Durante Blais-Billie PECS students raise Seminoles step up to named to museum post money for S. Sudan help Haskell v COMMUNITY v 8A EDUCATION 1B SPORTS v 5B

www.seminoletribune.org Free Volume XLV • Number 1 January 29, 2021 Hard Rock Tribe’s vaccine distribution in full swing Tejon moves BY DAMON SCOTT closer to Staff Reporter

breaking HOLLYWOOD — The Seminole Tribe started its Covid-19 vaccine program in late December and has since administered ground the shot to hundreds of tribal members and BY DAMON SCOTT key personnel. Staff Reporter Some of the first to receive the vaccine were tribal leaders and public safety and A partnership between Hard Rock health care workers. Seminole Fire Rescue International and the Tejon Tribe to develop staff, which has been administering the a hotel and casino recently took a significant shots, then began to vaccinate health clinic step forward. patients, disabled elders and those with The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) diabetes. signed off on the proposed project Jan. 8 – Vaccine availability has since been one of the last hurdles to clear before the Hard opened up to any tribal member 18 years Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon could eventually and older. After tribal members who wish move toward a construction timeline. to receive the vaccine have been given an The $600 million project is to be built on opportunity, including non-tribal spouses a site in Mettler, California – 14 miles south that live with tribal members, tribal of Bakersfield and 90 miles north of Los employees will be in line for the shot. Angeles. California Gov. Gavin Newsom Dr. Vandhana Kiswani-Barley, the must now approve the BIA decision. If he interim executive director of Health and does, the Department of Interior can take the Human Services for the tribe, has been land into trust. overseeing vaccine distribution with the “From the start of our relationship with head of public safety, William Latchford. the United States government in 1851 our In late January, she reported that the Tribe has fought for a homeland for our tribe continued to receive doses of the people,” Octavio Escobedo III, chairman of vaccine through the Indian Health Service, the Tejon Indian Tribe, said in a statement and was set to begin booster shots for some. The tribe is using the Moderna vaccine – a after the BIA approval. “Today we are … Damon Scott closer to that dream.” two shot series. The second, or booster shot, is given 28 days after the first. When both Big Cypress Councilman David Cypress shows his approval as he receives a Covid-19 vaccine shot from Stephen Zitnick of Seminole Fire Rescue at tribal Escobedo said the project would enable headquarters in Hollywood on Dec. 28. the tribe to “move closer to the promise shots are given its effectiveness is 94.5%. of self-determination through economic development.” The BIA has agreed, saying Virus threat been disproportionately affected by the to get the vaccine to motivate others in the Howard said. “I wanted to pave the road for it would allow the tribe to be self-sufficient pandemic, with generally higher infection community. them as a leader.” and maintain a stable source of revenue to The tribe has been moving with and death rates per capita than the rest of the “I wanted to set an example for other provide for governmental programs. urgency, as the virus worldwide continues population. tribal members who aren’t sure what the shot to be a perilous one. Native Americans have Elected tribal leaders said they wanted is going to do,” Brighton Councilman Larry F See VACCINE on page 9A F See GAMING on page 6A Tribe gains control of BC Haaland has vital role wetlands, saving millions in Biden’s BY BEVERLY BIDNEY President Donald Trump signed the the project 20 years ago when he worked clear the project wasn’t working and the Staff Reporter Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, for the South Florida Water Management tribe began seeking deauthorization. The after it passed Congress. District as a liaison between the district and community perceived the project as the tribe climate BIG CYPRESS — Starting in the “The design of the project proved to be the tribe. The Corps was responsible for the shouldering the responsibility to clean up 1990s, the U.S. government aimed to fatally flawed and the tribe never realized any engineering of the project. water from other users. change restore the water system on the Big Cypress of the intended benefits while contributing “My job was to look at the viability “They are right,” Cunniff said. “The Reservation with a project that was supposed millions of dollars for its construction of the project,” Myers said. “It was poorly water coming in is problematic and the tribe to rehydrate wetlands, improve water quality and maintenance,” said Kevin Cunniff, designed and not well thought out.” has spent a lot of money to clean it. This has and enhance water storage capacity. Instead, Environmental Resource Management Despite Myers’ reservations, the project been a source of contention for the last 20 efforts the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation Department (ERMD) director. was approved and went forward. It was years. It’s why the tribe continued to pursue Water Conservation Project never worked as The tribe and Corps split the cost of supposed to hold water, but it never did. The deauthorization.” BY DAMON SCOTT intended and became a costly albatross for the project, which stretched into the tens of pumps were located near the outflow canal, With deauthorization, the money being Staff Reporter the Seminole Tribe. millions. It was supposed to include four so water in the basins went directly into the spent annually has been stopped in its tracks. “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers large basins to hold water and provide better canal without any treatment. “The real success story is we got rid of the Rep. Deb Haaland, the New Mexico authorized the water system in 1996 [and] quality of water treatment before sending it ERMD regularly analyzes water samples wasteful project and stopped the bleeding,” Democrat from Laguna Pueblo, is expected built it in the 2000s in a phased approach,” out of the reservation through BC’s canal to measure concentration of pollutants in Myers said. “It was hemorrhaging.” to play a high profile role in the new said Paul Backhouse, the Seminole Tribe’s system. Only three of the basins, also the water, including phosphorus and other “The tribe will save about half a million administration’s battle against climate Heritage and Environment Resources Office known as yellow gate facilities, were built nutrients. dollars a year on maintenance costs and is no change. (HERO) senior director and Tribal Historic on several thousands of acres of land on the “Our system is about knowing what longer answerable to the [Corps] about water Soon after then-President elect Joe Preservation Officer. “It’s rubbish, it doesn’t reservation. comes in and how it leaves the reservation,” going through BC,” Backhouse added. “The Biden named Haaland as his pick to run work. We finally got them to deauthorize it “The greater time you have water on Cunniff said. “Water coming in is already project was an abject failure, it never held the Department of Interior, he also placed which means the tribe can use the land to do land, the better it is,” Cunniff said. “Holding high in phosphorus and nitrogen. We tried to water. The work of getting it deauthorized the 60-year-old on a newly formed climate with what they want.” water within natural lands was to be an keep them in the natural areas identified as is very important. It will save significant change team. The water conservation plan, also effective way to prevent excess nutrients being the project footprint.” money.” The team includes Gina McCarthy, known as the Critical Project, was officially from going downstream.” The first two basins were constructed former President Obama’s Environmental deauthorized Dec. 27, 2020, when former HERO senior scientist and liaison Stacy in 2008 and 2013. After the third yellow F See DEAUTHORIZATION on page 2A Protection Agency administrator, and D. Myers was involved at the inception of gate facility was completed in 2017, it was Jennifer Granholm, the former governor of Michigan, among others. The team is thought to represent the largest group of climate change experts ever brought together in the White House. President Biden said the team would make clean energy jobs and environmental protections a priority in his administration. His environmental reform efforts are expected to move forward quickly. Indeed, one of his first actions after taking office Jan. 20 was to bring the U.S. back into the Paris climate accord – an international agreement designed to abate the catastrophic effects of global warming. Biden’s climate change plan is also touted as economic stimulus. It calls for 500,000 new electric vehicle charging stations, the construction of 1.5 million new energy-efficient homes and public housing units, and the creation of a “civilian climate corps” to carry out climate and conservation projects. Meanwhile, Haaland has a history of work on environmental issues. In her acceptance speech after being nominated to lead the Interior, she said she’d “move climate change priorities, tribal consultation and a green economic recovery forward.” Haaland was a co-sponsor of the Green New Courtesy image Deal legislation. An overview of the Army Corps’ basins on the Big Cypress Reservation. Basins 1, 4 and 2 were completed in 2008, 2013 and 2017; basin 3 was never built. F See HAALAND on page 3A

INSIDE: Editorial...... 2A Sports...... 5B Visit the Tribune’s website for news throughout Community...... 3A Education...... 1B the month at seminoletribune.org 2A • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 Seminole Tribe’s concerns noted in Everglades report

BY DAMON SCOTT near the Brighton Reservation. Staff Reporter The tribe believes the storage projects Editorial have the potential to cause life threatening flooding, property damage, negative The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers environmental impacts to water supply and recently sent a required report to Congress agriculture – and that it encroaches on tribal on what it calls “Everglades restoration lands. momentum.” Stacy D. Myers, senior scientist The two sides of our The most significant part of the 144- and liaison for the tribe’s Heritage and page report, now available to the public, Environment Resources Office, submitted is the status of the multibillion-dollar some of the tribe’s views, based on previous Comprehensive Everglades Restoration letters and position statements made by the citizenship: tribal and American Plan, or CERP, which has been ongoing tribe, for inclusion in the report. since 2000. He said while the tribe generally The Corps and the South Florida Water supports additional water storage for American Indians have always been and-forth speaks to conflicting feelings we Management District are the leads on CERP drainage and flood control, “initiatives to • Levi Rickert warriors and since the United States was the have as humans, and as we progress along implementation. build large, above ground water storage land of our ancestors, it is only natural they our personal journeys. Everglades restoration is a complex facilities north of Lake Okeechobee are fight to protect land and freedom. The deliberation of where I fit on the bureaucratic web that involves multiple unnatural and inconsistent with restoration.” agencies and stakeholders – including the n the late 1990s, I testified before American Indians who are citizens of duality spectrum became more pronounced The tribe has objected to those projects. federally-recognized tribal nations enjoy during the first three weeks of January as we Seminole Tribe and the Miccosukee Tribe. It Myers also noted inconsistent a joint legislative committee of the consists of dozens of projects and initiatives Michigan Legislature about the duality as U.S. citizens. One fine example witnessed an insurrection, an impeachment communication from the Corps: “Particularly I is Rep. Deb Haaland, a dual citizen of the and an inauguration. across a large swath of the state. [in] situations that may impact the tribe and benefits of tribal gaming casinos on tribal Recovery has been impacted by sea citizens. Before I began, I introduced myself United States and the Pueblo of Laguna. She The U.S. citizen in me was angry at the its natural resources.” has been nominated to be the next secretary insurrection. Seeing so-called patriots beat grass die-off in Florida Bay, harmful algal He wrote that when the tribe’s interests and noted I was a citizen of the Prairie Band blooms in the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Potawatomi Nation. of the Interior. When confirmed by the police officers with wooden U.S. flag poles align with the Corps’ goals, there is more Senate, she will be the first American Indian sickened me. I thought this should never rivers and estuaries, effects from hurricanes communication and coordination. But when As I was leaving the witness table, and invasive species, and sea level rise, I was called back by a state senator who to become part of a president’s cabinet in happen in the United States. restoration planning potentially impacts the history of the country. On Wednesday, The inauguration seemed to restore among others. tribal resources negatively, or “presents asked me sternly if I considered myself an The new report, which covers 2015 to American citizen. Not wanting to engage in Haaland arrived at the inauguration dressed order in United States governance. And a difficult issue … where the tribe may in her cultural attire. 22-year-old Amanda Gorman’s poem “The 2020, cites what the Corps and others see oppose aspects of the planning effort,” an argument, I answered “yes” and added, as signs of progress, including better water “The Internal Revenue Service does.” American Indians often fall somewhere Hill We Climb,” brought a wounded nation communication slows or stops. between being traditionalists who fight hope. quality and distribution. In the meantime, the tribe has called That answer garnered chuckles from a few Much of CERP’s goals are to provide American Indians sitting in the audience. colonization to being assimilated with little Her words “Somehow, we’ve weathered for an ethnographic study – observations in regard to their tribal identity. The citizenship and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken but a clean water flow to the central Everglades a natural environment versus a lab – to aid The state senator’s face turned red as I took to restore the southern Everglades and my seat in the audience. identity may also shift with time. simply unfinished” were refreshing and the Corps in its consideration of traditional Within my own progression as a perhaps more charitable than what I would Florida Bay. In short, the idea is to reduce cultural properties, places and sites that are Through the years, I have been asked water releases from Lake Okeechobee by following speaking engagements how Potawatomi man, the issue of duality as a have come up with. However, she gave of significance “when determining effects of tribal citizen and a U.S. citizen has caused us hope that we can work towards a more capturing, storing, cleaning and redirecting CERP projects.” American Indians could serve in the United it. The Corps describes the ongoing efforts States military at such higher rates than other me trepidation when examining who I am. perfect union. The full report can be accessed at saj. A few years ago when NFL football Later in the week, I read the words as “getting the water right.” usace.army.mil/CERP-Report-to-Congress/. demographics, after everything that has However, the Corps’ path to successful happened to American Indians throughout quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee of one of my favorite Indigenous leaders, during the national anthem to bring attention the great Onondaga Chief Oren Lyons. restoration doesn’t always align with the Editor’s note: One non-CERP project history. Seminole Tribe. It is a valid question. History has to police brutality against Black people, I They summed up my thoughts on my own in the report is the Big Cypress Reservation understood. He was asking the nation to pay citizenship duality in its current state: While the report states often that the water conservation plan. It was intended to not been kind to our ancestors. American Seminole Tribe has been consulted on Indians were often greeted by settlers on a attention to the disproportionate brutality “Even though you and I are in different rehydrate wetlands, improve water quality that Black people endure at the hands of boats, you in your boat and we in our proposed plans and projects, communication and provide water storage. However, tribal genocidal path across the continent. They has been spotty and the tribe says it has carried the Holy Bible in one hand and a gun law enforcement. According to the Centers canoe, we share the same river of life. What officials had long said the project did not for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), befalls me befalls you. And downstream, ongoing concerns. work as intended and was expensive. The in the other. It is believed among American One concern includes plans for a variety Indians that if they could not “save us,” they American Indians and Alaska Natives have downstream in this river of life, our children project was recently de-authorized and the high rates of death by police. will pay for our selfishness, for our greed, of water-related construction projects along tribe now has exclusive control over future would kill us. American Indians have been Lake Okeechobee, including water storage the subject of many atrocities. It was Kaepernick’s right. It did not and for our lack of vision.” activity. (See story page 1A) It is true American Indians have served make him less of a patriot because he in the U.S. military at higher rates than any took a knee to protest injustice. I recalled Levi Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi other demographic in the country. A high times I chose not to stand for the national Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor percentage of American Indians volunteered anthem because I was angry about the of Native News Online. He can be reached in World War I before they became U.S. federal government’s treatment of American at [email protected]. This article citizens in 1924. During the Vietnam War, Indians. I felt standing would make me was posted Jan. 24 on nativenewsonline.net. 90 percent of American Indians who served complicit and at that moment, I did not feel volunteered. They were not drafted. like standing. Other times, I stood because I generally answer the question saying as a dual citizen I chose to stand. The back- Why does Canada commit billions of dollars to oil pipelines but not fresh Image via Army Corps Facebook Everglades restoration projects have been ongoing for decades with many stakeholders across water pipelines to First Nations? Florida.

• Brandi Morin children and elders in hotels in Thunder sacred water sources. pig,” Cunniff said. “There were a lot of Bay. The Neskantaga nation has been under During the pandemic, governments F DEAUTHORIZATION lessons learned on how to do this properly a water boil advisory for more than 25 years have allowed industrial projects to continue From page 1A and plan restoration on a scale like this. That — an entire generation has grown up not at full-speed and do whatever it takes to get legacy ends with deauthorization.” recently came across a meme online being able to drink water from their taps! the job done, in the “national interest.” In addition to the financial benefit, the Deauthorization of Corps’ projects is a that floored me. It was a hypothetical Other remote First Nations are The cost of fixing the on-reserve water deauthorization also removes the Corps’ rare occurrence. This is the first completely I question posed to Amazon’s virtual struggling to conduct day-to-day life crisis is estimated to be about $3.2 billion. presence and direct influence on tribal lands deauthorized project in Florida, Myers said. assistant Alexa, asking, “If we can build activities without access to safe water, even The commitment, time and priority of in the project’s footprint. The tribe now has An additional benefit of the oil pipelines through Indigenous land, why in a pandemic when sanitation is crucial to remedying this crisis is on the shoulders the authority to take full responsibility for its deauthorization is the tribe is not responsible can’t we build water pipelines to Indigenous prevent transmission of COVID-19. of the federal government under the water control projects. for any claims a construction company may land?” There are families whose children react Constitution Act, 1867, which grants it “It goes to self-government, self- have for costs, which could have added up I’m almost certain Alexa wouldn’t be to contaminated water and break out in jurisdiction over “Indians and lands reserved determination and sovereignty,” Cunniff to millions. The tribe’s liability ended with able to give an answer. But the statement bloody sores and get sick with autoimmune for the Indians.” said. “The tribe can determine how they want deauthorization. was so poignant, yet so simple and it got diseases. Human Rights Watch reported If unsafe drinking water conditions to use that land in the future. The land has Messages left for the Corps seeking my mind churning. I shared the meme in 2016 contaminants in some reserves existed in 41 non-Indigenous communities, intrinsic cultural and traditional value. It will comment were not returned as of press time. on Twitter, which immediately received included coliform, E. coli, cancer-causing I’m certain they would be fixed immediately. be used for the betterment and protection of The future of the infrastructure remains thousands of likes and hundreds of retweets Trihalomethanes, and uranium. Exposure If this complacency isn’t racism and the tribal community.” to be determined. Whatever decision is made in agreement. Not surprisingly, others to these types of contaminants can cause oppression, then I don’t know what is. The Critical Project was approved four will be the tribe’s to make thanks to the connected with its frankness too. health problems ranging from serious Even though Trudeau has said time and years before the Comprehensive Everglades deauthorization. I wish the answer was easy. It makes gastrointestinal disorders to increased risk again his No. 1 priority is reconciliation Restoration Plan was authorized in 2000. “This was a great way to start 2021,” sense Canada should fix the water crisis, of cancer. with Indigenous peoples, his actions speak It was the first trial run on how to execute Myers said. right? The federal government is funding a far louder. Yes, his government has lifted 97 Everglades planning on a grand scale. There is a human rights crisis of access $19.5 million methylmercury poisoning long-term water drinking advisories in First “Unfortunately, the tribe was the guinea to clean drinking water to hundreds of First treatment centre in Grassy Narrows and Nations so far, but there are still thousands Nations communities in Canada, which has Wabaseemoong First Nations in Northern of people waiting. This water crisis and other been going on for decades. Safe drinking Ontario. This follows after years of human rights violations against Indigenous water and sanitation are “basic human advocacy from the communities after peoples are tainting Canada’s reputation on rights” according to a 2019 United Nations industrial pollution poisoned their main a global scale. Water Development report. But, Canada, water system, the English-Wabigoon River The government needs to move as fast being one of the wealthiest countries in the in the 1960s and 1970s. People in these as they are to build the pipeline and live up world and home to 20 per cent of the planet’s communities have, and are, dying almost to its obligations to the first peoples of the freshwater resources, is failing thousands of 50 years later, so much so that a permanent land, whose lands were stolen, rampaged Indigenous Peoples the right to clean water. treatment centre is needed. and continue to be contaminated. The federal government committed to The Human Rights report states that in Certainly the health of human beings end the water crisis by 2021 but has since many cases, the lakes, rivers and streams should take precedence over economic stated it won’t reach its initial goal to end that contribute to the source water for First gain in a prosperous, vast and democratic water advisories for the current 59 First Nations communities have deteriorated country like Canada? Nations. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau because of pollutants from industries, and cited barriers to travelling to First Nation growing municipalities. Brandi Morin is an award-winning communities due to COVID-19 as being On the other hand, the Trudeau French/Cree/Iroquois journalist from Treaty one of the reasons. government has invested an estimated 6 in Alberta. This article appeared in the In November, Canada watched in $12.6 billion to build the state-owned Trans Toronto Star. dismay as the entire nation of Neskantaga in Mountain pipeline. Some of the pipeline is Northern Ontario was evacuated to Thunder being constructed through Indigenous lands Bay due to unsafe water. Hundreds of people and Indigenous land defenders opposing it are still displaced, including men, women, are doing so to protect their last remaining, Courtesy photo An inspection of the basins takes place in February 2020.

