“Check” out Mitchell Cypress, Coach Schnellenberger, page 5. Veterans gather at Big Cypress, page 13. Homecoming court, page 5.

Bulk Rate U.S. Postage Paid Lake Placid FL Permit No. 128 TheSEMINOLE TRIBUNE “Voice of the Unconquered”

$1.00 www.seminoletribe.com Volume XXI Number 16 December 1, 2000 More Canoes Council Holds Emerge From Active Session By Dan McDonald HOLLYWOOD — Natural gas exploration, Pithlachocco stock cars and drainage easements were just some of the highlights of a wide ranging Tribal Council meeting Tribe Demands Protection that ran for over eight hours at the Auditorium, Nov. 8. By Charles Flowers The Council agreed to issue a permit to Adair GAINESVILLE — Another seven Indian International Oil & Gas Co., to explore the Big Cypress canoes were found recently on Pithlachocco Reservation for natural gas deposits. (Newnan’s Lake), where more aboriginal craft have “It won’t cost the Tribe anything and if the gas been discovered than anywhere else on earth. is found, it could possibly be used to supply the power As the lake waters recede further into the plant that the Tribe is developing,” Hollywood Board winter drought, an archaeologist estimates “hun- Representative Carl Baxley explained to the Council. dreds” more may emerge from the drying lakebed. After working out a few issues regarding who And the Seminole Tribe of Florida wants would monitor the company representatives as they per- the cultural site protected. formed their exploration work, the Council approved “This site is of critical significance, not the permit. only to the history of the Seminole people, but to all The Council also approved a drainage ease- Floridians,” said Tribal Anthropology & Geneaology ment on land near the Coconut Creek Casino property. Director Dr. Patricia Wickman. “The Seminole Tribe By approving the right of way easement, the plans for of Florida intends to do everything in its power to developing that land can proceed. protect this magnificent evidence of its heritage.” In other action, the Council heard a motion to At press time, Wickman was in Tallahassee have the Seminole Tribe sponsor NASCAR driver Tina conferring with state officials about Pithlachocco, Gordon, who races in the Slim Jim All Pro Series. The where nearly 100 canoes are strewn about a two- Alabama driver is moving up from American Speed mile stretch along the northeastern shore of the Association (ASA) races and will run five NASCAR state’s fourth largest lake. Busch Series events this coming season. Lake side resident Dale Crider, who was at “We think we can get the most bang for the the center of the storm that erupted this summer buck by sponsoring her,” George Johnson, Director of when several canoes were damaged during a dead- Real Estate Services said after the meeting. Johnson, head logging operation permitted by the state, dis- who once drove racecars, is doing the research based on covered the new canoes while scouting the area in his knowledge of the racing industry. preparation for a visit by Secretary of State “She (Gordon) is the only woman running, and Katherine Harris. we can sponsor her car, and have an on-board camera Harris, whose duties include oversight of with the Tribe’s logo on it for $75,000.” the Division of Historic Resources (DHR), was The Tribe could sponsor Gordon’s car for her scheduled to meet at Pithlachocco with Seminole first Busch Series race at the Daytona International Chairman James Billie. However, the visit was Speedway on Feb. 17. The decision must be made with- delayed when Harris, who certified Florida’s contro- in ten days. Currently the Miccosukee Tribe sponsors versial election results, became involved in the now- two NASCAR drivers and has received a lot of expo-

contested Presidential race. E. Tiger sure through its support. “I went out about 300 yards from my house In other action, the Council: and found a depression in the lake where there was a *Approved a music license agreement with canoe upside down,” Crider, a retired state game Broadway Music, Inc., (BMI) for the Coconut Creek biologist said. “I believe it was made of cypress. Casino. Since then, I’ve found five more in the same area, *Tabled a proposal to allow Joe Osceola Jr. to along with some pieces I believe to come from RUNNING GIRLS: (L-R) Sisters Jo Jo, Mercedes and Tasha Osceola rank among the state’s best. set up a title loan business on the Tampa Reservation. another canoe.” *Approved the amended development and If confirmed, the number of ancient canoes financial services agreement with Power Plant found at Pithlachocco would number 96. DHR direc- Entertainment LLC for the financing of development tor Janet Snyder-Matthews had more than 50 of the Osceola Sisters Place In State Track Meet projects on the Hollywood and Tampa Reservations. canoes radiocarbon dated. The ages ranged from 500 By Ernie Tiger me to compete on because of the home pressure.” *Approved an agreement with Florida Design to 5,000 years. The oldest canoe predated the TITUSVILLE — The Osceola Sisters All three sisters improved their lap time at each Contractors, Inc., to construct a water re-pump station Biblical boatman Noah. No more than 22 aboriginal track trio of Tasha, Jo-Jo and Mercedes has been level of competition. on the Big Cypress Reservation. canoes has ever been found in one place before. making its presence known in District, Regional, The Osceola girls, daughters of Tribal *Rescinded an agreement with Lodge However, Crider and others believe there and State High School Cross-Country meets. At Ambassador Joe Dan and wife Virginia, attend Construction, Inc., to construct a composting site on the could be many more. the State meet recently held at Brevard College in Sheridan Hills Christian School in Hollywood Brighton Reservation, and voted to approve a $360,000 “I think there may be more canoes at the Titusville the trio placed as follows: JoJo 26th, where they all participate in several sports. contract for the same job to Spring Lake Services, Inc. south end of the lake,” said Crider, who has lived on Mercedes 28th, and Tasha 90th. The State event “I also play basketball at my school and *Approved $170,000 for Wharton-Smith Inc., the lake since 1970. had 158 competitors jog before the race for conditioning,” said Tasha to construct a fire protection well and water line exten- East Side High teacher Steve Everett, Commenting on the varying tracks run at Osceola who placed seventh at the regional track sion for Okalee Village on the Hollywood Reservation. whose students were part of the first major discov- the district, regional, and state levels Mercedes final held at Larry Thompson Park. Mercedes *Tabled a $59.9 million agreement with Jordan ery, agreed. Along with local archaeologist Ray stated, “They were tough tracks to compete on but placed first at the regional meet with JoJo follow- Jones & Goulding, Inc., to design and construct water See CANOE, page 11 TY Park in Hollywood was the toughest track for ing in second. and wastewater facilities for the Hollywood, Tampa, Fort Pierce, Brighton, Big Cypress and Immokalee Reservations. *Approved a billboard contract with American Outdoor Advertising. Seminole Elders Recall Blood Decisions *Agreed to spend upwards of $1 million to purchase 12 lots adjoining Tribal property in By Virginia Mitchell with Bill Osceola. When he came back we would go Hollywood. Five Seminole Tribal elders – members of over what was discussed. *Approved numerous home site leases for the original 1950s Tribal Constitution Committee – Frank worked as a mechanic for Jack Tribal citizens. See COUNCIL, page 4 still remember the critical discussions and meetings Lewis, a white man from LaBelle, who was building – many of them under the shade of the old Council roads on all the reservations. Mr. Lewis explained to Oak – as the Tribe organized and staved off the ter- us of the agency’s intent. Many of us did not have mination threatened by the federal government. jobs; some of us would work in fields for a day’s Chief Billie, Tiger Tiger Jimmy O’Toole Osceola, Betty Mae wage. Jumper, Laura Mae Osceola, Frank Billie and Mary Constitution committee members were Grammy Nominees Bowers sat down with the Seminole Tribune recently Frank Billie, Jimmy O’Toole Osceola, Bill Osceola, SANTA MONICA, CA. — Seminole Chief and reminisced about those days and the discussions Billy Osceola, John Henry Gopher and Toby Johns. Jim Billie and Miccosukee rockers Tiger Tiger were regarding blood quantum. The following are their Some of the elders tried to attend the community among first-round nominees for the 43rd Annual stories meetings but not all the time, such as Buffalo Jim Grammy Awards announced recently by the National See ELDERS, page 7 Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. Jimmy O’Toole Osceola, Panther Clan (NARAS). t the time of trying to become Chief Billie’s latest Sound of America organized I was a resident of Records (SOAR) album, Seminole Fire, received two Quantum Added Later nominations, for Best Spoken Word Album For Big Cypress. I assisted Frank A Children and for Producer of The Year (John McEuen). Billie, taking count of individuals Four Years After Constitution Ratified and families. I was appointed Tiger Tiger was nominated for Best Rock Album with By Peter B. Gallagher their Warrior label release Southern Exposure. because I could understand some The original Seminole Tribal Constitution Committee spent English and keep records. Frank had Tthe new Best Native American Music much time discussing the Tribal blood quantum issue. In fact, Album category category nominees includeKeith Bear, a job and a car so it wasn’t hard for research recently conducted by Chairman’s Assisitant for him to get around. Some of the meet- James Bilagody, Black Eagle, Black Lodge Singers, Governmental Affairs Charles Helseth shows the controversy was Robert Tree Cody and Xavier Quijas, Joseph Fire ings were actually held at Frank’s not settled by the time the original Tribal constitution was ratified in home and I was to count the hands, Crow, Lakota Thunder, Lawrence Laughing, 1957. According to Helseth, “The original membership clauses, Monument Valley Singers, Northern Cree (three), which would be raised when they contained in Article 2, expressly stated that no blood quantum or agreed or disagreed. I attended all the Delbert “Black Fox” Pomani and Thomas Duran Jr., place of residence was required for membership.” Verdell Primeaux and Johnny Mike, Red Bull, Joanne community meetings in Big Cypress, In fact, the primary requirement for membership was enu- but when Frank traveled to Shenandoah, Siksika Ramblers, The Tribe (two), meration on the Census Roll of the Seminole Agency on Jan. 1, 1957. Delphine Tsinajinnie andYoung Bird. Jimmy O’Toole Osceola remembers the past. Hollywood I didn’t go. Frank had money from his job and he stayed See QUANTUM, page 11 The Seminole Tribune 2 December 1, 2000 Editorial A ‘Racist’ Concept * Jack D. Forbes previous racist system and a step in terminating Native tribes. The racist concept of “blood quantum” (degree of Persons with greater amounts of white ancestry were assumed to “blood”) started in 1705 when the colony of Virginia adopted a be more competent than persons with lesser amounts. The white series of laws denying civil rights to any “negro, mulatto, or blood entitled an Indian citizen to greater privileges, including Indian” and defined those terms as “the child of an Indian, and the being able to have “wardship” restrictions removed, being able to child, grandchild, or great grandchild of a negro shall be deemed sell property, acquire the right to vote in state and federal elec- accounted, held, and taken to be a mulatto.” Thus both a person of tions, and so on. Thus it may be that many persons chose to exag- American race and a person of half-American race (a “half- gerate their amount of white ancestry when enrolling. Persons blood”) were treated as legally inferior persons. without white ancestry were restricted persons, with the Bureau Colony after colony and state after state followed controlling their financial lives. It was also expected that when a Virginia’s example in using blood quantum to determine who person became “competent” (white enough) he would no longer deserved the privileges accorded to white persons. For example, be an Indian and that process would eventually terminate a tribe’s Alabama’s code stated “all negroes, mulattoes, Indians and all existence. B. Gallagher Peter persons of mixed blood, to the third generation inclusive, though Thus the recording of blood quantum is both a product of one ancestor of each generation may have been a white person, white racism and a plan wherein Native nations are expected to whether bond or free; shall be taken, and deemed incapable in law, vanish when the white blood quantum reaches a certain level. For to be witnesses. . . . except for or against each other.” North this reason alone, the use of blood quantum is exceedingly dan- Yah tah boochathe’ Carolina possessed a code which prohibited marriages between gerous for Native Nations today. white persons and “an Indian, Negro, Mustee, or Mulatto. . . . or Only recently, changes in the way the BIA calculates and any person of Mixed Blood to the Third Generation.” invalidates a Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native In 1866, Virginia decreed that “Every person having one- Blood (CDIB) were proposed by the Secretary of the Interior. fourth or more Negro blood shall be deemed a colored person, and The possibility exists that numerous persons of full Tribal Citizens Speak every person not a colored person having one-fourth or more American indigenous racial ancestry will be counted as mixed- Indian blood shall be deemed an Indian.” (This is perhaps where bloods and that, gradually, American Indians will be eliminated as the one-quarter blood concept used by the Bureau of Indian a people as they marry non-Indians or currently non-Federally Affairs originated). recognized Natives. This is a form of self-termination. If you are The Federal government began to also use “degree of concerned about these issues, contact Karen Ketcher of the BIA at On Blood, Clans blood” in the latter part of the 19th-century, especially in relation [email protected]. to enrollment before the Dawes allotment commission. The use of — Jack D. Forbes, Powhatan-Delaware, is a professor of Editor: have in our Tribe isn’t just occurring, it “full,” “one-half” etc. at that time was both an extension of the Native American Studies at the University of California-Davis. Having read and heard the continues. comments made by various individuals I doubt seriously that many regarding the change in blood quantum Tribal citizens would like it very much for citizenship in our Tribe, I am com- if I led the fight to limit the quantum to Dear President Clinton . . . pelled to offer my views on the subject full bloods and clan for membership. as well. Everyone has a valid point and I’m not particularly optimistic either *Joe Dan Osceola fered by the great Seminole warrior Osceola. Captured under a everyone is justifiably vexed at the dis- about the lineage of the Seminole peo- As current Ambassador and former President of the fed- flag of truce, thrown into a dungeon, he died in a U.S. military cussion but, it was coming one day and ple but, I also believe that self-genocide erally recognized Seminole Tribe of Florida, I would like to add prison. Today, he is regarded by historians as one of the greatest we knew it. is not the answer – literally or figura- my name and that of the Seminole Tribe to the long list of those Americans in history, imprisoned for defending the honor of his I am a full blood born to a tively. who support executive clemency for Leonard Peltier. people. Miccosukee-speaking father and a We have enough opportunists There is no need for me to repeat the disturbing facts of Nothing is worse than an innocent man convicted. Creek-speaking mother. As a young within and without the Tribe to concern this case and the inequities of the justice system that has impris- Nothing is more important than the tenet that one must be found child, I had the fortune to be exposed to ourselves with to worry whether or not oned an innocent man for so many years. Those facts have been guilty “beyond all reasonable doubt.” For Leonard Peltier, and so much of our culture and tradition the quarter newborn has a clan and is clearly debated and exposed many times, most notably in works many world leaders, prominent artists, political leaders and com- through my great-great-grand’s; great- deserving to be a Seminole. Who’s to by Peter Mathiesson, Robert Redford, and other prominent chron- mon Americans who have called for his release, justice is long grands; grands, aunts, uncles and say that he or she will not grow up in iclers of the human existence. overdue. cousins. They all taught my siblings and the ways and teachings of our people, The history of the Seminole Indians also contains — Joe Dan Osceola is Ambassador of the Seminole Tribe of I that “Seminole, you are born and speaking the languages, possibly to be instances of wrongful imprisonment, not the least was the fate suf- Florida. Seminole, you shall be till the day you hailed as the greatest Seminole leader die.” There was no distinction made ever? between the full-, half- and quarter- But, if the people need to bloods. We were taught that no good define our citizenship requirements came from denying the human being more stringently, then speak once and that exists at the core of all of us. for all by placing the consideration on a [email protected] I grew up observing the preju- referendum to all eligible voting Tribal dice our own people had for those who citizens. Let the people decide the issue Editor: there would be water easily found because accident and would appreciate it if some- were less than a full blood. The com- of membership. Why must one have at least 1/4 of the high water level. So we put our one could let him know our thoughts are ments, the ostracism, and the blatant Lastly, I would ask that all Seminole Blood in them to qualify as a dead in a makeshift coffin made of cypress with him and we hope he enjoys a speedy disregard expressed and displayed by Tribal citizens consider the issue seri- Tribal citizen? I am 1/16 Seminole and I branches and at each end of this makeshift and full recovery. Thanks. other Tribal citizens toward those indi- ously before making a quick judgement. am the one, not my grandfather, who coffin two long branches would be placed. Sir Andrew Shaw viduals always bothered me. As a Look at your families closely and think wishes to know about this part of my his- Here you would hang the deceased’s St. Petersburg youngster, I had numerous discussions about your histories. After all, we are tory. When I first learned that I had a belongings (clothes, rifle, knife, cooking [email protected] with my elders regarding this attitude. the products of ancestors who came Seminole heritage, I was elated, and then utensils the deceased used while alive, But, I was always comforted by the together as a means of survival. We are when I found out the qualifications, I was etc.) over the coffin. Chief Billie: wisdom of my grandfather, Andrew a “melting pot” of tribes who fought to heartbroken. America is made up of so Because of health concerns due Your website was very important Bowers, Sr. He constantly reassured me escape the forced genocide of the U.S. many peoples and I am so happy to be a to the decaying of the body, we started to me because without it I would be get- that everyone was to be respected first Government. We are many bloods flow- part of one of the native cultures. I do not covering the body with dirt but we still ting an F on my report. Thank you very as a human being before we thought ing together. If our ancestors had pur- mean to judge the Tribe, or disrespect it, buryed the deceased with all his belong- much. anything else about anyone. Why? sued selective breeding practices, would but no matter what blood I carry in my ings – the reason for looting of gravesites. Becky Carter Because, basically, we were all the you be here? body, I know that I will be Native Many areas that may have Seminole Greenleaf, WI same inside and out; no one was greater We are not defined by one per- American always, and no-one can take mounds have been protected by the State [email protected] than the next when people were all son and one does not make us a Tribe. that from me. Sincerely, an injured soul. (Pine Island Ridge, Snake Warriors Island, viewed from the same level. We must decide for ourselves if we Sarah Rumbaugh etc.). I do not have any information on Chief Billie: Does it really matter if some- want to survive as Seminole people. Is Duncannon, Pa. Lakewood Park Elementary site; it is con- Several years ago I was given a one is less than half-Seminole? our pride enough to keep us strong, or ceivable for a burial site to be there since copy of a wonderful “Seminole Prayer” Personally, I have always viewed it that are we losing our way to the economic Editor: the Seminole people roamed all over this supposedly written by a Seminole on the even if you’re less than one-fourth the gains of the Tribe? Just what is the I received the scarf I ordered on state. Brighton Reservation. There was no name Seminole blood doesn’t stop flowing. motivation for this discussion? the Tribe’s Marketplace, and it is beauti- In reference to religious cere- recorded as the author. I have written two Lesser quanta may not be able to join Gloria Wilson ful. Thank you very much. monies, all Indian tribes that still practice novels, and though I am still in the process the Tribe but, the Seminole part doesn’t Snake Clan Renee Angel their tribally specific ceremonies are pro- of seeking a publisher, I would very much put on the brakes and stop there Hollywood Reservation [email protected] tected by the American Indian Religious like to have this prayer printed in the front because governmentally, you can’t be Freedom Act, which was passed by of the books when they are published. placed on the citizenship roll. Editor: Congress in the early ‘90s. Tribes that still Therefore I need to know who wrote this It is a sad situation that much I am doing a report on the practice the use of peyote in their cere- to ask permission to have it printed in of our culture and traditions have fallen The Tribune wants Seminole Indians. The three main topics monies are protected by that same Act of their name. My two novels are titled by the wayside, but our Tribe and its of my paper are burial desecration, reli- Congress. There is no herb that we use Seminole Heart and Seminole Sunset. The heritage isn’t defined by a chosen few. gious rights being threatened by the gov- that is banned; it is just difficult to find following is the “Seminole Prayer.” Those who proclaim to be more tradi- your opinion! ernment and how the white people have those herbs because of encroaching devel- O’ Great Spirit, whose voice I tionally based and culturally rooted so destroyed the habitat that used to be abun- opment to where those herbs used to grow hear in the winds, and whose breath gives they know what is good for us as a peo- on Tribal citizenship, dant so the Seminole people have had to naturally. life to all the world, hear me! I am small ple, are no more right than I am wrong find a new way to feed and support their Finally, with respect to the and weak, I need your strength and wis- when it comes to defining anyone as a blood quantum and families. I have heard the rumor that the Seminole having to find a new way to feed dom. Let me walk in beauty, and make my Seminole. And to feel that there exists a Lakewood Park Elementary School is built our families, I don’t think our ancestors eyes ever behold the red and purple sun- necessity to restrict quantum to half and Seminole clans on a burial site, but am not sure if this is ever thought everything would remain the set. Make my hands respect the things you a clan to maintain a Tribe is not a very true. I also need any information on the same as the white settlers kept coming and have made, and my ears sharp to hear our sound justification for any means. threat of the government regarding the coming to Florida. What is great about the voice. Make me wise so that I may under- The Tribe exists because of the Write Seminole Communications Seminole religious ceremonies and the Seminole is our ability to adapt to various stand the things you have taught my peo- people. The citizenship roll is what 6300 Stirling Rd, Hollywood, FL 33024. banning of any herbs that may be used. situations and our ability to use the white ple. Let me learn the lessons you have hid- defines this Tribe’s existence. We are or Thank you in advance for your time and man’s laws to our advantage. An example den in every leaf and rock. I seek strength fortunate that no one on the founding email [email protected] consideration. is our situation with gaming. Let’s face it not to be greater than my brother, but to committee felt that just full bloods or or Dianna Dashner. — there are not too many places in fight my greatest enemy . . . myself. Make only those speaking Miccosukee or St. Petersburg Florida where large groups could live the me always ready to come to you with Creek could be enrolled. If they had, call Virginia Mitchell at (954) 967-3416 [email protected] way our ancesors did. clean hands and straight eyes, so when life the Seminole Tribe would be a small fades as the fading sunset, my spirit may Tribe without much of a legacy. We are Let us know what YOU think! Seminole Tribal Liaison Stephen Bowers Editor: come to you without shame. So be it! very fortunate that everyone was con- replies: My wife Marlene and I had the Thank you for any help you can sidered and the diversity that we now Since the Seminole never really honor to be guests of the Chief at the give me in this matter. kept burial site records as we do now, Reservation recently along with our good Charlotte Martin there is no real way of saying where some- friend Hollywood Dave and some visiting Oxford, Fla. one was buried. In the old days, a friends from England. We had a great time [email protected] Seminole was buried above ground and met with Swamp Owl. We were sorry Congratulations Jarrid Smith! because when we would dig a gravesite to hear that Swamp Owl had met with an See EMAIL, page 4 Editor: late Fred Smith, also participated in this Your article on Oct. 20, 2000 rodeo, as a Bull Rider. He rode but didn’t about the High School Rodeo held in Big score. He saw the article and wanted me Cypress was nice reading. I just wanted to let the paper know. you to know that my 15 year-old son Jarrid Lee Smith, first grandson of the Camellia Smith Seminole Tribune Publisher: James E. Billie Director: Dr. Betty Mae Jumper The Seminole Tribune Operations Manager: Peter B. Gallagher is a member of the Native American Editor: Virginia Mitchell Journalists Association, the Florida Design/Layout: Melissa Sherman Design/Layout Assistant: Vanessa Frank Press Club and the Associated Press. Business Manager: Dan McDonald Letters/e-mails to the Editor must be Reporters: Libby Blake, Colin Kenny signed and may be edited for publica- Archivist: Ernie Tiger tion. Subscription rate is $25 per year Secretary: Valerie M. Frank Contributors: Tommy Benn, Janice Billie, by mail. Make checks payable to The Gaile Boone, Jessica Catalino (Smithsonian), Seminole Tribune, 6300 Stirling Rd., Suzanne Davis, Diane Diaz, Hollywood, FL 33024. Phone: (954) Charles Flowers, Bob Kippenberger (Photos), 967-3416. Fax: (954) 967-3482. Or Brian Larney (Design), Mark Madrid, subscribe on the Internet at Sandi M. Osceola, Gary Padgett, Rhonda Roff, Benny Secody, Raiford Starke, www.seminoletribe.com Sabrina Tuttle, Patsy West, © Seminole Tribe of Florida Dr. Patricia R. Wickman The Seminole Tribune 3 December 1, 2000

