DOCSLIB.ORG

Betty Osceola Protests State Takeover

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Betty Osceola Protests State Takeover Betty Osceola Protests State Takeover December 24, 2020 Cartoon used by permission of Andy Marlette and the Pensacola News Journal. Little by little the State of Florida is increasing its independence by power grabs such as this. A quick look at the recent history of the state’s protection of its waters and natural resources reveals that Florida’s once pristine and unique rivers and springs are steadily decreasing under the state’s promotion of over-pumping and excessive fertilizer application. This ill-advised DEP move was promoted by industry and developers and aided by a ransacked and gutted federal EPA which has become a destructive tool under the current Washington administration to destroy the very resources they are supposed to protect. Read the original article here in the Okeechobee News. Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum. [email protected] – A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum Miccosukee Tribe representative protests plan to let State of Florida rule on wetlands permits Posted Monday, December 21, 2020 3:04 pm By Katrina Elsken BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE — “It’s never too late to fight. It’s too late if you don’t fight. Warrior up.” Betty Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe has taken to social media to protest the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to allow the State of Florida to assume responsibility for the portion of the federal Clean Water Act that governs the filling in of wetlands (Section 404). The 404 decision could impact all tribes in the United States, she explained in a Facebook Live video on Dec. 16. “Indian territory is about to be taken away. “Here in Florida, the two tribes have codified rights to these lands,” said Osceola. “But with the stroke of the pen, EPA plans to help the Army Corps of Engineers do away with that and turn over Indian territory — take it away, and give it to the state.” She explained the Miccosukee Tribe has rights in Big Cypress National Preserve, within Everglades National Park and in Water Conservation Area 3-A. She said they are trying to redefine Indian territory as being only within reservation boundaries. This precedent would allow them to nullify all of the agreements made with tribes throughout the country, she added. “I’m angry this will take away protections,” she said. She said she knows some are frustrated that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting process takes a long time and they want to streamline it. She said she is concerned the state will just “rubber-stamp” plans to dig in or fill in wetlands instead of giving each permit the careful study it deserves. Betty Osceola chats with OSFR board member Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson in Tallahassee in 2016. Photo by Jim Tatum. “My tribe has rights with the federal government and they just want to take it away,” Osceola continued. “Our ancestors always talked about it and as a kid I always heard it … that one day the government is going to work to corral all of the Indians back in the reservations like they did in the time of the initial settling of the United States. “They always said that day will come again, but they are going to use a different way to do it.” She plans a 36-mile protest walk across the Big Cypress preserve on Jan. 2 and 3. She welcomes others to walk with her. “This is approximately 36 miles in two days. I will be camping somewhere along the way. Anyone who decides to walk with me must be prepared and self-sufficient. There will be no support vehicles to shuttle people back and forth,” she explained…. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Brighton Incentive Awards Shelby Osceola
    Golfers Putt Around Big Cypress Indian Day Senior Bowling Big Shot goes for the hole in one. Story below. Annie Jumper goes for a strike. page 10 page 9 Presort Standard U.S. Postage Paid Lake Placid FL Permit No. 128 “Voice of the Unconquered” 50¢ www.seminoletribe.com Volume XXII • Number 13 October 19, 2001 Brighton Incentive Awards By Michael James Dyer was the first teacher chosen BRIGHTON — On September from Florida for the Disney’s National 21, Tribal students were awarded for their American Teacher’s Awards, and one of hard work and achievements at the annual three from across the United States to be By Janice Billie Incentive Awards program, held under the chosen as a finalist. In addition to being a BIG CYPRESS — The oak trees outside the Brighton Education recipient of the award, she has served many Big Cypress Community Building. twice on the Board for Disney’s Institute members who came out to celebrate Several last minute develop- on Education. Indian Day did not let a steady driz- ments kept the scheduled keynote speak- In her speech, Mrs. Dyer talked zle of rain dampen their spirits or er, Patrick Smith, and Tribal Officials about her experiences as a tutor of the enthusiasm. from attending the program. Seminole students for the past 16 years. Hosted at the new and Mr. Smith, author of “Forever Initially, she tutored students of all ages at improved Big Cypress Community Island” and other acclaimed novels, was the Education Building on the reservation. Center, formerly known as the Youth unable to appear due to illness.