The Seminole Tribune is a member of the The following deadlines apply to all Advertising: Publisher: The Seminole Tribe of Florida Advertising: Donna Mason, ext. 10733 Native American Journalists Association. submissions to The Seminole Tribune: Advertising rates along with sizes and other Phone: 954-985-5700 [email protected] information may be downloaded online at: Letters/emails to the editor must be signed Issue: Feb. 26, 2021 http://SeminoleTribune.org/Advertise Senior Editor: Kevin Johnson, ext. 10715 Contributors: Ari Rioseco and may be edited for publication. Deadline: Feb. 10, 2021 [email protected] Postmaster: © 2021 Seminole Tribe of Florida Subscription rate is $35 per year by mail. Issue: March 31, 2021 Please send address changes to: Staff Reporter: Beverly Bidney, ext. 16466 Make checks payable to: Deadline: March 17, 2021 The Seminole Tribune [email protected] The Seminole Tribune 6365 Taft St. 6365 Taft Street Suite 1003 Staff Reporter: Damon Scott, ext. 10704 Suite 1003 Hollywood, FL 33024 [email protected] Hollywood, FL 33024 3A • The Seminole Tribune •January 29, 2021 Community A Toni Sanchez advocates for Native philanthropy amid pandemic

BY DAMON SCOTT Los Angeles. Sanchez was named the with Rep. Deb Haaland’s expected ascension webcam and started to video blog about Star Staff Reporter group’s engagement and communications to lead the Department of Interior. Wars and Marvel movies. coordinator about seven months ago. “It’s not really enough for philanthropy Those interests called her to California. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic Originally from the Immokalee to try and slap a Band-Aid on failures of She did entertainment journalism and to Indigenous communities has been an Reservation, she’s lived in Burbank, federal government,” she said. “There’s so covered science fiction conventions and outsized one compared to other populations. California, for about four years, where much history and bureaucracy – then you go press conferences. One of the last events she It magnified Indian Country’s longtime she’s been involved in a number of projects, ahead and pile on centuries and generations covered was the New York Comic Con in deficiencies in infrastructure, health care, including entertainment journalism. worth of fraught relationships.” 2019. food security, housing, technology and more. But like it did to many, the pandemic “It was the first time they ever had an A new report shows that the Native hit and work slowed. Sanchez put her Home sweet home all-Indigenous panel in science fiction and American philanthropic sector stepped up feelers out for potential new work and came fantasy,” Sanchez recalls. “I finally felt to fill in gaps in the federal government’s across a posting from Native Americans in Her mother and grandmother are in like it was happening – to actually have the response. It demonstrated the extent to which Philanthropy. Immokalee and her father – Tony Sanchez beginning of true representation.” tribal communities mobilized and leveraged Her job is to advocate for more equitable Jr. – and stepmother are on the Hollywood Sanchez said her goal for 2021 is to see resources to try and lessen the impact. funding for Native American organizations Reservation. Sanchez’ father is a former her family in Florida and to be able to meet Seminole tribal member Toni Sanchez is and causes. For example, from 2006 to 2016, president of the tribe’s board of directors. others in person again once its safe. at the forefront of the organization behind the she said, such groups received less than .5% Sanchez went to school in Immokalee “To have an opportunity to actually report – Native Americans in Philanthropy. percent of donations, but make up 2% of the and later graduated from Florida State meet and shake hands, have a meal – that’s Sanchez said that between March 2020 population. University with a degree in English and the modest goal,” she said. and October 2020 – representing the crucial “The philanthropic sector is largely creative writing. In the late 2000s Sanchez Sanchez said she hadn’t been back early and middle parts of the pandemic – non-Native as well,” Sanchez said. “It’s moved to Orlando and ended up working as home to Florida since last year’s Tribal Fair $32.2 million in philanthropic funds were indicative of the overall issue of being a marketing intern at Hard Rock’s former and Pow Wow in February. distributed to Native communities. The underrepresented.” headquarters for three years. “I miss my family, my grandmother. donations were led or initiated by Indigenous The nonprofit works to correct the gap “I had the best intern gig you could We just had a birthday and I wasn’t there for People – a relatively large number for a short with outreach and serves as a bridge between Toni Sanchez possibly have,” Sanchez said. “I got to Christmas. I miss flatland, miss being able to amount of time, she said. Indigenous communities and the non-Native bounce around from franchise marketing, get sweet tea in places other than Popeyes. I In all, 15 nonprofits raised $23.5 million philanthropic sector. to [audio/visual] and customer care. It was miss my friends and being in a place that’s and 56 GoFundMe platforms raised $8.7 Funds are earmarked for a variety of Sanchez said being a part of Native amazing. I learned a lot in a relatively short familiar. Florida is definitely my home and million. projects, including infrastructure. Americans in Philanthropy has reinforced amount of time.” one day someday I’ll be back,” she said. Sanchez and the organization have also “As with all things in Indian Country, to her how far the Seminole Tribe has come Sanchez worked as a marketing For more information and to read the issued a call to action for the philanthropic everything is so interconnected. A pull on over the years. coordinator for Hard Rock from 2012 to Native Americans in Philanthropy report, go sector at large to invest in Indigenous-led one thread is to pull on all of them,” she “We are a very blessed tribe. We don’t 2015. to nativephilanthropy.org. organizations and initiatives – including said. “[The Seminole Tribe has] roads, cell have a lot of financial woes and are so self She left Orlando for Tallahassee where those supporting Covid-19 response efforts. towers, Wi-Fi, and don’t really have to worry contained and self-sufficient,” she said. she began to dabble in content creation Native Americans in Philanthropy about it or think about it – water, electricity Sanchez is encouraged by the new – producing “silly little geeky videos” operate offices in Washington, D.C., and and internet – a lot of tribes don’t have it.” administration in Washington, D.C., and about science fiction movies. She bought a Inauguration star Amanda Tribal Fair contests Gorman once told Osceola story to be held virtually BY BEVERLY BIDNEY contestants must take photos of their submissions and Staff Reporter upload them to SemTribeFair.com/VirtualContests. BY DAMON SCOTT she had her first foray into public Meanwhile, interest in Entries for all contests must be submitted by Feb. 12 Staff Reporter speaking. That was when she gave a Gorman has skyrocketed since the at 5 p.m. (ET).No late entries will be accepted. Should monologue to her class in the voice of inauguration. She gained 2 million — The 2021 Seminole Tribal any senior contestants have questions, please contact Seminole chief Osceola. followers on Instagram in one day. HOLLYWOOD One of the most talked about Fair and Pow Wow, scheduled for Feb. 12-14, has been Elder Services on your reservation. “I’m sure anyone who saw it She will also recite a new poem at the moments of the Jan. 20 inauguration postponed until further notice but the contests will go was kind of aghast at this 15-pound Super Bowl in Tampa to recognize of President Joe Biden and Vice on, virtually and contactless. Black girl who was pretending to die an educator, nurse, and veteran for President Kamala Harris had to do The contests will be entirely electronic. All F See FAIR on page 4A with the reading of a poem. on stage as a Native American chief,” helping their communities during the Amanda Gorman, a 22-year- Gorman said to the Union-Tribune. pandemic. old from Los Angeles and the “But I think it was important in my The Tribune reached out to first national youth poet laureate, development because I really wanted Gordon, but had not received a recited her original work “The Hill to do justice to the story and bring it response as of press time. We Climb” at the event. She is the to life. It was the first time that I really People are not only interested in youngest poet to write and recite a leaned into the performance of text.” her backstory, but continue to praise piece for a presidential inauguration. Osceola, born Billy Powell, is her for her poem – which she said is Gorman was chosen to be a part of the known for leading a small group of about a country in transition. festivities by first lady Jill Biden who warriors in the Seminole resistance “Somehow we weathered and is a fan of her work. to U.S. removal policies during witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, It turns out one of the pivotal the Second Seminole War. He was but simply unfinished/We, the moments in Gorman’s early years captured and imprisoned in 1837 successors of a country and a time involves Seminole chief Osceola. under a deception offered as a flag of where a skinny Black girl descended The San Diego Union-Tribune truce. from slaves and raised by a single and other news outlets have reported Osceola died at Fort Moultrie in mother can dream of becoming that while Gorman’s relationship with Charleston, South Carolina, in 1838 – president/Only to find herself reciting poetry started as far back as the third reportedly of an internal infection or for one,” reads an excerpt. grade, it was in the second grade that malaria.

Image via Library of Congress Facebook Amanda Gorman recites her poem at the presidential inauguration Jan. 20.

public lands. gas drilling. F HAALAND Haaland has previously opposed In early 2020, Haaland sponsored From page 1A several Trump administration policies legislation in Congress that would set related to federal lands, including his a national goal of protecting 30% “I’ll be fierce for all of us, for our efforts to open the Arctic National of U.S. lands and oceans by 2030. planet, and all of our protected land,” Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to oil and The plan has been adopted by the Haaland said. Biden administration as part of its The raised visibility of environmental agenda. Haaland and her role in the federal Haaland’s confirmation hearing government’s environmental efforts had not been scheduled as of press are of particular interest to Native time. If confirmed, she would be Americans. Indigenous communities the first Native American cabinet are disproportionately vulnerable to secretary in history, and would serve climate change impacts. In Florida, as the head of an agency that is those impacts include sea level rise, responsible for managing the federal ever more frequent and powerful government’s relationship with 574 storms and habitat loss to name a few. tribes. As head of the Interior, Haaland Her path to Senate confirmation would oversee one-fifth of all the is not expected to be met with much land in the U.S., including 1.7 billion Republican resistance, however there acres of coastline. The department have been some groups that oppose also manages national parks, wildlife action on climate change that have refuges and natural resources. described Haaland as “radical” on Experts say a shift in direction at energy issues. the department could have swift In addition, her confirmation Image via Facebook should follow a smoother path as implications for the environment – Deb Haaland is expected to be confirmed the U.S. Geological Survey estimates Democrats now control the Senate, as head of the Department of Interior. She although by the narrowest of margins. 25% of all carbon emissions come is also a key member of President Biden’s from fossil fuels that are extracted on climate change team. 4A • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 4-H kids, animals prepare for virtual show

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Staff Reporter

Despite no meetings or social gatherings, the 99 kids in the Seminole Indian 4-H program have been resilient throughout this challenging time and have cared for their animals valiantly. They should be well-prepared for the virtual show, which will be videotaped March 22-26 from locations in Hollywood, Big Cypress, Immokalee and Brighton. The 4-H’ers will show their animals one at a time Image via The New Yorker to ensure social distancing. Judges from the The Seminole Tribe has a long held connection to alligators and alligator wrestling. University of Florida will review the video and choose the winners. “We want to bring back the excitement of the show,” said Kimberly Clement, 4-H special projects coordinator. “Positive youth Documentary ‘Halpate’ development is more essential than anything right now. Our meetings have always been fun, but we haven’t been able to have those traces Seminole- get-togethers. We are looking forward to the day we can meet together again.” The pandemic hasn’t prevented the 4-H’ers from going into the barn, pasture or alligator bond backyard to get to know and care for their animals. Virtual schooling has allowed the BY DAMON SCOTT For the Seminole Tribe, the first in the kids more time to spend with those animals. Staff Reporter U.S. to successfully venture into Indian Sisters Armani and Makayla Torres gaming, alligator wrestling would be have been taking care of their steers together brought under their control, at their own in Big Cypress. The Ahfachkee School A newly released documentary short sites, generating their own revenues. students – Armani is in ninth grade, Makayla examines the complex and colorful history “But alligators aren’t just is in 11th – have taken classes online since of the Seminole Tribe and its relationship to moneymakers,” states an accompanying the pandemic began. the alligators of the Everglades. article in the New Yorker. “What started as Last year, Armani had a pig as her 4-H The New Yorker magazine is the thrust a means of sustenance has become a cultural project. She was a little afraid of it, but is behind “Halpate” – which means alligator in touchstone – what was once a form of much more comfortable with her steer. the Mikasuki language. (The Seminoles and exploitation transformed into tradition.” “Miss Kim (Clement) showed me how Miccosukee are culturally connected). The tradition, the film notes, is not one not to be scared anymore,” said Armani, 15. The 14-minute film was shot primarily that has attracted a lot of Seminole youths. “She taught me how to hold him, steer him on the Big Cypress Reservation last year. Indeed, it’s mostly non-tribal people taking it around and walk him right. I spend a lot Courtesy photo It is also interspersed with several archival Armani Torres holds the lead to her first steer, Buddy, Sept. 28, 2020, in Big Cypress. Armani has put up – through organizations like the Freestyle more time with him than I did last year. It’s clips. Native American filmmakers Adam Alligator Wrestling Competition that was given me more confidence because the more in many hours feeding, cleaning and caring for him and is proud she was able to halter train him and Khalil and Adam Piron are co-directors on walk him around by herself. launched in 2009. time I spend with him, the more he gets used the project. Seminole alligator wrestlers who are to me. Now he doesn’t buck and run into me. The film notes that the Seminole Tribe to help me with my project.” judges. This time, they are exhibiting to the featured in the film include Billy Walker, I’m looking forward to the show; I’m trying once relied on alligators for survival – for Everett Osceola, James Holt, Clinton Holt to teach him how to stop.” The show is shaping up to be a good camera and need to make sure they showcase food during the Seminole Wars when the one, regardless of the circumstances. Kids every angle of their animal for judges to see and Tre Burton. Osceola is also one of the This is Makayla’s first year in 4-H. She U.S. government was pushing them ever film’s producers. spends about two hours with the steer twice in Hollywood will show 16 swine, one steer it on video. They will also be judged for deeper into the Everglades. and two heifers. Big Cypress 4-H’ers will showmanship. In the case of Clinton Holt, the a day. The relationship to alligators began to oftentimes suspenseful tone of the film takes “It’s an experience. You have to get present 10 swine, 13 steer, two heifers and After the kids have shown their steers, transform decades later when South Florida three 2-year-old bred heifers. Immokalee heifers or hogs, they will be sorted into hold when it shows an incident in 2011. It used to it and the animal has to get used to tourists would throw money at Seminoles was when an alligator bit Holt on the head you,” said Makayla, 17. “I let him play a kids have been busy raising 13 swine. classes. The videos will be sent to the judges. from their car windows as they were hunting Brighton’s 4-H’ers will exhibit 19 swine, First-place winners in each class will be during a live wrestling demonstration. little, clean his pen, get his feed ready and alligators near roadsides. The tourists thought Holt tells the story of being in the walk him. He has to get used to walking for 22 steers, five heifers, one 2-year-old bred considered for grand champion and second what was happening was for show. heifer, two cow/calf and three Salacoa Valley place will be considered for reserve grand alligator’s grasp, “listening to my skull the show; he has to practice. Then he eats White landowners later brought alligator crack,” he says. and we do it again later. When he sees the Farms registered bred 2-year-old heifers. champion. Each exhibitor will be judged for wrestling to their properties and exploited During the videotaping of the virtual showmanship in the junior, intermediate and The New Yorker article: “How Florida’s same person every day, you get used to each Seminoles, paying them next to nothing for Seminole Tribe Transformed Alligator other. But he has his moments, like anyone show, the kids will be in show attire and senior categories for swine, steer and heifer. their efforts that were often very dangerous. walk their animals for three minutes similar Information on when and how to view Wrestling Into a Symbol of Independence,” else if he isn’t having a good day. It takes The wrestlers in the film describe it as is available at newyorker.com. The time. You have to spend time with him.” to a normal year, but they won’t be in the the show and bid on the animals at the sale a time when seeing Indians “do their thing” ring with other contestants, animals and will be forthcoming. documentary can be viewed on the New Typically, they go to the barn first thing was considered “romantic” – whether it be Yorker site, or via YouTube by searching in the morning before virtual school starts wrestling alligators, creating arts and crafts “Halpate documentary.” and again late in the afternoon. Both girls or dancing at pow wows. received their animals from their grandfather Carl Baxley’s herd. “It makes [him] happy because I’m following in his footsteps,” Makayla said. “I for everyone. think I would have a harder time doing this F FAIR Seminole patchwork design must be a if I went to school in person. I’d probably From page 3A minimum of four-yards. spend less time with the steer. Now I always Beadwork: Adult entries no single strand make time for him before anything else.” “We are encouraging people to submit necklaces and loom bracelets must be at least The 4-H staff of Clement, Dionne entries as early as possible,” said Michael 5 beads wide. No medallions are allowed. Smedley and Sheli Tigertail have worked Cantu, Hollywood culture and language Seminole clothing with patchwork: with the 4-H’ers on the phone, through office coordinator. “If there are discrepancies, Must be self-made, which means the entry email or socially distanced in person. there will be time to correct them or reenter must have been sewn from start to finish by “Anytime they have questions or a different item.” person entering contest. The entry must be concerns about showmanship and grooming Holly Tiger Bowers is in charge of the new and never worn. we are able to answer and help them,” clothing contest; the Hollywood community Entries entered into Tribal Fair arts and Clement said. “We’ve always been available culture department will oversee the fine crafts contest cannot be used in any other to them and want them to reach out to us arts and arts and crafts contests for all 2021 Tribal Fair events and/or contest. with their questions. We also contact those reservations. The fine arts rules state entries must who haven’t asked any questions.” As in previous years, members of the reflect the Florida Seminole theme, must Clement believes this year has been less Ah-Tah-Ti-Ki Museum staff will serve as have been made in the last six months, no stressful, when it comes to 4-H, since the judges for the arts and crafts and fine arts store-bought items embellished or decorated kids don’t have to worry about making it to competitions. Winners will be posted by and must be Seminole made. All entries must meetings. Despite the lack of meetings, the Seminole Media Productions. be matted and framed. The limit is one entry kids and their animals are doing very well. The arts and crafts contest rules state per category. “I feel like the kids are getting the all entries must have been made in the last Age divisions and categories: point of what they are doing by raising the six months, have no store-bought items Ages 6 to 9, participation only: pencil, animals,” she said. “If you don’t take care of embellished or decorated and must be mixed media. them properly, they won’t grow to their full Seminole made. The limit is one entry per Ages 10 to 17: watercolor, pencil or pen potential. I think we have some really good category. and ink, mixed media, photography. animals this year.” Age divisions are 10 to 17, 18 to 32, 33 Ages 18 and up: oil, acrylic, watercolor, Makayla praised Clement’s impact on to 45, 46 to 59 and 60 and up. pencil or pen and ink, mixed media, her 4-H experience. Female-only categories are: Seminole photography. “I know we have someone to go to if dolls – body and head must be made of Ages 60 and up: oil, acrylic, watercolor, we need any advice,” Makayla said. “She’s palmetto fiber. Baskets – no measurement pencil or pen and ink, mixed media, a great person. You can call her and ask if requirement. photography, ceramics. Courtesy photos The sole male only category is she will be here to help me and she is there Karalyn Urbina exercises her steer while training him to walk on the lead Sept. 29, 2020, in Brighton. in an hour. I couldn’t ask for a better person woodcarving. The rest of the categories are Seminole veteran Billie Micco was lifelong Brighton resident, longtime employee

