsored by the Recreation Department and of-war and cornhole for seniors. the Brighton Council Office, activities were held The children enjoyed face painting, a balloon artist throughout the week to entertain the community. and Italian ice. Activities started on the morning of June 30 with Following all the activities, attendees enjoyed a fishing tournament for the adults and youth. The dinner and a friendly game of bingo while they waited tournament started at 6 a.m., with the final weigh-in at for the sun to go down. 1 p.m. Although it rained sporadically, family, friends With several age categories, everyone had a chance and neighbors ended the day with a beautiful fireworks to win. The categories were based on the biggest catfish, display. mudfish, bass and the total weight of brim/specs caught. “This is what Fourth of July is all about: everybody To help kick off the holiday, there were also many coming out, having fun, smiling and laughing,” activities held throughout the week. Tribalwide Recreation director Richard Blankenship Youth ages 5-17 had the opportunity to show off said. Andrea Holata Andrea Holata their basketball skills with three-on-three tournaments From left, Bobby Yates, Jack Turtle and Clint Bowers pull their Mason Sweat shows off the fish he caught during the on July 2. way into first place during a game of tug-of-war. Fourth of July fishing tournament.

Andrea Holata Andrea Holata Andrea Holata Hollywood Council Rep. Marcellus W. Osceola Jr., Brighton Councilman Andrew J. Bowers Jr. and Brighton Board Rep. Larry Summer Gopher attempts a basket while Jordan Johnson David Gonzalez takes a swing during the co-ed Fourth of Howard join in on the fun and participate in the pie-eating contest during the Fourth of July activities held in Brighton. attempts a block. July softball tournament. Naples enjoys Independence Day at the beach

Omar Rodriguez Omar Rodriguez Omar Rodriguez The Naples community gathers at the beach for their Fourth of July celebration on July 3. From left, Eliska Slavik, Martin Slavik and Nicole Slavik play Briar Tommie chomps down on some Fourth of July food. in the water.

Omar Rodriguez It is a sunny day during the Naples Fourth of July party.

Omar Rodriguez Omar Rodriguez Omar Rodriguez Sandy Osceola grills up some lunch. Youth cool off in the water. Jessica Osceola, left, and Marissa Osceola share a laugh during the Naples Fourth of July party on July 3. 10A • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012 11A • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012 Hah-Tung-Ke: Ron Johnson

BY PETER B. GALLAGHER Special Projects Reporter

JACKSONVILLE — A bunch of hurricanes swirled across and around Florida in 2004 and 2005, with several Gulf-born storms (Frances, Jeanne, Wilma) crossing the state to wreak havoc on Jacksonville. Perched on cold waters, this Atlantic Coast Charlie Cypress’ canoe gets new home port city rarely gets so walloped. “That’s what gave me the ideas for Broken Promises,” said Ron Johnson, a BY TARA BACKHOUSE way to make room in the hallway for the Florida songwriter whose family tree hails Collections Manager new addition. We found a safe and secure museum-quality storage facility, and we from Crestview pioneers. Photo courtesy of Ron Johnson “My roof was covered by a tarp, and In late June, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki moved one of our other canoes there. With Jacksonville folksingers Ron Johnson and Mary Museum was proud to welcome a new one canoe moved, we had room for the new I couldn’t get anything but promises from Mathews specialize in Florida historical music. FEMA. And here comes the rain again. I addition to its collection, and this addition one. started thinking, ‘What are the major broken was a long time in the making. This And historic canoes are fragile. We promises in our lives?’ So, obviously, I war. 23-foot-long canoe was made by Charlie wanted to transport the new canoe in thought of the one everybody knows about Johnson, who works as a full-time Cypress, one of the most accomplished the safest way possible, so we arranged – the flag of truce that captured Osceola. I clinical social worker in Jacksonville, canoe makers of the 20th century. He for experienced art handlers to pack and immediately began writing the song.” combined a verse about Osceola’s capture worked at the Seminole tourist village at transport the canoe 256 miles from Ocala According to the Seminole Tribe’s with two other verses detailing “broken Silver Spring between the 1930s and 1950s. to the Big Cypress Reservation. All in all, it website, “Osceola’s capture, under a promises” in his own life: experiences with He probably made the canoe at that village, was quite an extensive project, and it took controversial flag of truce offered by Gen. the VA as a Naval veteran and with FEMA and it was privately owned for many years. the cooperation of many people in many Thomas Jessup, remains today one of the regarding his hurricane-damaged roof. The Silver River Museum and Education places. We want to make sure to thank blackest marks in American military history. Johnson and his singing partner, Mary Center acquired the canoe in 1998, and director Scott Mitchell and all the staff at At the time of his death, Osceola was the Mathews, combined their songwriting since then it was visited often by members the Silver River Museum for donating the most famous American Indian.” talents to win the 2011 Will McLean of Cypress’ family, who wanted to see the canoe and for all their assistance planning On Oct. 21, 1837, Osceola was tricked “Best New Florida Song” award with a canoe brought closer to their home. The and preparing it for transportation. by Gen. Jessup into attending a “peace composition titled Rescue Train. The ballad Silver River Museum obliged and offered Do you have stories about this canoe council” with a promise that the great details the story of a train full of bridge to donate it to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. or about Charlie Cypress? warrior would be protected under a white workers blown into the ocean returning We happily accepted their offer. It’s Please call the Museum at 877-902- flag – the universal sign of truce. Soldiers from a mission to rescue Henry Flagler’s not often that we get such a generous 1113 if you would like to share what you seized and shackled Osceola, imprisoned employees stranded by the Labor Day donation of such a valuable piece of know or if you want to see this or any of our hurricane of 1935. Seminole culture and history. But you may other canoes; we also have canoes made by William D. Boehmer him first in St. Augustine, then moved Charlie Cypress, circa 1950. the Seminole leader to Fort Moultrie in Broken Promises and Rescue Train can be surprised to learn that we have spent the Bobby Henry and Leroy Osceola. For Tribal Charleston, S.C., where he succumbed to be found on Johnson and Mathews’ 2010 last year and a half preparing a place for members who plan to attend the Museum’s malaria on Jan. 30, 1838, still a prisoner of album, Sunshine State of Mind. the canoe at the Museum. We have a place upcoming 15th anniversary celebration on make an appointment to see the rest of our to store canoes that we affectionately call Aug. 21, be sure join a behind-the-scenes collection to continue helping us identify the “canoe hallway,” and this hallway was tour; you can see our canoes then. We hope the past. Thank You. Broken Promises already full of canoes. We had to find a to see you soon. We also encourage you to Song lyrics by Ron Johnson 1837, under a flag of truce off foreign shore Osceola and his men, they met in good They did their duty, but when they looked faith to the VA But he was taken prisoner, threw him in It’s just “Fill out this form, boy a cell “We’ll call you some day.” In St. Augustine, Osceola’s hell Chorus Chorus Such a simple thing, to tell the truth Broken Promises Was a time when a man’s word was his Shadow ‘cross this land bond Broken Promises 2004 and 5, so many hurricanes Well they don’t give a damn There’s a blue tarp where my roof used People try to do the right thing to be What they get in return is The FEMA boys came down and said it Broken Promises was a shame When will they learn But my roof’s still blue. And it started to rain. 1945 was the end of the War Photo courtesy of Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Photo courtesy of Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki When the vets came home from that far Chorus Art handlers and Museum staff unwrap the Museum staff member Pedro Zepeda surveys the canoe, safely installed in its new home. canoe in order to move it to its permanent shelf.