Reflections By Patsy West Dressing For A Wedding Sandra Satterlee from Poteau, medicine men from Big Cypress. needed to know how to cook, sew, and OK, e-mailed the Seminole Tribune to One blockbuster “Indian wed- wash clothes. They both would need to find out what a Seminole woman’s wed- ding” was held at Musa Isle Indian know how to plant and tend garden plots. ding dress might have looked like Village tourist attraction in June 1926 The woman received gifts from between 1900 -1930 for an alternative between Tony Tommie and Edna Johns. It her future husband, necklace beads, silver high school class project. Historian Patsy was a major success for the promoters, ornaments, and also wedding gifts which West provided the following answer. and also brought in additional income and would set them up in housekeeping, such benefits for the Seminole participants. as pots and pans, perhaps a hand-cranked hile there is no distinctive fash- This particular event was locally signifi- sewing machine and cloth, and other ion statement “wedding dress” cant in that it held the City of Miami’s camp life necessities. Wfor the Seminoles, if a woman tourist season over for several weeks. Most often the elders (uncles and were married at the Green Corn Dance or Since the tourist attraction weddings were aunts) did the matchmaking and the cou- at a tourist attraction, her dress would the only photographed Seminole marriage ple had to comply. The Seminoles’ culture have been new and the finest dress she ceremonies, they are the only visual is matrilineal (descent is from the had. images of Seminole attire for a “wed- woman’s clan) and residence was matrilo- The Green Corn Dance was the ding.” cal, meaning that the husband lived in his traditional annual socio/religious/political If a couple missed a Green Corn mother-in-law’s camp. At first, they would event held in June far out in the Big Dance ceremony, they could still be mar- stay in the chickee (the thatched house) Cypress swamp. All people wore new, ried during the year more privately. A where the bride had always slept. Later, fine clothing and a marriage held there man’s uncles would take him to the the husband would build a separate chick- was a big event. bride’s camp and meet with the bride’s ee for them in camp. Because tourists had such a fas- uncles and mother, who were the bride’s The camp’s fire was laid in the cination over the idea of a Seminole mar- clansmen. cooking chickee. Logs were laid in the riage ceremony and very few people had At a private wedding such as traditional Seminole manner radiating out observed one, the Seminoles who were this, the couple wore their everyday cloth- like the spokes of a wheel. At the time of hired by tourist attractions in Miami were ing. After a brief discussion from the eld- the marriage, a ceremony took place at the persuaded to hold some marriages in pub- ers about their duties, they were consid- cook chickee. The new husband would cut lic. It is known that some of these were ered married. four large logs (four was a ceremonial legitimate marriage ceremonies, while A man was considered ready to number) and add them to the existing others were staged with couples already marry when he could hunt and take care logs. He would also cut a pile of firewood married. Interestingly, these events gener- of chores in the camp thus proving he for the campfire. ally had the paid attendance of leading could take care of a family. A woman — Reflections, Number 183. Seminole/Miccosukee Photographic Archive, Fort Lauderdale. Archive, Seminole/Miccosukee Photographic