BY DAMON SCOTT He is survived by his sons Michael to Fort Gordon in Georgia to complete basic Staff Reporter (Feather), George and Joey (Reina), all of training and then went to infantry training at Okeechobee. Fort Jackson in South Carolina. BRIGHTON — Billie Micco is His grandson, Wade, and his brother, “It was hard at first,” Micco said. “Basic known as someone who stayed connected Jerry, preceded him in death. His wife of 47 [training] is kind of rough. I wasn’t used to with his family and the tribe during his often years – Mary "Jo" Micco – died Jan. 30. getting up at 4 a.m. It taught me discipline and busy life. Billie Micco’s sisters are Louise Cypress responsibility. It’s too bad for our youngsters The lifelong resident of the Brighton and Jennie Shore (Eddie) of Brighton. He that they did away with the draft.” Reservation worked for the Seminole Tribe had 15 grandchildren and seven great- Micco was sent to Fort Sherman in for almost four decades in all – for 13 years grandchildren. Panama for 18 months where he stayed with in the public works department (specifically When the Tribune interviewed him in his Bravo Company until 1970. He then left in water treatment), and also for many years 2019 about his military service, he joked Panama for home after serving his two-year as a transporter for the health clinic (taking when asked about how many grandchildren term. patients to and from appointments). he had. “I remember [Panama] as a poor country; He retired in 2013. “Fifteen. Or maybe more,” he said with it’s where (Jungle Warfare School) was, to Micco once reminisced to The Seminole a chuckle. simulate Vietnam. I was used to the heat and Tribune about growing up in his early years Micco used to watch his grandkids play rain though,” Micco said. “They kept saying: with the “old-timer cowboys” and helping softball games. He was known as a supporter ‘Get ready we’re going to Vietnam.’” of local sports for tribal kids and enjoyed Micco said he came close, but was never PROMOTE YOUR EVENT WITH with farming and other jobs. SMP PRODUCTION SERVICES He spent time at Brighton’s senior center bowling, tennis and shooting pool himself. sent to Vietnam. STAND OUT. and attended a lot of the events at the Veterans Micco, of the Otter Clan, was drafted in Graveside services were scheduled to DESIGN | PRODUCTION | VIDEO 1968 and served for two years in the U.S. take place Jan. 19 at the Ortona Cemetery. Building, too. Micco was also a member of WWW.SEMINOLEMEDIAPRODUCTIONS.COM All Family Ministries in Brighton. Army during the Vietnam War. Those wishing to leave a condolence message Micco, who was born in Brighton on He spoke about his military experience or send flowers or a memorial gift to the Sept. 20, 1942, died Jan. 16 at 78. The cause for a special tribal publication in 2019. family can go to okeechobeefuneralhome. of death was not disclosed. Micco was going to college in Oklahoma com. when he received the draft letter. He was sent 5A • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 'Farewell' to Cheyenne Kippenberger set for April 24 Seminole Tribe STAFF REPORT Gathering of Nations Powwow will once the cancelation of the 2020 pageant. again be featured, highlighted and promoted “She graciously accepted to hold the during the live virtual event. title for a second year and has done an granted ‘opportunity The Gathering of Nations Powwow, The schedule for April 24 includes a amazing job,” the pageant’s website stated annually one of the biggest events in “Special Farewell to Miss Indian World in an announcement. Indian Country, will be a livestreamed live Cheyenne Kippenberger,” the first Seminole The 2021 pageant has been cancelled, zone’ funds virtual powwow April 23-24. The event Tribe member to serve as Miss Indian but will be held in 2022, according to the will include contest dancing, a variety of World. Kippenberger, a former Miss Florida website. festive entertainment, the traders market, Seminole, won the Miss Indian World For more information visit BY DAMON SCOTT Sweeney said proposals were evaluated musical features from stage 49 and a dance Pageant in April 2019. She agreed to serve gatheringofnations.com party. Vendors scheduled to be in the 2020 Staff Reporter on their potential to create jobs and for a second year when the pandemic forced stimulate economic activity within a Native community, among other measures. The Seminole Tribe has been awarded The following is a full list of grantees funds to study the viability of an economic with corresponding funding amounts. development project in Hendry County just MMIW gets more focus, outside the Brighton Reservation. • Angoon Community Association The Indian Affairs’ Office of Indian (Alaska): $37,600 Energy and Economic Development • Aroostook Band of Micmacs (IEED) recently announced more than (Maine): $26,400 including podcasts $760,000 had been set aside for 14 federally • Chippewa Cree Tribe (Montana): recognized tribes (and tribal entities) to $35,000 start new businesses and commercial • Delaware Nation (Oklahoma): BY DAMON SCOTT $42,000 Staff Reporter “Operation Lady Justice” (OLJ) increasingly become the subject of podcasts. projects in designated “opportunity zones.” The Seminole Tribe’s share of the funds is • Nez Perce Tribe (Idaho): $75,000 and so far has analyzed the data of missing One recent podcast reviews several $52,000. Details of the project have not yet • Northwestern Band of the Shoshone ARI RIOSECO and murdered Natives in Alaska, Idaho, cases that have happened in the Northwestern Nation (Utah): $75,000 Montana, Nebraska and Washington State. region of the U.S. been disclosed. Special to the Tribune Opportunity zones are located in • Oglala Sioux Tribe (South Dakota): It’s accomplishments, according to a “Vanished: A Native American $59,250 status report, include the creation of more Epidemic,” examines the issue by “economically distressed” areas where Indigenous people across the country – new investments, under certain conditions, • Passamaquoddy Tribe (Maine): particularly women and girls – go missing resources, access to programs, and data interviewing family members of victims and $43,696 organized by state. looking at situations that contribute to the become eligible for preferential tax treatment. and murdered at higher rates than other The Brighton and Immokalee • Pueblo of Laguna (New Mexico): demographic groups. OLJ officials hosted four listening problem. $41,000 sessions where Natives – including tribal The podcast is produced by NBC affiliate reservation areas are included in two of For example, the Montana Missing Florida’s opportunity zone tracts. • Rosebud Sioux Tribe (South Indigenous Persons Task Force reports that leaders –voiced their concerns. It assembled KHQ-TV based in Spokane, Washington. Dakota): $75,000 teams to help solve cold cases in multiple The station’s media company has a broadcast The funds, distributed through Native Native Americans are 6% of the state’s American Business Development Institute • Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa population but comprise 27% of missing states. The operation touted its collaboration reach into areas from central Washington Indians (Michigan): $70,000 with law enforcement to establish culturally through Idaho to eastern Montana, which (NABDI) grants, are set up either as a person’s cases. The U.S. Department partnership or corporation for investing in • Seminole Tribe of Florida: $52,000 of Justice has found that in some tribal sensitive training and protocols to better contain dozens of tribal communities. • Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (North serve Indigenous communities. Tribal “Many Indigenous People in our eligible property or businesses located in the communities, Native American women are zone. Dakota): $58,100 murdered at more than 10 times the national leaders assisted in the development of the communities know a friend or family member • White Mountain Apache Tribe protocols, which are tailored to individual who has gone missing or was murdered,” “Since their inception in 2007, NABDI average. feasibility studies have created blueprints (Arizona): $72,300 But the epidemic (often abbreviated on tribes. the producers said in a statement. “We are “The fact that they’re even doing that launching “Vanished” to take a deeper for business projects in Indian Country social media as #MMIW or #MMIP) has and Alaska,” outgoing Assistant Secretary More information on opportunity zones attracted more attention and action in recent just means they’re taking a step to understand look at this issue as it affects our Native can be found at bia.gov. us better,” Jr. Miss Florida Seminole Aubee populations [including] external factors that for Indian Affairs, Tara Sweeney, said in a years. statement. “This year, we broadened their In 2019, four Native American members Billie said. “Making sure they approach us seem to aggravate the issue.” in a different way, for us to feel comfortable Episodes are expected to debut every value for tribes by focusing on attracting of Congress introduced the “Not Invisible private investment.” Act,” and “Savanna’s Act.” Both were and safe, that’s the best feeling in the world.” other Tuesday. The first episodes are signed into law in late 2020. Billie said plenty of work remains to be available on Spotify and were expected to be The laws established an advisory done. eventually accessible on Apple Podcasts. committee on violent crime comprised of “It took a very long time. It breaks my There are other entire podcasts law enforcement, tribal leaders, survivors heart to see that it took this long for us to get dedicated to the issue, or already established and others. The committee then makes that recognition,” she said. broadcasts that contain singled out episodes recommendations to the Department of Last November, Billie participated in a on the epidemic. Interior and Department of Justice. virtual walk/run organized by the National The “Taken” podcast, produced by The laws also establish best practices Indigenous Women’s Resource Center to Indigenous-owned Eagle Vision, features a for law enforcement on combatting the help increase awareness. 10-part series on the subject. epidemic of missing, murdered and trafficked Billie believes sharing information on The podcast involves families, law Native Americans. It created a new position social media is one way to support the family enforcement, advocates, academics, elders within the Bureau of Indian Affairs – an members of missing and murdered Natives. and others to shed light on the stories and expert charged with improving coordination “There’s something about it that sparks possibly help to solve open cases. of violent crime prevention efforts across something in you. You have to keep on “Taken” is available on Spotify. federal agencies. spreading the information,” she said. Search your preferred podcast provider for Many state and local governments have availability of any podcast on the subject. done more as well. MMIW podcasts Meanwhile, the producers of “Vanished” In addition, last December marked the are soliciting stories about the issue from conclusion of a national task force’s first As the mainstream media has begun to anyone who would like to share. Email year of addressing the issue. cover the issue more frequently and social [email protected] for more media campaigns thrive, the issue has information.

Stranded manatee rescued from canal near Moore Haven

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Staff Reporter

A manatee found stranded in a canal near Moore Haven has a new home after being rescued by biologists from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). A SFWMD field crew working on the Lake Hicpochee restoration project, just west of Moore Haven and south of the Brighton Reservation, noticed the manatee in a 1.5- mile stretch of canal Jan. 7. They called FWC and together, with some volunteers, were able to rescue the 1,300-pound female. The manatee was trapped between two water control structures, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s office. It took about 20 people to lift the animal onto a powerlift and into the FWC’s marine mammal rescue Image via bia.gov truck. South Florida “opportunity zones” are shown in green shading. Areas in and around the Brighton and The manatee was successfully released Immokalee reservations are included. Image via bia.gov. into the safer waters of the Orange River in Fort Myers, not far from a Florida Power and Image via SFWMD video Light plant on the Caloosahatchee River. A manatee stranded in a canal near Moore Haven is rescued by biologists and volunteers on Jan. 7. RichaRd castillo Be your own 954.522.3500 sweetheart helping the seminole community this year. For Many Years 24 houRs a daY Make sure your heart is healthy Since 1990 I have protected rights like yours. My office defends DUIs, drug offenses, suspended enough to hold all of your love. licenses, domestic violence, and all felonies and misdemeanors throughout Florida and the United States. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision Contact your local Indian health that should not be based solely upon advertise- care provider for more information, ment. Castillo worked as a Public Defender in Broward County from 1990-1996 and has been in visit Healthcare.gov, or call private practice since 1996. In 1995, he was voted RIchaRD caStIllo the Trial Attorney of the year. He graduated from 1–800–318–2596. FloRIDa cRIMInal DeFenSe attoURney Capital University in 1989 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1990, Federal Bar in 1992, and the Fed- www.caStIllolawoFFIceS.coM eral Trial Bar in 1994. 6A • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 London casino on tap as Hard Rock acquires license

STAFF REPORT casino premise in London, continuing [its] expansion into major gateway cities around the world,” a release said. Hard Rock International continues to “We look forward to expanding our expand its casino presence internationally – brand offerings within London and bringing this time in London, England. our award-winning hospitality, gaming and The globally recognized brand has entertainment to the birthplace of Hard acquired a casino license from the Ritz Rock,” Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock Club – a famous casino that opened in 1998. International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, The casino suspended operations in March said in the release. just as the United Kingdom was entering a Peter Morton and Isaac Tigrett lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It established the first Hard Rock Cafe in never reopened. London in 1971. There is a Hard Rock Hotel The Ritz Club is located in the world in London as well as three Hard Rock Cafes. famous Ritz Hotel, which was sold in March The Seminole Tribe is the parent entity but continued to operate. of Hard Rock International. The casino license transaction will allow For more, go to hardrock.com. Hard Rock to “seek out and establish a new

Kevin Johnson Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood awarded more than $615 million in jackpots in 2020. Jackpot winnings top $615M in 2020 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

STAFF REPORT when a woman won $3.8 million on a $5 more than $282,000 on March 14. wager while playing a $1 IGT Megabucks After closing for nearly three months HOLLYWOOD — Highlighted by its slots game. According to Seminole Hard in 2020 due to the pandemic, Seminole Hard largest winning jackpot ever, Seminole Hard Rock, it marked the highest land-based Rock reopened June 12 under the company’s Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood announced payout in 2020, the highest payout in history “Safe + Sound” guidelines, which includes in January that it paid out approximately for all six Seminole Gaming properties and required mask-wearing for guests and team 214,250 jackpots totaling more than $615 the largest slot jackpot ever awarded in members inside any facility except while million in 2020. Florida on an IGT game. in the pool, eating, drinking or smoking in By far the largest jackpot came July 23 Additional large jackpots won in 2020 designated areas. included more than $321,000 on June 12 and Hard Rock Hotels plans new venue at entertainment complex in Canada

BY KEVIN JOHNSON final site completion in 2025. This includes the original courtyard that Senior Editor 100 Kellogg Lane already features is highlighted by a building developed by some development, including attractions. It Albert Khan, widely acknowledged as the The Hard Rock name is growing in bills itself as Canada’s largest entertainment foremost industrial architect of his time and Canada. complex with what is described as the the ‘Architect of Detroit.’” Vancouver is home to a Hard Rock largest indoor ropes course in the world and London is located between Detroit and Casino. Niagara Falls has a Hard Rock Cafe Canada’s largest virtual reality facility. A Toronto, about a two-hour drive either way. on the Canadian side of the giant Falls. “We are thrilled to partner with the Image via Facebook Dora Hotel Company and The Cribbage The now-closed Ritz Club is located in the Ritz Hotel in London, England. Ottawa, the nation’s capital, is in the midst of seeing a Hard Rock Casino and plans Group on this project, bringing Hard Rock’s for a hotel emerge on the site of an existing world-class entertainment experiences to harness racetrack and casino. an already-bustling area in Ontario,” Todd Now London, Ontario, can be added to Hricko, SVP of Hotel Development at Hard the list. Rock International, said in a statement. Native companies, Hard Rock Hotels announced plans Jan. “This property will provide a multitude of 15 for a new hotel to be built in London on local attractions and unique on-property the site of a former cereal factory. activities sure to create lasting memories for individuals honored with On Twitter, Ed Holder, London’s mayor, all who visit.” praised the announcement as “very exciting “We are excited to begin work on this news” and welcomed Hard Rock to the city. property and bring to life the unparalleled business awards Hard Rock, along with managing energy of Hard Rock. There is no doubt this partners at Dora Hotel Company and The hotel will be a game changer for Canadians Cribbage Group, will transform the site of children’s museum is scheduled to move to and those traveling from around the FROM PRESS RELEASE owned utility-scale microgrid development the venue. The site also features restaurants globe to Ontario for this Hard Rock Hotel and systems integration firm, was developed the former massive Kellogg’s Canada factory into Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario. and other attractions. experience,” Tim Dora, president of The SAN DIEGO — Indian Energy LLC in response to an overwhelming desire for According to a press release, the hotel Dora Hotel Company, said in a statement. sustainable energy independence among our The 353-room hotel at the 100 Kellogg was honored in December by Native Lane development is scheduled to be development will embrace “historical aspects The hotel will feature Hard Rock Business as the inaugural recipient of the tribal nations. Founded in 2009 from the wish of this site,” and “the design will embody musical amenities for guests and a Rock of a handful of Tribal Nations to pursue a completed in two phases, with an initial Native Business of the Year Award. The 163-room opening planned for late 2022 and luxury industrial elements that preserve the Spa. award was presented at the recent Native utility-scale power plant, the company, aptly original atmosphere and charm of the site. Business Virtual Summit. The awards nicknamed “two guys and a dog,” grew into program celebrated Native American- an advanced renewable energy development owned companies and entrepreneurs who firm. Since this humble beginning, Indian International, as well as federal officials and As of press time there was no specific time- demonstrate courage, innovation and Energy’s mission has been to empower F TEJON local supporters. line for construction or a predicted opening commitment to economic self-sufficiency Tribal communities with the technical From page 1A He said the Seminole Tribe “stood date. and prosperity. support needed to own and operate energy shoulder-to-shoulder with us to help make The Tejon Tribe was federally recog- “Indian Energy is demonstrating infrastructure that serves their own citizens. The proposed project has been in vari- our dream of restoring our land base a close- nized in 2012 and today has approximately innovation in the energy sector at an Now certified as a Small Business Enterprise ous stages of approval since 2016. A big hur- at-hand reality.” 1,100 members, the majority of which live unprecedented scale by creating energy (SBE) and a Minority-owned Business dle was cleared when Kern County Supervi- Plans call for an 11-story hotel with 400 in the Bakersfield area. storage and microgrid solutions for Tribal Enterprise (MBE), Indian Energy is rapidly sors approved a government-to-government rooms and a 166,500-square foot gaming According to the tribe, its ancestors Nations and Department of Defense clients, expanding to develop projects and sell agreement by a 4-0 vote in 2019 – the same floor. There would be convention and meet- lived in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and ultimately playing a vital role in renewable energy to military organizations year Hard Rock came onboard. ing space, an event center, restaurants, an Mountains, along the southern tip of the San advancing the U.S.’s energy sovereignty,” and off-reservation communities in the “This has been a long but worthwhile RV park and tribal offices. Joaquin Valley, and they were known as the said Cherokee Nation’s Gary Davis, the Southern California region. journey for the tribe and its citizens,” Esc- The development would be built on 52 Kitanemuk people. founder, publisher and CEO of Native The Native Business Virtual Summit obedo said in his statement. acres of a 306-acre parcel the tribe owns in Since the 1950s, most of its tribal mem- Business. presented five awards to recognize Escobedo also thanked the Seminole Mettler. The project is expected to generate bers moved to Bakersfield, where Tejon de- “I am delighted — and grateful — to businesses and individuals who rose Tribe, who is the parent entity of Hard Rock thousands of temporary and permanent jobs. scendants remain. see Indian Energy viewed as an influential above challenge and circumstance in an and change-making Native business extraordinary year. Indian Energy was within North America’s exceptional tribal joined by 2020 Native Business Award community,” said Allen G. Cadreau, the honorees Mark N. Fox, chairman of the Company’s CEO. “We are honored to Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA be recognized by Native Business, an Nation), and Cedric Cromwell , chairman of organization whose mission includes the the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe who jointly advancement of Native American business won the Tribal Sovereignty Champion of and economic development. Through hard the Year Award; JC Seneca, founder of work and innovation, Indian Country’s Tallchief Hemp, Native Pride Travel Plaza talented entrepreneurs have long been and Six Nations Manufacturing, who was advancing, delivering and achieving across presented with the Entrepreneur of the Year all industries, and we hope this honor for our Award; Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee company will further promote and inspire the Nation Businesses, who received the Tribal ongoing development and acknowledgment Enterprise of the Year Award; and Clara Lee of the tribal community.” Pratte, CEO of Strongbow Strategies, who Indian Energy, a 100% Native American- was honored with the Native Disruptor of the Year Award. Native economic summit in Vegas offered in-person, online