Attention July 17, 2012 the The Law Office of Joseph “Jody” M. Hendry, II 863-983-LAWS (5297) Seminole Channel DUI will be broadcast on VOP Felony & Misdemeanor Juvenile Traffic Tickets Divorce Channel 9545 ChildC Support Custody Dependency Actions Probate Free Consultation Wills www.hendrylaw.com Serving Hendry, Glades, Broward, Lake Placid Okeechobee and 863-699-2889 Highlands Counties 12A • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012

There is also a two-story wall filled with Hard Rock Hotel F HARD ROCK gold and platinum albums. From page 3A Hard Rock officials will now turn booked for RNC their attention to the rest of the complex, TAMPA — Hard Rock officials are The new addition, which increased with plans to completely renovate much of keeping mum regarding a report in the the 200,000-square-foot casino/hotel the area, enhancing the tropical resort feel. Tampa Tribune that the Republican Party complex another 32,000 square feet, “It will be done in small increments has booked the entire 250-room Seminole includes a pedestrian walkway that so as not to disturb the business or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa for features a moving sidewalk and museum- patrons,” Morales said. “Jim (Allen, Hard the duration of next month’s Republican style displays depicting the history of the Rock CEO) wants to have it all complete National Convention (RNC). Based on Seminole Indians along one wall and the by the end of December.” room rates starting at $129 per night history of rock ’n’ roll along the other. for mid-August, booking the five-day convention for all 250 rooms would cost $161,250 in rate alone. Hard Rock public relations manager Gina Morales, however, would not confirm the Party as the room procurer. “We are not in a position to reveal the Peter B. Gallagher name of the person or agency that made Brighton’s Red Barn is the only Seminole property to make the National Register of Historic Places. that booking,” she said. Spokespeople for the RNC Committee on Arrangements, which booked about 150,000 area rooms for the convention in May, and the Tampa Bay Host Committee Red Barn stabilization told the Tampa Tribune that they didn’t make the reservation. “…speculation is that it’s being to begin soon reserved for corporate high rollers, big donors or high-level GOP elected officials,” the article said. BY CARRIE DILLEY and west walls of the barn show the most Tribal Architectural Historian damage because of age, weather and insect damage. TRC recommended that, in order BRIGHTON — In the upcoming for the building to be structurally stable, Record $3.6 million weeks, construction crews will begin they need to repair the damaged wood, slots payout working at the Red Barn site to initiate a long- replace footers and foundation as needed, overdue stabilization process. Although the and replace the roof support posts. TAMPA — Less than three days after Red Barn – originally built in 1941 – has TRC received estimates for the job from the official opening of the $75-million Peter B. Gallagher withstood many storms during the past 70 area contractors with experience working expansion of the Seminole Hard Rock The expansive dining room of Hard Rock Tampa’s newest eatery: Rise Kitchen & Bakery. years and was even used as a hurricane with historic buildings. Since the Red Barn Hotel & Casino in Tampa, an Orlando man shelter, the structure now shows many signs is listed in the National Register of Historic won $3,649,311 at a $1 slot machine. He of age. Planned structural improvements Places, all repairs must be in accordance put three dollar bills into the Millionaire will guarantee its survivability for years to with the U. S. Secretary of the Interior’s Sevens machine in the casino’s newly come. Standards for Historic Preservation to expanded area and the bells and whistles The Capital Improvements Plan, ensure repairs do not disturb the building’s began ringing. It’s the largest single slots funded by the Tribal Council, is responsible historic character. Building stabilization payout in state history. The man preferred for the administration and oversight of all must be complete before any further to remain anonymous. capital improvements and will support the preservation activities can be conducted. repair. This first phase of the Red Barn While a 2005 roof replacement helped Preservation Project is planned to be finished add stability to the structure, the overall by Oct. 6 in time for the Red Barn Dance building condition is still declining at a rapid celebration. Open to the general public rate. As one of the oldest standing structures from 1 p.m. to sunset, the event will feature on the Brighton Reservation and a highly a cattle drive conducted by the Seminole significant historic site for the Seminole Cattlewomen’s Association, the unveiling Tribe of Florida, it is important to make the of both a roadside historical marker and a building as stable as possible to preserve the National Register of Historic Places plaque, memory of the Red Barn, which symbolizes a barbecue dinner, the raffle of a Red Barn the roots of the modern-day Seminole cattle painting by Dorothy Gardiner, the showing industry and the beginning of organized of a Seminole Cattle Heritage documentary Tribal government. and live Western swing music from Larry The Tribal Historic Preservation Mangum and the Cowboy Orchestra. Office (THPO) hired a professional At that time, the THPO staff will structural engineer to assess the seek input regarding the future of the site, condition of the building in 2010. TRC featuring a display of various idea sketches Worldwide Engineering Inc. concluded by famed Hard Rock International director that the building’s poor condition requires of design Rob Schaeffer. Peter B. Gallagher Peter B. Gallagher stabilization as soon as possible. The east Pictured is the lucky machine. Hard Rock public relations manager Gina Morales shows the chickee-style cabanas at the pool.

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Andrea Holata Youth recite the 4-H Pledge and the Pledge of Allegiance to start the night off. On June 26, the 4-H end-of-the-year banquet was held at the Brighton Veteran’s Building.

Andrea Holata Andrea Holata Andrea Holata Andrea Holata Moses Jumper Jr., right, receives an award from Brighton 4-H assistant Donald Hayes poses for a picture with graduating Rosa Urbina is recognized by Donald Hayes for participating in 4-H for 10 Nellie Smith, right, receives an award from cattle director Alex Johns for producing the seniors Erena Billie, left, and Lois Billie. The girls were recognized for years. cattle director Alex Johns for producing the Reserve Grand Champion steer. their final year participating with 4-H. Grand Champion steer.

Andrea Holata Andrea Holata Brighton 4-H assistant Donald Hayes poses for a picture with award winners Lois Billie, left, Aleah The future 4-Hers and small animal club members from Brighton, Immokalee and Big Cypress show off their awards. Turtle and Ruben Burgess, who were recognized for Best Kept Record Books for their swine projects.

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didn’t have to travel around so much. First we stayed F RACHEL across the road, and then she helped me to get one of Identity theft is growing From page 1A the HUD houses. It was the first permanent house we ever had, and it is still my home. She encouraged me “When I got older, I used to look around Big to sew and make baskets and found a way for me to at an alarming rate Cypress trying to find the place where we lived, but sell them to support my family when there was no field everything had changed so much,” Rachel said. “One work. “When people ask about religion, I tell them that BY WILLIAM R. LATCHFORD day, Jimmy Cypress told me that I couldn’t find it of identity theft, including the following suggestions: because the clinic has been built on our old camp. God has always been a part of my people’s culture and I Seminole Tribe Police Chief • Do not provide your bank/debit card pin number About 1948, we moved to stay in Sunniland to be close was raised listening to stories about Jesus,” Rachel said. to anyone. to the farm work in Immokalee and Fort Myers.” “There is only one God, and he gave us life, brought Identity theft is growing in the United States at an • Frequently change Internet passwords on your Rachel is the mother of six children: Vincent, us to this place and helped us to survive. I respect the alarming rate due in large part to the Internet and the accounts. Frances, Michael, Miriam, Allen and Kattiria. Like beliefs of my elders and always go to the Corn Dance to utilization of credit/debit cards. Unfortunately, a person • Do not freely give out your credit card information most Seminole women of her era, she began having her worship him in their way, but I also believe in his son, does not realize he or she has become a victim until unless you are sure who you are speaking with. children when she was quite young and devoted her life Jesus, and worship as a Christian. Keeping our culture quite some time after the identity has been stolen, and • Pick up your mail promptly. to hard work in an effort to raise them. and heritage alive is very important. long after a thief has ruined someone’s identity. Unlike • When making a purchase online, be sure you are Despite a seminomadic lifestyle, she kept all “I have a lot of grandchildren and several great- other crimes, these challenge law enforcement officers on a secure site. her children in school as much as possible so they grandchildren, and I talk to them in my language so because they are conducted anonymously and there are • Shred receipts and banking documents before could have the education that she did not receive but that they will know it,” Rachel continued. “I encourage usually no witnesses or physical evidence. However, throwing them in the trash. recognized as a necessity for their successful survival. them to go with me to Corn Dance to keep the ways of we recognize losing your identity can be more intrusive • If you notice a credit/debit card is missing, report “I owe a great deal to Ethel Frank,” Rachel said. our elders alive and remember who they are and where than other crimes because it affects a victim from an it right away. “She was in charge of the Immokalee community and they came from.” emotional standpoint. Identity theft is a federal crime. Should you become helped me get a place to stay with my kids so that we Identity thieves obtain their information in some of a victim, you must file a police report immediately. the following ways: This will help lessen the difficult process involved for a • Rummaging through a trash can to obtain a bank victim to recover from the theft. Being armed with this statement that provides account information. knowledge of how to protect yourself and take action • Stealing mail or a wallet. will make the job of an identity thief more difficult. • Using trickery over the telephone or by email. Should you have any questions, please call your • Gaining access to computers that do not have reservation’s Seminole Police Department. We are here proper security protection. to assist you in any way we can. In most cases, a financial institution will reimburse I thank you for allowing me to be the Police Chief a victim. However, consumers as a whole still suffer as of Seminole Police Department in this noble profession the fees associated with identity theft are funneled back protecting and serving those within the Seminole Tribe to the consumers. of Florida. There are ways to help combat becoming a victim