BEADS GALORE: “A Seminole Indian Bride” Postal card. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Provides Training Workshop By B. Secody popular items taught during the workshop. BIG CYPRESS — On Oct. 21, David Blackard provided a class the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum staff provid- on women’s 19th century clothing. ed a cultural workshop for the Big Blackard, who is a noted historian for the Cypress Tribal and community citizens. Seminole and Miccosukee Tribes, demon- The event was held at the Frank Billie strated the early design of clothing and Center with several artisans providing the provided information to the group on the classes. Participants were given kits with designs and their meaning. Early clothing all supplies needed for the particular item was designed to be functional for living in that was being demonstrated so that a mosquito-infested area of sawgrass. everyone could make their crafts along The group broke for lunch, with with the demonstrators. Approximately 50 many of them heading to Billie Swamp people from Big Cypress, Hollywood and Safari for a sample of traditional cuisine. Brighton were on hand to take advantage During afternoon sessions, Jason of the valuable training being provided Wolz provided a class on Southeast throughout the day. Bandolier Bags. He demonstrated bead- The first demonstration was bas- work done on fabric which was somewhat ket making provided by Pedro Zepeda. more complicated than the other crafts. Brian Zepeda provided an expert demonstra- Photo by Claude C. Matlack. tion on the “long shirt,” a coat tradi- An early 1920’s wedding ceremony at Musa Isle Indian Village tourist attraction. The unidentified bride is in the center. tionally worn by men. As the afternoon came to a close, Marty Bowers provided Good Turkey, Bad Turkey the final demonstra- tion. He taught the hanksgiving is a fairly new concept to the Seminole Tribe, women, and children of the Wampanoag nation. This is best group how to make introduced some time during the early 1900s. Given all of illustrated in the written text of the Thanksgiving sermon deliv- sofkee. Sofkee is a Tthe rapid changes that have taken place over the last 100 ered at Plymouth Mass. in 1623 by “Mather the Elder.” In it, morning drink years, add the myths, the forgotten truths, the tears and the Mather the Elder gave special thanks to God for the devastating served hot. It is smiles that go along with the Thanksgiving idea, and the plague of smallpox, which wiped out the majority of the made with corn- Seminole People appear to have embraced this new feast day Wampanoag Indians who had been their benefactors. He praised meal, rice, guava or here in Florida. Like all things new, it’s a good idea to break God for destroying “chiefly young men and children, the very flour – depending them in a little to make them fit comfortably. seeds of increase, thus clearing the forests to make way for a bet- on the cook’s pref- One way the Tampa community has found to make ter growth”, i.e., the Pilgrims. Inasmuch as these Indians were erence. He demon- November fit is to have a Powwow for the non-Indian communi- the Pilgrims’ benefactors, and Squanto, in particular, was the strated the use of ty. The annual Thanksgiving Powwow, hosted and sponsored by instrument of their salvation that first year, how are we to inter- the fire ashes in Bobby Henry, has turned into one of the Tampa area’s must-go- pret this apparent callousness towards their misfortune? making the drink. to events. This year, there was news feature Just 44 years later they were making Many of the native coverage by FOX news star reporter Nancy proclamations like this: participants already Alexander. Nancy was a recent guest host of THE FIRST THANKSGIVING knew this tech- the Regis Philbin show. PROCLAMATION - JUNE 20, 1676: nique, but to non- Proceeds from the event go towards “The Holy God having by a long and Continual B. Secody tribal members, the the feed and care of the village animals and Series of his Affective dispensations in and by demonstration was grounds. This year brought the Oyate Yaji the present Warr with the Heathen Natives of Beautiful handiwork adorns this small bandolier bag. very interesting. (One Family) dancers and Dakota Travelers this land, written and brought to pass bitter The atten- drum group from Prairie Island, Minn., and things against his own Covenant people in this dees commented on vendors from as far away as Arizona. In an wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that The group was shown the basic concept the success of the day and appeared ongoing effort to educate the public, it’s a in the midst of his judgements he hath remem- of basket making and did well following pleased with the various demonstrations way for the non-Indian community to come bered mercy, having remembered his Footstool along with Zepeda. provided, as well as the items they had and experience a little bit of Indian Country. in the day of his sore displeasure against us for Another popular item that was successfully created. The group thanked Another big way is the community our sins, with many singular Intimations of his demonstrated to the group was traditional all presenters and spoke of looking for- dinner. This year the Tampa community Fatherly Compassion, and regard; reserving moccasins. David Mott provided the ward to the next workshop provided by reserved half of the historic Columbia many of our Towns from Desolation Threatened, demonstration. This was one of the most the museum staff and visitors. restaurant in downtown Ybor City to sit and attempted by the Enemy, and giving us espe- down and share a meal. There were around cially of late with many of our Confederates 200 people from the Brighton and Tampa many signal Advantages against them, without reservations seated in a spacious classic such Disadvantage to ourselves as formerly we moor style dining hall with a stage set with MARK MADRID have been sensible of, if it be the Lord’s mercy four chairs in anticipation of the Flamenco that we are not consumed, It certainly bespeaks dancers that were waiting in the wings to our positive Thankfulness, when our Enemies are step out and stomp their feet. The Flamenco dancers were in any measure disappointed or destroyed; and fearing the Lord upstaged by the “traditional” Seminole raffle. There was a lot of should take notice under so many Intimations of his returning laughter and good-natured teasing as women went up to claim mercy, we should be found an Insensible people, as not standing 200-piece tool sets, and men to claim toilet paper and tea sets. before Him with Thanksgiving, as well as lading him with our If any message of Thanksgiving tradition comes down Complaints in the time of pressing Afflictions: through the years, it is that you can apparently make it what you The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart want. It has become the day when America sits down with their the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn families to reflect on what they have to be thankful for. The Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Seminole Tribe is one very big family that knows and enjoys Favour, many Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, how to do that part well. Getting together with your family and but we doubt not those who are sensible of God’s Afflictions, friends, young and old. Not to anyone else’s style or step but to have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the their own. Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glo- HISTORIC FOOTNOTES rifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective For around 376 years, the United States of America has Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and built on the myth of pious Pilgrims, the friendly Wampanoag seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being perswaded by Indians, and Squanto who showed the reverent settlers how to the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up plant corn. Then, mysteriously, all the Indians disappeared, leav- our bodies and soulds as a living and acceptable Service unto ing all of this land for the new Americans to spread out on. God by Jesus Christ.” B. Secody However there is very little mention of the Puritan — Mark Madrid (Creek) is a Seminole Tribune correspondent Pilgrims’ real intentions to take the land, by murdering the men, based in Lakeland. The start of a basket, as demonstrated by Pedro Zepeda. The Seminole Tribune 4 December 1, 2000 CCommunityommunity NewsNews Guests Impressed With Wet Blade By Dan McDonald According to Skroch, X-ray and carbon-14 BIG CYPRESS — Melaleuca, tropical soda research has shown the Wet Blade system puts up to apple and smut grass took center stage as approxi- 30 percent of herbicide into the root system of plants, mately 50 range managers, chemical company repre- compared to one to two percent for broadcast spray- sentatives and government officials met at Big ing. But, scientists are also using the Wet Blade for a Cypress to attend a demonstration of the Burch Wet more ecologically sensitive control, as explained by Blade vegetation management system. DeValario. Most of those at the Nov. 9 gathering at the “We’ve had great success controlling tropical Herman Osceola Gymnasium were being introduced soda using a fungus that only attacks the soda apple,” to the Wet Blade system for the first time and came said DeValario. “Even under bad weather conditions, away impressed with the presentations made by sci- the system works. entists who have been using the innovative system to “The Wet Blade is the key to making bacte- combat a host of invasive plants in Florida. ria systems work. It’s a very effective tool.” Among those Along with herbi- reporting on their research cides, the Wet Blade can also was Dr. Jeff Mullahey, IFAS apply fertilizers and plant (Institute of Food & growth regulators. One study Agricultural Sciences) plant currently underway in scientist, and Director of the Mississippi is using the Wet West Florida Research and Blade to apply an enzyme to Education Center. Mullahey soybean plants. It’s this versa- spoke about his work with tility that has researchers the Wet Blade treating eager to study the Wet Blade. melaluca. After the scientific Former Marine Ed Woods shows a visitor one of several Florida panthers at Billie Swamp Safari. James DeValario, presentations, guests were senior biologist at the shown a brief demonstration. University of Florida, spoke Using a blue marking dye, of his ongoing research Burch Company officials ran Safari Becomes Training Ground using the Wet Blade to a Wet Blade equipped tractor apply a fungus suspended in and lawn mower through Story and photos by B. Secody enjoyed cajoling the Lieutenant, who had been a solution to kill tropical soda some heavy roadside weeds. BIG CYPRESS — Recently, Billie Swamp Marine, but had re-enlisted in the Army (National apple. The dye showed how the fluid Safari was turned into a military training ground as Guard). Robert Eplee, is deposited directly onto the 16 National Guard members came to the isolated The joking was all in fun, however, and both recently retired director of cut plant stems. attraction for a session on dealing with swamp critters the National Guardsmen and Safari Staff look forward the USDA’s Animal Plant Later, guests were including poisonous snakes and alligators. to meeting again in the near future. and Health inspection serv- taken to two test plots pre- The training program came about when Lt. Ed manages to keep his plate full with the ice, detailed his career as pared using the Wet Blade on Bruce of the Miami National Guard met Chairman responsibilities he shoulders daily – keeping things the nation’s foremost expert Sept. 28. One plot, located on James Billie and expressed his dilemma to the Chief running smoothly at the attraction, from calming a on invasive weeds. Now a the Miccosukee Reservation’s about the lack of training resources in South Florida new buggy driver to overseeing plans for expansion consultant with the Burch Dan McDonald Seminole land lease, showed and the need for his men to learn as much as possible of the area. Although he is in constant demand from Company, Eplee told the the Wet Blade’s effectiveness about venomous snakes, treatment for snake bites and other staff, tour groups and businesses he deals with, guests an invasive plant Allen Huff shows dead smut grass, while the at treating smut grass. other reptilians they would encounter in such swampy he still manages to take the time to spend with an need not be from a foreign Bermuda grass was unharmed by herbicide. “This is really aston- terrain. Even the training areas available to the excited young boy who has discovered the panther country. ishing,” said Allen Huff, the National Guard in South Florida are limited and lacks exhibit, and answer the child’s many questions. He “An invasive plant is any plant that comes Seminole Tribe’s land use manager. It was Huff’s the resources needed for serious tactical maneuvers. states he loves his job at Safari and enjoys all the var- from somewhere where it’s been to somewhere where interest that led the Tribe to invest in the Wet Blade. The group was invited to seek the training at ious assignments he has taken on since coming on it’s never been and where it’s not wanted,” Eplee “Smut grass is one of the worst problems we have in the Safari, where they worked under the guidance of board as site manager. explained. “There are an estimated 8,000 invasive pastureland in Florida. Ed Woods, who as a former Marine, was more than plant species in the United States today, and they “It really is taking over the range land. Cattle willing to oblige with training the weekend warriors. devour about 39,000 acres per day. won’t eat it, and it was impossible to control before The group was given valuable information “That’s why the Wet Blade is such an the Wet Blade. Now, we can get 100 percent control. and demonstrations about reptiles and mostly ven- important tool. I like to say the Wet Blade is a solu- And, it doesn’t harm the Bermuda grass under the omous snakes – which they had never had the oppor- tion in search of problems. It’s got the potential to smut grass.” tunity to learn about. They received in-depth training treat many of the invasive species that are so Others who witnessed the demonstration on survival skills in the Everglades. Another session destructive to land managers.” agreed. “It’s a magnificent system when using herbi- will take place in the weeks to come to continue the What has Eplee and others excited is the cides,” said Dan Rutledge, a district conservationist training, and update the men on new methods, tactical product of inventor Tom Burch, who has spent over with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation skills and information needed. a decade perfecting the Wet Blade. Essentially, the Service in LaBelle. “There is no wind drift, and little After a day of vigorous exercise and maneu- Wet Blade is a rotary mowing blade that fits on or no wash off that would make it into the environ- vers, the men were treated to an alligator wrestling brush hogs or conventional lawn mowers. But, the ment. Yet, the Wet Blade is extremely effective at demonstration and poisonous snake show and Wet Blade carries a small bead of fluid along the managing weeds. received a tour of Billie Swamp Safari. Ed stated he bottom cutting edge. “It’s clearly a breakthrough invention that is enjoyed providing the training, and most of all Wild elans roam the flowery Safari jungles. As the Wet Blade cuts vegetation, the fluid is going to have a major impact on vegetation manage- deposited on the stem of plants. Because plants rely ment. I wish I had invented it!” *Approved a permit to Clarence Motlow to on a process called xylum (pronounced zylum) cavi- Frank Dowdle, a research agronomist with Council open and operate a vehicle washing and detailing tation – which instantly draws fluids back into the U.S. Sugar Corporation said he agrees the Wet Blade business on the Tampa Reservation. root system to preserve sugars, enzymes and moisture is an effective tool. Continued from page 1 *Approved a permit to hold the Maggie B. when a plant is cut – the fluid from the Wet Blade is “It’s something that will have a lot of appli- *Approved a billboard to be placed on the Osceola Native American Pow Wow on the Tampa also sucked into the stalk. cations,” Dowdle, who helps manage U.S. Sugar’s rear of Carl Baxley’s property. Reservation. “It’s this reaction that allows the Wet Blade 180,000 acres, said. “In our case, I think it would be *Approved to modify a business permit *Approved a resolution to allow Nicodemus to be so effective in controlling vegetation using her- good to use on our citrus orchards, where you could issued Billie Sr., to operate an arts and crafts shop on his Big bicides,” explained Walt Skroch, who retired after a treat the weeds with one application of herbicide and *Approved a business permit issued to Cypress property. 30-year career as a professor of horticulture at North not have to come back for 5 or 10 years. It’s certainly Jimmy Osceola that will allow him to sell hot dogs *Approved a 5-year, $90,000 lease for cellu- Carolina State University. Skroch, a Fellow of the something worth another look.” and soft drinks at the chickee constructed on his lar towers on the Big Cypress and Brighton Weed Science Society of America, is now a consult- For more information on the Wet Blade, visit Hollywood lease. Reservations. ant for the Burch Company and is responsible for the company’s web site at www.wetblade.com, or call *Tabled a resolution by Jimmy Osceola to *Approved the purchase of five lots in the mixing herbicide cocktails to treat noxious plants. (336) 667-9196. hold kick boxing, wrestling and boxing events at the Ford Center Subdivision at the Big Cypress Laura Mae Osceola Stadium in Hollywood and other Reservation. Tribal venues. *Approved two resolutions that contract with *Tabled a resolution by Jimmy Osceola to McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, certified public account- Swamp Fever: Horse Horror authorize a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution ants, to provided fiscal year audits of all Tribal owned casinos. company on the Hollywood Reservation. By Tommy Benn All horses, other than those sold for slaugh- *Approved a food vending concession stand *Approved a $25,000 loan to Mike Smith to purchase cattle. HORSE PASTURE — Out here they call it ter must have a current negative EIA report conducted for Emma Urbina on the Brighton Reservation. “swamp fever.” within the previous 12 months for change of owner- *Approved numerous land leases on the *Approved a feasibility study for a golf course on the Immokalee Reservation. In the laboratory, they call it Equine ship. This includes both public and private sales, trail Brighton Reservation. Infectious Anemia. usage, gifts and rental or leases. *Voted to have Rebecca Yzaguirre replace *Approved several Water Department pro- posals, including adding $3,605 Tribal funds to In a dying horse, it’s known, simply, as EIA. All horses used for breeding purposes must Jennifer Martinez on the Immokalee Land Use Fear of EIA looms among horsemen just like have a report of a negative EIA test conducted within Commission. $68,499 EPA funds for supplies and laboratory analy- sis of surface waters on the reservations, approved the AIDS virus among hookers. 12 months prior to breeding. *Approved a 3-to-5 acre lease to Kenny EIA is primarily spread through blood-to- Any horse disclosed as positive for EIA on Davis to start a squash farm on the Immokalee funds for a boring map and renewal of a review and design contract with Hyde & Associates. blood contact from large biting insects: horseflies, an official test will be permanently identified as a Reservation. deer flies, and mosquitoes. reactor by a freeze brand on the left side of the neck. There is no cure nor vaccines to protect hors- The equine will then placed in a permanent quaran- es against EIA. A horse infected is infected they ran away a great deal from Tribune. Her address is Frances for life. Some horses may die with in a Email abuse and neglect and ran to the DeVore, P. O. Box 175, Reddick week after infection; most remain symp- Continued from page 2 Everglades. Your ancestors took FL 32686. Thanks. tomless carriers, until major stress or lower them in. They learned how to Carol Markett resistance allows the virus to take hold. Chief Billie: wrestle alligators, work with Ocala An infectious viral decease that I am making contact snakes ,and grow up to be honor- [email protected] affects only the equine species, EIA was with one of the prime grocery able loving men. They lived in first reported in France in 1843 and first store chains located here in the Everglades sporadically until Business Manager Dan detected in the United States in 1888. It is Arizona. It is Basha’s Stores, their father found them each time McDonald replies: Thanks for an incurable disease characterized in three which already has a strong work- and then they would go back as the compliment. You can order distinct forms: acute, chronic and in-appar- ing relationship with Arizona soon as they could. When they the Tribune over the Internet, by ent. In the acute state, many horses will run Tribes. I am proposing an were older my father Ray ran to the way. Just go to www.semino- an extremely high fever, show signs of ani- Exclusive Native American Food the oceans and my Uncle Charlie letribe.com, click on marketplace mal depression, progressive weakness loss Section in this particular to the Everglades. My and find the Tribune link. of weight, and swelling of the legs, brisket store. Across America we do have Grandfather is buried out there and abdominal areas. Many of these horses a high Native American popula- and my father is deceased since Chief Billie: become extremely ill and die. tion in the urban settings of 1981. I want to thank you and Can you please send be a And it is not an easy death. America. Basically we would be your Tribe and ancestors for picture of the Seminole Tribal Horses that are classified as Benn Tommy selling to ourselves. I would bet being the loving kind people you flag for my Social Studies report? chronic have usually recovered from the that somewhere in the Greater are. I believe running away and I need to print out the flag. By the acute type of EIA. Acute and sub-acute SILENT CARRIER: Does this horse have EIA? Phoenix area, one of your Tribal being taken in was what stopped way thanks for all of the informa- forms may last for a week or maybe a people is really hungry for their the cycle of abuse. For that my tion on the Seminoles. Thanks a month. The most common is the in-apparent carrier tine on an approved premise. own native foods. I think that this Mother, I, my half-sister and my lot. state. The equine horses appear to be healthy, but still Or sold to slaughter. idea’s time has come and it will brother Bob all prefer the Indian Matt Angst carry the virus — potential sources of infection to Or euthanized. bring profits to your native enter- way to the way of white people. [email protected] other horses. Dead. prises, increase employment and Thank you for preserving your Pay attention, Florida. Like AIDS, the best prevention for EIA is instill pride to our Native People culture and language so that it can Webmaster Melissa Sherman Over 90 percent of EIA cases occur in the staying away from the infected – keeping negative and create success with our be passed on. replies: I just e-mailed you a “hot zone” states bordering the Southern Atlantic horses away from non, tested — and known infected Native Food Companies. Is this Sandy Lange-Benedict photo of the flag, Matt. Good Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River, Texas — horses. too far fetched? Will it work? I Hollywood luck! and Oklahoma. This is due to a large amount of deer- Listen to me, friend: do not let your equines have written to other tribes, Inter- [email protected] flies and horseflies and a large number of untested co-mingle with untested horses or horses of unknown Tribal Agriculture Council, Tribal Editor: horses. EIA status. Bottled Water Companies and put Webmaster: Perhaps, you can help The Florida Department of Agriculture has Violators this provision of this section will it on Native Message Boards to You have a spectacular me out here. The folks at Erna implemented a regulatory program to control the dis- be guilty of a second degree misdemeanor and be see if I can receive referrals and website! My mother, Frances Nixon Park in Melbourne are ease, requiring annual testing on all equine moved subject to fines up to $10,000 for each offense. letters of support for such an DeVore, who was a guest of rehabilitating an injured baby from their farm of origin. With an estimated equine population over effort. If you don’t think it will honor at the meeting pictured on osprey — they are looking to All horses imported into the state, or moving 350,000 statewide and a capital investment in the work, just disregard this email. the front page on your Tribune name the bird. I was thinking that within the state are required to have a negative EIA equine world of over $7 billion, EIA is a big business Terrance H. Booth, Sr. website, loves the Tribune.She the Seminole word for osprey report conducted within the previous 12 months. threat. From the racetrack to the cow pastures and Phoenix, Az. loaned me her copy that she got at would be a place to start. Any Foals under six months of age must be accompanied show rings, from backyard pleasure pastures to the [email protected] that meeting and I wrote a brief ideas? Thanks, by the dam with a current negative EIA test within big time rodeo arena, no horse – not even our own about it. (I write for the Ocala Paul Garfinkel the past 12 months. “Cracker” horses that have been in Florida since Dear Chief Jim Billie: Star-Banner, too. My work www.ashleygang.com Horses at public or private assemblies must Ponce de Leon’s second voyage in 1521 — is I have a deep and abid- appears in the Neighbors section have a current negative EIA report conducted within immune. ing respect for you and your peo- that comes out on Wednesdays.) The Miccosukee word for osprey, the previous 12 months. This includes boarding sta- EIA protection is not just a good idea. It’s ple. When my father and uncle Frances would like information Paul, is nee-thek-empee bles, pastures, horse shows rodeos, trail rides, fairs the law. were young and lived in Miami, on how to subscribe to the racetracks or any other public or private assemblies. The Seminole Tribune 5 December 1, 2000 CCommunityommunity NewsNews Desiree Jumper: Clewiston High Homecoming Queen Candidate By Janice Billie CLEWISTON — Amidst the backdrop of home town Americana, our reigning Seminole Princess, Desiree Jumper was once again in the spotlight for her beau- ty, poise and ability to represent herself and the Seminole Tribe in a shining light. As a candidate for the Clewiston High School Homecoming Queen, Desiree and nine other candidates were featured during halftime ceremonies at the high school’s homecoming football game on the evening of Nov. 7. Desiree, 17, is the daughter of Jeanette Cypress and Danny Jumper and stepfather Danny Tommie. She has attended Clewiston High for the last four years and maintained a B average. Her plans after high school are to attend college and her career plans are to work in the education field. Sandi M. Osceola Escorted onto the field by stepfa- ther Danny, Desiree made a memorable Osceola family and Rachel Billie pose with Cub Master after performance. showing. Although she didn’t win the title of Homecoming Queen, she still holds two other titles. Her nomination for Homecoming Queen is one of several honors Brighton Culture Exchange With Cub Scouts she has received this past year. As mentioned By Sandi M. Osceola mony by sharing some Seminole Tribal history. Keyah earlier she is the current Seminole Princess BRIGHTON— Kevin, Keyah, and Lysandra Osceola gave a special sign language performance of and she also holds the title of Miss Sugar Osceola along with Rachel Billie dressed up in the Lord’s Prayer. from the Clewiston Sugar Festival. Seminole regalia for the Cub Scout Pack 125 of Dusty McGee, Assistant Cub Master, thanked “Being nominated and recognized at Wellington, FL Campfire Ceremony on Nov. 4. the Osceolas for coming out and sharing some of their the school where I spent some very good Approximately 200 scouts and family members culture with the group. Some of the scouts admitted to times is a great finish to my high school attended. having never seen a Native American before. years,” says Desiree with grace and a radiant Kevin Osceola and family, on the behalf of Thanks go to the Brighton Cultural smile that explains why she has won the the Seminole Cultural Dept., participated in the cere- Department for its assistance in supporting this event. favor of previous contest judges. Desiree Jumper displays her radiant Seminole smile. Community Death Halts Stomp Dance Exhibition At Museum

By B. Secody fired up the campfire under the cooking chickee and A weekend of fun and festivities at the Ah- began preparing food for those tourists who made Tah-Thi-ki Museum in Big Cypress was short lived their way through the village. Most everyone had due to the untimely death of a community citizen. As questions for theTribal citizens, who made the guests the Seminole culture dictates, there is to be no dancing feel welcome and invited them to return again some or festivities upon hearing of a death of a community day. Most of the guests were from other countries citizen. such as Germany, England, Austria and various parts The museum had scheduled the Seminole of Europe. Even though they all hailed from else- Arts Celebration, which was to include festivities such where, they all share the same interest in the indige- as the Seminole Stomp Dance exhibition. Some com- nous peoples of Florida: the Seminole Indians. Many munity citizens and their families came to fulfill their of the tourists purchased food and drinks and just obligation to provide food and drinks to those tourists enjoyed the day. No one even asked why there was who would still be showing up at the museum. As it nothing else going on, or why no one provided any turned out, there were many groups that toured the lit- type of dances. tle traditional camp – built behind the museum depict- According to Brian Zepeda of the Ah-Tah- ing the old way of life. Also located back behind the Thi-ki Museum, tourists will be able to enjoy dancing museum is a mock Green Corn Dance Ceremonial at the upcoming Kissimmee Shootout, which will be grounds. Since no outsiders are allowed at the actual held on the first weekend of February. Corn Dance Celebration, the Seminoles have chosen Condolences go to the family of William

Libby Blake to share certain aspects of the ceremony with visitors. Jumper of Big Cypress who passed away recently in On Nov. 25, Nancy and Jennifer Billie, Big Cypress. (L-R) David Cypress, Mitchell Cypress, FAU Coach Howard Schnellenberger, Danny Tommie. Michaelene Cypress, Linda Frank and Lydia Cypress Seminole Tribe Donates $50,000 To Help FAU Sports Program By Libby Blake fit his program and provide the students a college HOLLYWOOD — The Seminole Tribe of education. Florida recently presented a $50,000 check to Tommie added, “FAU has been known for Howard Schnellenberger, Athletic Director of Florida its baseball program and for providing quality aca- Atlantic University (FAU), for its sports program. demics. Howard is looking to expand the sports pro- Schnellenberger had approached the Tribe about a gram, especially the new football program, and partnership between the two entities. wants to do that locally with some focus on looking According to Danny Tommie, “The at the outstanding athletes within the Tribe.” Chairman, Council, and Gaming Department decided Schnellenberger is a former head coach at to honor his request in an effort to continue to give the University of Miami, where he won that school’s back to the community for its support of the Tribe.” first national title. He also coached at the University FAU is expanding its sports program and is of Louisville, and was an assistant coach under Don looking for local support in this effort. Shula with the Miami Dolphins. Schnellenberger told the Tribe of his com- Mitchell Cypress, President and Vice- mitment to actively recruit Tribal high school stu- Chairman, David Cypress, Big Cypress Council dents for the various sport programs including the Representative, and Danny Tommie, representing the new football program. He believes there are a lot of Chairman’s Office and Gaming Department, present- talented athletes within the Tribe, which would bene- ed the check to Schnellenberger. Cecil Johns Appreciation Dinner By Ernie Tiger DAVIE — Family and friends gath- ered at the Signature Grand in Davie to show appreciation for Cecil Johns’ lifetime achieve- ments. Johns has long been an active member in his community on the Hollywood Reservation. Attendees took the opportunity through- out the night to show their appreciation of Cecil and recall stories from the past of this remarkable man’s dedi- cation to his community. “Scripture John 15:13 ‘No greater love than a man, that lays E. Tiger down his life for his friends and brothers.’ I Cecil Johns (L) accepts plaque from Moses Jumper Jr. think when I read that scipture it depicts what kind of man Cecil really Tribal Hall of Fame for being an extraordinary track is,” said Moses Jumper Jr. as he handed a special and field runner. Hall of Fame inductees are proudly plaque to Cecil. displayed at Hollywood Recreation where they can Youth from the community lined up one be seen by many to inspire athletic motivation in after another to show their appreciation. They pre- generations to come. sented Johns with Seminole jackets, baskets, and In 1983 Johns was elected President of the other articles to show thanks for his support during Seminole Tribe of Florida serving one four-year their athletic career. term. While in office he sponsored many athletic Cecil Johns, who was born on the Brighton programs for youths. Many of those sponsored credit Reservation Sept. 13, 1935 to Toby and Rosa Johns, Johns for teaching them through athletics how to spent most of his younger life excelling in sports. excel in their business careers today. This past year, he was inducted into the prestigious The Seminole Tribune 6 December 1, 2000 Immokalee Incentive Awards: DSO Library News By Diane Diaz, Librarian ‘Better Late Then Never’ HOLLYWOOD — Come visit the By Gaile Boone spacious new library on the second floor of the IMMOKALEE — “Better late then never” Dorothy Scott Osceola Education Building on — that was the saying for the evening held back in the Hollywood Reservation. With twice as much August. room and new shelving, there are lots of new Education Counselor Norita Yzaguirre passed books and materials for children and adults. out the awards while PAC Vice President, Rhonda These include study aids to help with research, Rodriguez announced the categories for each recipient. language use, science projects or reports. Titles In alphabetical order, the following were for every level and interest are here – alligators awarded: – skateboards – jets – bugs – gymnastics – Thomas Benson — 6th grade-Near Perfect rodeo – careers or powwows to name a few. Attendance Look for our displays of award winning story Christian D. Benson — 4th grade-Perfect books, Native American tales among them Attendance, B average Seminole Diary, Coyote and the Grasshoppers, Esmeralda Billie — 2nd grade-Mostly B’s Clamshell Boy, and a new collection of adult Taylor M. Boone — Kindergarten-Near per- fiction, essays and poetry by Indian authors. fect attendance, all A’s and B’s Newspapers and magazines are also a Justin Campos — 9thgrade- B average in part of the library. You can browse through Honor classes Navajo Times, Indian Country Today, USA Nikki Davis — 2nd grade-Perfect attendance, Today or the Miami Herald, Cowboys and B average, Citizenship Award Indians, Time, American Indian Art, BMX Plus, Bonnie Davis — 3rd grade-Improved GPA, Glamour, Consumer Reports, our very own Perfect Attendance, Star Writing Student award-winning Seminole Tribune and others in Josie Davis — 5th grade-Perfect Attendance, the comfortable adult reading room. Improved GPA Last but not least is the new computer Gary Frank — 6th grade-Improved GPA lab where you can try one of 50 CD-ROM’s DeJong Frank — 2nd grade- B average like Typing Instructor, American Indian Library/Computer Lab Assistant Michael DiVitto Kelly. Taylor Fulton — Kindergarten-All A’s & B’s Multimedia Encyclopedia, Math Workshop, Corey Garcia — 1st grade-Mostly B’s Cross Words, or adventure with Carmen San Diego. Recently, Internet access was added so his wife Andrea and two children, 3 yr. old Ronan