    [Show full text]
  • 2001 Seminole Princess Pageant Ing Florida Seminole Impact of Encroaching Family
    Tampa 2012 Diabetes Prevention Randolph Clay Pool Olympic Committee In Search Summer Circuit Of A Host City for 2012 page 5 page 8 page 9 Presort Standard U.S. Postage Paid Lake Placid FL Permit No. 128 “Voice of the Unconquered” 50¢ www.seminoletribe.com Volume XXII • Number 12 September 7, 2001 Tribal Ambassador Receives Doctorate Back (L-R): Mrs. Joann Henry, Joe Dan, Jo-lin. Front (L-R): Courtney and Joseph Osceola. Submitted by Joe Dan Osceola Represented all Native GEORGETOWN, KY— On Americans in health care programs. May 12, Georgetown College conferred Served on the Florida Governor’s an honorary doctorate degree upon Council on Indian Affairs under three Seminole Tribal Ambassador, Joe Dan governors. Osceola. Named one of the top 10 young A 1961 graduate of Georgetown Americans by the Junior Chamber of College, Osceola was the first Tribal citi- Commerce. zen to earn a college degree. Since then, In 1998, chosen to represent the he has been instrumental in advancing the Seminole Tribe as Ambassador to the causes of all Native Americans, including world. economics, education, and health care. A letterman in track and cross- Osceola’s accomplishments country at Georgetown College. include: Presently, Osceola owns and Elected President of the operates several businesses, including a Seminole Tribe at age 30, the youngest to construction company. hold the office in any Indian Tribe in Joe Dan is husband to Virginia North America. Osceola and father of Amos Billie, Brian Founder of the United South and Osceola, Gem Osceola, Wade Osceola, Eastern Tribes (USET), a coalition of the Jo-lin Osceola, Mercedes Osceola, Tasha Seminole, Miccosukee, Cherokee, and Osceola, Joseph Osceola, Jo Jo Osceola, Choctaw Tribes.
    [Show full text]
  • 36-Mile Walk Helps Defend the Sacred Everglades by Danika J
    BULLETIN Serving Immokalee, Ave Maria and Eastern Collier County Vol. 54 No. 1 Thursday, January 7, 2021 36-Mile walk helps defend the Sacred Everglades by Danika J. Fornear Immokalee Bulletin OCHOPEE - Despite having to battle hordes of mosquitoes and blistering feet, a group of concerned citizens from across the state gathered for a 36 mile “Defend the Sacred” prayer walk through the Everglades to bring awareness of their opposition of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to turn over the 404 per- mitting process to the state of Florida. The walk was organized and hosted by Betty Osceola, Houston Cypress, and Garrett Stu- art through the Eco Preservation Project. “EPA is approving the State of Florida’s assumption of dredge and fill permits on all lands state and federal,” explained Osceola, leader of the prayer walk. “EPA is approv- ing for the Federal Agency to hand over permit authority in the Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Also in doing this EPA is allowing the definition of Indian Territory/Country to be re-defined at the objections of the Indian Tribes here in Florida and abroad. In essence under- mining tribal sovereignty and diminishing the size of tribal lands. “This allows the opportunity for more oil pads and roads to get to those oil pads to be built and rip away our resources. This will devastate these lands and waters and Immokalee Bulletin/Danika J. Fornear: A group of prayer walkers travel 36 miles through the Everglades to spread awareness about detrimental changes in See Everglades — Page 2 EPA permitting.
    [Show full text]
  • The Siege of Miami As Temperatures Climb, So, Too, Will Sea Levels
    The Siege of Miami As temperatures climb, so, too, will sea levels. By Elizabeth Kolbert, THE NEW YORKER, December 21, 2015 In the Miami area, the daily high-water mark has been rising almost an inch a year. The city of Miami Beach floods on such a predictable basis that if, out of curiosity or sheer perversity, a person wants to she can plan a visit to coincide with an inundation. Knowing the tides would be high around the time of the “super blood moon,” in late September, I arranged to meet up with Hal Wanless, the chairman of the University of Miami’s geological-sciences department. Wanless, who is seventy-three, has spent nearly half a century studying how South Florida came into being. From this, he’s concluded that much of the region may have less than half a century more to go. We had breakfast at a greasy spoon not far from Wanless’s office, then set off across the MacArthur Causeway. (Out-of-towners often assume that Miami Beach is part of Miami, but it’s situated on a separate island, a few miles off the coast.) It was a hot, breathless day, with a brilliant blue sky. Wanless turned onto a side street, and soon we were confronting a pond-sized puddle. Water gushed down the road and into an underground garage. We stopped in front of a four-story apartment building, which was surrounded by a groomed lawn. Water seemed to be bubbling out of the turf. Wanless took off his shoes and socks and pulled on a pair of polypropylene booties.