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NATIONAL NATIVE NEWS

Alaska Natives star in IMAX Weird casino games the Rhode Island Tribe’s established federal trust land Montana and the Winnebago Tribe in Nebraska will to be returned to state and local control. be awarded cooperative agreements to cross-designate documentary If Carcieri were interpreted as applying to the Tribal prosecutors to pursue violence against women LONDON — Here are a few casino games that existing land of any Tribe recognized after 1934, the cases in both Tribal and federal courts. EVANSTON, Ill. — In addition to mammoths, never quite made it in the traditional casino: Poarch Creek Tribe, which officially was recognized The Standing Rock Sioux Reservation was one giant sloths and • Belgian Birdsong: Players wager on real in 1984, could lose its federal trust land. Casinos of three reservations examined in a 2006 Amnesty sabertoothed cats, The birdsongs. Birds are placed in separate cages and would then fall under state jurisdiction and likely International report, “Maze of Injustice: the Failure Ice Age, a stunning players place wagers on which bird they think will meet the same fate as Alabama casinos shut down by to Protect Indigenous Women from Sexual Violence documentary coming sing the longest, which bird will sing loudest and so state officials in recent years. in the USA.” According to the report, Native women to 3-D and IMAX on. The perfect casino game for nature lovers, at least – AL.com are 2.5 times more likely to be raped or sexually theaters this January, you won’t have to work out any complicated odds. assaulted than any other woman in the U.S. will feature seven • War: The simplest of card games – you’re dealt “We know that violence against Native women Alaskan Native a card, the dealer is dealt a card and whoever holds has reached epidemic proportions,” said Bea Hanson, performers recreating the highest card wins. The aim is to win the whole Senecas seek to preserve native director of the DOJ Office on Violence Against the experience of the deck, one card at a time. In short, this game isn’t. If Women. first people to travel you have the time, the patience and the funds, you can language “Restoring safety for Native women requires the across Beringia, the play forever. While it might not be the most complex SENECA, N.Y. — Of the 3,000 Seneca Indians type of sustained cooperation between the federal and ancient land connection between Alaska and Siberia. card game at the casino, its basic premise inspired living on the nation’s two western New York Tribal justice systems that we see in the jurisdictions Now in production at the headquarters of Giant several casino classics. reservations, only 50 speak their native language. participating in our Tribal SAUSA project.” Screen Films and D3D Cinema, The Ice Age will • Gerbil Roulette: In this game it’s a gerbil that A $200,000 federal grant for the Seneca Language Tailored to meet the particular needs of the show the seven tromping through the snow, carrying decides whether you win or lose with your lucky spin. Revitalization Program has further solidified a participating jurisdiction, these pilot programs stone-age tools and weapons, wearing fur, and Instead of a ball being dropped onto the spinning partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology are designed to improve the quality of cases, the sneaking up on unseen game all before the high-tech roulette wheel, a gerbil is placed in a box at the center (RIT) to develop a user-friendly, comprehensive, coordination of resources and the communication of cameras and an ace crew of cinematographers. of the wheel. Additional numbered boxes are attached web-based, interactive Seneca language dictionary priorities both within and between the various law The action takes place during the time of the to the outer spokes of the wheel. The wheel is spun, and reference guide that will allow future generations enforcement agencies working in this area. Bering Land Bridge, when nomadic hunter/gatherers the gerbil is released and whichever numbered box to study and learn the language. –U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public are said to have walked to America from Asia, it then decides to scurry into is the winning number. The grant will enhance the usability of the Seneca Affairs encountering and hunting ice age megafauna on their – Jackpot City language through a series of educational programs journey. designed to build capacity among Tribe members. “It touches on a lot of themes that resonate with Tribal member Robbie Jimerson, a graduate student in Supreme Court threatens our time,” said Andy Wood, senior vice president Mohawk Chief stolen from RIT’s computer science program, is charged with the for Giant Screen Films. “Our conservation efforts, complicated task of creating logic rules – including sovereignty global warming, species extinction. We’ve done Mexico Park syntax and grammar – for every word in the Seneca dinosaur films before, but the mammoths involve a language and creating a web-accessible dictionary for WAYLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. — In an human story. People walked among them. There are English-to-Seneca translation. 8-1 decision which legal experts fear will open the big questions about what happened to them and how “My grandfather has always said that a joke is floodgates to frivolous challenges to American Indian that is relevant to us today.” funnier in Seneca than it is in English,” Jimerson land trust acquisitions, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Wood was careful not to describe the said. “I’ve always been interested in learning that a Michigan man has a standing to sue the U.S. performances as “roles.” about the way the words are put together, and my Interior Department for taking land into trust so the “They’re non-speaking parts,” he said. Non- background in computer science is the perfect fit for Match-E-Be-Bash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi English-speaking, that is. Afcan – a noted Yup’ik this complicated project that features a language that Indians could build a casino. composer and drummer who has memorized a trove is very contextual. For example, there are 72 different Not long after the Gun Lake Casino opened in of traditional Yup’ik songs – taught the other actors ways to say one particular word, and one letter or February of 2011, non-Indian David Patchak filed a dance-songs with Yup’ik lyrics that they perform. He syllable can completely change the meaning.” federal lawsuit claiming the Interior did not have the also tells a Yup’ik story in a scene where the clan is “The Seneca Nation language is a living thing, authority to take the land into trust because the Tribe taking shelter in a cave. and the beauty of the language is in its complexity,” was not “under federal jurisdiction” in 1934 when Thanks to modern technology, Alaskans who said Jason Younker, RIT assistant professor of the Indian Reorganization Act was passed. The court don’t live in cities with IMAX theaters will be able sociology and anthropology. “Robbie is a conduit – agreed and remanded the case back to the district to see the movie: “Digital technology has evolved to building the bridge connecting the native language court for a trial on the merits of Patchak’s arguments. the point where we’re able to do some really exciting with second-generation speakers. He’s exactly Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the lone dissenter, things,” said Wood, revealing plans to use increasingly the kind of student we are looking for to help with argued that the ruling now gives litigants the right to portable equipment to build permanent and temporary projects like this: Native American students from challenge not only government trust interest in Indian digital theaters to show the film. “We’re looking to... New York state with the expertise and a desire to give lands, but also its interest in public lands, such as take it to schools and communities in remote parts of back to their Nation. It’s crucial that work like this is National Park Service parks. the state and tell them this story.” done for our future generations.” USET president Brian Patterson echoed the – Anchorage News TOWN OF MEXICO, N.Y. — A 6-foot-tall, Jimerson said the project will take years to justice: “Once again...the court has overturned a 200-to-300-pound statue of Revolutionary War figure complete. Funding for the revitalization program runs long-settled principle with the likely result of creating Chief Joseph Brant has been taken from its spot near through July 2014. turmoil in Indian law and depressing Tribal economic the entrance of Mexico Point Park. – RIT University News development.” Black bears know how to count Sandra Scott, co-president of Friends of Mexico Washington, D.C. attorney Judy Shapiro said, Point Park, said park officials would welcome its “We still don’t know what new threats to Tribal PEMBROKE, Ont. — Canadian research return, no questions asked. sovereignty may be posed by cases working through scientist Jennifer Vonk, a specialist in animal “The problem, I think, is that it looks a lot like Game-changing building the courts or not yet filed. All Tribes should press behavior, has found the first evidence that black bears a cigar store Indian, which I believe sells for a lot of their congressional delegations for a quick and clean have a counting ability comparable to that exhibited money,” said Scott, who said she feared the statue has material ready legislative correction to the decision to protect Tribal by some primates. been taken out of the Mexico area. “I