STAFF REPORT local, state and federal officials. Topics include agriculture, economic The Res2021 economic summit will be development, finance, natural resources, held March 15-17 in Las Vegas. Attendees procurement and workforce development. can attend in person or participate virtually. There will also be an American The event is hosted by the National Indian artisan market and a “buy Native” Center for American Indian Enterprise procurement matchmaking expo. Rendering courtesy Hard Rock Development. Guests expected include tribal For more information and to register The proposed Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon marks a significant milestone for the Tejon Indian Tribe. leaders; CEOs, members of Congress; and visit res.ncaied.org. 7A • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe THPO mapping project member appointed to USDA centers on community leadership post STAFF REPORT

Heather Dawn Thompson (Cheyenne participation River Sioux Tribe) has been appointed director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Tribal Relations. The announcement from the USDA on BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Jan. 25 described Thompson as “an expert in American Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and Staff Reporter rural tribal economic development.” Thompson is a Harvard Law School A typical map is a one dimensional graduate. Most recently she worked at portrayal of a place comprised of lines, Greenberg Traurig, an international law names and numbers. A participatory map is firm that started more than 50 years ago in a lot more personal and driven by the culture South Florida. Thompson was a member of and experiences of those who live there. the firm’s American Indian law practice. Her Participatory mapping, also known backgrond includes work in federal Indian as community mapping, is based on the law and Tribal agriculture. knowledge of local residents. The end result Thompson will report to the Secretary is a map which encompasses a community’s of Agriculture. Former Agriculture Secretary Greenberg Traurig Tom Vilsack, who served in the Obama impressions of the place in which they live. Heather Dawn Thompson The Seminole Tribe’s Tribal Historic Administration, has been nominated by Preservation Office (THPO) has embarked President Joe Biden to return to the position. on a tribalwide mapping project that will “Heather’s appointment to lead the Indians and Alaska Native constituents they depict the importance of places to tribal Office of Tribal Relations is a step toward impact.” members. restoring the office and the position of Thompson serves on the advisory board “It is a way to gather locational director so that USDA can effectively of the Tribal Business Journal, according to information that is important to the tribe,” maintain nation-to-nation relationships in TBJ’s website. The Seminole Tribe’s S.R. said Lacee Cofer, THPO chief data analyst. recognition of tribal sovereignty and to Tommie is also on the board. Thompson “It’s an organic process led by the participant. ensure that meaningful tribal consultation has also served in positions for the National We don’t tell them what’s important; we is standard practice across the Department,” Congress of American Indians, National want to know what they think is important.” Katharine Ferguson, chief of staff, Office of Native American Bar Association and South Cofer hopes participants will include the Secretary, said in a statement. “It’s also Dakota Indian Country Bar Association. places like restaurants, buildings, a favorite important to have a director who can serve Thompson’s background in public river to fish or place to hunt. as a lead voice on tribal issues, relations and service includes stints at the Department of To create the maps, participants receive economic development within the Office Justice and Attorney General’s Office for a box with instructions on how to make their of the Secretary because the needs and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. She also own maps in a diorama form. The boxes priorities of tribal nations and Indigenous served as an assistant U.S. Attorney for include supplies such as pins to mark the communities are cross cutting and must be South Dakota’s Indian Country section. map’s locations, sticky notes, stickers and kept front and center,” Thompson holds a Juris Doctor cum markers. The boxes may include multiple According to the USDA, the Office of laude from Harvard Law School, a master’s maps. Tribal Relations “serves as a single point of degree in public policy from the University The maps can be a multigenerational contact for Tribal issues and works to ensure of Florida, and a bachelor’s degree in project and children are encouraged to that relevant programs and policies are International Studies from Carnegie Mellon participate. Playdough and construction efficient, easy to understand, accessible, and University. paper are included in the boxes so the entire developed in consultation with the American family can create the map together. BCourtesy photo “Creativity is encouraged,” Cofer said. Quenton Cypress examines maps of some areas THPO would like participants to describe for the “We hope kids, parents and grandparents can community mapping project. Michaela Goade becomes first Native do it together as a hands-on activity while everyone is cooped up inside the house.” and so much of their history during the data will be used as a reference document American winner of Caldecott Medal THPO aims to map the southern half pandemic. We talked about the importance for future consultation with the tribe. Cofer of Florida. Participants aren’t limited as to of oral history and being able to document said the project will be used to ease the off- FROM CNN what area they want to map. Tribal members it through the mapping project for them and reservation consulting process with agencies and students at the Ahfachkee School and their children in the future.” such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School were Since the school is in session only This is the first time THPO has done Michaela Goade just etched her name invited to participate. virtually, the impact of face-to-face a project of this nature. Feedback from the into the history books. “It’s a pretty big area, so we supplied conversations with elders has been absent. community has been positive. Boxes have [On Jan. 25] she became the first Native small maps for small areas,” Cofer explained. “Elders used to come in and speak to the been brought to community meetings and American to win the Randolph Caldecott “We hope people about two dozen tribal Medal for her illustrations in the children’s give us information members are working book “We Are Water Protectors,” according for areas that are on theirs. to the American Library Association. The important to them.” “I’ve had a few Caldecott Medal is a prestigious award given Ahfachkee people tell me it’s a annually to the artist of the most distinguished middle and high good idea and they American picture book for children. school students like the concept of “It’s a great honor to be the first who wanted to it,” said Quenton Indigenous artist to win this award, but I participate received Cypress, Heritage am of course standing on many shoulders,” their boxes in the and Environment Goade, a member of the Tlingit and Haida fall. About a dozen Resources Office Indian Tribes of Alaska, said in a statement to or so volunteered (HERO) community CNN. “I think it’s important to acknowledge to complete maps engagement manager. and reflect on the significance of being the Courtesy image with their families. “A friend of mine took first in 2021, while also looking towards “We Are Water Protectors” was illustrated by Boxes were a box and said it would the future with much hope. I won’t be the Michaela Goade. delivered directly to be good for him to do last! It brings me so much joy to think about those families. with his kids.” Indigenous youth who will see themselves in environmental and economic well-being, “The students “This is a great this recognition and know that their stories were intrigued and would damage and destroy sites of great opportunity to sit with are powerful and value.” historic, religious, and cultural significance about being part of your grandparents “We Are Water Protectors” was written their own history,” to the tribe.” and listen to stories by Carole Lindstrom, a member of the Turtle “I wanted to make the Standing Rock said Joseph Burley, to see where things Mountain Band of Ojibwe. The story follows high school social water protectors proud while also speaking took place,” added a young Native American girl as she takes to everyone, particularly children,” studies teacher. Lois Billie, Executive a stand against a black snake threatening to “We told them they explained Goade. “As I learned more about Operations Office poison her people’s water, according to the this historic gathering of over 500 Native are the journalists executive assistant. book’s description. on this and you are Nations and non-Native allies from around “These are things The snake, which is shaped like a pipe the world, I was so moved and inspired. This reaching out to your you want to know for in the book, represents the Dakota Access families, who are book helped me better understand the work future generations.” Pipeline -- a controversial crude oil project I can do and the world I can help change the historians. It Cypress believes that spans 1,172 miles and extends over four was an interesting Courtesy photo as an artist activist. For that I’ll always be the cultural aspect of states -- and is a reference to the Black Snake grateful.” dialogue. Their Lacee Cofer provided this example of a mapping project diorama of her own neighborhood. Included the project is good for Prophecy, according to Goade. tendency was to The American Library Association are landmarks such as bodies of water and roads along with items to be found in those areas. families. The book draws its inspiration from the announced the award. leave it to their “It will bring Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s struggle to stop parents, uncles and “Michaela Goade’s semi-translucent families closer by the construction of the pipeline. In 2016, color palette beautifully bathes every page grandparents to do that. They didn’t realize students,” Burley said. “When students see doing this with us,” he said. “Even better, it the tribe filed a complaint in federal court they would be those historians someday. It with powerful illustrations,” said Annisha tribal members place value on something, it can bring kids and parents together as they alleging “the construction and operation Jeffries, Caldecott Medal committee chair. was eye opening for them.” has a huge impact. If we weren’t virtual, it learn the history of where things were and of the pipeline ... threatens the tribe’s Burley, who offered extra credit for might have helped to have a guest speaker how camp life was in the day.” photos of students’ projects, said they were talk about it.” The mapping project is ongoing. The enthusiastic and looked forward to getting About 50 students in grades seven and goal is to be able to compile the information their families involved. Students were eight at PECS were to receive their boxes by spring or summer and complete the study Rep. Sharice Davids named vice chair of directed to turn their maps in directly to the at the end of January and are scheduled to by the end of the year. Transportation and Infrastructure committee Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. return them in February. Those who would like to participate “The timing was interesting; we do THPO’s objective for the project is to may contact Cofer at laceecofer@semtribe. current events and discuss Covid,” Burley gain as much information as possible. The com or call (863) 983-6549, ext. 12263. FROM KMBC NEWS said. “The Navajo lost so many elders Kansas City, Mo.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) announced Jan. 27 that she has been named vice chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “As someone who used to work at the Department of Transportation and as a self- proclaimed ‘infrastructure nerd,’ it’s an immense honor to be named vice chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure,” said Davids, who is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation. “I’m ready to go to work with my Rep. Sharice Davids colleagues and President Joe Biden to pass an infrastructure package so we can build back better.” and signed into law in order to create Davids became a member of the millions of jobs, boost U.S. manufacturing Transportation and Infrastructure committee and address the climate crisis. I can’t wait to when she took office in 2019. She worked at get started.” the U.S. Department of Transportation as a Davids said the committee has big work White House Fellow before her election. to get accomplished. “I look forward to working with “During this moment of crisis, we have our Subcommittee Chairs and all of our the opportunity to make meaningful, long- Democratic Members, both new and lasting investments in our infrastructure,” returning, who hail from all corners of the Davids said. “Ones that create millions of good-paying jobs, reduce carbon emissions Courtesy photo country and represent diverse districts and communities,” Chair DeFazio said. “Our to tackle the urgent climate crisis and build Members of the THPO participatory mapping project team, from left, Lois Billie, Quenton Cypress and Nic Butler, sit around the fire outside of the Ah-Tah- our economy back better than before.” Thi-Ki Musuem with boxes to be given to project participants. work begins now to get transformational infrastructure legislation through Congress 8A • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021

A photographic collection that celebrates community spirit

BY CHELSEA NIELSEN grant from the Institute of Museum and created for each negative. The photo is Catalog Assistant, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Library Services, is increasing collections described to facilitate database searches, and accessibility by organizing and describing information about its location is included to 9,000 negatives donated by The Seminole make it easy for staff to locate negatives if BIG CYPRESS — The Ah-Tah-Thi- Tribune in 2015. The negatives are scanned community members wish to make copies of Ki Museum remains closed, but continues and assigned numbers that link them to their them. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum to serve the Seminole community, in part records. They are then placed in protective The photographic negatives showcase A group photo during a Big Cypress recreation field trip to Sunsplash Family Waterpark. by cataloging thousands of photographic housing that helps preserve them for future events from the 1970s to the early 2000s. negatives. The project, funded by a generations. Finally, a catalog record is They capture joyous moments from holiday festivities, sporting events and formal negatives will be cataloged and uploaded occasions. Among the collection are photos to the online database. As you browse of adults covered in mud and laughing the collection you may notice that some during tug-of-war as others play volleyball records lack details. Should you recognize a and horseshoes on the Fourth of July. Other person, location or event and wish to share negatives show youth beaming with pride that information you can submit feedback as they participate in 4-H livestock shows through the website, or contact Collections or receive academic achievement awards. Manager Tara Backhouse at tarabackhouse@ There are also images of grand entries and semtribe.com. New information is used patchwork clothing contests at tribal fairs, to update records, which makes searching where many gather to honor Seminole through them easier. culture. Unique about this collection is that The project aims to preserve memories some photos appear in Seminole Tribune for the Seminole community now and in articles, which enrich the collection’s visual the future, and the museum hopes that the story by providing information such as growing online catalog will help people feel the event, location and people present in connected to their past and each other. As the negatives. Collections records include these pandemic continues to separate people in an details and information about the associated unprecedented way, it is nice to remember article, which allows you to learn more about the joy brought by community gatherings photos that interest you. and look forward to their return. The photographic negatives are a celebration of recent Seminole history. You This project was made possible in part can relive moments, share them with others by the Institute of Museum and Library or learn about local history by browsing our Services Native American/Native Hawaiian online catalog. The museum also accepts Museum Service FY20 Program. requests for copies of photos, and what is special about this collection of negatives is that they can be printed in various sizes to suit your needs. Upon request, negatives are re-scanned at a higher resolution to create quality copies for your family albums. You can view records and make requests on our website: semtribe.pastperfectonline.com/. Already online for viewing are 1,000 of Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum the project’s 9,000 photographic negatives, Billy L. Cypress, veterans and the Seminole Tribe’s Color Guard during a grand entry at the Seminole Tribal Fair in 2001. specifically records 2015.6.32000-33000. Over the next year and a half, the rest of the

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum welcomes Durante Blais-Billie as new assistant director

FROM AH-TAH-THI-KI MUSEUM University of St. Andrews in Scotland. been through some challenges over the last She has demonstrated strong leadership, 11 months. However, there is light at the advocacy and community engagement end of the tunnel, and having Durante join BIG CYPRESS — The Ah-Tah-Thi- efforts throughout her reign as Miss Florida us at this juncture as we are working towards Ki Museum is excited to welcome Durante Seminole, which will continue through our future reopening is very exciting. Along Blais-Billie, of the Hollywood Reservation, July of 2021, and her more recent work with her experience, she brings a contagious as the new assistant director. The position with the Future Indigenous Leaders of enthusiasm and a strong community assists with the day-day operations of the South Florida. Blais-Billie has collaborated commitment. I have no doubt that Dante is museum, including oversight of educational with many museums and organizations going to do great things for the museum,” and outreach programming, exhibit over the years, including co-curating the Blais-Billie will start at the museum on development, preservation initiatives, and exhibit “Patchwork Mosaic: An Indigenous Feb. 8. supporting the museum’s mission through Gathering of Seminole Masterworks” at “I'm incredibly thankful for the its community and public efforts. History Fort Lauderdale. opportunity to serve my tribe alongside “I’m excited to bring my passion Although the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s them,” she said. “It is an honor to assist our for Indigenous knowledge and Native physical buildings remain temporarily staff and community members, while also empowerment into my position at the closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the being a part of such a great support network. museum. Joining an institution that is museum is open online and working hard to I cannot wait to begin.” committed to claiming space for Native stay connected and accessible. history is an amazing opportunity to apply “I am looking forward to Durante Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum my love for our Seminole people and joining our team in February,” Kate Macuen, culture,” Blais-Billie said. Durante Blais-Billie is the new assistant the museum’s director said. “Like most director at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Blais-Billie earned a Master of Arts museums throughout the country, we have in art history and management from the