    [Show full text]
  • US Postal Service to Deliver the News!
    “Around“Aroundt thehe Lake”Lake” EditionEdition Formerly Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, & The Sun Vol. 111 No. 85 Wednesday, December 30, 2020 $1.00 plus tax FDOH reports more COVID-19 deaths By Katrina Elsken has had 51 deaths related to Lake Okeechobee News COVID-19. To date 232 COVID-19 positive residents have been As Florida begins vaccina- hospitalized. As of Dec. 29, ac- tions for COVID-19, the Florida cording to the Agency for Health Department of Health continues Care Administration (AHCA), six to remind everyone to wash their Grinch gives away Okeechobee County residents are 92 bicycles hands often, wear cloth face 24 currently hospitalized related to coverings in public when they COVID-19. One of the county’s cannot maintain 6 feet of dis- eight ICU beds is open. tance from others and stay home • Glades County has had if you are sick. 11 deaths related to COVID-19. Statewide, as of Dec. 29, Flori- To date, 57 COVID-19 positive da had 61,663 residents hospital- residents have been hospitalized. ized related to COVID-19 (5% of According to AHCA, no Glades all cases) and 21,308 deaths (2% County residents are currently of all cases). hospitalized for COVID-19. (The The rural counties around county does not have a hospital Lake Okeechobee have all report- of its own.) ed deaths related to COVID-19. • Hendry County has had 49 As of Dec. 29: • Okeechobee County See COVID — Page 8 Girls soccer 36 around the lake U.S. Postal Service Lake Levels Special to the Lake Okeechobee News 15.82 feet to deliver the news! THE EVERGLADES — Betty Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe Last Year: 13.10 feet is encouraging everyone who cares about Mother Earth to post By Katrina Elsken day it is now.
    [Show full text]
  • Never Surrendered... Always the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
    Old Ways in a Modern World When days are full of coaxing and wrestling gators, or crafting wares by hand, life is tough but the People are proud in the land of the Miccosukee Never Surrendered... Always The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Photographs by Jennifer Caylor Story by Julie Kamp & Doug Novak Where the Alligator still roam Where the Blue Herons still wade... And where the waters still flow Buffalo Tiger Look closely… Cute & camouflaged, the newest predator in the Glades! Not all that glitters In the Glades….. is grass “There was no roads and it was very natural, traditional. You could live off the earth, you could drink the water. I remember as a kid, drinking the water out of the canal. And seeing all the fish and beautiful stuff. You don’t see anymore, all the water is dark” Lee Tiger, son of Buffalo Tiger. Widely used for food and medicine, wild oranges still found in the Everglades mark where previous tribes of Florida Miccosukee made their permanent camps. On March 1, 1954, the “Buckskin Declaration of Independ- ence” was delivered by Buffalo Tiger, Jimmie Billie and George Osceola, to Washington D.C. to be presented to Pres- ident Eisenhower. This was a declaration for the rights of the Mikasuki Tribe to be allowed to live their lives as their culture would have them. (excerpt of the declaration: We have, and have had for centuries, our own culture, our own customs, our own government, our own language, and our own way of life which is different from the government, the culture, the customs, the language and the way of life of the White Man.
    [Show full text]
  • Seminole-Tribune-March-23-2001.Pdf
    Bulk Rate U.S. Postage Paid Lake Placid FL Permit No. 128 TheSEMINOLE TRIBUNE “Voice of the Unconquered” $1.00 www.seminoletribe.com Volume XXII Number 4 March 23, 2001 The Last Time New Audit Ordered n September of 1970, I was hanging out at Port Everglades Cut, diving for lobsters. After I Icaught my quota, I decided to take the long Hard Rock way around and look at the Stranahan House. So I took my boat up Ha shee he ma shee (New River) and to my surprise, as I spproached the familiar Project Grinds old building, there stood Mrs. Stranahan. Since I knew her fairly well, I yelled out to her and she recognized my face. She motioned Forward to me to park my small motorboat at her dock. We By Charles Flowers carried on a conversation, HOLLYWOOD — After more than a month of talking about many people in-fighting, and questions over details of the financing and who were still alive or other agreements the Tribal Council had made with Hard gone. I asked her if she Rock developers over the past nine months, the Council wanted any lobsters and passed three resolutions on March 13 to move the project she took two. She invited forward. me in on the porch for The first resolution authorized the Tribe to seek a some soup. I can recall $40 million “bridge loan” to keep construction moving on how frail she looked. the Hollywood development – the larger of the two proj- Her eyesight was ects with its 750-room hotel, café and casino.