Allison Garza — 5th grade-Improved GPA Gaile M. Boone Amy Garza — 10th grade-Improved GPA that there is a place to “surf the web” for news from and 4 month old Fiona. Michael is currently a sen- Demi Garza — 3rd grade-B average Indian Country or CNN, shopping, chats or e-mail – ior at Florida International University, studying Krystal Garza — 6th grade-Improved GPA whatever you are looking for. In addition, students advertising and art, and has gained valuable com- Computer winner Cuauhtemo Hernandez had can do research with our full text Internet “e- puter/business experience having worked for com- Antonio Hernandez — 3rd grade-Improved perfect attendance and a B average. GPA, Perfect Attendance, Working above his ability library” database and other university links. Staff panies such as Reed Reference Publishing and Cuauhtemo Hernandez — 3rd grade-Perfect Spencer Jock — 2nd grade-Improved GPA will assist with any search needs or teach you how Maxnet Technologies. Besides helping out the com- Attendance, B average Chad Motlow — Kindergarten-All A’s & B’s to use a computer or access the Internet. puter lab, you can also find him telling stories to the Jessie Holdiness — Kindergarten-All A’s & Cody Motlow — 1st grade-Mostly B’s When you come to the DSO Library you preschoolers and helping children after school as B’s Courtney Motlow — Improved GPA will also meet our new Library/Computer Lab well as teaching them papier-mâché. Jasmine Holdiness — 2nd grade-B average Curtis Motlow — 6th grade-Improved GPA Assistant, Michael DiVitto Kelly who was born in Michael began experimenting with papier- Brittany Huff — 3rd grade-B average Randy Osceola — 3rd grade-Improved GPA, Cincinnati, Ohio and now lives in Hollywood, with mâché in 1995 and has done many shows at Cassandra Jimmie — 2nd grade-B average Perfect Attendance libraries, cultural centers and nature Jessica Osceola — 1st grade-Improved GPA centers throughout Broward County, Mallory Osceola — 6th grade-Improved GPA as well as at the Blake Library in Patrick Osceola — 3rd grade-Improved GPA Stuart, Captiva Memorial Library in Rebecca Osceola —3rd grade-Improved GPA Captiva and private commissions. “I Mauro Perez — 1st grade — Improved GPA have focused on community and Lorena Puente — 7th grade-B average educational facilities to show and Jordan Rodriguez — 1st grade-B average teach children about sea animals and Jonathan Rodriguez — 5th grade-Mostly B’s papier-mâché,” “I’ve always had a Joseph Rodriguez — 3rdgrade-B average deep-sea appreciation for nature, Starz Sanchez — Kindergarten-Near Perfect especially the ocean,” Kelly says. Attendance, All A’s & B’s In addition to the library Michael Shaffer II — 1st grade-Mostly B’s story hours and after school pro- Brittany Yzaguirre — 3rd grade-B average grams, youngsters can also enjoy the Marie Yzaguirre — 6th grade-B average many Seminole Culture program Edward Yzaguirre — 3rd grade-B average activities and receive homework Leonaardo Yzaguirre — Kindergarten-All A’s assistance here on the second floor. & B’s For additional information please Ray Yzaguirre III — 9th grade-B average, call 989-6840 – Diane Diaz x 1225 Perfect Attendance or Michael Kelly x 1226. Lots of Daniel Yzaguirre, Jr. — 7th grade-Improved interesting things are going on at the GPA. other reservation libraries too, so At the end of the evening, a drawing was held look for more library news in the for two computers. The winners were next Seminole Tribune. Gaile M. Boone Cuauhtemo “Allen” Hernandez, son of Jennie Papier-mâché panther created by Michael DiVitto Kelly. Martinez, and Justin Campos, son of Jimmy Second grader Cassandra Jimmie had a B average. and Ada Holdiness.

Seminole Foster Care Parents Needed HOLLYWOOD — There is a their strength and guidance, and given certain pride, dignity and feeling of these children the chance to share in the belonging among Native children who traditions of the Tribe. It is a lot to ask, grow up in the tradition of their Tribal but remember how the elders have taught culture. The gift and right of tradition for us to give back some of our knowledge Seminole children is important for their and strength of caring, to stand firm in culture to survive. Some Seminole chil- what we believe in, to help one another. dren in need of foster care are denied that The love for our people has been rekin- gift. dled. Sometimes, due to child abuse or This can be the most meaningful neglect, children need to be placed with and rewarding contribution you could families other than their own. One of the ever make! goals of the Family Services Program is Please call now. Family Service to place Indian children with Indian fami- Programs – Hollywood at 954-964-6338; lies, so that they can remain among Yvonne Courtney is the Tribal counselor. Tribal citizens in their own community or Big Cypress call 863-983-6920 and speak reservation. with Jane Billie. Brighton Reservation Each reservation houses numerous call Emma Johns at 863-763-7700. Tribal members who are raising strong Immokalee ask for Billie Napper-Bodway and healthy children, rich in cultural at 941-657-6567. Tampa reservation call beliefs and traditional values. Some of 813-628-0627 and speak with Tom Ryan, these families have opened their doors counselor. and hearts to other children in need of

It’s more than western wear

how the west is worn.

Davie 6211 S.W. 45th Street (954) 587-9000 plus locations in . . . It’s a way of life. Coconut Creek, Hialeah and Ocala The Seminole Tribune 7 December 1, 2000

Charlotte dropped out before a year, then I took over. Those from Trail did not want religion, edu- the more we discussed there were some of us that Elders The following year we asked Laura Mae Osceola to cation or any monies from the government. Bill thought 1/2 was enough and others said 1/4. uphold as Secretary and she accepted. These posi- Osceola understood what the elders wanted, but he The final decision was voted on to go to the Continued from page 1 tions paid $10 a day. explained to them that one day the younger genera- lowest, that being 1/4. We were thinking of our future and Charlie Cypress. During our meetings we had tion might benefit, so to reconsider the consequences. Tribal members and we didn’t want them to be left fundraisers, different individuals would cook for the Sure,we should have considered this issue out in all aspects of many benefits. It was made final, meetings and sell food. This money was collected for from the very beginning. but we didn’t have many out of love for our next generations. This wasn’t as the next meeting and money used for gas to travel to half-breeds and we didn’t have the situation that we low as other tribes might have passed, but we felt that next meetings. are up against today. we made the right choice. As Indians, we have I can remember a trip to Tallahassee when Today, I feel strongly about the blood quan- always been helping one another along, this was part we met the Governor. He had explained to us that tum issue and yes I would agree with making change. of our livelihood. So I feel that we made the best there was money in the bank to help us with becom- Accepting only 1/2 blood and clan name, if we don’t choice, for we were only looking out for our Tribe in ing organized and to use to our advantage. But the attempt now the Seminole blood will thin out to the future. money was collected from Humble Oil Company nothing. Bill Osceola and myself could see that with paying for surveying reservation land for oil. This many of our young it was quite evident someday our was in the early 50’s and I can’t remember his name children might and did marry other than Indian. But but he invited us to his mansion for coffee and cook- there weren’t very many Indians back then. Also, the ies. It was a mansion to us even though it was made younger ones at that time were pursuing an educa- out only of wood. tion, so they would be amongst many other than their Miccosukees did not agree with establish- own kind. Many attended public or boarding schools, ing, but Mike Osceola did and he worked with us. as they are doing today. He hung out with white people and was married to a Also an issue which I argued about, but white woman. His English was very good and some which was never adopted into our constitution, was others from Tamiami Trail did agree and worked also what if an Indian woman married other than an with us. Indian. She should have to move off the reservation. There was going to be a trip to Washington But if the Indian man did the same he could remain. and Jimmy Cypress and Henry Cypress were select- As explained back then, it was that the Indian man ed to go, with interpreters Laura Mae Osceola and would not be able to survive out in the white man’s Charlotte Osceola as well as Bill Osceola and Billy world, so they stayed on the reservation. Osceola. Sometimes Juanita Billie would interpret. Yet the Indian woman marrying a non-Indian We thought very hard on the quantum must let the man be head of household. Since they issues – we kept it on our minds and not on paper already had the ability to function in the ourside until we became more prepared. For in the 1950s we world, they could care and provide for his wife and had a small amount of half-breeds amongst our pop- family. ulation. Our first decision was to accept only full I remember Nancy Wareham (who had mar- blood and we were taught not to marry other than ried a non-Indian) addressing the issue of The Bill of your own kind. But then the more we discussed it, it Rights, because she was being asked to leave the didn’t seem right to make children suffer for being reservation. As a group we agreed to respect that bill either 1/2 or 1/4 Seminole Indian. Frank Billie, Wind Clan and adopted it into our constitution, that if an Indian I remember Mr. Glenn, a fieldworker from Laura Mae Osceola, Snake Clan does marry other than Indian they can remain on the the Bureau of Indian Affairs, saying, “When the here was this Sioux man, Rex Green that reservation. Seminole Tribe becomes organized and they begin to helped us to get organized. He taught us as he s the first Tribal Secretary/Treasurer I assisted We made it that way so the government fight with the government they will take away your Thad for thirty-five years to 350 other tribes. He with meetings and can remember many arti- specifies that as long as you’re living in the United authority as a Tribe, so you must be careful.” We also spoke of the many percentages to us and his sugges- Acles we spoke about. We looked at other tribes States we all have rights and all the reservations are were advised that if we didn’t organize that we tions were for 1/2, 1/4 or 1/8. Our majority voted to as well — some from Oklahoma and the Cherokees within the United States. wouldn’t have a voice in Tallahassee or Washington accept the lowest - that being 1/4. Mr. Green is the in North Carolina on the blood quantum issue. And to be heard. It also gave us a better chance for our same individual who later got the Miccosukees land settlement claim. established. Rex worked for the BIA and was As I see many people today that want the very knowledgeable on assisting groups. money and benefits that they see the Indians have. So At first there were only three reserva- Thanksgiving Community Gathering naturally they want a piece of the pie. And if that tions, Hollywood, Big Cypress and Brighton. means intermarrying, that’s what they will do. We have grown to have three more as of today, they being Immokalee, Tampa and Fort Pierce. By Janice Billie food. The vans pulled up and unloaded too many There might have been a little over 100 BIG CYPRESS — They came, they saw, times to count. No one went without seconds, or Seminoles and there was less Miccosukees back they ate. Of course the Big Cypress Community thirds. Included with the traditional turkey and stuff- when we were attempting to organize. members did more than that, but generally speaking, ing was fried catfish, baked chicken, and ham. There Johnny Cypress, Henry Osceola and we came and feasted. Nov. 22 was the day and the was rice, sweet potatoes, corn, and green beans. There myself were trustees. Jimmy Osceola helped Herman Osceola Gym was the with keeping records of meetings and votes. site for this year’s When issues of any sort were discussed the final Thanksgiving Day meal and vote would be counted from a 60 per cent to 40 gathering. per cent, with majority winning. This percentage The occasion was was adopted into our constitution. officially opened at 10 a.m. An Indian woman that might have mar- with a continental breakfast. ried a non-Indian could still live on the However, most folks didn’t Reservation. But that man was to abide by our show up until close to noon Reservation rules. If he maintained himself he when the big meal was sched- could remain on the reservation with the Indian uled to be served. woman. There were incidents when some non- Board President Indian men would take advantage of in-laws and Mitchell Cypress, Councilman they were asked to leave the reservation. And if David Cypress and Board the Indian woman wanted to go with him she Representative Manuel could. This too was incorporated into our consti- “Mondo” Tiger spoke words tution. of welcome and of their good- I feel the 1/4 decision made years ago will for this community. They should remain for they are still part Seminole, all expressed enthusiasm for Janice Billie but nothing lower to be part of the Seminole the opportunity to enjoy a Tribe. I would agree to stay at the 1/4 blood good meal and spend some Paper turkey decorates Mitchell Cypress’ and Sonny Billie’s table. quantum as when we had decided when we first quality time with all the peo- established back in 1957. ple who came out to celebrate this Thanksgiving Day. After an invocation by Paul was also an assortment of pies for dessert. Judging by Buster, a line immediately formed. This line seemed the many happy returns to the serving table, it is safe unending for a long time, but little by little everyone to say the food was more than up to par. was served. A staple of numerous special occasions, Paul Billie Swamp Safari catered the big meal, Buster and his band Cowbone once again made them- delivering what seemed to be an endless supply of selves available to entertain the community members. Betty Mae Jumper, Snake Clan Paul and band members Solomon Cypress and Jessica e had three meetings about every three Buster performed original months on the blood quantum issue, getting songs and some covers of organized, age to vote, etc. One meeting popular hits. They supplied W an ear-pleasing backdrop for was held in Big Cypress, Hollywood and Brighton, this being before we actually became organized. the event. I argued on the blood quantum issue, for The gym was beauti- back then we only had Seminoles; full blood, 1/2 fully decorated. The tables white or 1/2 black, with no intermarriages with other were laden with bowls of tribes. If the woman was 1/2 Seminole I felt that it fruit and Thanksgiving effects was unfair for her child to be not considered so then such as colorful paper the blood quantum was decided to stop at the 1/4 turkeys. The atmosphere was quantum. The majority of Seminole people were one of good feelings and either full blood or of 1/2 blood at this time (before most everyone had a smile 1950s). After then came when the half breeds began for everyone else. Tribal intermarrying with those other than Seminoles. So we members and tribal employ- didn’t have any accepted of 1/4 quantum for there ees pitched in plenty of time weren’t any at that time of first organizing. and energy to make this Thanksgiving Day one to

I explained with Moses helping me to con- Janice Billie vince the people that a 1/2 blooded Seminole might remember. have a child and the child still has Indian blood. We kept explaining till they understood. I also discussed Mr. and Mrs. Frank Billie enjoy a Big Cypress Thanksgiving. to go as far as 1/8, but the majority ruled to not to accept that quantum. We even demonstrated with an Mary Bowers, Snake Clan apple, cutting it in sections to make them visualize the portions. When they saw how small an eigth was n the beginning we had many meetings, they said it was too small so then it was decided to some at Big Cypress, Hollywood, Brighton Hollywood Community Gives Thanks accept and stop at 1/4. I still didn’t agree, but the Iand even down at Tamiami Trail. Visiting homes, camps, just about anywhere we could majority ruled. HOLLYWOOD — Members of the The spokesperson for Brighton was John gather. And when we met there were only Turkey Shoot Results Indians present at these meetings. Hollywood Community joined together at the (5-7 Boys) 1st Houston Osceola, 2nd J.T.; Henry Gopher and Toby Johns, Big Cypress was Seminole Gymnasium to celebrate Thanksgiving with (8-11 Girls) 1st Nicole Osceola; (8-11 Boys) 1st Johnnie Cypress and Frank Billie and Hollywood was Traditionally, you are taught that when an Indian woman has children, they inherit her family members and friends. Community members Jackson Richardson; 2nd Roy Stewart, 3rd Garret Bill Osceola and myself. provided the buffet. Paul Buster, who has became a Anderson, 4th Nelson Osceola; (12-16 Boys) 1st Josh Kenneth Mormon, the BIA Superintendent at clan. A child can not claim the clan of the father, only the mother’s. But many half-breeds were regular attraction at community dinners and other Young, 2nd Joey Richardson, 3rd Clinton Holt, the time, advised us on how to become organized. I events, performed his music for the crowd’s listening (Women) 1st Sonja Cypress, 2nd Barbara Billie, 3rd can remember many trips we took to Tallahassee in killed so we didn’t have such abundance of them among us back then. Teaching begins at pleasure. Carol Cypress; (Men) 1st Chris Osceola, 2nd Ernie an old yellow Ford pickup truck. There we talked Tiger, 3rd Troy Tiger. with the Governor at the time on what we were trying home, so we were strongly advised to marry to establish, forming a recognized tribe. Moses within our own Tribal people. But if an Indian Jumper Sr. was our interpreter back then. After woman did marry a non-Indian, she would be returning from the Navy, he had more experience expected to live off the reservation. Jumpers At Home For Thanksgiving Teaching begins at home, so we were with English and understood better to interpret for us By B. Secody they spend a lot of time practicing on weekends for and to the Governor. We took one trip to Cherokee, strongly advised not to intermarry our own clan members and to marry within our own Tribal BIG CYPRESS — There’s nothing like upcoming rodeo events. N.C., and observed how the Cherokees held their having the family together at home for the holidays Josh reports that although he did not qualify council meetings and learned the duties of officers. people. In those days we had only a small and on Nov. 20, Josh and Happy Jumper arrived in for the upcoming INFR finals in Albuquerque, Happy We thought it would be hard from our first observa- Big Cypress from Oklahoma to celebrate qualified in the bull-riding category. They plan to tions, but we continued to attempt and persevered as quantity of half-breeds within our people. Many half-breed babies were killed or given up to oth- Thanksgiving with their parents, Laquita and Moses travel to New Mexico to attend the finals with a myri- we went along. “Big Shot” Jumper Jr., and their older brother Naha. ad of other Tribal members who will also be partici- Sheets of paper were issued and individuals ers that wanted that particular child. But it was considered taboo for Indians to care and nurture The start of their trip had them scrambling pating. had the opportunity to vote on becoming part of the for phone numbers they could call to have a lock- Laquita and Big Shot, parents of three suc- tribe. Ballots requested the individual’s name and to one not full blood. Some of our spokespeople were Billy smith come out and open their truck door. In all the cessful rodeo riders and ropers, are proud of their decide yes or no along with their signatures. Mary excitement of getting to the Tulsa airport to meet the sons and were excited to have them all home together Bowers, Charlotte Osceola and myself gathered these. Osceola, Toby Johns, Willie Frank, Bill Osceola, and Juanita Billie, and Charlotte Osceola would Tribal jet, the guys stopped for a late breakfast and – even for a few short days over the Thanksgiving The majority had voted “yes” and those who voted locked their keys inside the truck. The locksmith weekend. “no,” later on became part of the tribe. Those people interpret for them. We met in all areas, Big Cypress, arrived just minutes before they were going to break The boys even brought the family dog, a who lived on Tamiami Trail did not pursue to join the window. cute “weiner” puppy along with them, so he would and voted “no.” Tamiami Trail at William McKinley village, Hollywood, and Brighton. Many Miccosukee Both of the Jumper brothers are attending not be home alone. They also brought along a friend Our first meeting was held in the spring of school in Oklahoma. Josh, 21, is a sophomore at from Oklahoma to share the holiday with them. 1957 under the “Little Oak” (as we knew it then). All that came agreed not to be a part of organizing, but one son of William McKinley – Mike (as we Oklahoma State University, while Happy, 19, is a sen- Everyone had a good time, and the family enjoyed votes were read over to accept those that wanted to ior at Victory Academy in Henrietta. They reside their time together – even though it passed much too be part of the organization. Billy Osceola was knew him then was Larry) Osceola agreed and helped us to make others understand. together and spend much of their down time together quickly. Chairman, I was Vice Chairman and Charlotte as well. With both being avid bull riders and ropers, Osceola was Secretary when we first established. The Seminole Tribune 8 December 1, 2000 Tampa Community Halloween Celebration By Gary Padgett We all know that looks are not everything, TAMPA — On October 21, 2000, the so the Tampa Community Halloween Party also had Tampa Community held its Community Halloween competitions that tested everyone’s skills with compe- Party. The highlight of the night was the costume titions in horseshoes, pumpkin carving, obstacle competition. courses, and apartment and The winners were as fol- house decorating. lows: In these competitions Girls age 3-5: Ryanna the winners were as follows: Thomas 1st place, Brenna Walton Women’s Horseshoes: 2nd place, Christina Clark 3rd Joannie Henry 1st place, Tina place, and Jaime Jimmie 4th Smith 2nd place, Debbie Henry place. Boys age 3-5: Ricky Dillon 3rd place, and Penny Jimmie 4th 1st place, Andrew Doctor 2nd place. Men’s Horseshoes: Phillip place, and Ethan Smith 3rd place. Smith 1st place, Jessie Jimmie Girls age 6-9: Phaydra 3rd place, Ronnie Doctor 3rd Clark 1st place, Chani 2nd place, place, and Jerry Henry 4th place. Tiffany Foret 3rd place, and Stacy Pumpkin Painting – age Gaile M. Boone Smith and Dylanie Henry 4th 3-6: Joel Foret 1st place, Brenna place (tie). Boys age 6-9: Joel Walton 2nd place, Danelle (L-R): Spencer Jock and Anthony Hernandez ‘hang out’ under watchful eye of Velcro man. Foret 1st place, Reese Doctor 2nd Thomas 3rd place, Christina place, Matthew Henry 3rd place, Clark 4th place, and Ryanna and Jacob Santiago and Kyle Thomas 5th place. Age 7-12: Henry 4th place (tie). Tiffany Foret 1st place, Kyle Halloween Celebration ‘2000’ Immokalee-Style Girls age 10-17: Jamie Henry 2nd place, Matthew Henry 1st place and Tiffany Henry 3rd place, Stacy Smith By Gaile M. Boone Next contest was the karaoke contest for the