Kevin Gover named Under Harvard, Stanford to host panel of Indigenous Secretary at Smithsonian scholars in free webinar STAFF REPORT Lifetime Achievement Award from the relations among American Indian peoples FROM PRESS RELEASE National Indian Education Association and the United States. The Harvard University Native and in 2016 she became one of two Native K. Tsianina Lomawaima, Creek WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kevin American Program and the Stanford Americans ever to be elected to the National Nation, professor in the School of Social Gover has been appointed the Smithsonian’s American Indian Cultural Center will host a Academy of Education. Transformation at Arizona State University Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, panel of five Indigenous scholars to celebrate Greg Sarris, Federated Indians of and co-founder of the Native American effective Jan. 17. Since February 2020, the 50th anniversary of both university’s Grafton Rancheria, Tribal Chairman of the and Indigenous Studies Association. Her Gover (Pawnee Tribe of Oklahoma), who programs. Federated Indians of Grafton Rancheria research and teaching interests include the was director of the Smithsonian’s National The free webinar, which will highlight (Coast Miwok) and endowed chair in status of Native people as U.S. citizens and Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Indigenous excellence around the country, creative writing and Native American studies Native nations as Indigenous sovereigns, has served as acting Under Secretary. The will be held Feb. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sonoma State University. He received his the role of Native nations in shaping U.S. position oversees the Smithsonian’s history (ET). Ph.D. in modern thought and literature from federalism, American Indian policy history, and art museums, its cultural centers, and The panelists are: Stanford University, where he was awarded Indigenous knowledge systems, and the the archives of American art, Smithsonian Henrietta Mann, Cheyenne, professor the Walter Gore Award for excellence in history of American Indian education. exhibits and the national collections program. emerita of Native teaching. Robert Warrior, Osage Nation, Gover began as director of NMAI in American studies Philip Deloria, professor of American literature and 2007. He oversaw the Washington, D.C., at the University of Yankton Dakota, culture at the University of Kansas. He and New York City museums as well as Montana, Missoula Leverett Saltonstall is past president of the American Studies the Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, and Montana Professor of Association and is the founding president of Maryland. Last November, NMAI opened State University, History at Harvard the Native American and Indigenous Studies the National Native American Veterans Bozeman, and University. His Association. Memorial, which honors the contributions founding president research and For registration go to: https//bit.ly/ of American Indians, Alaska Natives and of Cheyanne and teaching focus on AAAS_Indigenous. Native Hawaiians who served the military. Kevin Gover Arapaho Tribal the social, cultural College. In 2008 and political “Upon the completion of the memorial, I Philip Deloria really began to feel that we had accomplished she received the Henrietta Mann histories of the a wonderful achievement and that this could the museum in 1994 as a volunteer, will be a good point to close this chapter for continue to serve as acting director of the myself and the museum,” Gover wrote in a museum following Gover’s departure. She Indigenous leader who helped steer Autry Museum dies of Covid-19 letter posted on NMAI’s website. “I know is currently the museum’s deputy director. that the museum is in good hands while we She also worked as a program manager at FROM LOS ANGELES TIMES died at 68 after contracting the coronavirus. for the Autry Museum and his stepson, Alex look for my replacement. It also is easier the museum. In 1998, she transferred to the McKay and his wife, Sharon Rogers Aander. knowing that I will remain at the Smithsonian museum’s location in Washington, where Marshall McKay, a Northern California McKay, tested positive for the coronavirus Rick West, president and chief and serve NMAI in new ways, including as a she oversaw three major projects for the Indigenous leader of Pomo-Wintun heritage and were both hospitalized after executive at the Autry, said McKay’s death member of the museum’s board of trustees.” museum’s 2004 opening. She joined the who helped secure economic independence experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms. marks a huge loss for the museum but also Machel Monenerkit, who joined museum’s executive office in 2006. for the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation near Rogers McKay recovered and was Native culture at large. McKay was, West Sacramento, and whose deep support of eventually released. Her husband did not. said, “one of the five — maybe even three cultural causes led to his becoming the first Marshall McKay died Dec. 29 at Hollywood — significant Native leaders in the late 20th Indigenous chairman on the board of the Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles. century and early 21st century period.” Autry Museum of the American West, has His death was confirmed by a representative 9A • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 Health

F VACCINE From page 1A Webinar series Councilman Howard, who is diabetic, has been open about his experience of contracting the virus last summer. He said focuses on after almost three weeks in the hospital he fully recovered with no lingering symptoms. Some might wonder if it’s necessary to Indigenous receive the vaccine if a person has previously had the virus. The answer is yes, according to women chefs health officials, because it’s still unclear how long antibodies keep someone immune. STAFF REPORT In addition, health officials stress that it’s a myth that the vaccine can give someone the virus. The culinary expertise of Indigenous Kiswani-Barley said it’s true that one women chefs is featured in a live webinar side effect of the shot is mild Covid-19-like series hosted by the annual Conference on symptoms – like a fever, chills or joint pain – Native American Nutrition. but that those occur in a very low percentage The series, which kicked off in of those who receive the vaccine. The most January, features monthly live cooking common side effect, she said, was soreness demonstrations. at the site of the injection – similar to the flu The series is held from 1 p.m. to 2:15 shot. p.m. (ET). Upcoming programs include: However, the vaccine is not a treatment for people who are currently sick with Feb. 9: Featured Chef: Elena Terry (Ho- Covid-19, she said. Chunk) - Executive chef/founder of Wild “We are all in it together and the safety Bearies, a non-profit community outreach of the tribe is of utmost importance to us,” catering organization. She is also the Food Kiswani-Barley said. and Culinary Program coordinator for the President Mitchell Cypress joined Native American Councilman Howard and others to promote Food Sovereignty the importance of the vaccine. Alliance. “It’s like the O.K. Corral; they’re ready Damon Scott (2) Commentary to shoot,” President Cypress said to lighten Hollywood Councilman Chris Osceola, above, and President Mitchell Cypress, below, receive Covid-19 vaccination shots from Stephen Zitnick, of Seminole will be provided the mood a bit before he received the shot Fire Rescue, Dec. 28 at tribal headquarters in Hollywood. by Loretta Dec. 28. Barret Oden Afterwards, he said the process was easy. (Potawatomi). “Everybody should be getting the Oden realized vaccine,” President Cypress said. “This is a the potential serious virus that has destroyed people.” opportunity to President Cypress and Big Cypress educate others Councilman David Cypress both received the about Native vaccine at tribal headquarters. American history Elena Terry, executive The pair shared that one of their brothers and culture chef/co-founder of Wild had recently passed away from the virus. through cuisine. Bearies. Councilman Cypress also contracted the She has spent the virus last summer. past 30-plus years “And here I am and hopefully everybody cooking, studying, teaching and adapting comes and gets their shots,” Councilman recipes to preserve the culinary legacy of her Cypress said. “It’s not something to play upbringing. In the early 1990s, she and her around with.” son, the late chef Clayton Oden, opened the Tribal leaders have encouraged younger Corn Dance Cafe in Santa Fe, New Mexico, people who sometimes experience mild or the first restaurant to showcase the bounty no symptoms to get the vaccine in order to of food Indigenous to the Americas. She is prevent spreading it to others – including best known in the public eye for her five-part elders who are typically more vulnerable. television series, “Seasoned With Spirit: A “At the end of the day we’re here to Native Cook’s Journey,” by PBS. protect our community and our fellow March 9: Featured Chef: Kim Tilsen- neighbors,” Councilman Howard said. Brave Heart (Oglala Lakota) - chef/owner, Tribal members can call their local clinic Etiquette Catering Co. or the Health and Human Services hotline at April 13: Featured Chef: Hillel Echo- (833) 786-3458 to determine eligibility and Hawk (Pawnee and Athabaskan) be placed on a waiting list. May 11: Featured Chef: Crystal Wahpepah (Kickapoo) - chef/owner, Wahpepah's Kitchen June 8: Featured Chef: Tawnya Brant (Mohawk) For more information go to hfhl.umn. edu/indigenouschefs. AICAF names interim CEO California tribe donates $75,000 to healthcare agencies Conference to be held on FROM PRESS RELEASE Buffalo is an enrolled member of the infection and Meskwaki Nation and a descendant of the FROM PRESS RELEASE support of Sharp Grossmont Hospital's Crow Creek and Lower Brule Sioux Tribes. COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. The tribal communities MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — American She received an undergraduate degree from JAMUL, Calif. — On Jan. 4, the funds will go directly to support our efforts Indian Cancer Foundation Board of Directors the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Jamul Indian Village of California, owner to care for our East County community FROM PRESS RELEASE Chairperson Gary Ferguson (Aleut/ and earned a Master’s of Science in human and operator of Jamul Casino, announced its and our caregivers as we continue to fight Unangan) announced Jan. 21 that Melissa development from South Dakota State 2020 year-end donations totaling $75,000 to the pandemic," Scott Evans, CEO of Sharp Diné College in Arizona will host a Buffalo (Meskwaki) has been named interim University. local healthcare agencies, including $45,000 Grossmont Hospital, said in a statement. chief executive officer. "We are focused on reducing Indigenous one-day virtual conference titled “Emerging to Sharp Grossmont Hospital, $15,000 "As we reflect on the past year, the Infection & Tribal Communities: What We Buffalo’s appointment follows the cancer burdens every day, and I will continue to Southern Indian Health Council, and tribe wanted to give back to those who departure of Kris Rhodes (Bad River & to drive that work both as interim CEO Learned” on Feb. 21. Expected invitees/ $15,000 to Indian Health Council, Inc. have been impacted by COVID-19. We are presenters and participants of the event will Fond du Lac Bands of Lake Superior and as the deputy director of the American JIV provided these year-end healthcare donating these funds to honor the courage Chippewa) on Dec. 31, 2020, after a decade Indian Cancer Foundation," Buffalo said in include individuals from Navajo Nation donations in addition to its annual fall and resilience of our front-line healthcare Office of the President and Vice President, of service to AICAF. Rhodes led AICAF a statement. philanthropy and community outreach workers and to support the children and from its inception to last month, guiding the Buffalo will serve as both interim Navajo Nation Tribal Epidemiology campaigns, which included contributing families who are suffering as a result of Center, CDC, IHS, American Society for organization’s work in addressing the cancer CEO and deputy director until a new chief more than $40,000 to non-profits for breast the pandemic. We are truly grateful for the burdens of Indigenous people. executive officer is announced. Microbiology and others. cancer research and awareness, veterans' extraordinary and tireless efforts of each To register for this free program go to Buffalo has been with AICAF since programs, and other local causes. of these organizations and their workers," 2019. She currently serves as both interim https://www.dinecollege.edu/emerging- "We are incredibly grateful to Jamul Erica Pinto, JIV chairwoman said. infections-tribal-communities/. chief executive officer and deputy director. Indian Village Tribe for their generous

Program to discuss Covid-19 in Indian Country FROM PRESS RELEASE Board. secretary of health. It is presented The program will be by the Smithsonian in partnership COVID-19 has had a moderated by Dr. Charles Grim with Indian Health Service. disproportionate impact on Native (Cherokee), Chickasaw Nation communities throughout the United States. Join experts for a conversation about combating this devastating pandemic in Indian Country on Feb. 11 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration for this free online program is required at smithsonian. zoom.us. The program will feature Rear Admiral Michael Toedt, MD, chief medical officer, Indian Health Service; Dr. Loretta Christensen (Diné [Navajo]), chief medical officer, Navajo Area Office Indian Health Service; and Phyllis Davis, Tribal Council member, Gun Lake Band Pottawatomi IHS and chair of the Great Lt. Sara Mantick, pharmacist, and Lt. Christopher Mendoza-Troung, acting chief pharmacist, Lakes Area Tribal Health begin drawing COVID-19 vaccines at the Zuni Comprehensive Health Center in New Mexico. 10A • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 SEMINOLE SCENES

Mark Yamasaki (2) HUEY LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT: The Huey helicopter on display in front of the Florida Seminole Veterans Building in Brighton has a few added features. Two mannequin “pilots” seem ready for action as the chopper’s lights put on a show, thanks to a small solar panel that powers a battery all day long. The light show may not complete with the Guitar Hotel’s in Hollywood, but it has historical significance.

Hard Rock Tampa WHEEL OF FORTUNE: Five dollars went a long way for a guest at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. The guest, described as Christopher R. by the casino, hit a $560,000 jackpot on a $5 bet Jan. 15 while playing the $1 Wheel of Fortune Red Stevens slot machine. It turned out to be the largest jackpot hit during a recent stretch of a week that saw the casino award more than $1 million. Other large payouts were $360,000 on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine, $133,000 on a Eureka Reel Blast slot machine and $100,000 on a Triple Double Bonus Poker slot machine.

Miami Dolphins

IN MEMORY: Hard Rock Stadium joined buildings around the country, including The Guitar Hotel, in lighting up in color Jan. 19 as a tribute in memory of those who have died from Covid-19.

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum MASK UP: The Ah- Courtesy photo Tah-Thi-Ki Museum WORKS OF ART: store has face Paintings by masks available for Seminole artist Elgin purchase. Orders Jumper were on can be placed at display throughout Seminole-store.com January on a wall at or call 863-227-3430 Blick Art Materials or 863-902-1113, in Fort Lauderdale. ext. 12209.