don’t think it SEATTLE — Stramit CAFboard is a sustainable trust lands now and in the future.” “Our results are among the first to show that could be very local because what could you do with construction material that is load bearing, structurally –Indian Country Today bears, an understudied species in comparative it? Everyone local would know where it came from. strong, non-toxic, carbon-negative, mold and pest psychology and biology, may have evolved cognitive It’s one of a kind.” resistant, energy-efficient, highly sound absorbent, mechanisms equivalent to their distant primate The Brant statue is the second of a series of four nearly fireproof and 100-percent organic without relatives,” said Vonk and U.S. co-author Michael carved and painted figures, called “Park People,” any of the volatile organic compounds found in New Tribal Economic Beran, an animal cognition specialist from Georgia set up to depict various aspects of the park’s history. many traditional building materials. Environmentally State University, in a study published in the June Others include a waitress from 1910, a lady in Gay friendly, this new-age construction material can Development Bonds OK’d issue of the journal Animal Behaviour. Nineties swimming garb and boxer Carmen Basilio, replace traditional building materials, such as Vonk said the project also breaks new ground who trained there when it was the Mexico Point Club. fiberglass insulation, gypsum board, medium-density WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States in being the first scientific study in which bears A fifth statue of a little boy going fishing with his dog fiberboard, particle board and sound-proofing panels have used touch-screen computers. “They seemed was unveiled July 15. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, in in a wide-range of commercial and residential an effort to spark economic growth in American to really enjoy the stimulation,” said Vonk, although Brant was a Mohawk Chief who met with applications. she acknowledged that they might have been equally British Col. Barry St. Leger in 1777 at a spot on the Indian communities, published new guidance on And the product will hit Indian Country the allocation of Tribal Economic Development attracted “by the treats.” present park grounds to discuss how best to attack construction market soon. The largest black bears in North America are Fort Stanwix in Rome. Brant argued that St. Leger Bonds (TEDB). Established under the American Alekson Native American Enterprises LLC Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), TEBD found in the Big Cypress Swamp. should take a longer route by way of the Oswego and Stramit USA announced an agreement granting –Vancouver Sun River. An American spy, Silas Town, overheard the will provide Tribes with the authority to issue tax- Sachem Building Solutions exclusive representation exempt debt for a wider range of activities to spur argument. The longer route gave Town time to warn of Stramit CAFboard in Indian Country USA and Fort Stanwix. St. Leger’s forces were beaten back job creation and promote economic growth in Indian the First Nations of Canada. Alekson and Sachem Country – similar to that available to states and local at the fort, then decisively defeated at the Battle of are 100-percent Native American and female-owned Navajo Code Talker, 87, passes Oriskany. governments. by members of the Citizen Band of the Potawatomi TEBD will lower Tribes’ borrowing costs PUEBLO PINTADO, N.M. — Navajo Code The spot at the park where the argument took Nation of Oklahoma and the Mashpee Wampanoag place now is called Spy Island. The Brant statue and make it easier to engage in new economic Talker Frank Chee Willetto Sr., known to American Tribe of Massachusetts. development projects. The TEDB program is currently Indians across the land through his work with the stood at the head of the trail leading to the island. The “We are excited to be working with Stramit USA statue was carved from white pine by Ken Richards, a the only mechanism Tribes have to issue tax-exempt Navajo Code Talkers to bring this opportunity to Indian Country. There debt; Treasury has recommended Congress grant Association, died former industrial arts professor at the State University are more than 200,000 housing units required to fill College of Oswego, and painted by Rebecca Woods, Tribes authority to use lower-cost, tax-exempt bond June 23 at his home, the immediate needs of Indian Country,” said Jim financing on a permanent basis. reported his daughter, who taught art at Mexico middle schools. Alekson, Sachem’s CEO. “We believe the unique –Syracuse Post-Standard Under the new rules, Tribes can receive Marcella Willetto. He characteristics of Stramit CAFboard can be used to TEDB allocations for projects in the final stages of traveled the country, fill this need.” production. Once a Tribe receives an allocation, it gave countless “Many traditional construction materials contain will have six months to move to final debt issuance. presentations and unhealthy levels of formaldehyde and other toxins. If a Tribe is unable to issue within that time frame, the participated in parades 2009 Supreme Court ruling Additionally, many building materials are highly allocation will be returned to Treasury and available across the Navajo may hinder Poarch Creeks flammable, are poor heat- and sound-transfer barriers for redistributions. Treasury currently has about Nation. and generate significant construction site waste that $1.8 billion in TEDB authority. No single allocation A former is deposited to landfills,” said Tim Evans, Stramit can exceed 20 percent of the remaining amount, Council delegate MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A 2009 decision by executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We the U.S. Supreme Court could impede the Poarch meaning that the current maximum single allocation and Navajo Nation believe Stramit CAFboard is the perfect solution to is approximately $360 million. When there is less vice president who Band of Creek Indians’ plans to add more than 5,000 overcome all these building-related problems.” acres onto its reservation in Escambia County, Tribal than $500 million in TEDB authority remaining, the served on the Navajo –Sachem and Stramit USA maximum allocation will be $100 million. Council’s Economic officials said. Gambling opponents and some seeking to tax The new guidelines were developed with Development Committee, Willetto mentored many significant Tribal input consistent with President local politicians and helped push through numerous the Tribe have seized on the Carcieri v. Salazar ruling as an opening to return the Tribe’s existing federal Obama’s Memorandum on Tribal Consultation. community projects, including the construction of –United States Office of Economic Policy Tse Yi Gai High School and a new bridge to ease trust land back to the state’s jurisdiction, a move that travel from the school to Navajo Route 9. would make the Tribe subject to state laws. In 1944, Willeto enlisted with the U.S. Marines Most of the land that the Tribe wishes to add to its 6th Division, where he took Code Talker training reservation is a wildlife reserve, said Robert McGhee, Grammys bring back Latin classes. He then served in the Pacific Theater in the Tribe’s governmental relations adviser. Many of Saipan and Okinawa. the Poarch Creek government buildings are in the awards, not Native American He received the Congressional Silver Medal in proposed federal trust area. McGhee pointed out that 2001 for his role as a Navajo Code Talker. the Poarch Creek could not build a casino since the caveat that no land in the requested area “could be NEW YORK — After the National Academy Willetto performed a blessing in Newport News, of Recording Arts and Sciences slashed its Grammy Va. before the building of the nuclear submarine USS used for possible future economic development” was included. DOJ awards ‘Violence Against award categories in 2011, Native American music New Mexico in 2008. He was also at the White House entries were stuck in a broad “catch-all” Regional when President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus “The main concern is taking it out of our tax jurisdiction,” said Escambia County Commission Women’ prosecutors to three Roots Music category that includes Polka, Cajun and Public Lands Management Act in 2009. Hawaiian music. But with an outcry apparently louder Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly ordered the Chairman David Stokes, who took little comfort in the Tribe’s promises not to build a casino. “Once it is Midwest Tribes than anyone else, formerly scrapped award Best Latin Navajo Nation flag be flown at half-staff in honor of Jazz Album was reinstated as a separate category for Willeto: “(He) served his country and returned home into trust, they can do anything they want.” BISMARCK, S.D. — The United States In the Carcieri case, the Supreme Court rejected the next Grammys, scheduled for February 2013. and served his people in many ways. His life is an Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence – Indian Country Today example of how to help people continuously until his a move to add new federal trust land to the reservation Against Women announced that the Standing Rock last days.” of a Tribe in Rhode Island because that Tribe was Sioux Tribe in South and North Dakota, Pueblo –Navajo Times, Denver Post officially recognized after the Indian Reorganization of Laguna in New Mexico, Fort Belknap Tribe in Act of 1934. However, the high court did not require 16A • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012