    [Show full text]
  • October 30 2020 Seminole Tribune
    Pensacola artist Indian Day photos OHS wraps up tackles Osceola story from Hollywood, Trail volleyball season v COMMUNITY v 7A 3B-4B SPORTS v 5B www.seminoletribune.org Free Volume XLIV • Number 10 October 30, 2020 Tribe Tribal members prepare to move into creates first Lakeland Reservation homes BY DAMON SCOTT sovereign Staff Reporter Building a new housing development wealth takes time – something that hasn’t been lost on Seminoles in the Tampa area. They’ve been long anticipating the completion of homes on the new Lakeland Reservation site. fund The wait is almost over for some. Seventeen new homes have been BY ARI RIOSECO completed as part of phase one of the Special to the Tribune community. Phase one will see 47 new homes in total. The Seminole Tribe of Florida has When all is said and done of four phases created a sovereign wealth fund for the of homebuilding, there will be 147 single- financial benefit of generations to come. family homes, each on 1-acre lots. Some of It is known as the Seminole Real Estate the homes are for purchase and others will be Fund (SEMREF), a holding company of the set aside as rentals. tribe. SEMREF recently acquired its first The Lakeland Reservation – located real estate investment asset. Welcome to about 37 miles east of the Seminole Hard McKinney Uptown Apartments: a 144-unit, Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa – will serve midrise, residential complex located in lively as the new reservation for the Tampa tribal uptown Dallas, Texas. community. Some tribal members lived on The fund was created to bring the Tampa Reservation until the Hard Rock generational wealth to the lives of tribal opened in 2004.
    [Show full text]
  • Big Cypress Community Celebrates 115Th Anniversary Tribal
    Seminole Sports Hall of Ronnie Billie Sr. PECS Students Recognized at Fame Inducts Four Citizens Shares His Story Board of Trustees Meeting SPORTS 1C COMMUNITY 3A EDUCATION 1B 7PMVNF999**t/VNCFS June 30, 2011 BY CHRIS C. JENKINS enough words to describe how good and Reporter grateful I feel.” 5SJCBM*OBVHVSBUJPO$FSFNPOJFT8FMDPNF/FX-FBEFSTIJQ “I always felt like I had more to HOLLYWOOD — A new era in offer and I am glad I am getting the leadership took their place among the chance now,” Sanchez added. Tribe as hundreds of Tribal citizens, Other newly elected Tribal Council special guests and media gathered at the RI¿FLDOV LQFOXGHG 0DQXHO 0RQGR site of the famed Council Oak tree for Tiger (incumbent), Big Cypress Inauguration ceremonies. Representative; Andrew J. Bowers Jr. In a stir of unprecedented changes (incumbent), Brighton Representative, LQWKH7ULEDO&RXQFLODQG%RDUGRI¿FHV DQG0DUFHOOXV:2VFHROD-U+ROO\ZRRG the June 6 event introduced some new Representative. faces and reintroduced former leaders. The Tribal Board of Directors For many, the day marked the much also welcomed in the following anticipated return of the outspoken, QHZO\ HOHFWHG RI¿FLDOV -RH )UDQN trendsetting and controversial icon Big Cypress Representative; Larry James E. Billie making his comeback as +RZDUG %ULJKWRQ 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH Chairman/Vice-President. DQG &KULVWRSKHU 2VFHROD +ROO\ZRRG :LWK JUHDW DQWLFLSDWLRQ DQG Representative. excitement Chairman Billie gave Other Tribal citizens weighed in on recognition to the individual clans on the new administration and the Tribe’s hand and thanked some of his supporters direction with high hopes and praise. individually. “A lot of changes need to be made “The Seminole Tribe has been in the Tribe,” said Tribal elder Elsie blessed with many opportunities, %RZHUV RI WKH +ROO\ZRRG 5HVHUYDWLRQ hopefully we (the new administration) ³:H WKH7ULEH QHHGWRVWDUWVDYLQJRXU can maintain that now,” said Chairman money.” Billie.