Seminole Scenes Rewind: Images from the past - Postcards 11A • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 NATIONAL NATIVE NEWS Tribal Police officer who died the Snake River Basin Adjudication, a this that have been introduced previously when a local newspaper account described people’s most significant cultural sites but was a longtime Special Olympics decadeslong state court process to sort out are showing up each and every year,” the discovery of human remains on the site. the ecology and possibly the underground more than 180,000 water rights in the basin, Haswood said in a previous interview with Reser began efforts to mark the site shortly springs that feed nearby Queen Creek and volunteer the Nez Perce Tribe filed about 1,100 water the Star. “We’re still fighting for it, as well as after he learned about those accounts in other springs in the area. right claims on the Snake and Salmon rivers. empowering Native peoples and Indigenous 2016. Opponents also say that groundwater For those familiar with the Special The claims, seeking to protect flows for peoples to help us amplify this.” Archeologists have found evidence supplies that Pinal County and part of Gila Olympics in Washington, Jay Hughes was salmon and steelhead, were based on the of Native Americans living in what is now County depend on could be contaminated, known as someone who would do whatever tribe’s reserved fishing rights in its 1855 - Kansas City Star Wisconsin dating back more than 10,000 and significant species like the Emory oak it took to raise money and awareness for treaty with the federal government. The years. By the 1800s, the Menominee were and other important plants would die from amateur athletes. claims, if granted, would have been among the most populous American Indian nation in lack of water and habitat. That included jumping into freezing NYDOT to install murals on the oldest in the state and thus senior to other Northway honoring Capital Region’s the territory that would become Wisconsin, The land swap dates back to December cold water on an annual basis. claims. which was also home to the Ho-Chunk, 2014, when Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Hughes, an officer for the Kalispel Under the agreement, the tribe gave up Native American heritage Ojibwe, Potawatomi and others. Thousands attached a rider to a defense appropriations Tribal Police, and his fellow “Copsicles” most of those claims in exchange for more were driven from the region as a result of bill known as the National Defense embodied their team name over the years as than $90 million; 11,000 acres of land; ALBANY, N.Y. – New York State forced treaties, and more were removed by Authorization Act during a late-night part of the Special Olympics Washington’s salmon conservation measures, including Department of Transportation Commissioner the United States government following the session. The rider authorized the U.S. to Polar Plunge Challenge. He was a “super 487,000 acre-feet of water from the upper Marie Therese Dominguez announced that 1832 Black Hawk War. trade 5,376 acres of private land for 2,200 plunger,” taking to the water multiple times Snake River to be used as flow augmentation; work would begin the week of Jan. 25 to In a statement read as the plaque was acres of forest land, including Oak Flat to in a single day. and fish friendly minimum flow standards install engraved murals on the Northway unveiled, UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Resolution Copper. This year, however, the Copsicles are in several tributaries to the Salmon and exit 3 flyover northbound and southbound Bernie Patterson said the university is Apache Stronghold’s attorneys argue taking the plunge in memory of Hughes, Clearwater rivers. The minimum flows are ramps that honor the Capital Region’s rich committed to establishing a permanent in the suit that the tribes and interested who died in early January. He was 64. administered by the state of Idaho. Native American history. memorial on the site. Native people did not learn about the exact Hughes suffered a medical emergency The tribe also received rights to 50,000 As part of the environmental review date for the issuance of the environmental while responding with two other officers to acre-feet of water for its own use. That is process for the Albany Airport Transportation - Wisconsin Public Radio impact report until a Reuters article broke an altercation Jan. 4 on the Northern Quest the water that will be subject to the tribe’s Corridor project, the State Department of the story on Jan. 4 that the document would Resort and Casino floor, according to the Transportation and the Federal Highway administration. South Dakota tribes applaud be released Jan. 15. The date is important Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Hughes collapsed “As we look forward to a future in Administration (FHWA) identified artifacts because the land swap becomes final 60 days as police detained one of the suspects, which water becomes even more valuable within the project limits deemed culturally cancellation of Keystone XL Pipeline, after the report is issued. prompting the officers to call for backup and for all uses, this code ensures that the tribe significant for three federally recognized Thune decries ‘bad decision’ perform CPR. will be responsible for making the decisions Tribes and Nations: the Delaware Tribe of - Arizona Republic Hughes underwent surgery at about the protection and use of its water Indians, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, and Tribal leaders in South Dakota are Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band applauding President Joe Biden’s day one rights,” Tribal Chairman Shannon Wheeler Report outlines deficiencies and was admitted to the cardiac intensive said. “We will be putting a team together of Mohican Indians. move to halt the Keystone XL Pipeline at the care unit, according to the Kalispel Tribe. to develop strategies, but we are confident “These murals commemorate and country’s northern border, calling the action in education for Native American He died Jan. 6. The cause of his death has this will be a great opportunity for the tribal honor the Native Americans indigenous a willingness to listen to Native American students not yet been released. membership. This large step will allow us to the Capital Region. We are excited that voices. In a statement, the Kalispel Tribal to further diversify our revenue streams this historically and culturally significant Tribes in South Dakota have been While Native American students in Police said Hughes was a kind soul with a and continue development for a healthy and component of the Albany Airport opposed to and protesting the pipeline’s New Mexico are showing improvement in sharp sense of humor who was a mentor for prosperous people.” Transportation Corridor project will be construction for more than a decade. Biden graduation rates, third-grade reading and his fellow officers. Wheeler said the water could be tapped complete,” Commissioner Dominguez said. canceled its permit as part of a number of math proficiency, they continue to perform “Officer Hughes was a valued member by the tribe as an entity or by individual “The addition of these beautiful murals to promises to address climate change. well below their peers on state and national of our team and he will be deeply missed members for a variety of commercial the bridge abutments will be appreciated President of the Oglala Lakota Nation, measures of achievement. by all who knew him,” police said in the purposes, including growing fruits, by millions of visitors and motorists every Kevin Killer, said Jan. 20 the cancellation As a result, a report released Jan. 18 statement. “He lived a life of service and was vegetables or hemp; processing food, such year.” of the pipeline permit “sends a strong makes several recommendations to help selfless with the generosity of his friendship as making jams; or even viticulture. He said NYSDOT and FHWA collaborated with message to tribal nations, and symbolizes close the gap. They include asking the and his time.” the tribe is interested in attaining greater the Tribes and Nations to develop murals for a willingness to build on government- Legislature to reduce or eliminate the so- Hughes joined the Kalispel Tribal “food sovereignty” by growing more of the flyover bridge as a way to commemorate to-government relationships established called Impact Aid credit from the state’s Police in July 2016 after nearly 40 years as a its own fruits and vegetables and being a their rich history, which show artistic through our treaties,” referencing the 1851 public education funding formula, freeing corrections officer and reserve deputy for the regional supplier of food products. He noted representations of Tribal members dressed and 1868 Fort Laramie treaties of the Great up the money for affected school districts to Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, according fruits and vegetables sold in southeastern in ceremonial regalia and performing a Sioux Nation. spend on evidence-based interventions. to the Kalispel Tribe. He also served 18 Washington and north-central Idaho are dance of celebration. One wingwall will Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux “If the Legislature were to remove years as a volunteer firefighter for Spokane often trucked in from hundreds and even depict male dancers, while another on the Tribe Harold Frazier said the project posed a the Impact Aid credit from the public County Fire District 4. thousands of miles away. opposite side will illustrate female dancers. danger to tribal land and people. education funding formula, Impact Aid The Kalispel Tribe said Hughes, an The tribe submitted its water rights Motorists will be able to view these murals “This project has scarred our territorial districts could locally decide to spend the EMT since 1979, was recently nominated for code to the Department of Interior in 2018. driving both northbound and southbound on and treaty lands with its presence and additional operational funding on added a life-saving award after performing CPR to The Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee I-87. threatened our people like a dagger to our supports for facility needs, instruction, tribal save an infant’s life while responding to a formally adopted it in December 2019. throats,” Frazier wrote Jan. 20. “We have collaboration activities, or tribal education possible drowning at the Copper Landing - News10 (Albany, N.Y.) witnessed the invasion of our land and the departments,” the Legislative Finance Apartments. He is survived by his wife, - Lewiston (Idaho) Tribune genocide of our families – this project is an Committee wrote in a progress report on the four children, 12 grandchildren and a great- Catawba tribe overcomes extension of the racial, environmental and implementation of the Indian Education Act, grandson. social injustices we have suffered.” which was passed in 2003. Kansas bill ‘good first step’ to major hurdle to opening first casino Sen. John Thune on Jan. 21 released a Federal Impact Aid compensates school - Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.) address epidemic of crimes against following deal with NC statement on Twitter, calling Biden’s action districts and charter schools for the loss Indigenous people a “bad decision.” of property tax from tribal lands and other Premium Brands, Indigenous Gov. Roy Cooper and the Catawba “Disappointing to see the new admin tax-exempt federal property within their groups’ $1-billion bid to buy Kansas state Rep. Ponka-We Victors Indian Nation signed a revenue-sharing jump at the first opportunity to eliminate boundaries. Clearwater completed said anytime she travels long distances, she agreement Jan. 22 that clears the way for a project that provides high-paying jobs Other recommendations in the report, checks in regularly with her family so they Vegas-style gaming to be offered at a planned to 11,000 Americans & bolsters energy which was presented to lawmakers on the HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – A billion- know she’s safe. When she’s on the road, resort in Kings Mountain, tribal leaders and security,” Thune wrote. “Blocking the Legislative Finance Committee, include: dollar deal that marks the single biggest one statistic lingers in her mind: murder is the state said Jan. 23. Keystone XL pipeline — after years of work - The Legislature should invest in investment in Canada’s seafood industry by the third-leading cause of death in American Federal approval is still needed for the already put in— is a bad decision. This broadband infrastructure in unserved an Indigenous group was finalized on Jan. Indian and Alaskan Native women. type of gaming agreed to by Cooper, but admin can’t ask for unity & bipartisanship and underserved tribal communities and 25, with one First Nation’s chief calling it a Indigenous people go missing or are the deal with the state means construction one minute but continue to push bad left- request a plan from the state Department of “significant achievement for the Mi’kmaq.” murdered at a higher rate than any other can now start at the site, according to the wing policy the next.” Information Technology to prioritize funds Vancouver-based Premium Brands ethnicity, according to the Urban Indian Catawbas. for those communities. Holdings Corp. and a coalition of First Health Institute. Most of these go unreported The Rock Hill-based tribe is now a - Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader - The Public Education Department Nations in Atlantic Canada have each to the U.S. Department of Justice’s missing big step closer to making good on its more should annually assess the implementation acquired half ownership in Clearwater person database. than seven-year effort to open a casino in and success of a four-part strategy to address “It seems like nobody cares or nobody’s North Carolina. Besides bingo halls, North Apache group sues to stop Oak the landmark Martinez/Yazzie lawsuit, Seafoods Inc. through a new partnership, Flat land swap, site of a planned FNC Holdings Ltd., at a price of $8.25 a doing anything about it,” Victors told Kansas Carolina has two casinos, both operated which found the state failed to adequately share. representatives during a hearing on the bill by the Eastern Band of the Cherokees, in copper mine serve Native American children, among The $1-billion transaction, including this week. Cherokee and Murphy. other students at risk of poor outcomes. debt, is expected to see the Mi’kmaq First Now, the Kansas House will consider a In a Catawba Nation news release, The grassroots group Apache Stronghold - Native American-serving school Nations partnership hold Clearwater’s bill that would allow the attorney general to Chief Bill Harris called the agreement “the sued the U.S. Forest Service on Jan. 12 to districts and charter schools should take Canadian fishing licences. coordinate training for law enforcement on key step in bringing economic benefits and stop the federal government from issuing a full advantage of K-5 Plus and extended Membertou First Nation Chief Terry missing and murdered Indigenous people. thousands of jobs from our casino project to final environmental impact statement that learning time programs for Native American Paul said the deal will transform Indigenous Victors, who also serves as the vice chair the citizens of North Carolina.” would clear the way for a huge copper mine students. participation in the commercial fishing of the National Caucus of Native American The tribe would own and operate the on land held sacred by Apache people and Brian Hoffmeister, a Legislative Finance sector. State Legislators, has worked on addressing planned $273 million Two Kings Casino other Arizona tribes. Committee program evaluator, said the state “This is a significant achievement for the epidemic with other Indigenous Resort, about a half hour west of Charlotte. The suit, filed in U. S. District Court in is “investing significant financial resources” the Mi’kmaq,” he said in a statement. “This lawmakers across the country. A temporary gaming facility at the site could Tucson, alleges among other things that the to address shortcomings in the education of collective investment by First Nations in The proposed law was passed by be ready to open by the fall, Harris said, the U.S. Forest Service failed to give sufficient Native Americans. Clearwater represents the single largest the House with support from all 125 Observer previously reported. notice to the group or to nearby tribes to “Nevertheless, a history of understaffing investment in the seafood industry by any representatives last year, but died in the prepare a response, and that the land is still in PED’s Indian Education Division, Indigenous group in Canada.” Senate when the Legislature went into recess - Charlotte (N.C.) Observer Apache land according to an 1852 treaty. difficulties with utilizing all available The partnership, which includes due to the coronavirus pandemic. The suit asks for an injunction to stop funding, difficulties with local collaboration Membertou, Miawpukek, Sipekne’katik, The measure would call for Attorney Wisconsin college marks Native the release of the environmental impact and challenges with ensuring funds are We’koqma’q, Potlotek, Pictou Landing and General Derek Schmidt — who supports the American burial site on campus statement and to hold a jury trial on the mine aligned to targeted outcomes have resulted Paqtnkek communities, will provide more bill — to consult the Native American Indian project. in a system that does not serve Native opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in the tribes, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation A memorial on the University of The group’s leader said the lawsuit was American students in a comprehensive and Atlantic region and bring prosperity to the and other law enforcement organizations to Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus now marks necessary to protect the rights of the Apache coordinated manner,” he told lawmakers. communities, Paul added. coordinate the training. the land as a gravesite for Native Americans people. State Rep. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia The participation in the commercial Currently, Kansas knows of five missing buried there in 1863. “What was once gunpowder and Pueblo, was critical of the report, saying seafood sector is not expected to impact Indigenous people, KBI Executive Officer It’s the first time the campus has marked disease is now replaced with bureaucratic it “appears to neutralize rather than ongoing efforts by Indigenous communities Robert Jacobs told lawmakers at the hearing. the site, and a “hard-won first step,” said negligence and mythologized past that treats understand the tribal remedy framework.” in Atlantic Canada to establish a “moderate Discrepancies exist in how cases are Karen Ann Hoffman, who helped lead the us, as Native people, as something invisible The framework, which was developed by livelihood” or treaty rights-based fishery. reported, according to a study by the Urban effort. or gone,” Wendsler Nosie said in a statement Indigenous people, delineates actions the Clearwater fishes a variety of seafood, Indian Health Institute. By 1863, hundreds of Indigenous people included with the suit. “We are not.” state must take to comply with the Yazzie/ including scallops, lobster, clams and crab in The study found that 5,712 Indigenous of several tribes were living in a camp in If the Forest Service issues the Martinez lawsuit and the Indian Education Canada, Argentina and the U.K, with sales in people were reported missing or murdered in what is now Stevens Point. The members environmental review as planned later this Act. 48 countries around the world. the U.S. in 2016 alone. But when the institute of the group were essentially refugees week, the clock would start on a land swap “I’m disappointed because it seems The acquisition will allow the Halifax- asked for that information in open records displaced by American settlers. that would allow a mining company to that the LFC and the staff believes that based seafood company to continue to grow requests, just 506 cases were identified since “Their traditional homelands had extract copper from Oak Flat, a site about 5 its own experts — and I say this with all while preserving its culture and community 2000 across 29 states. Around 75% of those been flooded by settlers,” Hoffman said. miles east of Superior. due respect — that they believe their own presence, said Ian Smith, president and CEO cases had no tribal affiliation listed in the “’Refugee’ is not too strong of a word for Known to the Apache people as Chi’chil experts know more about Indian education of Clearwater. report. them — and to be a refugee in your own Biłdagoteel, Oak Flat is in the Tonto National and Indian life and Indian communities than “Our nation’s history has a tragic story homeland is a very sad thing.” Forest, and the parcel currently used as a our own renowned indigenous experts, our - Canadian Press to tell about how we have valued Indigenous As many as 100 Indigenous people died campground has been protected since it was own renowned indigenous tribal leadership, lives, and I think that now that we know when the scarlet fever swept through the made part of the national forest in 1955. and those that are close to the communities,” better, know more, we can do better,” said It also sits on a large copper ore deposit said Lente, who is Native American. Nez Perce Tribe granted camp. About 30 years later, the university Sarah Rust-Martin, policy director for purchased the land where its campus is that has been mined off and on for decades. Lente described the report as an “effort administrative power of its the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and today. The site of the newest mine, Magma Mine, to maintain the status quo.” water rights Domestic Violence. The plaque installed last month on is visible from the campground. Lente did not return a message seeking “This bill is not going to fix the problem, campus recognizes that history. It comes Previous mining operations drove comment. but it is a good first step in getting us in the after years of work by Hoffman, Stevens shafts into the earth to locate the ore, but Some districts are “significantly LEWISTON, Idaho – The Nez right direction to really understand the scope affected” by Impact Aid, the report states. Perce Tribe has received approval to begin Point anthropologist and researcher Ray the newest mine owner, Resolution Copper, of the problem.” Reser and others. In September, they led a a subsidiary of British-Australian firms For example, the fiscal year 2021 preliminary administration of its water rights, instead of Victors, a Democrat from Wichita, funding formula takes credit for 75 percent that duty being performed by the Bureau of community letter-writing campaign aimed at Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, wants to use a was the only Indigenous representative convincing the university to take action. technique known as block cave mining to of the $30 million that Gallup-McKinley Indian Affairs. last year. Now, she is joined by two County Schools are anticipated to receive, In December, the tribe’s water rights Hoffman, a member of the Oneida extract the ore. other Indigenous women in the Kansas Nation and a nationally recognized The method involves drilling a shaft according to the report. administration code was approved by House: freshman representatives Christina The funding formula has created officials at the U.S. Department of Interior. beadwork artist, called the plaque a positive about 7,000 feet below ground level and Haswood, D-Lawrence, and Stephanie step, but not an endpoint. She wants to then excavating the ground underneath the clashes, as well as litigation, between According to a news release from the tribe, Byers, D-Wichita. Victors co-sponsored the school districts and the state. In the past few the code “provides for the Tribe’s use and see a permanent sculpture on the site ore body, causing it to collapse under its own bill with Haswood. commissioned to a Native American artist, weight. The rubble is then moved through legislative sessions, some lawmakers have protection of its water rights, including those Victors and Haswood also sponsored a introduced measures that would increase confirmed through the Snake River Basin funded by the UW System as well as city another tunnel to a processing facility for bill to change Columbus Day to Indigenous and county governments. extracting the copper. Eventually, as the funding for poor districts that rely on the Adjudication.” Peoples Day, a move seven other states and federal aid — mostly without success. In 2004, the tribe signed a historic The site has not previously been marked mine is excavated, Oak Flat would turn into dozens of cities have made to officially by the university, but it was locally known a sinkhole. water rights agreement with the federal change the designation of the day. - Santa Fe New Mexican government and the state of Idaho. During to be a gravesite as recently as the 1930s, Mine opponents say the operations “I really am excited to see bills like would devastate not only one of the Apache 12A • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021

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20-SHRH-05905 - Seminole Tribune Ad-Nov_12-75x20-75.indd 1 10/22/2020 4:58:37 PM 1B • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 Education B Ahfachkee New Native American studies program unveils begins at University of Miami BY BEVERLY BIDNEY LaPorte, who is teaching the course. “I hope new Staff Reporter it generates some really needed conversation on campus.” LaPorte, an immediate descendant of The University of Miami introduced its the Little River Band of the Ottawa Indians e-learning new Native American and Global Indigenous (Bear Clan) of Manistee, Michigan, earned Studies (NAGIS) program with the spring her law degree at the UM School of Law. semester Jan. 25. She is a judicial advisor for the Seminole portal The first course, “Introduction to Native Tribal Court. One of her goals for the class is and Indigenous Peoples and Perspectives,” to get students to scrutinize some of the false BY BEVERLY BIDNEY will provide students with a critical overview narratives in history. Staff Reporter of the experience of Indigenous people in the “It’s about truth telling,” she said. “I U.S. and globally. want them to understand what it means to The NAGIS program evolved from a BIG CYPRESS — The Ahfachkee be Indigenous to a place. We will talk about realization there was a lack of Indigenous colonization and genocide. It isn’t only in School launched a new portal Jan. 11 to make perspectives on campus. It is part of a social virtual school easier for students to navigate. the past, it is continuing. I want students to equity grant in response to the George Floyd examine their own biases and assumptions.” The Clever portal acts as a file cabinet murder and Black Lives Matter activism. with everything the students and teachers The class will delve into a variety of “This is the first time Indigenous studies issues including missing and murdered need inside it. They log on once a day and has been taught at UM,” said Caroline have access to everything from Google Indigenous women and girls, Indian Classroom to assignments, textbooks and every other program used during the school day. “The whole idea is to keep things in one place and keep it easy for students,” said Principal Dorothy Cain. “Parents can access it as well for student’s grades.” Courtesy photo Courtesy photo The school relied on its own website Seminole Trial Court Associate Judge Tina Caroline LaPorte is the instructor for the NAGIS when it transitioned to virtual classes in the Osceola was a guest lecturer for a new Native program’s first class, “Introduction to Native and spring of 2020, which proved difficult for American studies class at the University of Indigenous Peoples and Perspectives.” students. With the new school year in August, Miami. Ahfachkee began using Google Classroom, dehumanize you and ignore the issues. I but students still had to look for the other boarding schools, the Indian Child Welfare programs and e-books they needed. feel that Indigenous issues are human rights Act, identity policies such as enrollment issues and the more advocates you can make, Clever solves that issue; with one click, and blood quantum, cultural appropriation everything is literally at their fingertips. the better. I just want the conversation to get and the environment. UM, located in Coral started at UM.” Cain is so pleased with the portal she Gables, is on ancestral lands of the Seminole, plans to keep it active when the school The first guest speaker was Miccosukee Miccosukee, Tequesta and Calusa Indians. environmentalist and educator Betty eventually goes back to in person classes. “This is a class the university had a “Our goal is to get back to face-to-face Osceola, who spoke at a virtual event in responsibility to do,” LaPorte said. “There December about Native Americans’ spiritual again,” Cain said. “Virtual is hard for younger was no Indigenous representation on campus, kids, getting their attention is difficult. In connection to their homelands. given how close it is to the Miccosukee and The hybrid class is held in the evenings a classroom you can move them around to Seminole tribes. That’s strange to me since it different stations. Online it’s really hard to twice a week. Some students are virtual, is literally between their reservations.” others attend class in person. Tina Osceola, get them up to stretch. We’ve adjusted our The program will focus on U.S. tribes schedule so they aren’t on screens all day.” an associate judge in the Seminole Tribe’s and issues that are a result of colonization, Trial Court, was a guest lecturer in the For middle and high school students, but it will also stay true to global Indigenous Ahfachkee added a homeroom period for class and spoke over Zoom about land topics. Guest lecturers and experts on global acknowledgements. teachers to help students if needed, give issues will speak to the class from time to special presentations and provide guidance. The next guest speaker will be Cherokee time. playwright Mary Kathryn Nagle on March “We have come so far with virtual LaPorte wants to invalidate the learning,” Cain said. “It’s amazing how much 11. perception that Native Americans are part NAGIS isn’t a fully funded program we have learned about how to do things. The of the past and not living in the present day. school is moving in the right direction.” yet. It is part of a social equity grant from She said there is an invisibility factor around the University of Miami Laboratory for Native Americans and Indigenous people. Integrated Knowledge, or U-Link initiative. Courtesy photo “People don’t think of us a being here For more information about NAGIS still,” she said. “That makes it easy to Ahfachkee This drawing by Seminole descendant Chelsey Ford is being used as the cover of the course syllabus. contact [email protected]. mentoring PECS sixth grade virtual walk raises money for South Sudan program BY BEVERLY BIDNEY that wells and clean water can be brought to Staff Reporter those less fortunate than us.” Students wore pedometers every day popular with for the month of December and competed to BRIGHTON — Sixth graders at see who would walk the most miles. Landon Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School put French walked 9.390 miles, Timothy Urbina students, themselves into the shoes of those less clocked 9.144 miles and Oreste Perez put 9.1 fortunate as they conducted a virtual walk miles on his pedometer. fundraiser. The money raised will help clean The effort raised $684, which will be teachers water reach more people where little exists, sent to Water for South Sudan, a nonprofit in South Sudan. that aims to provide clean water, hygiene BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Teacher Amy Carr continued education and sanitation programs to rural Staff Reporter November’s theme of “HOPE>HATE” by communities. having the class read the novel “A Long When the students were asked how they Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park. The felt learning what Sudanese women must go BIG CYPRESS — Some kids take novel follows two Sudanese 11-year-old through every day just to get clean water, to school easily, but others need a bit more kids, a boy in 1985 and a girl in 2008. Both they sent their responses to Carr. encouragement to thrive in the classroom. endured hardships caused by lack of water Clayson Osceola wrote, “I was very For those students, the Ahfachkee and a safe place to live. The students learned heartbroken to learn what the Sudanese had School uses the Check & Connect mentoring the Sudanese people are still suffering today. to do just to get water and survive.” program to help them meet with success. “The women walk over 3.7 miles every “I feel proud about how hard these Check & Connect is a student single day carrying heavy buckets of water,” women work to help their families survive engagement and dropout prevention program Carr said in an email. “We asked teachers, the harsh conditions in their village,” wrote that pairs teachers as mentors with Ahfachkee family and friends to help us raise money so Ila Trueblood. students in grades 6-12. The mentor and the student develop a relationship focused on problem solving, coping skills and trust. Teachers-mentors also work with families of students and engage them in the process, becoming liaisons between home and school. “We want to develop a connection with the student and their families that can span all of the years the student will be in school,” wrote Valerie Whiteside, Ahfachkee teacher coordinator, in an email to the Tribune. “A mentor can act as a primary point of contact for the school.” Teachers go through specific training to be mentors. To date, 19 teachers and 58 students participate in the program, which began at Ahfachkee in November 2019. “The mentors are there to support the Courtesy photo students and be a cheerleader as well,” said Oreste Perez walked 9.1 miles and Timothy Urbina walked 9.144 miles during the fundraiser for Water Dorothy Cain, Ahfachkee principal. “They for South Sudan and helped the class raise $684 to assist the Sudanese people with access to clean also act as an intermediary when problems water. arise with classroom teachers. We haven’t evaluated the data yet, but she [Valerie Whiteside] sees a lot more kids online and Joleyne Nunez wrote, “I feel sad heartbroken. I feel sorry that they have to go fewer are skipping class. It helps with social knowing that they walk just to go to water through that harshness,” Joleyne said. and emotional issues, especially since we are that could be contaminated, and all we have Carr said the fundraiser is officially over, in virtual school.” to do is walk to the fridge, store, or gas but they will continue to accept donations at The Check & Connect program was station which is not even far.” this website: classy.org/team/329442. created by the University of Minnesota’s Joleyne added her thoughts about what Principal Tracy Downing was pleased Institute on Community Integration in 1990. the challenge must be like for the Sudanese with the fundraising project. It is intended for students who show warning people. “I am impressed with the thoughtful signs of disengagement with school and “I think it was difficult, but even comments these students made,” Downing are at risk of dropping out. Indicators may harder for them because they had to walk said. “They are heartwarming. I am so proud include poor attendance, behavioral issues Courtesy photo to water and face jaguars, lions and many they are taking part in a real life situation and and low grades. Ila Trueblood runs through the Brighton Reservation as a way to raise money for Water for South other things. Also, it is very easy for them helping others.” Sudan, a nonprofit that helps provide clean water, hygiene education and sanitation programs to the to catch diseases. There is even war going African country. on and many families got split apart and F See MENTORS on page 2B 2B • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 PECS immersion students Power of empathy in Native youth leadership