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Bus patrons excluded from this promotion. See Player’s Club for complete details. Management reserves all rights. Must be 21 years or older. Persons who have been trespassed or banned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida or those who have opted into the self-exclusion program are not eligible. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1.888.ADMIT.IT. 1B • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012

Education Department hosts annual college tour

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY They met with coaches; toured the stadium, it can be,” Higher Education coordinator Staff Reporter athletes’ workout facility and trophies; and Paola Moneymaker said. “Some of them fit went onto the football field. right in, found their voices and saw it as a “I saw my dream college for the very possible career choice.” The Education Department designed first time,” said McKayla Snow, 15, of Some students already have an idea of its annual college tour to promote higher Brighton, who attends Okeechobee High what direction their lives will take. education while introducing students to a School. “I always dreamed I’d go to FSU “I want to be a career officer in the handful of schools every summer. It gives since I was 5 years old.” Marines, then study psychology and Native students an opportunity to see their options Jason Melton, 18, went on the college American law. One day I may run for before deciding which school to attend. tour even though he will attend FSU in the Chairman,” said Tylor Tigertail, 17, of Big “Our goal is to expose students to the fall. A graduate of The Sagemont School, he Cypress. “Everyone should come on a trip world beyond the reservation and Florida,” hasn’t chosen a major yet, but he is thinking like this; it opens your eyes that college life director of Education Emma Johns said. about film. is a whole lot different. It will take a lot of “We go to schools out of state and come “This is my fourth college tour and my work, but I think it will be fun.” back to Florida every fourth year.” last one,” he said. “Now that I’m about to Sara Ramos-Huggins said she For a week in June, around 20 students start college, there is nothing to hold me enjoyed learning about what to expect from grades nine to 12 toured Florida State back.” while attending college. She wants to University, University of North Florida, The students were exposed to a lot study physical therapy, so she focused University of South Florida, University during the college tour, but their visit to the her attention on two schools that offer the of Central Florida, Flagler College, Santa Connecticut School of Broadcasting was the program: UCF and USF. Fe College, Full Sail University and the most interactive. Students read scripts for Another positive experience for the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in radio, saw how to edit and sat at the anchor students was to meet and bond with kids Tampa. The group met with admissions desk and read the teleprompter. They also from other reservations in Florida and representatives, housing directors, athletic listened and watched the results of their first elsewhere. directors and the president of FSU, Eric J. time behind the microphone or on camera. Barron. “The students had no idea what it takes While at FSU, the students got a behind- Rodney Riser to produce a broadcast and how much fun the-scenes view of the sports program. F See COLLEGE TOUR on page 3B Tribal high school students learn about Florida State University during a tour of the campus. Tribe offers Financial Literacy Seminar for youth

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Apple as an example and asked the students Staff Reporter how many had an iPhone. Most hands went up. Then he asked how many had an iPad HOLLYWOOD — Taxes, credit cards, and quite a few raised their hands. stocks, mutual funds, money markets, real “About 75 percent of you have an estate – they are enough to make anyone’s iPhone and a lot of you have an iPad,” he head spin, especially recent high school said. “Given how much they cost, about graduates and college students. $20,000 was spent on Apple products in From July 12-14, a class of 42 of this one room alone. That is why Apple’s these young adults successfully completed stock is doing so well. You guys are making an intensive three-day Financial Literacy Apple rich.” Seminar to give them the skills necessary to He also advised them to always survive in the financial world. research a company in the news before “This was our largest class,” said Rita deciding to invest. Together they looked up McCabe, of the Executive Administrative Google, Facebook and Yahoo to track their Office. “We offer the three-day course every earnings and news items. summer, but we also have monthly courses “We are learning how to keep our anyone can attend throughout the rest of the money in our pockets,” said Darion year.” “Stitchy” Cypress, 17, of Pembroke Pines. The Tribe has held these seminars for Emanuel Sukhu, from the Tribe’s four years, and according to McCabe, this Treasury Office, discussed per capita was the greatest turnout. Students came distributions and explained the advantage of from Hollywood, Big Cypress, Immokalee, increasing the amount of withholding taxes Brighton, Tallahassee, Tampa and Virginia, to avoid a tax bill at the end of the year. He and instructor Brantly Chavis Jr., of the also advised them to put away half of their Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, taught money in a savings account. them about the importance of understanding “We’ll make smarter decisions now,” their finances and making their money work said Tayler Cypress, 19, of Hollywood. for them. “And we are learning how to save and “It’s a tough three days for them,” spend our money wisely,” said Stacy Smith, said Chavis, who works for Cambridge 19, of Tampa. Financial Partners in California. “But we For those Tribal members who want want to make sure they are financially astute to brush up on their financial literacy by and savvy in their decision making.” attending classes throughout the year, Andrea Holata contact Rita McCabe at RitaG@semtribe. From left, Mallorie Thomas, LaShae King, Austin Thomas, David King, Temperance Williams and Ruby Osceola spend time painting. Chavis explained how individual stocks are affected by the market. He used com or 863-763-4128 ext. 15403. Brighton youth enjoy summer camp

BY ANDREA HOLATA The camp also promotes an early include rocket building and the home Staff Reporter morning fitness hour. makeover of a doll house. “It keeps them active, out of trouble “These projects stimulate good and promotes healthiness,” fitness specialist conversation. It gets them thinking about BRIGHTON — With summertime in Ignacio Orozco said. their future,” Pierce said. “They are related full swing on the Brighton Reservation and If youth participate throughout the to science, to math, and we get to see where hundreds of youth out of school, Brighton week, they are treated to a field trip, such as it goes from there.” has two summer camps with many activities ice skating, bowling and movies. The younger kids can choose from all to keep the youth engaged during their In addition to Recreation’s youth sorts of fun activities, including arts and break. summer camp, the Boys & Girls Club has a crafts, movies, tether ball, jump rope and The camp has no shortage of action, summer camp for youth as well. kickball. including media production, aviation Under the direction of Boys & Girls “I like coming to camp because we get building, arts and crafts, movies, health, Club unit manager Derek Pierce, the to play all kinds of games,” Jana Johnson volleyball, softball and football, just to summer camp, on average, has about 40 said. name a few. The activities are offered by daily participants between the ages of Pierce said he hopes everyone will give the Boys & Girls Club and the Recreation 5-18. The camp focuses on keeping the the camp a try. Department. kids’ minds stimulated in a fun, structured “Kids got to have something to do over Recreation holds their summer camp environment. the summer – something that’s structured, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and all community “A lot of what we are doing is pretty safe and fun,” he said. “Sometimes parents youth are invited to participate. heavy stuff, particularly with the music,” want a break, and we provide those kinds With several Tribal members attending Pierce said. “They write lyrics and learn of services to give the kids structure the camp daily, Recreation’s main focus is time management in sort of a structured and attention that they deserve over the on sports, but it also works with the Arts and way.” summer.” Beverly Bidney The youth also do other things to help Crafts Department to provide a craft hour F See more CAMP photos on page 3B Instructor Brantly Chavis Jr. shares financial information with the class. for youth each week. spark their interests. The latest projects High schoolers can get an edge at College Application Workshop This is the first time the Education Department is hosting the event

BY BRAUDIE BLAIS-BILLIE application process. Application, a free online undergraduate The Education Department’s staff “Seniors are working hand-in-hand Contributing Writer “We are seeing a lot of applications application. Since more than 400 colleges hopes to familiarize Tribal members with with Education,” Johns said. being done last minute,” director of and universities, including Florida state essay topics that they may encounter on It’s not a weekend at the beach, but Education Emma Johns said. schools, accept the Common Application, applications. the College Application Workshop will be FORT LAUDERDALE — For the The workshop hopes to put an end to it is essential to understand. “We want to help create college-level an incredible resource for Tribal members first time, the Education Department will last-minute or incomplete applications, she “It’s only going to benefit them,” essays,” Johns said. wishing to attend college. Although a new hold a College Application Workshop said, and will also help prepare students Caruso said. She said seniors who participate program, the workshop will help change from Sept. 14-16 at the SpringHill Suites for the college process in ways that their Tutors will also help seniors with their increase their chances of getting into their the way high school Tribal students by Marriott. schools may not provide. college essays, which have become an schools of choice. And because the staff approach higher education. Organized by Higher Education Seniors will arrive at the Marriott increasingly crucial factor in admissions. is familiar with college admissions at Students can RSVP to their local recruiter Robert Caruso and tutor Friday night, and the college “boot camp” “Many schools, such as Florida State many universities and colleges, they know Education Department advisers no coordinator Julissa Collazo, the event will commence Saturday morning. It will University, are looking heavily toward what specific schools are looking for. The later than Aug. 17, and all seniors are will focus on helping high school seniors offer tutors for everything from SAT/ACT applicants’ essays to make their admissions workshop will help students tailor their encouraged to participate. understand every step of the college preparation to filling out the Common decisions,” Caruso said. applications to those schools. 2B • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012 Native Learning Center launches Tampa community celebrates graduates new online training courses