    [Show full text]
  • Chairman Osceola, Gov. Desantis Sign Gambling Agreement
    Q&A with Tribal members Strong leadership Edward Aguilar graduate from FSU from Ahnie Jumper v COMMUNITY v 7A EDUCATION 2B SPORTS v 6B www.seminoletribune.org Free Volume XLV • Number 4 April 30, 2021 Chairman Osceola, Gov. DeSantis HHS: sign gambling agreement Demand for vaccine Tribe set to play major slows BY DAMON SCOTT role in sports Staff Reporter betting HOLLYWOOD — As the Seminole Tribe’s Covid-19 vaccination program enters BY BEVERLY BIDNEY its fifth month officials say there aren’t as Staff Reporter many people asking for the shots. Part of the reason is due to the success The Seminole Tribe and Gov. Ron of the vaccine strategy’s rollout and the DeSantis reached a long-awaited agreement hundreds who have already received the April 23 for a new gaming compact which shot. The tribe’s Health and Human Services would bring sports betting to the state. (HHS) department and Public Safety staff The governor and Chairman Marcellus have carried out the vaccine program through W. Osceola, Jr. signed the compact in a phased eligibility process. The outreach and Tallahassee. education to tribal members and the tribal In addition to offering craps and roulette community has been ongoing. at its casinos, the tribe will be able to conduct But Dr. Vandhana Kiswani-Barley, the sports betting and license it to horse tracks, executive director of HHS, said many have jai alai and dog tracks throughout the state. still not been vaccinated. The tribe will receive a percentage of every “The number of vaccines being requested sports bet placed.
    [Show full text]
  • Meeting Minutes, September 2020
    DRAFT Minutes Working Group (WG) and Science Coordination Group (SCG) ZOOM Meeting September 17, 2020 1. Welcome and Introductions James Erskine called the meeting to order at 1:00PM and provided some administrative announcements. He welcomed new WG member Jason Watts, representing FDOT, who is replacing Marjorie Kirby, who recently retired. Bob Johnson welcomed new SCG member, Holly Milbrandt representing the City of Sanibel who is replacing James Evans, who recently left his position. Adam Gelber recognized Gene Duncan, Task Force member, who joined the meeting. The next Task Force meeting is scheduled for October 2020. Nick Aumen reminded everyone that the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration (GEER) virtual conference https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/geer/ is scheduled for April 19 -22, 2021. The video for the joint WG/SCG meeting is available at: https://www.evergladesrestoration.gov/wgm/ 2. Member Whip-Around Members who joined via the ZOOM platform or called in via phone were asked to introduce themselves and provide brief introductory remarks. Working Group (WG) Members Joined via ZOOM unless noted otherwise James Erskine – Chair – FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Comm. √ Nick Aumen – Vice Chair – U.S. Geological Survey √ Karen Bohnsack – NOAA, Florida Keys Nat’l Marine Sanctuary √ Joined via phone Stephania Bolden – NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service √ Amy Castaneda – Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida √ Kevin M. Cunniff – Seminole Tribe of Florida √ Deb Drum – Palm Beach County √ Rebecca Elliott – FL Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services √ Cecelia Harper – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency √ Veronica Harrell-James – U.S. Attorney’s Office - Lee Hefty – Miami Dade County √ COL Andrew Kelly – U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • South Florida Water Management District GOVERNING BOARD
    South Florida Water Management District GOVERNING BOARD MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES November 12, 2020 9:00 AM via Communications Media Technology WWW.SFWMD.GOV Attendee Name Title Status Chauncey Goss Chairman Present Ron Bergeron Present Cheryl Meads Remote Charlette Roman Remote Jay Steinle Present Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch Present Scott Wagner Vice-Chairman Remote 1. Call to Order - Chauncey Goss, Chairman, Governing Board Chairman Goss called the meeting to order at approximately 9:00 AM. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Ms. Roman led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Employee Recognitions Mr. Bartlett presented employee recognitions for November Employee of the Month, Lichun Zhang; November Team of the Month, General Services Team; 25-Years of Service, Renee Hammett; and, 30-Years of Service, Mark Elsner. 4. Agenda Revisions Ms. Byrd stated item 21 was added to the Consent Agenda and subsequent numbers were renumbered, and the contract information for Discussion Agenda item 29A was updated. 5. Agenda Item Abstentions by Board Members 1 Governing Board Meeting Minutes of the South Florida Water Management District – November 12, 2020 There were no abstentions by Board members. 6. Consider Approval of the Minutes for the October 8th Meeting and October 28th Lunch & Learn Workshop RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ron Bergeron SECONDER: Jay Steinle AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner This item is recorded at: sfwmd.iqm2.com/Citizens/SplitView.aspx?Mode=Video&MeetingID=2017&Format=Agenda 7. General Public Comment Newton Cook, United Waterfowlers of Florida, Inc. Dee Diamond John Matchka Ryan Rossi, South Florida Water Coalition Mike Elfenbein Mikel Hulon, Texas Aquatic Harvesting, Inc.
    [Show full text]