Orellano 2nd place. Boys age 10- Gary Padgett 4th place, and Dylanie Henry IMMOKALEE — Ghosts and goblins, youth and adults: 1st place went to “Mela” Billie for 17: Brian Osceola 1st place, Nick 5th place. Age 13-17: Alana gorillas, headless creatures, and thugs, oh my! And singing her favorite song, “Bye, Bye, Bye” by N Frank 2nd place, Devin Doctor Mathew Henry proudly shows work. Henry 1st place and Brian then down to the little angels, M&M’s, witches and Sync. 2nd place went to duo of Cheyene McInturff, and Joseph Santiago 3rd place Osceola 2nd place. Age 18 and princesses, even Siamese Twins came together to the and Christian Benson singing “Lucky” by Britney (tie), and Kevin Frank 4th place. up: Debbie Henry 1st place, gym to celebrate the Halloween Festival sponsored by Spears. The adult category were: 1st place going to Seniors: Bobby Henry Chisa Sisneroz 2nd place, Phillip our Recreation Department and Elaine Aguilar, Merlin Miller singing “Cheeseburger in Paradise” by 1st place and Nancy Frank 2nd place. Smith 3rd place, Tommy Henry 4th place, and Council Representative. The festivities on the agenda Jimmy Buffett, and 2nd place went to Raymond Mora Melody Osceola won the “King Contest”. Joannie Henry 5th place. were a costume contest, pool tournament, karaoke singing “The Dance” by Garth Brooks. Our judges The Obstacle course tested the contest (youth and adults), the spider web, bounce were Chris Marrero, Mary Sanchez, and Tommy competitors’ speed and agility. Trish Doctor house, snow cones, popcorn, and dinner. Benson. placed first, Colleen Henry second, and The youth started out the costume contest: Finally, the kids enjoy the spider web activi- Melody Osceola third. Phillip Smith took (Sorry, no pictures available for this group), but all ty and seem to make it look so easy. first among the men followed by Paul the youth participants were so darling everyone was a Here we have Spencer Jock, and Antonio Simmons and Ronnie Doctor. winner in my eyes. Hernandez hanging out! Everyone worked hard decorating The final group was the senior citizens We had the special privilege of watching our their houses and apartments, but it all came which their picture came out were the following: own Seminole Officer, Deputy Shantel Shaw finally down to the top four in both categories. In Only three young ladies entered this category and make it up the spider web to hang out with Taylor apartments, Lilla Henry won first, Joannie they were: 1st place – Elaine Aguilar, 2nd place – Boone. Henry placed second, Brian Osceola took Louise Motlow and 3rd place – Mary Sanchez third and Tommy Henry placed fourth. In houses, Phillip Smith won first, Penny Jimmie placed second, Barbara Sisneroz Halloween In Brighton: Fun With A Message placed third and Debbie Henry took fourth. The Tampa Community worked By Sandi M. Osceola

Gary Padgett hard and had another successful Halloween BRIGHTON — Brighton resi- Celebration. In addition to the Tampa dents celebrated Halloween with a week Cute winners of the 3-to-5 contest show their costumes. Community, Richard Henry, the Tampa full of contests. The week was not only for Liaison, would like to thank Alex Johns, Halloween, but also for red ribbon week. Jack Smith Jr., Roger and Diane Smith, the Departments were getting ready for best Tina Smith placed second and Trish Doctor took Tampa staff, his secretary, Paul Simmons, Jerry door, best posters, and pumpkin carving third. Phillip Smith won the “Queen Contest”. James Henry, Jimmy Osceola Jr., and everyone else who contest with the message that drugs are no Henry placed second. helped with this years haunted house. good. Pre-schoolers started the week off on Oct. 26 with their trick or treat by visit-

ing the Seminole Tribal offices dressed in Sandi M. Osceola Big Cypress Halloween Fest their costumes with hopes of getting bags full of candy. Delightful pre-schoolers visit the Brighton Field Office. Senior Citizens also had their dress- up contest as quite a few got involved in the walks, costume contest, and different departments that Featured Pumpkin Sunset contest and showed that there is still a little kid in us set up booths to support their programs such as 4-H, all. Senior Citizens, Education, etc. They sold sausages, By Janice Billie Hey, at least you didn’t have to chase it down. The On Friday, the office employees prepared for hamburgers and anything you could possibly want. BIG CYPRESS — The ghouls and goblins Big Cypress Library and First Baptist Church hosted their annual costume contest held at the Brighton Games for all ages such as the coin toss, dart throw- of the swamp were out in full on the beautiful fall food sale booths. They served up a variety of foods Field Office. The employees went out of their way to ing, hayrides, pony rides, dunking machine, wall evening of Oct. 28. The weather was calm and the such as fried chicken and pork chop dinners, fry really get dressed up in hopes of winning that lucky climbing and moonwalk were provided for the very sun setting over the cypress trees was almost a pump- bread, sofkee, hot dogs, chili and rice, pig feet and category. young. McGruff the Crime Dog was also on hand to kin orange as the Big Cypress community gathered to pickled sausage. Not too great for anyone on a diet On Saturday, Oct. 28 the Brighton residents’ visit the Brighton residents, and help them “take a celebrate their annual Halloween Festival at the B.C. but it sure was good. Halloween carnival was held, consisting of cake bite out of crime.” softball field. Preschool and Headstart had a booth that Hosted by Big Cypress Recreation Assistant sold Indian tacos, sodas and sweets along with selling Director Jack Gordon who was a dead ringer for tickets for a basketball shootout and the “jail”. The Austin Powers in his crushed blue velvet swinger suit, Ah-tah-thi-ki Museum and the Seminole Board had the evening was, (according to Austin) “smashing the “Haunted Boardwalk”. Something like the house, baby!” With a record number of people in attendance but not quite. Guests were shuttled over to the muse- and big cash prizes being given for costumes and games the festival was the place to be for some great Halloween fun. Numerous booths sponsored by different departments of the Big Cypress Seminole community cir- cled the festival area offering every- thing from pork chop dinners to a chance at throwing a wet sponge into the face of a Seminole law enforce- ment officer. Now does it get any better than that? Just kidding offi- cers. Actually, the Seminole Police Department was the sponsor of the sponge throw. Tickets were 50 cents and various prizes were award- Janice Billie ed depending on how good your aim was. A special guest of SPD was none (L-R): Brian Zepeda and Jack Gordon man the Money Find booth. other than McGruff the crime dog. One of the most popular booths was the “money find” um in a extra large horse trailer to walk the decorated booth sponsored by Big Cypress Recreation. This boardwalk. The kids had a really good time getting consisted of a haystack with up to $800 in Monopoly spooked. The annual basketball shootout was held cash hidden inside. And guess what? You could between the Seminole Board and the Seminole redeem the play money for the real green! Council, alas once again the Board won. One happy Halloweener found $120 bucks! “The Festival this year was very successful A 50-cent ticket bought one minute in the haystack and made for an enjoyable evening.” Big Cypress and the line for this booth was not short. On the Board Rep. Mondo Tiger said. “Community participa- health conscious note, Big Cypress Clinic hosted a tion and attendance was at an all-time high and it was booth offering free blood sugar and blood pressure just great to see everyone come together and have tests. That was in case you were eating too many can- such a good time.” died apples. They also offered up some tasty free Congratulations to the Big Cypress chili. Community for joining in and supporting an event Cattle and Range gave away prizes to any- that brought so many smiles to the kids in B.C. and one who could skillfully rope a calf made of hay. the grown-ups as well.

SCOTT H. CUPP ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW CRIMINAL LAW

SCOTT H. CUPP, P.A. 663 WEST COWBOY WAY P.O. DRAWER 2250 (863) 675-2888 LABELLE, FL 33975-2250 FAX (863) 675-3044 The Seminole Tribune 9 December 1, 2000 SPORTSSPORTS Show Me The Money, Tater! By Tommy Benn and single event rodeo association high. Porter cov- LAS VEGAS — If you want to see the ered 56.7 percent of his bulls for the season, money from the Bud Light Cup World highest for a bull rider competing at all 29 Bud Championships you’d better head to South Florida. Light Cup events. Kenansville is the home to 29-year-old Tater Porter, Porter covered all five of his bulls to Florida’s favorite bullridin’ son. become the only bull rider to do so at the Professional Bull Riders’ $41.6 million Bud Light Cup World Championship at the UNLV’S Thomas & Mack Center. He won a career-high $274,738, including $225,000 as the PBR’s average winner and PBR Finals Champion. Porter finished the finals with a total score of 449 points on five head. averag- ing 89.8 points on each ride. He scored 93 points by cov- ering Don Kish”s Copenhagen Cash in the short-go. “ I knew what I wanted to do and what my goals were,” Tater stated. “ I stayed relaxed, and kept a positive attitude , and rode DEER SLAYER: Micco Billie holds his eight point buck. Butch Cocroft (L) and Jimmie McDaniel look on. each bull jump for jump. I felt confident coming into the PBR Finals.” Chris Shivers won the Young Hunters Bag Their Game Gold Buckle for taking his first BUD LIGHT CUP the lungs from about 80 yards away. McDaniel esti- CHAMPIONSHIP with mated the deer’s weight at 150 pounds. 9,138.5 points. Shivers rode “Man was he excited,” said Micco’s father, all five of his bulls at the who is Chairman of the Seminole Tribe. “We were all 1999 finals, but excited. It was a perfect shot! never had a qualified ride “The funny thing is that I had arranged for this year. Shivers had a fan- Jimmie to pick up Micco from school for the hunting tastic 2000 season that trip, but his mother didn’t know that and was angry included five BUD because she didn’t know where he was. But, it turned LIGHT CUP titles. He also out fine. recorded the most U.S. “I remember I killed my first deer around age Tobacco Club 90 point rides 11, so it’s really great that Micco got his at this age. with 12. The honor goes to Jimmie and Butch.” Shivers was impressed Casey McCall (Deer clan), son of Wanda Fay with Porter’s finals perform- Bowers, bagged his first kill of a turkey with a 20- ance.

Tommy Benn Tommy “Tater had five out- standing rides,” Shivers said HEADLESS HORSEMAN? Bull blows Tater Porter’s mind. “ He got on six bulls (including a re-ride).and just rode better than everybody We may not be able to count votes on the else. That’s why he won first.” Presidential election, but we can count the Tater, Best of luck for the 2001 points and prize money won by the tall, lanky Professional Bull Riders Tour from the hearts of Florida native, Tater. The Bud Light Cup season your Seminole rodeo friends. You are truly a cham- showed him ranked third with 7,333 points and pion. earning $411,732.82 in prize money A PBR

Athletes Plan Indigenous Games Casey holds his gobbling prey, a Big Cypress turkey. By Ernie Tiger in competing in the games. HOLLYWOOD — Members of the Native Americans who are not Seminole By Libby Blake Community joined together at the Hollywood Tribal citizens are still encouraged to call the nearest Two young Tribal citizens bagged game on Gymnasium to express their interest in participating Seminole Recreational Facilities in their area for their first hunting adventure recently. in the 2002 Indigenous Games. The Games, which more information regarding the Games. Regulations Micco Billie (Panther clan), son of Lesley will be held in Winnipeg July 25 through Aug. 5, for the games include a 13-year-old age limit. and James Billie, landed an 8-point buck for his first 2002, will bring over 8,000 athletes from Alaska, Officials have told participants to not let this deter kill, using a .243 rifle, Nov. 18 at 3:45 p.m. He had Canada, and North America to compete. you from getting your 12-year-old started in training been taught the correct way to shoot the rifle only two Topics that arose in the meeting that night for the games now. days prior to the outing. mostly concerned the number of athletes, coaches, Fields that will be open for athletes will Micco, 9-years-old, was hunting on Kelly and chaperones that would be needed to go to the include: Archery, Basketball, Track and Field, Pond Plantation in Jefferson County, Fla., accompa- games. The early start on this meeting was to ensure Boxing, Canoeing, Rifle Shooting, Girl and Guys nied by Tribal Hunting Adventures Director Jimmie Bowers Wanda Photos by that everyone would be notified of the Indigenous (Fast Pitch) Softball, Swimming, Martial Arts, Free- McDaniel, and Butch Cocroft, Hunting Master at the Games schedule and sites where potential athletes Style Wrestling, Volleyball, and Basketball. Other Plantation. Micco hit the deer with a perfect shot to and volunteers could call to find information on fields include Soccer, Badminton, and Volleyball. Casey’s turkey loses 10 pounds of feathers. what sports are availble for competition. Most Rules and Regulations are still being drawn up for Athletic Area Directors (coaches) who have chosen the games, but periodic drug testing -- three tests -- to volunteer for these heavy responsibilities are will start at the beginning of 2002. assigned to the individual Seminole Reservations For more information, please call your gauge shotgun. Casey, a 12- found throughout Florida to ensure that every athlete local Seminole Recreational Facilities or Hollywood year old from the Hollywood has a chance to get the proper conditioning needed Recreation at (954) 989-9457. Reservation, took a two-day hunting safety course, pass- ing with flying colors, to earn him a hunting trip to the Big Cypress Reservation. Marty Johns In PRCA Finals David DeHass accompanied the lad on his adventure the By Tommy Benn events including rough stock events Bareback, day after Thanksgiving. BRIGHTON — Seminole cowboy Marty Saddle Bronc, and Bull riding and timed events Calf Casey was hunting Johns was the only Seminole to qualify for the Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping and turkey, because he did not Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Women’s Barrel Racing. want to shoot his clan, says Southeastern Circuit Finals this year. The three-day competition awarded his mother. Since it was Johns’ first steer jumped in 3.8 seconds but $65,000 in prize money. Each Year-End Event win- Casey’s first kill, he had to drew a 10-second penalty by breaking the barrier ners received a trophy saddle from the Seminole learn the art of cleaning and giving Johns a first round total of 13.8 seconds. Not Tribe of Florida. cooking his turkey. wanting a repeat performance, Johns was a little late Debbie Johns and her support group had “It turned out pretty leaving the box and never got a good chance to terrific dinner prepared for the Awards Banquet din- tasty,” stated Wanda adding, jump his steer for his second run. Knowing he ner. Alex Johns and his crew with J.R. Huff at the “Casey had to spit out a few wouldn’t be able to stay in the average, Johns called grill did an outstanding job as usual feeding all the pellets, but hey, it was his.” for his steer and threw it in 4.3 second in a run for contestants and their guests. From the woods to the Westinghouse, Casey’s Thanksgiving turkey dinner. the day money. Unfortunately, he received a 10- The Seminole Tribe of Florida will host the point speeding ticket for breaking the barrier making 2001 PRCA Southeastern Circuit Finals at the his total 14.3 seconds for the final go-round. Brighton Reservation. All the Southeastern Circuit The Seminole Tribe of Florida Brighton Cowboys and Cowgirls agree that the Fred Smith Community leaders Jack Smith Jr. and Alex Johns Arena and the Seminole Tribe of Florida have the Tribal Member Bowls 641 hosted the PRCA Southeastern Circuit Pro Rodeo best facilities and are the friendliest host anyone Finals at the Fred Smith Arena. The top 15 from could ask for. these states vied for the championship in seven Series In Nevada Tourney By Libby Blake Tribal member but lives and works on the Big Cypress CARSON CITY, NV — Tribal member Reservation, tied for 2nd place in the “A” division Mary Tigertail bowled a 641 scratch series during Masters Event. He also bowled his personal best series team competition at the 16th Annual Carson City of 888 scratch in that competition. The tie necessitated Native American Bowling Tournament held Oct. 27 – a roll off with McGowan ending up in the 3rd position. 29. The team she bowled with came in 5th place over- His league average is 183. all. Other Tribal members competing in the event Tigertail racked up the 641 series with games included Joe Osceola, Mike Onco Jr., and Jamie of 188, 219, and 234. This was a personal best series Osceola. Several Tribal members who were scheduled for her. She averages in the 160’s in the local leagues to compete opted instead to attend a rodeo event in in which she participates. Las Vegas scheduled during the same weekend. Delwin McGowan, who is not a Seminole Outstanding Brighton Athletes