HOLLYWOOD — The Native Learning Center (NLC) announced the launch of a new series of online training courses, Kerretv Online (Kerretv means “learning” in Creek). The center, which offers Native and Indigenous people the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that improve quality of life through housing-related educational programs, said the courses will allow individuals to actively engage with educational materials based on their five Kerretv Online will provide learners with focus areas: culture and language, financial information, resources and activities while wellness, grants education, housing providing Native and Indigenous people with strategies and Tribal government. knowledge and skills that improve the quality “I am excited that the Seminole Tribe of life through housing-related educational of Florida Native Learning Center is able to programs. deliver a powerful and free online learning management system, Kerretv Online, to The Native Learning Center will Indian Country, so we can supply all Native present its “Tuition-Free Training – Getting Americans with educational materials and Started with Investing webinar on Aug. 1 resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” from 2-3 p.m. using Kerretv Online. NLC executive director Georgette Palmer For more information, visit www. Smith said. nativelearningcenter.com or call 954-985- Kerretv Online is now live, and anyone 2300. interested in the courses can create a free Ryan Watson profile by visiting www.kerretvonline.com. Tampa Liaison Richard Henry, right, holds a graduation dinner on June 26 at Council Oak at the Tampa Hard Rock to recognize all the hard work the students put forth to graduate. Big Cypress youth stay active during summer camp

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Department director Randall Osceola Staff Reporter helped teach the campers how to use a gig. “It’s very heavy when you throw it,” BIG CYPRESS — For kids, summer Mary Jane Vasquez said. is all about having fun. No homework, no The fish were biting at the campers’ tests, no sitting still in a classroom for long hooks as they cast their lines off the bridge hours at a time. Going to camp is about over the spillway. going outside, being active and having a “It isn’t the biggest fish I ever caught, good time trying new and exciting activities. but it is the biggest anyone caught today,” A group of about 35 Big Cypress kids said Elisah Billie as he prepared to throw his spent July 10 at the Recreation Department’s sixth catch of the day back into the water. summer camp fishing, playing billiards and During the activities, kids have the enjoying swamp buggy rides. opportunity to learn new skills. “This is the first year of the summer “The kids get to explore the reservation camp,” said Josh Jumper, Herman L. with knowledgeable [Tribal] members,” Osceola Gymnasium site manager. “We said Thommy Doud, Big Cypress Boys & start every day with a fitness class, and Girls Club manager. “We are fortunate the then we do sports, swimming, video game Wildlife Department takes them out here. tournaments, billiards, wildlife programs It’s a great resource we have.” and field trips off the reservation. The Big Cypress Recreation coordinator response so far has been great.” Kelvin Robinson said the response to the The camp teams up with the Boys & camp has been great – they get more and Girls Club twice a week for activities and more campers every day. once a week for a fun-filled pool party. The “Some kids are gamers who only like combined camp went fishing at the spillway to play video games and don’t really like on Boundary Road and honed their skills sports, but they all enjoy the activities with fishing poles, as well as with traditional with the Wildlife Department,” he said. gigs. “To see them enjoying the outdoors is very The gig, a long spear with multiple gratifying.” Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney sharp prongs at the end, is used to spear gar Illiana Robbins proudly displays her fish, which is a brim. Jody Cabral gets familiar with a video camera as part of Big Cypress’ summer camp and other fish in shallow waters. Wildlife This is her first time fishing. activities.

Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney Caleb Billie and Ramon Vasquez try their hands at gigging Elisah Billie takes the hook out of the brim he caught. The campers released their fish off the bridge. back into the water.

Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney Campers take a ride on a swamp buggy. A.J. Vasquez racks ‘em up. Akira Cabral shows off a worm he is Skyal Tommie watches the ball after taking a about to use as bait. shot at pool.

Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney The campers learn to play pool. At the front table are Skyal Tommie, left, and his cousin Troy Yescas. Campers and counselors fish on the bridge over the spillway. 3B • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012

Hollywood youth attend Summer F More CAMP photos from page 1B Academic Enrichment Camp

provide breakfast and lunch daily, feeding all 67 children enrolled in the camp. “It’s better to keep them occupied,” Work Experience camp assistant and recent high school graduate Cindy Osceola said. “Better than them getting into trouble.” Osceola helps with the children, ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade, as they learn math, reading and other basic skills. She said she loves the job. The counselors work with the campers through worksheets, word problems and most importantly, games. “There are more games than textbook learning,” second-grade counselor Linette Odon said. “It gets the kids more involved.” Andrea Holata Learning games, such as dice or Bridgett Koontz practices recording a song at the Boys & Girls Club’s summer camp. chess, teach them how to develop healthy relationships with one another, not just develop themselves academically. “It’s good because of the academics and games,” Odon said. “The games that the Boys & Girls Club provides help with teamwork.” The merging of the Education Department, Boys & Girls Club and the Braudie Blais-Billie Recreation Department brings the Tribe Youth participate in a flag-drawing contest in honor of the Fourth of July. together, as well as the concepts of education and amusement. As the campers ran against BY BRAUDIE BLAIS-BILLIE On Mondays and Wednesdays, time and each other through the Fourth of Contributing Writer Recreation provides activities and games July relay race, they playfully competed in the afternoon, such as relay races and as a team. Each egg fallen from a spoon or dive onto a slip-and-slide was teaching the HOLLYWOOD — The Summer obstacle courses. The Boys & Girls Club organizes activities and games every Tribal youth what it means to play by the Academic Enrichment Camp, hosted on rules and cooperate with one another. the Hollywood Reservation, is no ordinary Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. They also education-oriented program. The trailer was teeming with children talking and giggling as they eagerly looked for their bathing suits. Glittery clay pots expecting to sprout seeds lined the windowsills of the camp’s trailer, and a flag-drawing contest was held in honor of the Fourth of July. Andrea Holata It was almost 11 a.m., and the morning of Instructor Temperance Williams enjoys arts and crafts with LaShae King and Richard Smith. tutoring had passed. The time had come for the part all the Tribal children were waiting for: swimming. “With the Enrichment Camp, the kids not only get recreational and athletic component, they bridge over to the next grade,” Julissa Collazo, tutor coordinator, said. With the junction of the Boys & Girls Club with the Education and Recreation departments, learning has been revolutionized into an easy, exciting and comprehensive summer program. The campers refresh and further their academic endeavors in the mornings, as well as have intense summer fun in the afternoons. This is the first time that the three departments have come together to create an enrichment program that benefits Tribal youth. The camp also provides special services, such as the Children’s Center for Diagnostics and Therapy treatment team, Andrea Holata Andrea Holata that offer children language or behavior Lewis Gopher gets ready to throw a ball Marci Osceola, left, and Mallorie Thomas therapy. Braudie Blais-Billie during dodgeball at the camp in Brighton. jump rope during activity time at camp. “[The Tribal campers] are putting Kids cool off in the pool as one of many activities planned for Hollywood’s Summer Academic education first and learning good habits,” Enrichment Camp. Collazo said.

Andrea Holata Instructor Temperance Williams enjoys arts and crafts with LaShae King and Richard Smith.

Braudie Blais-Billie The campers gather in a circle for a game of catch.

Andrea Holata Braudie Blais-Billie After a long, hot day outside, the children get ready for movie time. The summer camp includes Fourth of July crossword puzzles.

dollar organization. Many of our current F COLLEGE TOUR leaders have a bachelor’s degree in From page 1B business, which helps to strengthen the organization. They will need the degree, as “The trip was a great experience,” well as leadership skills, in the future.” said Marissa Osceola, 16, of Naples, who High school students are encouraged attends the community school. “It was to go on the college tour every summer good to do it as a group and get feedback starting with freshman year. If they do, from others.” they will have seen about 15 universities Moneymaker said these experiences by their high school graduation. are essential for the future of the Tribe. “We want to expose students to “We are trying to shape future various different options,” Moneymaker leaders,” she said. “We need to make sure said. “They need to see how realistic going students are getting the best education to college is for them. Getting an education Braudie Blais-Billie Braudie Blais-Billie possible so they will be able to handle the is a way to better themselves and become well-rounded individuals.” Campers participate in an egg relay. Campers get a lesson in math while enjoying a snack. responsibility of running a multibillion- 4B • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012

Come see how it all began... Join us for our 15th Anniversary celebration. August 21, 2012 - 11am

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Big Cypress Reservation 877-902-1113 www.ahtahthiki.com

Open to Tribal members, Tribal employees, Museum members and invited guests only. 1C • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012