BY KYLEIGH SHIPMAN culture but do not know how or where to start. mark 100th day of school Because of this, people lose a sense of who Editor’s note: This article is from the they are or where they come from, especially BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Students also wrote about what they United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) among Indigenous Youth. Growing up in the Staff Reporter think they will be doing when they are 100 under the heading Healing Indigenous Lives city, and off of the reservation, it has been years old and what they would do with $100. Youth Submission. difficult to find my identity because not only They also learned about what life was life are Native Americans not prevalent, but 100 years ago and made comparisons to life In my early childhood, I witnessed close many of my peers are unaware that we still BRIGHTON — The eight students in today. relatives struggling with substance abuse. exist. However, with my recent involvement the Creek immersion program celebrated Arrow “Herake” Johns wrote when she After speaking with them, I have come to in UNITY, and my youth council, I realize the 100th day of virtual school Jan. 25 with is 100 she will play with Hopanv, Hvse, the understanding that these are battles in that being around other Natives has had some learning and fun in Creek and English. Vtvssv and Lala. which a person begins to lose control. This a positive impact on my overall social, To celebrate the special occasion, some Amariah “Vtvssv” Lavatta wrote when has had a major impact on my life, and I emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual of the students “aged” overnight and looked she is 100 she will knit blankets. had to learn how to handle situations that health. Being able to dive into learning to be 100 years old, thanks to some makeup Kindergarten student KyLynn “Vpeyet” include substance abuse and alcoholism about my inter-tribal cultures has given me and props. Others displayed their creativity Lawrence would buy a girl doll if she had at a very young age. I learned that letting a sense of belonging and I have encouraged by wearing 100 items on their clothing, such $100. a person know that people are supporting so many of my Native peers to do so as as hearts and pom poms. Kindergarten student Sebastian them and assisting them in whatever they well. Providing opportunities to even just Creek activities included sorting and “Ceyafkompe” Cypress already has a bucket need. Learning empathy for others has meet with other Natives from different tribes eating an assortment of snacks similar to list ready of things he wants to do before he shaped my leadership. These struggles with and their upbringings is very empowering turns 100: Play his Xbox, go to New York, trail mix, a scavenger hunt in their homes incarceration and generational addictions because they can identify with a group of UNITY have babies, get married. people very similar to themselves. where they described the items they found, have made me stronger and a better helper Kyleigh Shipman is Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, speaking only in Creek. “We engaged in so many activities in for my people. Creek and English and had a blast,” teacher Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Navajo, Activities in English for the six first A close cousin-sister of mine was Establishing a Youth Council: In my and Chickasaw. graders and two kindergarten students Eduarda Anselmo wrote in a Facebook recently jailed as the result of her addiction, life, I am most proud of co-establishing and included various writing tasks, such as post. “Who said we can’t have fun while but I know that when she is able to talk about co-leading my school’s first ever Native learning?” American Club. As mentioned earlier, I’ve writing sight words and their names in 100 the situation, the conversation usually leads to the other schools in our district to just seconds. to why she was under the influence. She struggled with cultural identification my whole life because I grew up in Phoenix, celebrate being Native Youth and going to talks to me about the underlying issues and places where members found opportunities allowing her to talk about them seems to Arizona. When I would go back home to the reservation, I was seen as a city kid to develop and exercise their leadership lift a weight off her shoulders and provides skills. an outlet to everything that goes on in her because I grew up much different than the kids there. However, when I went to school, mind. So many struggle. They simply need What would you tell a Native youth that extra push to realize how many people it felt like I was the only person who did not speak Spanish or grow up with a Hispanic who struggles to see themselves as a want them to succeed. We can help people leader? turn pain into growth if we take time to be background. I felt out of place and once I there for them. got older, I began to realize that I was not the only person that felt this way. Another I would remind my fellow Native Youth “I have learned about the importance to reflect on our great historical Indigenous of empathy. Learning from other peoples’ Native friend and felt these same strong feelings, so we came together and set leaders. I would let them know that we were perspectives and opening my mind to not meant to be divided into strictly leaders different points of view has shown me how goals to work toward. If we could create an environment where people felt they or strictly followers. Becoming a leader is to assess situations and handle them with a matter of an individual finding their own everyone involved in mind. Empathy is belonged and promoted Native pride, we could all come together. This ball was hard personal calling or purpose and standing for crucial within a leader because they need it. Many fail to understand that leaders do to be capable of understanding a problem to get rolling and we faced very discouraging times, but we overcame them and continued not always have to be so large scale. A great fully to work towards a solution and moving leader will stand by their word and will lead forward from there.” to push through. We did not expect to have very many members, but we believed if we those around them to reach a common goal, Cultural knowledge is very key when it inspiring others to lead as well. comes to a person’s identity. There are a lot could do this and impact even one person, it of people who did not grow up traditionally was worth it. Eight months later, we created and have difficulty trying to get into the a proud community beyond our school and UNITY conferences to be held in April, July

FROM PRESS RELEASE will be hosted in collaboration with the Texas. There will be a virtual component for Smithsonian’s National Museum of the all who cannot attend in-person. Courtesy photo American Indian. NMAI will host a Virtual Registration for both conferences and Courtesy photo The 2021 UNITY Mid-Year Conference Youth Summit on Earth Day, April 22nd. hotel booking will open by the end of the Amariah “Vtvssv” Lavatta does her best to look will be a virtual conference with limited KyLynn “Vpeyet” Lawrence dons a shirt filled with The National UNITY Conference will month. old with the help of some makeup. hybrid (in-person) elements and has been hearts along with a crown and construction paper be an in-person event from July 2-6 in Dallas, For more information visit unityinc.org. glasses in celebration of reaching the 100th day rescheduled for April 23. The Mid-Year mark with school. More than $1M in New FSU master’s program to focus on sustainability grants awarded for FROM PRESS RELEASE aspects of corporate America,” he said. “Through millennials and young people, we Native language TALLAHASSEE — Florida State see that a company’s pollution, its supply University’s Jim Moran College of chain, whether it’s committed to ethical immersion programs Entrepreneurship is launching a new online trade, are all part of how it’s viewed and all major in the Master of Science program this factor into how successful a company is.” FROM PRESS RELEASE fall to prepare students to help companies In addition to entrepreneurial meet the demands of today but not at the studies, the interdisciplinary program will LONGMONT, Colo. — For the fourth expense of tomorrow. incorporate courses from departments year in a row, First Nations Development The Master of Science in across the university, including earth, Institute (First Nations) is continuing its Entrepreneurship Social and Sustainable ocean and atmospheric science. It will Native Language Immersion Initiative Enterprises will offer graduates an feature an experiential curriculum taught by (NLII) with the awarding of nine grants to opportunity to learn sustainable practices faculty and industry professionals in social Native-led organizations and tribes building and good corporate governance, according responsibility, innovation, entrepreneurship language in their communities through to Mark McNees, faculty adviser to the and environmental sciences. immersion programs. program and social entrepreneur in residence For more information, visit First Nations launched the initiative in at the college. jimmmorancollege.fsu.edu. 2017 as a three-year project to support Native “This is one of the fastest growing nations and organizations actively working to stem the loss of Indigenous languages and cultures through Native language Courtesy photo Moore Haven Middle/High School Courtesy photo immersion. The initiative was made possible Jolietta “Hvse” Osceola is decked out in 100 Daniel “Emvnicv” Nunez III wears 100 pom poms with support from the National Endowment hearts for the 100th day of school. on his shirt to celebrate the 100th day of school for the Humanities, which provided a $2.1 Honor Roll - 1st semester in the PECS Immersion program. million challenge grant that First Nations matched thanks to generous support from multiple foundations and many individual donors across the U.S. Now – with ongoing support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Kalliopeia Foundation, NoVo Foundation, Wells Fargo, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, and many individual contributions – the initiative is extending to a fourth year to support the continuing demand and needs of Native language immersion programs. “The number of grant applications First Nations receives every year for language programs is a testament to the importance of cultivating and preserving Native languages,” said Michael Roberts, First Nations president and CEO. “People recognize that Native language is critical not just for passing down knowledge, but for fostering pride and culture, which is the foundation of Native resilience and success.” Since the NLII began, more than 30 Native organizations and tribes have received over $4 million in funding to build the capacity of and directly support their Native language immersion programs. The Courtesy photo fourth year of the initiative brings funding to Arrow “Herake” Johns holds her writing assignment and a photo of what she may look like at 100 years these additional nine grantees: old. Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation (Porcupine, S.D.) - $90,000 Ke Kula ‘O Pi’ilani (Wailuku, Hawaii) - $90,000 Our goal is to use the Check & Connect Lower Sioux Indian Community F MENTORS program to provide mentors and teachers a (Morton, Minn.) - $90,000 From page 1B map to better assist students to reach their Pueblo of Sandia (Bernalillo, N.M. - educational goals.” $90,000 Mentors regularly monitor each The program has scientific research- Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community student’s progress, behavior and adjustment based evidence of its effectiveness. A College (Baraga, Mich.) - $90,000 to school. They also try to maintain the typical roll out for Check & Connect is three Northern Arapaho Tribe (Ft. Washakie, student’s connection to school and enhance to four years, so it is too early to estimate Wyo.) - $90,000 their social and academic competencies. its success at Ahfachkee, Whiteside wrote. Kulaniakea (Honolulu, Hawaii) - “The fundamental goal for the Check & However, it has proven to increase students’ $90,000 Connect mentoring program at Ahfachkee is success in school and increase graduation Oneida Nation (Oneida, Wisc.) - $90,000 to increase school engagement,” Whiteside rates nationwide. Lakota Waldorf Society (Kyle, S.D.) - wrote. “Research from the University of “When students know someone is $90,000. Chicago Consortium on School Research checking on them, they do better,” Cain indicates that students’ likelihood of said. “It works.” image via Facebook graduation increases when they have Moore Haven Middle/High School posted its honor roll Jan. 25 on Facebook for the first semester. stronger levels of school engagement. 3B • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021

EVERY STUDENT HAS A STORY. READY TO START YOUR NEXT CHAPTER? JASMYN NGUYEN Business The story of UF Online is one Administration of excellence, dedication, and adaptability. Our students are of all backgrounds and ages, living in different countries around the world, and many juggling a career KENNEDY MUSEMBI Microbiology and family. All of them are achieving & Cell Science their dreams of a University of Florida bachelor’s degree.

UF Online offers a top-ranked education, taught by renowned SETH BLAKE faculty, in a program designed Health Education & Behavior by experts for online learning. Picture yourself as a UF graduate. Read our student stories at ufonline.ufl.edu/get-started. LEARN MORE GET STARTED TODAY How can a degree from UF Online fulfill your dreams? Take the first step now at ufonline.ufl.edu/get-started. 4B • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021

Dark comedy- thriller ‘Reservation Dogs’ coming to FX

BY DAMON SCOTT Staff Reporter

FX Networks recently gave the green light for a new TV series described as a mix of dark comedy and thriller. More notable is that many of those involved in “Reservation Dogs” are Native American or Indigenous – including actors, writers and producers. The series is seen as a positive step toward more representation of Native Americans and Indigenous People in Hollywood, which has always been lacking. When there is representation of Native characters, they are often stereotyped or problematic and not portrayed by Native actors. “Reservation Dogs” seeks to change those dynamics. The series is about four Native teenagers in rural Oklahoma who spend their days committing crime and also fighting it. The title is meant to be fun word play: it invokes the 1992 Quentin Tarantino film “Reservoir Dogs” and the term “rez dogs” – stray dogs that roam on reservations. Sterlin Harjo (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma) and Taika David Waititi (New Zealander of Māori descent) are producing the series, which stars all Native American actors – D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Paulina Image via FX Alexis, Devery Jacobs and Lane Factor. “Reservation Dogs” is a new series featuring these four Native American actors who portray teens in rural Oklahoma. Harjo is a writer and director with several credits to his name. Waititi won an capital – Okmulgee – in Oklahoma. and misadventures,” Nick Grad, FX’s head see.” in Oklahoma and Taika’s in Aotearoa.” Oscar in 2019 for best adapted screenplay “Sterlin Harjo draws deeply on his of original programming said in a statement. Harjo and Taika are longtime friends. The date for the series debut has not for his movie “Jojo Rabbit.” experiences as a native Oklahoman to “Taika Waititi lends his considerable talents Harjo describes the show as one that been announced, but it is expected to take The half hour series pilot was shot on make Reservation Dogs a true-to-life and to the series, helping … produce a unique and “celebrates the complementary storytelling place sometime this year. location in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s incredibly funny story of youth, courage original series we can’t wait for audiences to styles of our Indigenous communities – mine

FSU museum to feature 2021 Brighton Field Day virtual arts and crafts program with Wendy Red Star contest information STAFF REPORT (three yard minimum), Seminole basket, woodcarving; Girls- patchwork (two yards FROM PRESS RELEASE reexamine primary source photographs and Seminole doll and beadwork. minimum), beadwork. cultural heritage. Her work has been shown All items must be made personally by Items entered must be personally made TALLAHASSEE — The Florida State and collected by the Met, MASS MoCA, the BRIGHTON — Adult Arts and Crafts the contestant, from start to finish. Do not by youth from start to finish. Do not enter University Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA) Portland Museum of Art and the St. Louis contestants for the Brighton Field Day must enter items entered in previous years. items entered in previous years. All prize will host a series of guest lectures, including Museum of Art. She guest-edited Aperture’s be an enrolled member of the Seminole Tribe Youth Arts and Crafts contest entrants money will be subject to taxation. Wendy Red Star, who was raised on the September 2020 issue on Native American of Florida. Limit one entry per category. must be an enrolled member of the Seminole Deadline to enter is Feb. 19. Items will Apsáalooke (Crow) Reservation in Montana. photography. There are five adult age divisions: age Tribe of Florida. Limit one entry per be judged Feb. 24. All events are conducted online and are The program will be held March 11 18 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59 and 60 category. There are two youth age divisions. More information about how to submit free and open to the public. from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. General registration and over. Ages 6 to 11 – Beadwork (boys and entries will be forthcoming and posted at Red Star uses photography, opens Feb. 25. Men’s categories are beadwork, girls), woodwork (boys) and patchwork www.seminoletribune.org performance, fiber arts and video to recast For additional information, including woodwork, turban and baskets. (girls) and interrogate historical narratives. She the complete series schedule, and to register Women’s categories are patchwork Ages 12-17 – Boys- beadwork, draws upon deep research in archives to visit mofa.fsu.edu.