By Sandi M. Osceola girls for an outstanding season. BRIGHTON — Seminole Youth from this The Community also wishes to congratulate reservation take pride and joy in the making of history Brian Arledge for his outstanding performance as a in the Okeechobee area. member of the Yearling Middle School Soccer team, Four Seminole Indian students – Keyah which turned in a winning season this year. Osceola, D’Anna Osceola, Audrey Snow and Erin Brighton Councilman Jack Smith Jr. Willie – were members of the Yearling Middle School expressed his support of the Seminole Indian students volleyball team that went the whole season undefeated as he attended a couple of these games. Councilman – the first undefeated squad in the history of Smith stressed the importance of showing these youth Burt Reynolds poses with Seminole Tribal citizens Kenny Tommie (L) and Richard Osceola on the Doak Okeechobee Yearling School. that they count and we are proud of them. Campbell Stadium sidelines during Florida State University’s 56-7 win over Clemson. The Brighton Community congratulates these The Seminole Tribune 10 December 1, 2000 No Account Recount Suspended License • Revoked License • Traffic Tickets • DUI o here I am Raiford Starke. This week instead of I made an excuse to the fourth estaters making up the news for the Starkansaw Tribune, watching TV and leapt into my car. Thirty minutes SI’m gonna report it. I’ve been holed up at the later, there I was with Gore’s campaign manager, makeshift press center – on the first floor of the William Daley, in the hand counting chickee. There Starkansaw Municipal Government and Sausage was veteran Seminole Color Guardsman Steven Factory – with 300 other reporters. All our eyes are Bowers, at attention with his AKC 47 at ready, pro- glued to the TV set watching the West Memphis tecting the ballot box while Joe Don Billie, Daisy County vote recount, live from the sixth floor. Buster, Jeremiah Hall, Henry John, Nancy Motlow It was definitely democracy in action — my and all the good citizen/volunteers of Big Cypress Uncle Sam Quentin, head of the Demagogue party – were counting the ballots one by one — “Thah me holding each ballot up to a bare light bulb, eyes star- hen . . . touk lee hen . . . tou che chen . . .” ing through the chads and pimples, the scrapes and An honest, accurate, SLOW hand-count. tallywhackers, the gruels and conads, barking out the Imagine that. Bill Daley and me knew right away that winner for each one, forming the words like flatu- this dog wasn’t gonna hunt. We needed to drum up lence from an old German Shepherd: “Grrrore!’ some Gore votes and we needed to do it fast. “Buusssh.” Suddenly we heard some yelling from the alligator And there was my girlfriend Lowella writing pit. We ran over and lo and behold saw an open ballot the result on a yellow legal pad, stained from the box, chads strewn all over the place with Swamp runny parmesan of the Little Owl, Gator John and See-saws pizza molding at Swamp Esther wrestling her elbow. My father, ballot cards out of the hun- Alcatraz Starke, was on the gry gators’ mouths. other side of the table; he RAIFORD “These gators’ve either nodded or objected swallered a lot of votes,” with each bark from Uncle STARKE said Owl. Poor Bill Daley Sam. looked like he was about to Dear old dad is head break down and cry. Where of the Repablum party. And some people might see a he objected each time Uncle Sam said “Gore.” Uncle bunch of cold-blooded, pea-brained reptiles, all Daley Sam let them all go. I only saw him reject one ballot could see was a bunch of disenfranchised Gore vot- — an old yellowed 1960s voting card. ers. “We could have carried Florida with those,” he “This is the ballot of John and Yoko,” said bellowed. Sam. “Rrrrrejected! Next . . . ” “Not to worry,” I said. The “objected to” ballots then went into a I grabbed a couple of ballot cards stuck Maybe We special box, guarded by my high school Spanish together with some minor indentations on them. teacher Cruella De Fluer, a giant of a woman with “Gentlemen,” I said to the Gore operatives, “You’ve hands the size of Yogi Berra’s catcher’s mitt and a heard of the ‘butterfly’ ballot, well out here in Big tendency to sing at the end of any event. She was Cypress, we got a little thing called a ‘med-fly’ bal- humming up a storm. And I swelled with civic pride, lot. Observe.” among all the out of town reporters, at just how dog- I slapped that gator on the tip of his snout gone fair and patriotic my home county could be. and he hissed and opened his mouth just enough for Can Help? Outside the complex, the Gore and Bush me to shove the “med-fly” ballot in. I slapped him protesters were segregated from each other, as one again, he opened his mouth a little and I pulled the side taunted the other from opposite ends of the card out. “Well looky here,” I said as I pointed down street. The Gore people seemed kind of disheveled, near the beast’s head, “Gator chads! Viola! Fourteen The Law Offices of disorganized and votes for Al Gore on actually flea-bitten one ballot!” as they were hap- The fellows hazardly whooping looked at the chads and Guy J. Seligman, P.A. and barking and then inspected the ballot waving makeshift cards. The gator’s teeth signs that read — had punched right “Save the Unborn through the boxes all 320 S. E. 9th Street Chads” and “KIDS around Gore’s name. – Keep It Dimple “Man,” one of the oper- Stupid.” While the atives said in amaze- Bush brown-shirts ment, “I’ve never seen a Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33316 were marching in ballot puncher quite like New World Orderly that!” lockstep with their “Boy,” I said just various placards flashing him a gamblin’ proclaiming every- cracker’s grin that only thing from “Al wished it had more 954-760-7600 Gore is an Eye teeth missing, “You Sore” to “You don’t know a dang Don’t Know Dick thing ‘bout gator Cheney About fishin,’ do ya?” And The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be Bush!” with that we grabbed up based solely upon advertisements before you decide, ask us to send Somebody all the unpunched bal- tapped me on the lots and kept feeding you free written information about our qualifications and experience. shoulder. “Phone’s them to the gator until for you,” said a we decided that we had hack from the made up for the missing Immokalee ballots. Informer. Now all we had Drs. Siudmak & Steinberg I put the to do was fax the results phone up to my ear to Secretary of State and smiled. I could Katherine Heiress in hear that familiar Tallahassee. It was OBSTETRICS GYNECOLOGY INFERTILITY sounding node-rid- almost five. I cranked den Elvis drawl up the 1987, oil paper, crooning on the Sony brand, all purpose, other end. “I got a grease-leaking, carpet- little file in my GATOR CHAD: How Al Gore won at Big Cypress. staining, squiggly-lined pocket on my fax machine. Slowly, favorite ding-a-ling but surely, the paper — who better do me a little favor before I send him to that would change the country slid through the Sing-Sing . . .” machine. “Bubba, is that you?” I said in mock confu- “It’s done,” I whispered into the phone. sion, for I knew that indeed it was that ol’ hammer Bubba whooped and hung up. swingin,’ brassiere slingin’ ol’ frat boy buddy of mine I roared back to the Starkansaw government from Grope, Starkansaw — Bill “Bubba” Clinton. I complex, and found the reporters whooping and hol- knew what he was calling for. He wanted his good lering, pounding their keyboards like it was a tender- buddy Raiford to pull his legacy out of a sling again. izing contest. I looked at the TV monitor and saw We exchanged a few barbs and good-ol’- dear old Dad and Uncle Sam in a headlock. Ballots boyisms until ol’ Big Mac Chompin’ Bubba finally were strewn all about the room. got to the point. “Look here, good buddy, it’s boogie “What’s going on,” I asked the Immokalee time again. That Dufus Gore has darn near cost the hack. Demagogues the election with his lame campaign. “Ms Heiress rejected the gator ballots. Got You’d think the first thing he would’ve done is ask there two minutes late. Dubya is the winner.” Bro’ Bubba for some help, but no-o-o-o — he wants “I can’t believe it,” I cried, “I refuse to to be his own man! Now we’re stuck in this here believe it.” pretzel lock, with G. Dubya’s cajones staring us right But it was true. The sickly operatic sounds in the face. So I need your help, good buddy. I need of big ol’ Cruella de Fluer, singing up a storm, could you to help tip the scales in our favor. I need you to be heard through the walls. go on a little fishin’ expedition . . .” Raiford Starke is a South Florida-based • Family Planning • Laser & Microsurgery He gave me directions to a place right on the bluesman who is currently looking for a job on the edge of Starkansaw called Big Cypress. Bush Cabinet. • Nurse Midwifery • Gynecological Surgery Paula’s Furniture Services • High Risk Pregnancy • Ultrasounds In • Infertility Counseling

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ed, the DEP is not convinced. section,” says Helseth. “However, by the amendment would have to meet a ¼ Canoe “After the site was marked (by Quantum April 27, 1959, an Amendment requiring blood quantujm requirement, whether state archaeologists) did he intentionally, ¼ blood quantum had been developed.” both parents were memebrs of the tribe, Continued from page 1 willfully conduct his activities such that Continued from page 1 On that date, the BIA central whether one parent was a member of the McGee, Everett hopes to do a full-scale he damaged a marked canoe?” Coram office Tribal Enrollment Officer offered tribe, or where the person seeking mem- asked, rhetorically. “That is information On March 27, 1957, the Bureau of Indian survey of the lake for canoes. Affairs (BIA) Chief of the Branch of Law substitute language that, in Section 4, stat- bership was born out of wedlock. “He (McGee) feels there’s at that is not clear to us.” ed that “Any descendant of one-fourth or The amendment further states As the state debates, more evi- and Order officially noted that the least 200 more out there,” Everett said. Seminole Constitution lacked the blood more degree Seminole Indian blood born that “No person who is admitted to Tribal McGee said, “That’s just an estimate.” dence of continuous occupation by Native after the date of the approval of this membership by adoption shall be eligible peoples since the dawn of time mounts. quantum the BIA had “suggested” to all All of the first 87 canoes found, tribes organizing to prevent termination: amendment by the Secretary of the to hold an elected office in the Seminole measured and excavated by state archae- “How many more canoes do we Interior to a person whose name appears Tribe of Florida.” Changes in the mem- need to find?” wondered Dr. Wickman, “Section 2 makes all children ologists were on the northeast edge of the born to a member of the tribe eligible for on the January 1,1957 census roll shall be bership ordinance, according to this 7,400-acre lake. That site was near an who also serves as the Tribe’s Historic eligible for the enrollment upon written amendment, are “subject to the approval Preservation Officer. “The more we find membership regardless of quantum of area used by Santa Rosa Beach logger Indian blood or place of residence. It application to the Tribal Council.” of the Secretary of the Interior, or his Charles Pinson to haul out about 200 sub- the more we confirm what was obvious. Says Helseth: “This language authorized representative.” We’ve got at least 5,000 years of occupa- would seem to me that one restriction or merged timbers. the other should be placed on future mem- appears to have been rejected by the This amendment to the Seminole tion there.” Tribe.” Tribal Constitution was approved, by a She said that Pithlachocco, in bership since lack of restriction could No Contest: The Canoes Lost eventually result in a very large member- More detailed language concern- Tribal-wide referendum on Aug. 14, 1961 pre-historic times, could have been a link ing blood quantum was developed in and approved by the Secretary of the between the lakes and rivers of the ship roll.” The conflict between the fragile “I have found no direct evidence 1961. This language stated that any per- Interior on Sept. 18, 1961. It is the instru- canoes and the logging operation was no Atlantic Coast, and chua – the Seminole son seeking enrollment in the tribe who ment which governs citizenship in the word for Payne’s Prairie, which she trans- that this recommendation led to the subse- contest: the canoes lost. Then, in a split- quent amendments to the membership was born after the date of the adoption of Seminole Tribe of Florida to this day. decision, so did Pinson. After seven of the lated as “a hole, or jug with no bottom.” canoes were found damaged, Pinson was These seasonally wet areas could, in turn, told he could not return to the lake. have led early travelers to the Gulf of However, compliance officers from the Mexico. Department of Environmental Protection “You could get to the (DEP) which issued his permit, would not Ocklawaha, to the St. John’s, to Silver AMENDMENT revoke it, claiming they had no “in-the-act Springs which is very important to the CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS evidence” that Pinson had intentionally Seminoles,” she said. OF THE damaged the archaeological treasures. In the last millennium, Indians SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA In August, Gov. Jeb Bush issued could have used it as part of an escape a temporary ban on logging Florida lakes, route. AMENDMENT V and the DHR rejected Pinson’s request to “I see it as a staging area for hire his own archaeologist and return to tribes who were moving ahead of the Article II of the Constitution shall be further amended in its entirety as follows: Pithlachocco to harvest another 100 logs Spanish, the English, or the French. I see he had left there. this whole area becoming a staging area Section 1. All persons who are enrolled as members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida as of the date this amendment is adopt- The logging ban has remained in in the 18th Century.” ed by vote of the adult members of the Tribe. place pending a meeting with leaders of Crider has another theory, in environmental groups, scheduled for early which Indians traveled through North Section 2. Any person of Seminole Indian blood whose name appears on the Census Roll of the Seminole Agency of January December. Bush and the Cabinet, acting Florida rivers and creeks, following trails 1, 1957, may be enrolled upon written application if admitted to membership by a majority vote of the Tribal Council, provid- as Trustees, could decide either to end the made by alligators, using canoes like ed that the Census Roll of January 1, 1957, may be corrected by the Seminole Tribal Council up to and including August 22, ban, or extend it to rivers, where most beasts of burden. He said he also found a 1965. deadhead logging is done. wooden bowl, about 10 inches across, A similar meeting, held Nov. 6 which he believes dates back hundreds of Section 3. Any person of one-fourth (¼) or more degree of Seminole Indian blood born after the adoption of the amendment with representatives of the Seminole and years, which Indians may have used to both of whose parents are members of the tribe shall be enrolled as a Tribal member upon written application to the Tribal Poarch Creek (Alabama) Tribes, succeed- render native plants into nutritious food. Council. ed in gaining Tribal representation on (Crider said he intends to make DEP permitting decisions, and training all of the artifacts he has found, including Section 4. Any person of one-fourth (¼) or more degree Seminole Indian blood born after the adoption of this amendment of deadhead loggers in cultural resources pottery, canoe fragments and what he a marriage between a member of the Tribe and any other person may be enrolled if admitted to membership by a majority vote issues. Dr. Wickman made a presentation believes is an ancient paddle with a point- of the Tribal Council. to loggers at the DEP’s Dec. 1 meeting. ed end for spearing fish, available to the While Jim Miller, the state Tribe. He has also proposed creating a Section 5. A child of one-fourth (¼) or more degree of Seminole Indian blood born out of wedlock after the adoption of this archaeologist, apologized for his oversight Pithlachocco Museum to exhibit them.) amendment to a Seminole mother who is a member of the Tribe may be enrolled by a majority vote of the Tribal Council if in failing to review Pinson’s permit, Phil “I just feel Newnan’s Lake has the child otherwise meets the requirements for enrollment. Coram, the DEP’s chief of Submerged so much to give up right now, and the Lands, stubbornly clung to the position consciousness has peaked,” Crider said. Section 6. A child of one-fourth (¼) or more degree of Seminole Indian blood born out of wedlock to a mother who is not a that Pinson had not violated his permit, Meanwhile, historic canoes and member of the Tribe and is not eligible to become a member may be enrolled by a majority vote of the Tribal Council if the despite evidence that seven canoes were other artifacts which may be submerged mother file with the Tribal Council proof established in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida as to the paternity of damaged. in the muck and sediment of the child and the person adjudged to be the father is an enrolled member of the Tribe and if the child otherwise meets the “The bottom line is that the Pithlachocco, face another threat. The requirements for enrollment. Department of State identified seven state Fish and Wildlife Conservation canoes that were damaged,” Coram said. Commission (FWC) has a plan to bull- Section 7. In the event the applicant is a minor, the application may be prepared and presented by the parent or parents of the “It’s likely that any heavy equipment or doze 45 acres of muck from the southern minor, or by any adult relative. machinery or dragging of logs was likely end of the lake into “islands” to improve to have disturbed some canoes simply fishing. Section 8. The Tribal Council shall have the power to pass ordinances, which are consistent with and pursuant to this because they were buried in the sediment Asked how this would square Constitution governing future membership, loss of membership and the adoption of members into the Seminole Tribe of and could have been unknown. Probably with the DHR’s and Tribe’s joint plan to Florida, which ordinances shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, or his authorized representative. from our (DEP) perspective and Mr. nominate the entire lake for inclusion on Pinson, is did he damage flagged canoes?” the National Register of Historic Places, Section 9. No person who is admitted to Tribal membership by adoption shall be eligible to hold an elected office in the Everett, who said he gave a 2 ½- Dr. Wickman said: “It doesn’t at all.” Seminole Tribe of Florida. hour deposition to a state official investi- gating the canoe damage, claims Pinson Charles Flowers, a freelance writer from did exactly that. However, as Coram stat- Fort Lauderdale, has been following the Newnan’s Lake canoe find since July. The Seminole Tribune 12 December 1, 2000 HHealthealth CornerCorner Fitness Cruisers Take To The Seas Weigh-Out Produces By Suzanne Davis Seminole people. This ‘Upscale’ Returns OUT AT SEA — A group of 21 Seminole “Presidential Fitness” By Ernie Tiger employees and Tribalcitizen fitness experts took to event, co-sponsored by HOLLYWOOD — A new weight loss sys- the President’s tem has been found to help people shed those Office and the unwanted pounds. And no it’s not metabaolite and no Health it’s not Jenny Craig. So what is this dietary pill that’s Department, fea- encouraging people to lose that unwanted weight? tured a core group Actually this method of losing weight is not a drug of exercise enthu- of any kind, the motivation is yummy green crisp siasts from Big dollar bills. OK, they’re not yummy but they can Cypress, Brighton feed another hunger which most individuals won’t and Hollywood pass up and that’s spending. reservations. Of For over the past year and a half, the participants, Recreational officials have tried to start programs to 10 hold national help people stay fit and live a more healthy active level fitness certi- life. The Weigh-Out, which it has come to be called, fications, 5 have Suzanne Davis started with little money in the program. But now, competed in with 81 participants weighing every six-weeks for marathons and all CRUISERS: Tribal citizens and employees pose after “Exercise” Cruise. the exchange of pounds for money, “More and more have been people have been entering the diet trend, to battle it involved in out for the most pounds shed” says Recreation’s Bo numerous local Young. 10K & 5K walks, weight training, aerobics and more on stretching exercises to use with the seniors at Hot Meals in Brighton. The Recreation Department has taken many community fitness events. measures within the last year to encourage individu- The day at sea began by boarding the Marylou Alvaredo, while not on the cruise, was busy at home studying to become a personal als to enter one of the many athletic programs they ship at 9 a.m. for a full course breakfast to offer. Men’s and Women’s Softball, Basketball, ensure ample energy for the demanding sched- trainer and weight room instructor for the Immokalee reservation. Charles Hiers has participated in canoe Swimming, and weight training are just a short list ule to follow. Each participant rotated through of the programs that the Recreational Facilities have four high voltage classes including an exhaust- and biking competitions worldwide. Helene Buster is now gearing up for her second marathon. started to help keep members of the gym in shape. ing hour of “spinning” on the bicycles, They also help keep youths out of trouble by encour- weightlifting to music, a dynamic kick-boxing Brighton Reservation boasted more than 60 walkers in this year’s March of Dimes walkathon in aging them to doing something constructive with session, and yoga on the ship’s deck which their free time. The Gymnasium weight room which proved somehow to be both exhilarating, yet was just recently outfitted with more weights to fit relaxing at the same time. Two seminars,