Tribal employee to be inducted into college Hall of Fame

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Staff Reporter HOLLYWOOD — An exceptional college sports career is something an athlete can be proud of for a lifetime. Tribal employee Charles Fisher, a James Madison University (JMU) graduate of the class of 1983, recently learned he will be inducted into his alma mater’s Athletic Hall of Fame for the years he played on the school’s championship basketball team. “It’s a great honor, and I am humbled by it,” said Fisher, a contract specialist for the Buildings and Grounds Department. “I had a great career there, and I’m thrilled to be in the Hall of Fame.” Fisher attended JMU, in Harrisonburg, Va., on a basketball scholarship for four years. While an undergraduate, he played point guard and led his team to victory in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament, Colonial Athletic Association division, three times. He was named Most Valuable Player in 1981 and, during his senior year, was the second leading free-throw shooter in the nation. Beverly Bidney Fisher said he averaged 12 points per game throughout Devin Osceola, left, and Krishawn Henry dribble through the obstacle course to the far side of the court. his college career, was named the team’s top defensive player and helped them average 23 wins per year. While in college, he learned to balance athletics with academics. His coaches helped instill that Hollywood basketball camp discipline by putting the team in study hall 10 hours a week. “That was where I learned good study habits teaches youth fundamentals and how to stay focused,” Fisher said. “But you also needed good family and friends around you to keep you humble. It was challenging, but I love challenges.” BY BEVERLY BIDNEY who plays on his school team at Gulliver Preparatory Staff Reporter Living the life of a student athlete prepared him Photo courtesy of James Madison University School in Miami-Dade County. “I love to play basketball and it’s good exercise,” for life after school, and Fisher credits his coach, Lou Charles Fisher, left, plays college basketball for James Campanelli, for keeping him on track. HOLLYWOOD — Youth attending basketball said Mailani Perez, 16, who plays on the Jewish Madison University during the early 1980s. Fisher will be camp at the Hollywood gym are learning a lot more Community Center team. “I like to practice four times “I believe my college experience helped shape the inducted into his school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in October. character and values I have today,” he said. “I learned than the best moves on the court; they are also learning a week.” to make academics my No. 1 priority so I could be skills that will ultimately help them succeed as adults. Cullins believes he is planting seeds that will teach successful in life.” Birmingham, Ala.; Radford University in Roanoke, Va.; Sure, the KCITY basketball program teaches the kids how to be productive citizens. He tells them Drafted by the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers in the the University of California at Berkeley; and Florida kids the fundamental skills of the game, including not to be afraid to make mistakes; it is the best way to ninth round after graduation, Fisher played point guard A&M University in Tallahassee. dribbling, shooting, defense, conditioning, passing learn. for the team for one year. The difference between being In 2011, he was nominated the Colonial Athletic and scoring, but it also teaches them the value of good “The kids love this program,” Tribalwide on a college team and a professional team was huge. Association’s Legend of the Year for demonstrating sportsmanship and teamwork. Recreation director Richard Blankenship said. “It “In the NBA, you know someone else wants your good character, values and sportsmanship throughout “In basketball there are no losers,” KCITY coach isn’t your everyday program; it’s pretty intense. Our job, so you are always trying to perfect your craft,” his college career. K.C. Cullins said. “As long as you play your hardest ultimate goal is to increase awareness of the basketball Fisher said. “You need to have a lot of confidence.” After graduating with a degree in physical and have good sportsmanship, everybody wins.” program, so we build multiple teams in multiple age After being released by the 76ers, he had education, Fisher earned his master’s degree in the The KCITY program attracts 20-40 kids each groups for a Tribal league.” opportunities to play basketball in Europe and China, same field from California State University, Fresno. session, and the group takes to the court for some basic The remaining dates for the KCITY summer but Fisher chose to coach instead. He embarked on Following his career as a college coach, he spent more drills. During the camp on July 3, campers learned how basketball program are July 31 and Aug. 2 from 4-7 a 13-year career as a college basketball coach at than 15 years as a physical education teacher, coach to control the ball up and down the court, shoot baskets p.m. Roanoke College in Virginia; Samford University in and dribble with their non-dominant hand. F See HALL OF FAME on page 2C “Basketball is my life,” said Devin Osceola, 16, F See more CAMP photos on page 2C

Youth perform in dance recital

Beverly Bidney K.C. Cullins observes David Channer as he learns to dribble the ball. In the background, Sabre Billie awaits her turn. Brett Daly Preslynn JennaSue Baker, left, and Chaka Smith, third from left, show the audience their ballet routine during their June 16 recital in Okeechobee. F See more DANCE photos on page 2C Andy Girty wins Howard Tiger Athletic Department hosts Memorial Award SUBMITTED BY MOSES JUMPER JR. coaching workshops Contributing Writer BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Usually, about 66 percent of practice time is spent LAWRENCE, Kan. — After 56 years of service Staff Reporter standing around doing nothing and only about one-third on the staff of Haskell Indian University, Cherokee of the time is spent practicing actual skills, Blankenship Tribal member Andy Girty was awarded the prestigious Participating in youth sports can have an enormous said. The goal is to reverse those numbers by having the Howard Tiger Memorial Coach and Teachers Award. impact on a child. Perhaps the most important component entire team always engaged in practice. For example, The award – named in honor of Howard Tiger, World leading to a child having a positive experience lies with during a standard baseball practice infield drill, the War II veteran and outstanding athlete of the Seminole the coach. coach hits a ball to a player who then throws to first Tribe – is sponsored by the Seminole Tribal Council. To ensure the volunteer coaches involved in the base. At the workshops, the coaches learned a better The presentation took place at the university Tribe’s sports teams are trained well, the Recreation option is to make each drill a live game practice. Instead during the school’s commencement and pow-wow. The departments of Hollywood, Immokalee, Big Cypress of the coach hitting to an infielder, the team members award is given to a Haskell teacher, coach or employee and Brighton recently held training workshops. bat while the rest of the team is in the field with no idea who has shown outstanding dedication to the school “We want to provide the best facilities and where the ball will be hit. Everyone is involved in each and students involved in athletics. opportunities for our youth, but we also want to make play. Girty’s career has included service to the school sure they are getting proper coaching” said Richard “The class was great,” said Josh Jumper, site from 1956 to the present as a vocation teacher and Blankenship, Tribalwide director of Recreation. “We manager of the Herman L. Osceola Gymnasium in coach of Haskell softball teams. He currently teaches depend on volunteers, so we need to make sure they have Big Cypress. “We learned about other tools to use in the Cherokee language in the school’s academic as much knowledge as possible to coach effectively.” coaching. They taught us how to coach large groups of system. Girty’s claim to his longevity and dedication to Coaching a game is only a small part of a coach’s kids by breaking them into smaller groups to keep them Haskell is his trust and faith in God. duty because more time is spent in practice than at all active.” Also during the festivities, Tribal member Moses games. Run by the Northwood University Sports Armed with this training, the coaches can have Jumper Jr. was awarded a Pendleton Indian blanket Management Department, the coaching clinics taught a positive impact on their teams by the effective and from the staff at Haskell for outstanding alumni for volunteers how to set up and implement a successful efficient use of practice time. Ultimately, the likelihood 2012. Moses was a former student and athlete at practice by using time efficiently. The training was not of a kid having a great memory of a youth spent in Haskell and received his associate of arts degree from about the rules of the game; it was about how to coach sports is much higher. Haskell. sports in general. “The simple point of the coaches training is that The awards committee thanked Tribal Chairman “A typical way of running drills is to have a group kids can be taught to do anything well with enough James E. Billie and Brighton Councilman Andrew of kids do the drill while the rest of the group watches,” repetition,” Blankenship said. “With enough reps, J. Bowers Jr., both former Haskell students, for their Blankenship said. “The workshops taught how to get every kid will get better.” support of the award given in honor of one of the Photo courtesy of Moses Jumper Jr. everyone involved all the time so no one is just standing Seminole Tribe’s leaders, athletes and war heroes. Moses Jumper Jr. and Andy Girty receive Haskell Indian around.” Tribal Treasurer Michael Tiger is Howard Tiger’s son. University special awards. 2C• The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012 Tribal youth showcase talent at Okeechobee dance recital

Brett Daly Jetta Osceola, fourth from left, performs with her classmates during a June 16 recital, which showcased what she learned that year in dance class. She attends Leslie’s Dance Studio in Okeechobee.

Brett Daly Brett Daly Brett Daly Aiyana Tommie performs during one of her dances. “Dancing Chaka Smith shows some attitude during her dance recital at Preslynn JennaSue Baker, second from left, and Chaka Smith, third from left, show the audience their ballet routine. teaches me technique, and it’s really fun,” she said. Okeechobee High School. She attends Leslie’s Dance Studio.