Fellowship winner announced at Yale Indigenous Performing Arts Program Sundance’s Native Forum Celebration dedicated to ‘Foundational Theater Of America’ FROM PRESS RELEASE memory of our beloved Sundance Institute colleague and friend Merata Mita, who was BY RAY HARDMAN trips and seeing red face, and being confused Anglophilic tradition from somewhere far PARK CITY, Utah — Sundance a mother, an activist, a documentarian and Connecticut Public Radio about why is this the way our people are away, when in fact there are stories and Institute announced Jan. 29 Marja Bål the first Indigenous woman to solely write, being represented, and so many Native storytelling traditions of this place. Native Nango (Sámi) as the 2021 recipient of direct, and produce a dramatic feature film,” NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Since its plays over the years were about a need to theater isn’t new. It’s something that’s the Merata Mita Fellowship, an annual said Runningwater. “The fellowship is a inception six years ago, the Yale Indigenous actually intervene and say, ‘No, actually this been happening for thousands of years. It fellowship named in honor of the late Māori testament to her influence on our global Performing Arts Program has become a is what’s true.’” just hasn’t been listened to by non-Native filmmaker Merata Mita (1942-2010). The commitment to supporting Indigenous focal point nationally for up-and-coming Sayet pointed out that Native theater is people.” announcement was delivered at the Sundance artists, which we see as even more important Native American playwrights, storytellers the foundational theater of America. Applicants for the Young Native Film Festival’s Native Forum Celebration by especially during these most challenging of and actors. “It is the storytelling tradition of the Actor’s Contest have until Feb. 15 to submit N. Bird Runningwater (Cheyenne/Mescalero times.” Every year the program, also known place that we are in, and I feel like that’s their monologues. Winners will be cast in Apache), director of the Sundance Institute’s Merata Mita (Ngāi Te Rangi/Ngāti as YIPAP, presents the Young Native very often forgotten,” said Sayet. “Very YIPAP’s New Native Play Festival in April. Indigenous Program and Diversity, Equity Pikiao) served as an advisor and artistic Playwright’s Contest, the Young Native often we set our minds on theater as a very and Inclusion work. director of the Sundance Institute Native Lab Storytelling Contest, and for the first time SAVE THE DATE Sundance Institute selected Marja Bål from 2000 to 2009, where she championed this year, the Young Native Actor’s Contest. Nango from a global pool of applicants, and emerging Indigenous talent who have gone YIPAP’s big annual event is the New will be awarded cash grants and a yearlong on to have impactful careers, such as Sterlin Native Play Festival, which will be held continuum of support with activities, Harjo (Creek/Seminole Nations), Andrew virtually in April this year. including a participation in the 2021 Okpeaha MacLean (Inupiaq); Sydney Yale student Kinsale Heuston, a Sundance Film Festival, access to strategic Freeland (Navajo), and Taika Waititi (Te member of the Navajo Nation, won the and creative services throughout the year Whanau a Apanui). storytelling contest in high school. The offered by the Institute’s artist programs, and The Merata Mita Fellowship is Los Angeles native said she was blown ongoing mentorship opportunities. supported by the New Zealand Film away when she arrived on campus and saw Marja Bål Nango is a film director, Commission, Indigenous Media Initiatives, YIPAP in action. screenwriter and producer. She wrote, Felix Culpa, Sarah Luther, Susan Shilliday, “What I saw was this really amazing directed and produced the short film “Hilbes and an anonymous donor. arts community that had such a hyper biigá,” which has screened at nearly 30 film Sundance Institute’s Indigenous focus on identity and lifting up Native festivals, and won the UR Award for Best Program champions Indigenous independent artists,” said Heuston. “Honestly, it’s what Film at the Uppsala Int Film Festival, and the storytelling artists through residency labs, I love about the Native arts community, the Skårungen-award at Tromsø International fellowships, public programming, and a gathering and the storytelling and learning Film Festival. Her latest short film, “The year-round continuum of creative, financial, from one another through these deep Tongues,” follows a woman’s psychological and tactical support. The Program conducts connections that we have.” aftermath as she fights for spiritual survival outreach and education to identify a new Yale grad student Madeleine Hutchins, after being raped in a snowstorm on a generation of Indigenous voices, connecting a member of the Mohegan Tribal Nation, Virtual Contests mountain. The film has been a success them with opportunities to develop their has been involved with YIPAP since her worldwide, winning four awards, three of storytelling projects, and bringing them undergrad days. She said what makes them at Oscar Qualifying Film Festivals. and their work back to Indigenous lands. At YIPAP so special is its affiliation with Yale. Marja and co-writer Ingir Bål are now its core, the program seeks to inspire self- “A lot of times the programs for Native developing their first feature film together, “I determination among Indigenous filmmakers students have to be done by Native students. ENTRY love my Reindeerherder.” and communities by centering Indigenous They have to do all of the legwork,” said “This annual fellowship celebrates and people in telling their own stories. Hutchins. “One of the things I love about DEADLINE: honors the immense artistic contributions and YIPAP is that it’s run by people whose job it is to run it. The program isn’t dependent FEBRUARY 12 on people who are already overstretched (BY 5:00 PM) to keep it going. Because it is run by Yale, U. of Minnesota to use $5M grant to it is more consistent in a way that other programs don’t get to be.” Featuring: improve relationship with tribal nations Madeline Sayet is a member of the • FINE ARTS CONTEST Mohegan Tribal Nation and executive FROM PRESS RELEASE on one of the Dakota’s most sacred sites director of YIPAP. She says modern • ARTS & CRAFTS near the confluence of the Minnesota and Native plays are as varied as the writers CONTEST Mississippi rivers, Bdote,” said Robert themselves, but they all seem to share MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The common goals, like a better understanding • CLOTHING CONTEST Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded Larsen, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council Board Chair and President of Lower Sioux of the Native American experience and an the University of Minnesota a $5 million effort to fix historical misrepresentations. grant to address racial justice and create Indian Community. “However, this is an opportunity to work collaboratively with the “For so long it was pretty common more just and equitable futures for all for our Native representation [to be] a More Details through public humanities. university to build better tribal-university relations. Through the university, this project non-Native person playing Tiger Lily in a “This land-grant institution was production of Peter Pan,” said Sayet. “A To Follow! built on lands stolen from our ancestors, gives tribes the platform to tell our stories accurately.” lot of us grew up where our relationship and the main campus was constructed to mainstream theater was going on school 5B • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 Sports C Haskell athletics receives Team, area technology boost from Seminoles honors for OHS BY KEVIN JOHNSON from executive assistant Thomasine Motlow Senior Editor that allowed Haskell to purchase the equipment it needed in order to successfully football’s stream games and create other media content. It is smoother streaming for broadcasts Haskell posted an article on its website of Haskell Indian Nations University sports Jan. 5 to express gratitude for the help it Lee thanks to a few Seminoles. received from the Seminoles. Its statement When Jason Billie, who lives on read: the Hollywood Reservation, heard that “Haskell Athletics would like to take Edouard the athletics department at Haskell was the time to thank Haskell Alumni and struggling with the streaming of its games, Seminole Tribe of Florida member Jason Billie, Seminole Tribe of Florida Council BY KEVIN JOHNSON he didn’t hesitate to help his alma mater Senior Editor halfway across the country. Representative Christopher Osceola, “Haskell is a big part of my life. I’ve and Executive Assistant to Councilman met so many friends,” said Billie, who first Christopher Osceola, Thomasine Motlow attended Haskell in the 1990s and then for their support of our athletics department. The Seminole Tribe’s Lee Edouard returned to continue his studies in 2016 after “Through their support and the received accolades after his outstanding his children were grown. councilman’s donation our Sports season for the Okeechobee High School Throughout the past several decades, Information Department was given the football team. Haskell, located in Lawrence, Kansas, has opportunity to purchase a new laptop to Edouard, a 6-foot-1 sophomore featured some of the best athletes from the be utilized for web streaming and media quarterback, was named Okeechobee’s most Seminole Tribe, such as Paul Bowers Sr., purposes. With the new addition of the HP outstanding player on offense for the 2020 Moses Jumper Jr., Peter Hahn, Duelle Gore - Spectre x360 2-in-1 15.6” 4K UHD Touch- season. He also earned recognition as First and others. Screen Laptop, Haskell Athletics will be Team All-Area. The athletics department was in need able to provide an enhanced view of our He earned TCPalm.com’s Game Ball of an upgrade to the technology they use to home competitions without interruptions recognition for his performance against broadcast games over the internet. Equipment due to equipment errors like we have seen South Fork in September when he threw for errors had interrupted broadcasts in the past, in the past. We cannot thank Jason Billie, 150 yards and two touchdowns and rushed including last winter for basketball games. Thomasine Motlow and the councilman, for 154 yards and two touchdowns. (Haskell has yet to resume sports due to the Christopher Osceola, enough for their kind Other highlights included more than pandemic). gesture and we hope to continue to develop 200 yards of total offense and two TD passes After contacting Haskell Sports this relationship.” against Westwood in October. Information Director Aja McCormick, Billie said he was glad to help out a He had 271 yards of total offense, Billie reached out to the Hollywood Council school that has meant a lot to him in his life. including a rushing and passing TD against office, and soon after, a donation came from “Haskell is another home for me,” he Sebastian River. Councilman Chris Osceola and assistance said. The Brahmans finished with a 5-4 record.

Ryan Coody Duelle Gore, one of the Seminole Tribe’s all-time top athletes, takes a shot while playing for Haskell Indian Nations University in the 2015-16 season. Gore, who went on to play professional basketball, led Haskell in scoring that season.

Okeechobee girls finish regular season as

No. 1 seed in district Okeechobee High Twitter Okeechobee High School quarterback Lee BY KEVIN JOHNSON Edouard holds the award he won after being Senior Editor named the team’s most outstanding player on offense.

The Okeechobee High School girls basketball team, which includes Seminoles Adryauna Baker, Caylie Huff and Haylie Lexi Foreman Huff, capped off a strong regular season by clinching the top seed in the Class 5A-District 13 playoffs. helps Anadarko The Brahmans, with a 10-3 overall record, earned a first-round bye. They are win MidFirst scheduled to play in a semifinal Feb. 3. The championship is slated for Feb. 5. All games tournament are at Jensen Beach High School, which is the No. 2 seed. STAFF REPORT Okeechobee won its first nine games of the season before dropping three of its final four. The Anadarko (Okla.) High School girls Baker, a junior starting guard, is among basketball team, which includes Seminole the team’s top leaders in several categories. tribal member Lexi Foreman, won the She is second on the squad in scoring with MidFirst Warrior Classic Championship on an average of 10 points per game, one point Jan. 9. behind leader Jasmine Shanks. Baker scored Foreman, a senior guard who has signed in double digits each game during a six-game with the University of Central Oklahoma, stretch in December, including a season-high dished out a game-high six assists in the 54- 24 against Central. 38 championship win against MacArthur- She’s averaging 5.2 rebounds per game Lawton. She also tied with teammate Layni and leads the team in assists, blocks, steals Zinn for most rebounds with seven. and field goal percentage. In a semifinal win against Capitol Hill, The Huff sisters, both seniors, have Foreman scored 13 points and added four contributed coming off the bench. Caylie assists. It was the fourth time this season Huff scored five points and grabbed a Foreman reached double digits in scoring. rebound in a loss to Centenial on Jan. 22. Foreman scored a season-high 18 points Haylie Huff had a total of nine rebounds, in a win against Newcastle on Jan. 5. one steal and one block in the team’s final two games. Her 34 rebounds is fourth highest on the team.

OHS boys on a hot streak Darin Sicurello as postseason nears Lexi Foreman The Okeechobee High School boys Kevin Johnson is shown here basketball team knows how to start the year The Okeechobee High School girls basketball team has plenty of reasons to clap after finishing the regular season with a 10-3 record. playing for on the right note. Native Soldiers The Brahmans, who include the tribe’s at the Native Leon Edouard and Lee Edouard, went a 8-2 record as the district playoffs neared. 3-pointers, in a win against Sebastian River Jan. 14. He also had three steals, two assists American perfect 5-0 in January with wins against Lee Edouard, a sophomore guard, was on Jan. 8. His big night also included six and two rebounds. He is averaging six points Basketball Port St. Lucie, Sebastian River, Westwood, fifth on the team in scoring with an average rebounds, two steals and two assists. per game. Invitational in Moore Haven and John Carroll Catholic. of 7.3 points per game (with nine games Meanwhile, 11 points from Leon 2019. Okeechobee, a two-time defending of statistics available). He poured in a Edouard, a junior guard, helped propel district champion, entered February with an season-high 22 points, which included four Okeechobee past Moore Haven, 98-59, on 6B • The Seminole Tribune • January 29, 2021 Indigenous former NHL player Jordin Tootoo celebrates 10 years of sobriety

BY DARRELL GREER and some community members want to bring The Kivalliq News them down to their level. “I choose this path and when someone Jordin Tootoo was a happy and contented says, ‘Oh Jordin look, you’ve got everything man as he celebrated being 10 years sober thanks to your God-given talent,’ I say, ‘No! earlier in December. I’ve worked hard for this. I earned every darn It’s been a long hard road for the former bit of what I have. It wasn’t just given to me.’ NHLer from Rankin Inlet, and one he feels “I started learning during sobriety that he’d no longer be on if he had continued with when you become comfortable and content his former lifestyle. in your own skin, you start to become Tootoo said his life has been quite the successful within yourself.” journey. Tootoo said he didn’t want to get sober He said he’s looking forward to to impress others. He wanted to do it to stop everything the future has in store for himself one cycle and start another. and his family. Grateful for wife and children “Living up North is hard with the He said he wouldn’t have what he has substance abuse, domestic violence, today if not for his wife, Jennifer, and their dysfunction in the households and all that,” two daughters Sienna Rose, 4, and Avery said Tootoo. Grace, 2. “I tell people — and I said it in my book “This is what sobriety has given to me. — I don’t resent I know for a fact that anyone. I don’t I didn’t fix myself. resent my parents There’s no possible for the experiences way I would have I had. I’m actually the life today that I Jeff Romance grateful because have without support Texas A&M and North Carolina meet in the 87th Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 2 at Hard Rock Stadium. Attendance restrictions were in place due to the it’s opened up my and it takes time for pandemic. The Aggies defeated the Tar Heels, 41-27. eyes in sobriety to individuals to heal. understand the cycle. “During the “I don’t go first three years of around preaching my sobriety, I felt National spotlight shines on Hard Rock to people because, like every day was a to me, it’s each to damn test, but that’s Stadium with college football their own. I try to how many people I lead by example affected throughout my life by using and I BY KEVIN JOHNSON 13,737 spectators. Officials said there will be no stadium for our people and our Indigenous just said, ‘Wow!’ Senior Editor Attendance for both games was limited court set up inside the stadium this year. All “I had three to 20% capacity due to the pandemic. matches will be played on the courts in the communities. “I chose this years of every other The championship averaged 18.7 tennis complex outside the stadium. day when there were A quieter than usual Hard Rock Stadium million viewers across ESPN channels. As of press time, a decision regarding life and a lot of my was in the national spotlight in early January buddies who I grew people coming up The stadium has been known as Hard in-person fan attendance had yet to be to me and asking if when it hosted two prominent college Rock Stadium since 2016 when Hard Rock announced. up with in Rankin football games. now see. We learn by I remembered this International and the Miami Dolphins happening or that The stadium hosted the College Football entered into an 18-year naming rights Fight night watching, especially Playoff National Championship between in the Northern The Kivalliq News happening, and for agreement. me to be able to say, No. 1 Alabama and No. 3 Ohio State on Hard Rock Stadium is scheduled to communities. What Jordin Tootoo played for four NHL teams in his Jan. 11. The Crimson Tide cruised past the you see is what you career that spanned 723 games from 2003-17. ‘I’m sorry’ took all Miami Open update host the WBA/WBC Super-Middleweight that weight right off Buckeyes, 52-24, in front of 14,926 fans. Championship fight between Canelo Alvarez do.” The title tilt came nine days after Hard Tootoo said he’s of my back. Hard Rock Stadium will host the and Avni Yildirim on Feb. 27. Attendance is “But I knew, Rock Stadium was the site of the 87th Miami Open tennis tournament March 22 to limited to 15,000. honoured to be an example of someone who Capital One Orange Bowl, won by Texas chose a better way of life. deep down inside, that if I didn’t stop what April 4 with some modifications due to the I was doing I would be the next victim. I A&M, 41-27, against North Carolina with pandemic. He said it was something that he chose — to stop one cycle and start a new cycle for would be the next person six feet under. I he and his family. knew my late brother, Terence, didn’t want “For me, the first two years of sobriety that, and I chose to believe him that, at the was probably the toughest experience of my end of the day, everything will be OK if you life. have clarity and the right mindset. My mind “I had to find different avenues, different had been foggy for the past 15 years — from ways to keep myself busy. the age of 12 until 26, when I entered rehab.” “Ultimately it was the land that kept Tootoo said it’s a battle in the mind but me grounded. When you go out on the land as the days, months and years go past you nothing else matters. You’re living in that start to become comfortable in your own moment. skin and choosing a different way of life has “It’s out on the land where we heal as become OK. Inuit, as Indigenous people. It’s where we He said he couldn’t imagine being in come together and help each other out and, an isolated community up North and trying that’s what really kept me going on a day- to change your perspective on life, because to-day basis during my first two years of everyone around you is stuck in a stagnant sobriety.” life of living pay cheque to pay cheque and Tootoo said when he first went sober, looking for someone else to make them being in the south during the NHL season, happy. he really didn’t have those kinds of “Ultimately, you create your own opportunities. happiness and, for me, the future is about He said having the support of the being a present father for my kids, being Nashville Predators organization meant a there to watch them grow and learn. lot to him, and he surrounded himself with “And now, with sobriety, I’m able to do positive people who wanted him to succeed. that. I’m able to get up at 6 a.m. to feed them “You find out pretty darn quick who and be a part of their every day life. your real friends are when you change your “It’s something that, oh man, it’s life. something I am so grateful to have.” “You start to eliminate people who want to take you down. And I’ve seen that first Darrell Greer is editor of Kivalliq News hand in our communities. in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada. This “When someone starts to become article was posted at nunavutnews.com on successful or is doing good, jealousy sets in Dec. 26. Pokagon Band of Potawatomi to host Symetra Tour event FROM PRESS RELEASE said Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Chairman of the University of Alabama Athletics Pokagon Band and CEO of Pokagon Gaming Alabama celebrates at Hard Rock Stadium after winning the 2020 National Championship game Jan. 11. The Crimson Tide defeated Ohio State, 52-24. SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Pokagon Authority. “Not only is South Bend Country Band of Potawatomi and its Four Winds Club known as one of the top golf courses in Casinos announced in December that the Indiana, it has a long history of hosting many 2021 Four Winds Invitational, part of the prestigious tournaments. From the grounds Symetra Tour on the “Road to the LPGA,” and clubhouse facilities, to the course Shout-out to the tribe from NABI will be held from Aug. 13-15, 2021, at South location which is just 10 minutes from our Bend Country Club in South Bend, Indiana. Four Winds South Bend casino, we feel this STAFF REPORT tribe for its continued support of NABI. The “We are very excited to announce our new new location will further enhance the appeal annual NABI tournament in the Phoenix area partnership with South Bend Country Club of the tournament to players, attendees and The Native American Basketball is the largest Native American basketball to host the 2021 Four Winds Invitational,” sponsors.” Invitaitonal Foundation gave a big social tournament and draws hundreds of the top media shout-out to the Seminole Tribe on players from throughout Indian Country. Jan. 28, taking to Facebook to thank the This year’s tournament and educational youth summit is scheduled for July 11-17. NOTIFICATION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

To the Tribal Community at large, the Draft Control Schedule for Tribal and BIA Roads is available for review/comments at the office of Tribal Community Development of the Seminole Tribe of Florida located From NAIG to NHL at 5700 Griffin Rd Hollywood FL Courtesy image Mary Nahwegahbow, from White Fish River First 33314. Comments must be received Nation in Ontario, Canada, sang “Oh, Canada,” the nation’s national anthem, to open the start no later than February 12, 2021. For of the National Hockey League season Jan. 15 additional information, contact at the Toronton Maple Leafs vs Ottawa Senators game. She sang it in English, French and Ojibwe. Emran Rahaman of the Public Works In 2017, Nahwegahbow sang the anthem at the opening ceremonies of the North American Department at (954) 894‐1060 Ext. Indigenous Games in Toronto. She also played in the Games as a member of Team Ontario’s girls 10924. soccer team.