Suzanne Davis the growing community will help individuals to get “Nutrition” and “Optimizing Your Fitness the proper exercises needed, to help one reach the Potential” were held between workouts to offer Why Is Fitness physical goals set fourth. 10-9-8. . . Hold that pose, ladies. a chance for everyone to catch their breath. For more information regarding the Weigh- Another highlight of the day was Out contact the Hollywood Recreational Facilities at President/Vice Chairman Mitchell Cypress’ gift So Important? (954) 989-9457. Participants in the weigh out are the high seas Saturday Nov. 4 to improve their fitness of a new pair of Reebok shoes and Seminole gym bag encouraged to enter as soon as possible to help levels and gain knowledge, information and expertise to each participant. Exercise is the single most effective way inprove their chances in taking 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the in the promotion of health and well being among the “I support the commitment these people have to help prevent or at least delay diabetes. six-week weigh-out time. made to themselves with regard It is also vastly important in maintaining to their own health and appreciate appropriate blood sugar levels in people who their efforts in helping motivate have already been diagnosed with diabetes. A Hollywood Weight Loss others at home,” said Mitchell, “I good fitness routine, properly followed, can mean have to say too that Martha Jones the difference between controlling your diabetes sure impressed me – she did or your diabetes controlling you. Contest Winners more exercise than I did!” Vicky Barogiannis, per- sonal trainer for the Big Cypress Okeechobee. These are only some of the examples of From October 2 to November 9, 2000 win- reservation and instrumental in the burgeoning fitness revolution sweeping across the ners are as follows: the organization of the event, felt Seminole Tribe. Men’s Division – 1st place – Jimmy John Osceola – the day was very motivational for “The message is clear,” said Connie 25.5lbs, 2nd – Daniel Gopher – 20.5 lbs., 3rd place – all involved and a great opportu- Whidden, Health Department director. “Exercise, Glen Derrick – 14.2 lbs. nity to experience various forms even a small amount, has a positive effect on every Women’s Division – 1st place – Velma Osceola – of fitness. system in the body . . . we can all benefit from mak- 16.4 lbs., 2nd place – Penny Fontana – 5.6 lbs., 3rd “Diversity helps combat ing it more of a priority in our lives.” place – Geraldine Osceola – 4.9 lbs. boredom when you’re working Other participants included Marissa Baker, Payout was $50 per pound lost for 1st place, $25 per on getting into shape,” she stated. Vicky Barogiannis, Barbara Billie, Candy Cypress, pound for 2nd place, and $10 per pound for 3rd Barbara Billie concen- Cathy Cypress, Mitchell Cypress, Suzanne Davis, place. Total pay out was $2,938.50. trated on key information to bring Pauline Good, Mable Haught, Debbie Hamilton, Next contest starts November 13 and goes till December 18. Everyone is invited to come by the Susan Davis back to her teen fitness program Jenny Johns, Martha Jones, David Jumper, Edna in Hollywood while Mable McDuffie, Loretta Petersen, Irma Platt, Cathryn gym and get started. Our personal trainer is available on request. Kickboxers packing a punch. Haught and Jenny Johns focused Terburgh, Michelle Thomas, Patty Waldron, Connie Whidden, and Mylyn Vedel. Congratulations to all the Winners! LICENSE PROBLEMS? Maybe Suspended License • Revoked Traffic Tickets • DUI We Can Help? The Law Offices of Guy J. Seligman, P.A. 320 S. E. 9th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33316

954-760-7600 The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. The Seminole Tribune 13 December 1, 2000 Veterans’ News Former Comanche Chairman Speaks To B.C. Veterans The cel- changed from the official Veteran’s Day ebration began of Nov. 11, to Nov. 9, so that guests were mid-morning free to attend other celebrations. with the introduc- Seminole Tribe of Florida tion of Wallace Chairman and Vietnam veteran James E. Coffey, the mas- Billie and numerous other tribal officials ter of ceremonies. gave inspiring remarks of appreciation to Coffey, a our veterans. Included among these offi- Comanche from cials were David Cypress, Max Osceola, Lawton, Okla., is Jr., Manuel Tiger, Elaine Aguilar, Deloris

a traditional Jumper and Greg Maddox. The Junior Sandi M. Osceola announcer who Miss Seminole Princess, Jo-Jo Osceola, emcees numerous Miss Seminole Rodeo Queen, Jimi Lu Indian country Huff were also invited to give remarks. Brighton veterans gather to honor those who fought for our country’s freedom. events including Noted speaker Dr. Patricia Wickman, conferences, pow Director of Anthropology & Genealogy wows, concerts, with the Seminole Tribe, gave a short etc. He is an ex- talk on her former and present concep- Brighton Community Honors tribal chairman of tion of Native Americans fighting for a the Comanche government that was not always on their and also holds a side. Veterans At Annual Dinner degree in educa- “How did the Native People tion from reconcile fighting for a force that had By Sandi McClenithan Osceola could maybe plant some trees in remem- Harvard. Coffey been their greatest enemy?” Dr. BRIGHTON — The Brighton brance of lost veterans. He said he hoped kept the audience Wickman wondered aloud. She came to Community held its 2nd annual Veterans that the Tribe will support them in our engaged through- understand that what made them fight Day Dinner to honor all the Tribal veter- endeavor. out the cere- was what had always made them fight, ans, past and present. In closing, all Brighton Tribal monies with his not politics or possession but simply, Rev. Wonder Johns, himself a Veterans stood on stage as the crowd charm and ability love for the land and love for their peo- veteran, gave the invocation after which stood and applauded our Tribal Veterans. Wanda Bowers Wanda to tell a very ple. Mary Huff sang the National Anthem. good joke or two. Special guest, Capt. Kevin Tribal officials were introduced, Sammy Gopher Europe 1966-68 Everett Osceola, Mary Jane and Paladine Willie, Eddie and After the Mobley, USA, from the Dept. of Defense but due to a Council meeting, Board Rep. Billy Micco Panama 1968-70 Geneva Shore. invocation given Equal Opportunity Management Institute Alex Johns was the only official on hand. John Huff Sr. Vietnam 1967-69 by the Rev. L.W. and Rev. L. W. Howard also spoke, hon- Johns thanked all the veterans who gave Russell Osceola Vietnam 1966-68 By Janice Billie Howard of LaBelle, who was also a fea- oring our veterans and our country. their lives and stated that this is a tribute Stanlo Johns United States 1959-61 BIG CYPRESS — Tribal offi- tured speaker, Victoria Hernandez and Sally Rene Tommie gave a to remember our veterans who served our Archie Johns United States 1959-61 cials, featured guests, veterans of war, and Marvin Billie Jr. led the crowd in the reading of “Four Hats to Remember.” country. Joe L. John Vietnam 1967-70 community members gathered to celebrate Pledge of Allegiance from the Ahfachkee This reading explains the significance of John Wayne Huff, Sr., who host- Gary Billie Germany the 13th Annual Veteran’s Day School. Next, Henry Battiest, Jr. sang an a table set with the hats of the four ed this evening’s ceremony, stated that we Jack Smith Jr. Vietnam 1967-69 Celebration at the Big Cypress emotion-stirring rendition of God Bless branches of the armed forces: Army, seem to have taken our veterans for grant- Dan Bowers Vietnam 1964-68 Entertainment Complex on the morning of the USA. Following that delightful display Navy, Marines and Air Force. The set ed. It’s forgotten how it was for each of Andrew Bowers Marines 1967-71 Nov. 9. of talent was Moses Jumper, Jr.’s reading table symbolizes the members of these us. Some went to Europe, Vietnam and Timmy Johns Vietnam 1967-69 Presented by the Seminole Tribe of “Son of a Native Vet.” Moses intro- forces who are missing. They are called Germany. Some went in peacetime and Eddie Shore Greenland 1961-63 of Florida to honor and remember our vet- duced himself as the son of the late Moses POW/MIA’s. They are brothers. The set- some went during wartime. Johnny Osceola Germany 1976-80 erans of war, this annual event has Jumper, Sr. a veteran of World War II, a ting and symbolism is as follows: “You young people need to ask Wonder Johns Germany 1957-63 become an area venue for non-tribal mem- man known and loved by many in the The table set is small, symboliz- these men how it was for them, some will David Nunez, Jr. United States 1988-90 bers and guests from all over the nation to Seminole Tribe. Jumper also known as ing the frailty of the prisoners against talk about it. For me, it taught me disci- Joseph Tiger Navy do the same. Big Shot by most tribal members, is a their oppressors. pline and self-respect. You didn’t know Craig Gopher U.S. Army gifted poet and this The tablecloth is white, symbol- who was your enemy or if you were going moving ribbon of words izing the purity of their intentions to to wake up next morning,” he said. Gone But Not Forgotten he composed for our their country’s call to arms. Huff also mentioned that the vet- Son of a Native Vet erans have been considering acquiring a Fred Smith Germany 1963-65 veterans was a prime The single rose displayed in the example of his talent. It vase symbolizes the families and loved piece of land here on our reservation and Lester Gopher Vietnam 1967-69 heard the stories in my youth of a war fought far constructing a building and monuments Roley Buck Vietnam 1967-69 away is a true blessing to hear ones that keep the faith and await their what can come from the return. just for us. He said the Tribe could use the Bert Jones Germany 1964-68 I building for numerous activities and we Charlie Gopher Vietnam 1966-68 I wondered why my father and uncle went, to per- heart and mind of some- The red ribbon tied to the vase one that can weave symbolizes the red ribbon worn on the haps die for a country that wouldn’t listen to what their Another highlight of the cere- people had to say. . . words so beautifully. lapel and breast of thousands who bear Seminole witness their unyielding determination to monies was the Special Veteran Veteran’s Day Many said they fought for freedom, but I wonder Acknowledgement by Mitchell Cypress By Victoria Hernandez how much were our people really free. . . Board President and demand a proper accounting of our miss- Vietnam veteran ing. and Paul Bowers, Sr. This is a special think Veteran’s Day is important Given a parcel of land called a reservation, was honor given each year to a chosen because it is a day to honor the people where they were destined to live their lives in humility. . . Mitchell Cypress wel- The slice of lemon on a bread comed everyone to the plate is to remind us of their bitter fate. Seminole veteran. The recipient this year Iwho fought for our freedom. Veteran’s was Air Force veteran Eddie Shore. He Day was first intended to honor the To some they said it was for money, a meal, and celebration and recount- The salt on the bread plate sym- ed briefly how this cere- bolizes the tears of the families who wait. served from 1961 until 1965. Shore was Unknown Soldiers who fought in wars for your country it would show your pride. not long on words but he did state that he starting with World War I. The day, Nov. How little they know of the Seminole Way, mony came to be a part The four glasses are inverted of tribe tradition. It symbolizing their inability to toast with served for four years in the Air Force. A 11th was chosen to remember the date because if they were told these things they lied! sizeable group of family members were that the Great War, World War 1 ended. Were these men just young and foolish, and vol- began after the late Roy us. Nash Osceola’s son, “Four Hats to Remember” present to watch him receive the plaque Ceremonies took place on the 11th day in unteered for some thing they really didn’t understand? and honors. the 11th month, during the 11th hour to I think not, for I believed there was something Herman Osceola, was encourages people to keep these soldiers killed in a helicopter and their loved ones in our hearts and After a moment of silence o commemorate this important event. It was deep within their spirit that touched the souls of the honor deceased veterans, the Seminole believed that World War I could be the Native man. . . training accident while prayers. This year Charles Hiers con- serving in the Air Force. tributed a traditional Seminole turban to Color Guard, all Seminole Veterans and last war. Sadly, many wars followed like Since there was not any include Seminole warriors in this display guests were asked to come forward and World War II. In the year of 1954 I read of the Navajo code takers and the impact receive the audience with a handshake -- a Veteran’s Day became a holiday because they had in getting the message through, existing program that remembrance. recognized our tribal Following the reading by Ms. moment of respectful appreciation for all President Eisenhower made it a holiday to I think of Ira Hayes and the silhouette of those these veterans who have served to protect honor the people who fought for our free- brave men pushing up the Red, White and Blue. . . veterans, Cypress, Roy, Tommie, an impressive contingent of and Jacob Osceola Ahfachkee Elementary School students our country and our freedom. dom in all wars. It is important to remem- The 13th Annual Veteran’s Day ber that there are many individuals who I listened as my uncle and father told me stories Celebration came to a close with a 21-gun perform important duties during wartime, of the battles that took place on this strange and far salute, Taps and a luncheon. such as nurses, doctors, cooks and the away land. The following are essays were people who make the uniforms. They also What was the impact of these battles? They read by Ahfachkee Students Micco Billie deserve recognition on this very important became prisoners to the demons of drugs, bottles and and Victoria Hernandez at the annual day. other evils known to Man? Veteran’s Day Celebration in Big Cypress. In my family, my uncle fought in the Vietnam War. His name is Pete To sacrifice their lives for a country that gave “The Peace Makers” McBroon. My grandfather was also a sol- them memories of Sand Creek and Wounded Knee. By Micco Billie dier and was ready to fight but thank God You called him Chief; you took his sons and hildren are the Peace Makers he did not have to. His name is Richard stripped him of his dignity! because grown ups want to Knouse. I am really thankful they are alive make peace for their children. and also thankful they helped win the war. But I hold my head up, for these are my heroes, C My dad wants peace for me in I am glad I am their great-niece and these native warriors who fought along the side of men my lifetime. He fought in the Vietnam War granddaughter. of a different color and race. to help bring peace. War in Vietnam was I would like to say thank you to They knew that the angel of death had no prefer- difficult. It was hard for the soldiers to all the women and men who have fought ence to color as they fought him face to face. . . sleep on rocks. It was scary at night too, to keep us safe and free. So remember, if because there were many creepy sounds. you know a veteran or see a veteran say Throughout history the Indian has fought wars on Sometimes, soldiers could hear footsteps, thank you because if it were not for them land both far and near, from the Revolution to the Civil and they were afraid they would die. My we probably would not have the freedom War, even before the white man set foot upon this conti- dad was shot in the shoulder by a grenade to do lots of things we do today. nent and its soil. in Vietnam. He still has a battle scar. To all the veterans and individu- War was no stranger to the native people who Bowers Wanda I like to read books about the als here today who were part of the wars persevered though struggle and toil. . . Master of Ceremonie was former Comanche Chief Wallace Coffey times in the 1960s when my dad went to of the past and those all over the country I war. The books tell about making booby extend my gratitude and utmost respect to We have had our heroes just as you have had traps. For example, gas tanks were put in you. I value my freedom and I hope that Washington, Patton, McArthur and Lee. . . wanted to do something thoroughly captivated the audience with rat holes. When soldiers stepped on them, there will always be such brave and Among the Seminole we salute the braves such as some died and others were wounded. courageous people who will fight for this Osceola, Jumper, Sam Jones and Coachochee. . . on Veteran’s Day to their essay readings. It was apparent that honor Herman and other they had practiced and put forth some Some military trucks had electricity in precious gift for the rest of us. them to be used as booby traps, too. So remember, veterans and the Today we honor all warriors of all races for they tribal members who effort to convey their understanding and were veterans. their feelings of what this celebration was Sometimes, even babies carried booby individuals that are here today maybe all had their reasons for joining the armed forces of their traps that adults would place on them. some people don’t appreciate y’all, but choice. . . Unfortunately, Roy about. passed away before they The eight students who read When I am older, I would some- remember that down in your hearts I am And for this reason in America we all can express day like to go into the military so that I thankful for what y’all have done. our opinion in our actions and our voice. . . initiated a formal time essays were, Victoria Hernandez, 8th and place, but Jacob and grade, Micco Billie, 4th grade, Stephanie can help bring peace around the world. Thank you all so very much. Mitchell were deter- Hall, 5th grade, Marlissa Ann Tiger, 5th Remember that peace starts with the chil- For this I am proud and honored to know that in dren. the heart of each native soldier, who with others they mined to see it through grade, Alex Cypress, 5th grade, James and started what has Ballentine, 6th grade, Marvin Billie, 8th I would like to thank the veterans fought side by side with no regret. here today that helped protect America, They were not blood thirsty, nor were they sav- now become a respected grade, and Benny Hernandez, 6th grade. ongoing event, dedicat- Alex Cypress, Victoria Hernandez, and and who fought to bring about a peaceful ages, they were men of honor, and I am proud of you all world.. Sho-Naa-Bisha and I am proud to be a son of a Native Vet. ed to our veterans. The Micco Billie all acknowledged family — Moses Jumper Jr. day was eventually members who are veterans.

Chickee Baptist Church I sell Ford cars and trucks 64th Ave. and Josie Billie If you are in the market for a new or used car or Hollywood Seminole Reservation truck, call or visit C.T. Smith at World Ford - your friendly no hassle auto dealer. Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 am Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:00 pm Call or visit C.T. Smith at World Ford Rev Arlen Payne: Pastor 8655 Pines Blvd. • Pembroke Pines (954) 894-5651 (954) 443-7034 • pager (305) 732-5992 The Seminole Tribune 14 December 1, 2000 The Seminole Tribune 15 December 1, 2000 Classified • Announcements Happy Birthday Poems