Brett Daly Brett Daly From left, Chaka Smith, Preslynn JennaSue Baker, dance teacher Leslie Stokes, Jetta Osceola and Aiyana Tommie pose for a picture. The Okeechobee dance recital features dozens of dances, including routines by Seminole Tribal youth. F HALL OF FAME F CAMP From page 1C From page 1C

Photo courtesy of James Madison University Charles Fisher, left, plays college ball for James Madison University during the early 1980s.

and principal at schools in Miami Dade and Broward counties. Then, after retiring from education, he felt compelled to continue giving back to the community and joined the Seminole Tribe in October 2011. “I see this as a great opportunity to contribute to the Seminole Tribe,” he said. “This has been a great marriage.” Fisher, who earned his doctorate in Christian education at Jacksonville Theological Seminary in 2007, also serves as minister at the New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Liberty City. He is also a motivational speaker and addresses school groups, using sports as a metaphor to get his message through to the students. A family man, Fisher lives with his wife, Shirelle, and children Charles Jr. and Chanelle. His daughter Chauncie attends Florida State University. The induction ceremony will take place Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney at the university on Oct. 12. Fisher works for the Seminole Tribe today. Mailani Perez and Darlah Cypress watch as Devin Osceola takes a shot. Tameron Wilcox tries for a basket as David Channer dribbles behind him. 3C • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012

Congratulations Birthdays

Congratulations Cooper We are so proud of the beautiful and wonderful young woman you Hope you had a happy birthday, have become. From the moment you were born you brought joy into my one and only son, Brandon our hearts. Through the many milestones beginning with preschool graduation we have watched you blossom into this smart, funny, Joe Osceola. caring person whom I’m proud to call my daughter. It seems like yesterday I was holding you in my arms all wrapped in a pink baby blanket. Now you (we) have reached 2 more important milestones Love, Mom in life, your high school graduation and your 18th birthday. Your life is steadily moving forward whether we’re ready or not (tear) but you will always be our baby girl. We are confident that you (Twila Perkins) will make good decisions in your life, even when the time comes where temptation is so strong and you may stray away from the good we tried hard to instill in you; you will always hold your head high, learn from your mistakes and move on looking back only to remember where you came from. People will always fail you and may try to bring you down but never forget that GOD will never fail you. HE will always be there for you, to love you, to forgive you no matter what. Life is about experience and now it is time for us to let you go...to experience all that the world has to offer. Take your time, life can’t possibly happen any faster than it already is. Congratulations on your high school graduation & happy 18th birthday!!! We love you!! Mom & Stepdad (Clea & Manuel Correa) sister (Marley) brothers (Shawnee & Lakota) Nana & Papa (Marie & Fred Phillips)

Poems Jade Lizett Tapia When we first held you in our arms in 1997, When I wrote this poem (“Together Again”) it was dedicated to three close friends, but since then I have lost you were a fragile little baby with a serious medical Savannah Redbone-Osceola, another brother in Christ and that is Wonder Johns. I want to say that these men will be greatly missed by family condition. You were the angel we had prayed for and friends. I will miss seeing their faces at church functions and truly the Seminole Tribe will miss them for and God had answered our prayers. You have never Happy thirteenth birthday their leadership and godly wisdom. Yet, I know that I will see these men again because of their faith and trust let anything hold you back and have the strength to on July 16. in Jesus Christ. This poem was written from my memories of them. I know Wonder was a true cattle man overcome all obstacles. You will always be our miracle and loved the sport of rodeo as he would support his daughters who were great rodeo athletes. As they have child and the love of our lives. From your mother (Teena journeyed on into the spirit world I know that they are together again. As you celebrate your fifteenth birthday, you have Redbone), brother Lyle and – Moses Jumper Jr. blossomed into a beautiful flower and we share your dreams of happiness. the rest of your family from Brighton and Oklahoma Love, Mom and Daddy “Together Again” (Juan Tapia and Sylvia Marrero of Immokalee)

This poem was written to honor These men stood for a way of life see them sitting tall in the saddle Howard Micco, Roger Smith, Joe that many don’t riding against the wind Lester Johns and Wonder Johns believe in today. But I know across those glades in God, family, and friends is how Heaven they are riding Blast from the past We honor 3 men who blessed us they lived their way. together again. with laughter, friendships, and to many were the next of kin. Howard, Roger and Joe were to I’m sure they would say don’t many family and a friend. shed too many tears for me. They have gone on to the spirit That’s why today I’m sure they For in this land I live its such an world where, with God they are all together again. awesome place to be. are all together again. We will miss them for we all Yes, there are horses and cattle We will miss them for they were have memories of and no fences to repair. Indian cowboys like you them down here. For the glades and rivers and and me. The Indian songs that Howard everything here is beautiful They stood for a way of life and would sing or riding his mule beyond compare. were proud of the lifestyle and complaining about that little they wanted others to see. gadget in his ear. I believe in Heaven they have met family, and old cowboys, I have got to believe their faces Roger was good at sports and for too many they were a true are shining down upon this rode bulls and rodeoed for friend. show tonight awhile. Imagine the joy of them all being Their spirits with the saints in And there was no one Roger together again. glory, oh, my it must be quite would greet without that a sight! familiar smile. These three Indian cowboys are truly home and their aches It wasn’t so very long ago that Joe Lester was a true rodeo and pain are a thing of the past. these Indian Cowboys rode cowboy who competed till the Going to rodeos and raising their favorite horses across the very end. cattle, riding the glades and reservation land. The Indian National Finals just prairies of Heaven where they are They wore cowboy hats, last year was where he had truly free at last. wranglers and boots, and were been. never embarrassed to be known No, I don’t think they want to as an Indian Cowboy man. These three men had one thing in come back to a place with common besides the sickness, sorrow and sin. They loved the Indian cowboy cowboy life they love. Today they are going through the way of life for it was the way That was their trust and faith in gates of Heaven riding they wanted to be. God above. good horses on streets of gold The horses, the cattle, riding their and they are together with pastures where they It’s hard to believe we won’t see God again. knew a man could really be free. their faces on this earth or Pictured is Tribal member Billy Walker in 1988. Photo submitted by Billy Walker’s mother, Frances.

Letter to the editor Classifieds “The Seminole/ Miccosukee in Me” To: The Seminole Tribune paper because I have many friends there including the Chairman, Unconquered is the way, so in me I really enjoyed the June James E. Billie. My late husband, THRIFTARELLA’S I will never ever fear… 29 issue – especially the article Scatty Harjo, considered him as his I will stand tall each and every “Seminoles and Christianity.” My younger brother. Please give him year. father, Joe Colbert, was one of the (James) my best regards and get Furniture. homegoods. jewelry. Florida is home. Oklahoma ministers who traveled completely well soon because I still gifts. collectibles. vintage items Where the Unconquered roam… to Dania Reservation in 1936 consider him as my family. Everlasting is what we be, and dedicated the First Seminole I have so many friends at and more So the land we will never ever Baptist Church – which is now all big or original reservations leave. Hollywood. It was very interesting – Hollywood, Big Cypress and (no, we don’t sell clothes) and somewhere in my collections Brighton. I would like to say, – Patrick Gator Doctor Jr. of pictures, I have the group of “Hello” to everyone. ministers and the gathering of the Thank you very much. ------Seminoles that dedication day. Esther Harjo I always look forward to your Lawrence, Kansas ------

4300 Davie Road/SW 64th Ave. Davie.

Attention Seminole Tribal members, 954-587-0818 To submit an announcement, please send your message along with your name, phone number, email, address, the names of your parents, children and grandparents and your clan (optional). Please include your mailing address if you’d like your photos returned. Monday-Saturday 10-6. Sign and date your submission and send it via: Get Out of Jail Fast! • Email: [email protected] www.thriftarellas.com • Fax: 954-965-2937 Call Myrna Loy (954) 583-9119. Tribal • Mail: 3560 N. State Road 7, Hollywood, FL 33021 dividends, MasterCard and Visa accepted. 24 P.S. Join us on Facebook at • Drop-off: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. hours • Speedy Release • Professional Service. 1128 NW 31st Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311 ThriftarellasConsignment. 4C • The Seminole Tribune • July 27, 2012

annual owners’meeting

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 10AM HARD ROCK LIVE SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOLLYWOOD

Get important news and updates about the Hard Rock International Brand and see what’s in store for our future.

Questions? Please call 954.327.7684.

All Seminole Tribe Members and their immediate families are welcome to attend.