Happy Birthday to our Dad, Jack H. The way you and I came together seemed so crazy, as if by chance. Motlow, Born 12-30-25 Otter Clan. Like the winds of fate blew a winter breeze into a summer night. Much love from, Jo, Leoma, Bonnie, Ever since that moment and the weeks that passed, we came to know each other more Tim, Tom and Grandkids; Austina, than any idea I ever had. Astin, Erica, James, R.C. and Great The time we spent together, just you and I Grandson Wyatt. Haunt my thoughts still, deep into the night. I can smell the scent of your skin, as if you were still here. Happy Birthday to James L. Holt. And sometimes I swear that I can hear the sound of your voice, whispering softly into Much Love, Your aunts Jo and Bonnie. my ear. Feeling the kisses that you gave, so soft and sincere. Happy Birthday to Timothy Motlow, Always remembering the feel of your strong embrace holding me against your body so much love, your sisters, Jo, Leoma, and close, not even knowing if this was even right. Bonnie. The feeling of wanting you near, was something too intense, so much more than I wanted to face. Bryan Marcus Billie I remember our talks about nothing and everything under the sun, moon, and stars. Happy Birthday to my special 12/17/91 Did you know that I never wanted them to end? girl on her special day, Dec. 3, hope you When a son is born, he fills your Maybe I should have told you. have fun. I love you babe. Love me, life with so much happiness. It starts I’d always find a way to make you laugh or even just smile, falling in too deep all the Luke Baxley when you first hold him with pride and while. tenderness, and as he grows your loving The memories we made together and little moments shared, are a constant battle to feelings grow and deepens too. Your leave in the past. birthday is the perfect time to send you Happy Birthday to our Big Warrior! I remember realizing how much that I was wanting to keep you a part of this life of love to tell you how special you are. And Wyatt Hunter Motlow-North Dec. 15, mine, for more than just a moment. to let you know how much it means to 1995. Have a very special time on your Knowing all along that these moments might be all that I’ll ever have. have you for a son. You are 9 years old day. Hugs and kisses. Love, Mom (Erika I wonder if you even realized how much you were making me feel. today. Happy birthday! Deitz), Dad (Bruce Deitz), Dixie, The way that you were with me felt so good, but was it even real? Love you always, Mommy Grandma, Grandpa, R.C., and Tina. Maybe it was or maybe it wasn’t, I guess I’ll never know. (Joanne Osceola), Skully and The times we spent together I think they’re real special. family. Happy Birthday to Wyatt Hunter So, I’m hoping that where ever you may go and what ever it is that you do that you let Motlow-North, our much loved the thought of me come easily to you. Happy Belated Birthday to Grandson. From Grandma and Grandpa Brandon who is a quarter of a century Motlow-North. This is for the one who calls himself “Breeze.”From someone who’ll always care. years old. I hope that you had a fun and — Eli Jumper exciting birthday, (sorry about having to put up with my crap), I wish you many Tribal Member Notice P.S. Happy Birthday too. Happy Birthday and Happy more to come! Love, your Sis. Effective immediately, please Anniversary Janine, from three little know your Tribal enrollment number when angels and your Sugar Bear. calling the Secretary/Treasures office for Rod Was Not Spared Seminole Casino information regarding any loans, income Happy Birthday to Janine from Jana, verification or certificate of degree of I will never wake up to misery Kalani, Jaden. Deadlines And I will never say I’m hung over News Indian blood. Seminole Tribune Knowing your number and that of From the previous wild night Happy 21st Birthday to me – Jana. your children will expidite your inquiry. Sunday is the Lord’s day Dec. 22 Issue • Deadline Dec. 8 This action is due to the increase of request My family and I will gladly praise God Happy Late Birthday Lila from Jana, Jan. 19 Issue • Deadline Jan. 5 by Tribal members on a day to day basis. Yes we will, with all of our might Kalani, Jaden. Feb. 2 Issue • Deadline Jan. 26 Your cooperation is greatly appre- ciated. Secretary/Treasurer Office. I may never know what it feels like To drink my pay and spill the baby’s milk For a weekend of chaos and turmoil Personals My daddy read the Bible to me At our old chickee in the Everglades Looking for Headdress do own my house, my car and have a very A place we called home, our southern soil I believe that I am the 4th re- Man Seeking a Native Wife nice and responsible job. Sorry I do not incarnation of Chief Small Riding Bull. In I was wondering if you might like bacon, but you can certainly take me In the mornings my mom sat by me this body, I am a working class retired direct me to the right tribe. I would like to to nice restaurants. I am also used to hav- And sang those old Indian hymns painter and decorator in England. I see if I can find a Native American wife. ing maids, so your idea of hiring someone That she learned from the old swamp believe that it is soon my time to wander My Great Grand mother was Seminole, to help us with the chores is appealing. church with the great spirits, but first I must win and a very lovely person. If not, I am You can watch all the football you want, Swampbird stew over grits my feather. Please help me with this task aware that there are Native American that way I will have time to go out shop- She made for breakfast before school as I do not know the ways of the tribes that are financially disadvantaged, ping with my friends, all you have to do is She was my mentor, teacher, and my Seminole Tribe, but when I saw your perhalps you might direct me to them. call me when the game is over. Thanks for coach homepage I knew that you could help me This e-mail was sent with great the offer of fixing the lawnmower, but I with this calling. respect, I hope you treat it as such. believe the lawn service company makes Little mishaps and mistakes I’ve made I know that I must wear the Jerry Thacker their own repairs. Thanks for the offer of Were my own, not mom’s or dad’s headdress I once had in my former life, Evansville, Indiana 47728 watching Wednesday night TV, but that’s They made sure the rod was not spared but there must be a great test before me to www.freeyellow.com/ when my nail and massage appointments Travelin’ the road of life achieve this. I am willing to come to members4/wiggy71 are usually made. If you want to meet me I look back and wish I could again America so please listen to my words and to see if we are compatible, please call my When the real days were still there consult with your inner most instincts This is a response to a personal ad that secretary at 1-800-GET REAL during — Paul “Cowbone” Buster with this request . . . if you think that you appeared in the paper on Oct. 20. working hours. can help! Candy Fluffy Tail Thunder Hawk Dear Native Man: (Joe D.) In Memory Liverpool, England I am a single, smart, educated Respond to personals by e-mailing trib- [email protected] and physically gorgeous Native woman. I [email protected]. Notices Rodeo Loses A Friend,

Meet at the Creek — Star party info contact FCCG at (407) 865-6200. Ahfachkee School Christmas Donald Parrish dates are Fri., Dec. 22th, Sat., Jan. 20th, Wholiday — beginning Program — You are invited to attend our Sat., Feb. 24th at Fisheating Creek November 17 and continuing through Christmas Program at Ahfachkee School, By Tommy Benn cial gift he possessed. He was always Campground in Palmdale, Florida. Call to December 31 at Island of Adventure. which will be held on Dec. 21. Dinner The Florida rodeo community there as true friend and never keep tally of confirm at (941) 267-5664 or e-mail www.universalstudios.com. Contact Linda will be served at 5:30p.m. and the show lost one of its favorite sons when the Lord favors owed. If you needed it, and Parrish [email protected]. Buckley or Kena Lewis at (407) 363- begins at 6:30 p.m. called Donald Parrish of Davie Florida had it, it was yours. Official National Cowboy 8284. Prayer-in-day — On Dec. 24th home to the “Arena In The Sky” Nov. 4, Another of Donald’s passions Poetry Gathering — set for January 27 Albuquerque Indian Market 2000 There will be a personal Prayer-in 2000 Parrish 49 was born Jan. 29,1951. was to help youngsters get started with through February 3, 2001. Tickets are 2001 & SouthWest Art Expo — June 2 day for the Mother Earth. We will have He is survived by their rodeo now on sale, for ticket information call & 3, 2001 at the Creative Arts Bldg., New two prayer times, 12 noon & 6 p.m. East- his wife Laurie of careers. By mak- (888) 880-5885 or visit the web site at Mexico State Fairgrounds. Contact Robert ern time. This way all Nations and peo- 24 years, sons Jake “GOOD BYE OLD FRIEND, MAY ing them feel www.westernfolklife.org. Painter at (505) 836-2960. ples will be as one with one prayer in our and Clint, daughter YOU BE IN HEAVEN BEFORE THE secure he could National Indian Board National Association of Native hearts! It is my hope that word of this will Selina, brothers DEVIL KNOWS YOUR’E GONE” bring out their Members Conference — December 11 – American Studies National Conference reach everyone, so if you can help spread Wayne and Doug confidence in 13, 2000 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Presented — Feb. 12-17, 2001 at Houston Marriott the word it would be greatly appreciated. I and his parents themselves. He by Falmouth Institute. Call (800) 992- Westside Hotel 13210 Katy Freeway, am a simple person, a mother of two girls Rebecca and Ruffin of Wauchula, Florida would reach a child’s soul and help them 4489 and mention code C100DBM for Houston, Texas 77042 and married to a good man. This idea is Parrish was a partner in the 5- find themselves. He truly loved to bring more info. OASIS Gift Show — Feb. 2-4, not my own, but comes from my brother, Star Rodeo Production Company, the out the best in people. Bringing out the Florida Council on Compulsive 2001 at the Phoenix Civic Plaza in Hawk and Grandfather. It is just my job to largest Rodeo & Stock producer and pro- best in them brought him the greatest Gambling Inc. Eighth Annual Phoenix, AZ. Pre-registration deadline spread the word and I am honored to do moter in Florida. He was a partner in the pleasure. Conference — February 23 – 24, 2001 at Jan. 5, 2001. For more information please so. Please feel free to contact me anytime South East Cattle Company, an agricultur- Donald Parrish will truly and the Hilton – Altamonte Springs (800) call 800-424-9519 or www.oasis.org. for more info or questions. Barbara Milka al development company that specializes surely be missed by a lot of people, as he HILTONS or (407) 830-1985. For more (sisterhawk). in roadway grassing, grass seeding and touch so many peoples hearts and lives in landscaping. Respected and admired by his own all to short life. his business associates and peer he will This weekend’s Southeastern truly be missed. Circuit Finals Rodeo 2000 was dedicated A tough rodeo competitor as a to Parrish who gave so much of himself to Diabetic Vietnam Veterans Sought team roper Parrish would rope end, heads help so many others, in so many ways. or heels. He was 5 Star Rodeo’s senior Don’t think of Donald as gone. I pick-up man, and loved the sport and the like to think the Lord called him home to Acting Veteran’s Affairs Secretary, Gober announced fested itself during active duty or within a year of discharge. people who made it. help make His place a little better. He’s Nov. 9 that Vietnam veterans with adult-onset (Type II) dia- When cases of non-service-connected diabetes are included, Helping others was another spe- got the right man. Gods speed old friend! betes will be eligible for disability compensation based on their one of every six patients in VA medical facilities already has presumed exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during diabetes. the war. Veterans who want to file a claim to have their dia- In 1991, Congress passed Public Law 102-4, which set betes recognized as being service-connected can call VAis toll- In Loving Memory Of Auntie Brenda Osceola up a process in which the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reviews free number, 1-800-222-8387. Information should be available scientific literature on the health effects of Agent Orange. The on VAis Web page, www.va.gov. By Nicole Marie Osceola wish she could baby sit me. She was so VA secretary uses periodic IOM reports to decide whether to It will take several months in possibly until next spring There are many different people good that she made more money then add more illnesses to those on VAis presumptive list for Agent n before the final regulations implementing this decision are in the world. Some of those people are when I would baby-sit my brother. Orange. published. These regulations will then allow veterans to begin aunts. My aunt’s name is Brenda. She was Still, it was not money that mat- IOMis most recent report on Agent Orange, released receiving VA disability compensation. my favorite because she was funny, she tered it was the person being watched that Oct. 11, found ilimited/suggestivei evidence of an association Last year, after an Air Force study found evidence of used to baby sit me and she was a good mattered. It makes me feel proud I wish I between diabetes and the herbicides used in Vietnam, including increased diabetes among some Vietnam veterans, the VA sec- cook. Boy, I love her! It makes me feel could baby sit all the time. Agent Orange. Previous IOM studies found less evidence of a retary asked IOM to delay a report which was nearing comple- sorrow that she passed away. I just wish The last reason why I loved link. tion in order to include the latest information. That Air Force she were still here. Brenda is because she was a good cook. Approximately 2.6 million veterans served within the information was incorporated in IOMis October report, along The first reason why Brenda was For example she could make fry bread borders of Vietnam or its adjacent waters during the war. It is with results from nine other studies. special is because she was funny. For better than me. She could cook as well as estimated that 2.3 million are living today. About 20,000 veter- PAOs should remind reporters and veterans that IOM example, my teacher is funny, but Brenda a chef. Having the best cook in the world ans have been given VA disability compensation for problems found limited/suggestive evidencei of a link between diabetes was even funnier. She was as funny as a as my aunt is awesome! She was good related to Agent Orange. and herbicide exposure. VA wants to notify veterans of their clown. Having the funniest aunt in the enough to run her own restaurant. I could VA estimates that more than 178,000 veterans will benefits and alert them to an issue they should discuss with world is very cool. She was so funny that always picture what it would be like for receive service-connection for their diabetes within the first five their doctors without conveying the false impression that every- she made me fall out of my seat laughing my aunt to own a restaurant. It makes me years under this recent decision. If estimates are correct, VA one who served in Vietnam will get diabetes. with my face turning red! I could even feel imaginative. My aunt also had a big will spend an additional $1 billion annually in disability com- For media queries, local PAOs should be prepared to make her laugh. It makes me feel great imagination. It was so cool that we both pensation and need more than 350 additional employees to discuss local programs and services to benefit Vietnam veterans knowing I had an aunt with a good sense thought alike. process applications. and diabetics. OPA fact sheets and other written products about of humor. Now you know who my special The IOM report concluded that other, more traditional diabetes may be useful in answering queries. Media questions The second reason why I liked person is, she was Brenda. She was spe- risk factors for diabetes in heredity, weight and sedentary specifically about the secretaryis decision should be referred to my aunt is because she used to baby sit cial because she was funny, she used to lifestyle n far outweigh Agent Orangeis risks. OPAis media relations office (202) 273-6000. me. For instance, I used to have her baby baby sit me and she was a good cook. It About 36,000 veterans with diabetes are already recog- If you have any questions, please call Stephen D. sit me; now, I baby sit myself because I’m made me feel great. Boy, I miss her! Who nized as iservice connected.i In these cases, the diabetes mani- Bowers (954) 966-6300, ext. 1480. older. She was as good as a professional. is special to you? Having to baby sit myself is neat but I The Seminole Tribune 16 December 1, 2000 Connie Haught: Seminole’s High Flying Ambassador By B. Secody sidering the offer of flight attendant. Connie accepted. BIG CYPRESS — Anyone who has ever That was the start of a lucrative career as the had the opportunity to fly the friendly skies aboard the Tribe’s Ambassador of good will. Besides her movie- Tribal corporate jet will surely admit they were treated star good looks, she is always pleasant and makes sure like royalty. The flight will become a fond memory – the passengers are all comfortable and have what they not one to soon be forgotten. like to drink. Meals are served on real china dishes, and crystal goblets adorn the white-cloth tables. She even consults everyone on what movie they would prefer to watch. Often, when children are aboard, Connie plays one movie for the children and another for adults. Connie is currently certified for service aboard up to and including the Gulfstream IV– the jet

owned by the Tribe. In February she is scheduled for B. Secody training in Savannah, GA to upgrade her certification for the Gulfstream V. The training includes safety maneuvers such as fighting fires and exiting the craft The Tribal jet was one of the highlights of the air show, with more than 700 guests passing through. in emergency situations. When asked how many hours she flies week- ly, she states that it would be impossible to say. Sometimes – however, not often — she is gone Air Show Provides Support overnight and flies straight for several days, and other times she may go for a couple of weeks without going anywhere. Connie feels it is important to spend as much For Naples Airport time as she can with her daughter. Skylar attends Grace Christian School during the day while Connie is By B. Secody themselves as they are a top of the line aircraft and at work. She states there have even been times when NAPLES — On Saturday, November 18, every family should have at least one!” Connie has hired a nanny to travel with her so Skylar the Seminole Tribe Aviation Department came out in Throughout the day’s event, the announcer could come along. full force to support the efforts of Alan Wright, pleaded the cause for Stage 2 aircraft owners and Connie says her flight crew is the best any- Chairman of the Naples Aviation Bay at Naples thanked the thousands of people and pilots who one could ask for. She reports the crew is very sup- Municipal Airport. B. Secody portive of her status of being a single parent and tries Wright is working to keep her schedule as normal as possible. The crew towards reversing a deci- is very close knit and all get along wonderfully. Connie Haught will soon take more flight courses. sion to ban the Stage 2 Connie, who is a 1987 graduate of Moore jet aircraft from utilizing Haven High School, says she feels fortunate to have the Naples Airport. Upon boarding the plane, the first person to this honor and does her best to represent the Seminole Chief pilot of greet passengers is Connie Haught, who is the only Tribe of Florida. Seminole Aviation Peter certified flight attendant in the Seminole Tribe. First “I love what I do and always do my best,” Vedel and stewardess impressions are extremely important and almost she says, adding the plane is actually for tribal mem- Connie Haught, along always unforgettable, so one’s first encounter with with Dewitt Beckett from Connie is their first impression of the Seminole Tribe Micco Aircraft Company, of Florida. attended the event in sup- Connie, of the Brighton Reservation, is not port of those organiza- just another pretty flight attendant. She takes her job tions and private individ- seriously and does it well. She exudes charm and uals who own a stage 2 competence and makes every passenger, whether they jet and will be adversely are a Tribal member flying only a short distance back affected by the ban. to school, or a distinguished visitor from another tribe Although the Seminole B. Secody or country – feel like royalty. Tribe’s Corporate jet is a Connie’s career is a challenge, being a single stage 3 jet and not affect- parent to four-year-old daughter, Skylar. But, Connie ed by the ban, many of The Tribe’s new twin-engine Pilatus was also on display at the Air Show. has plenty of family support and encouragement from the Stage 2 jet owners her mom Mable, as well as her dad Michael Haught. will be adversely affected Connie’s parents are both very proud of her and offer by the decision of the Airport Authority. came in support of the cause, as well as those who to help out whenever needed. Connie states that she is B. Secody The air show brought out thousand of local came to merely enjoy the air show. usually home every night, and has a schedule the residents as well as visitors from all over the country For years now, residents in the area of the entire crew tries to adhere to – barring unforeseen FLIGHT STAFF: (L-R) Sean Hogan, Connie to peruse the Naples Airport where rows and rows of Naples Airport have been complaining to city and emergencies. Haught, Chris McGinley and chief pilot Peter Vedel. various aircraft had parked for spectators to enjoy. county officials about the noise caused by the Stage Connie began her career five years ago, The Seminole fleet was given a place of 2 jets that land at the airport. According to Jeff when Chairman James Billie contacted her to see if bers, but is also used for business purposes on occa- honor at the forefront of all the activity. The Tribal Cochran, from the City of Naples, the Airport she would be interested in the position. At the time, sion. She feels every aspect of the Seminole Tribe is Corporate jet was the first thing visitors saw upon Authority Commission reluctantly made the decision she turned it down. In 1998, Peter Vedel, who had scrutinized and the aircraft and its crew often reflect entering the show and by day’s end more than 700 Nov. 9 to close the Airport to Stage 2 jets. been appointed the new chief pilot of the Tribal fleet – the first impression of the Seminole Tribe. visitors had toured the elegant craft. Appeals are underway for reconsideration again contacted Connie and spoke to her about recon- Other Tribal pilots who participated in the and reversal of that decision by the Stage 2 jet own- day-long event were Sean Hogan, chief of ers, their legal representatives, and other concerned Maintenance, who brought one of the Tribe’s Bell parties such as Naples business owners. In the mean- helicopters and Chris McGinley, a dual-rated air- time, the aircraft owners have until the first of the plane/helicopter, who flew in one of the new Micco year to decide where they will be landing their air- WE’VE GOT YOUR TICKET! planes. craft once the ban goes into effect. Dewitt Beckett, the laid-back friendly guy Many feel this decision could prove to be from Micco Airline Company, spent most of his day financially devastating to Naples area businesses. doing what he does best – selling those Micco Countless businessmen and women own homes in planes. Within the first hour after setting down the Naples yet work in New York or other cities during new Micco SP20 and SP26 he had a captive audi- the week. These people fly into Naples each week- Life is too short to sit in the back . . . ence hanging on his every word about the little beau- end to spend time with their families. These resi- ties. Shortly thereafter, Beckett, sporting a big grin dents tend to spend a lot of money while they are We offer up front seating for on his face, made sure we all saw him fold the check home. Many also own a Stage 2 jet. he just received for payment in full for a new Micco. The closest airport to Naples, which allows As he has stated before, “the planes actually sell the Stage 2 jet, is 30 miles away in Fort Myers. This u u would mean a 30 – 45 Concerts Theatre minute drive into u Naples. Many of the ADMIT ONE Sports Local & distraught jet owners are now talking about Nationwide events selling their property in Naples and moving to an area where their ULTIMATE TRAVEL & stage 2 aircraft would not be a problem. If that were to happen, the City of Naples could end up losing out on a ENTERTAINMENT great deal of business generated by these resi- dents. A FULL SERVICE TRAVEL AGENCY There is also the safety aspect CALL TODAY involved with emer- gency aircraft needing to utilize this facility. Those aircrafts will now no longer be able FOR CONCERT & SPORTS TICKETS to do so, to the possible

B. Secody detriment of community (305) 444-8499 or (800) 881-8499 Guest examines the Micco Aircraft Company’s recently certified SP26. health and safety. FOR TRAVEL (305) 445-6566 or (877) 445-6566 Visit The Real Indian Country Upcoming Events

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