As tribe resumes big events, return to 4-H show ring is welcomed by all Community Top News by Beverly Bidney - April 5, 2022April 5, 2022 Arlo Jackson, left, and Ailynn Tommie-Smith chat while holding their animals during the Seminole Tribe 4-H Livestock Show & Sale on March 9, 2022, at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena in Brighton. (Photo Beverly Bidney) BRIGHTON — After two years without an in-person livestock show, 4-H’ers tribalwide were proud
FSU softball team learns about Seminole culture in Big Cypress Community Top News by Beverly Bidney - April 5, 2022April 5, 2022 The FSU softball team, Chobee AMP 12U and 14U teams, Big Cypress Councilwoman Mariann Billie and other tribal members gather for a photo to commemorate FSU’s visit to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Big Cypress on March 25, 2022. (Photo Beverly Bidney) BIG CYPRESS — Florida State University teams all sport
To-Pee-Kee-Ke Yak-Ne open house provides welcomed gathering for community Community Top News by Beverly Bidney - March 25, 2022March 25, 2022 Musician Eden Jumper performs on the Rez Jamz stage at the To-Pee-Kee-Ke Yak-Ne Community Center open house March 9, 2022, in Big Cypress. (Photo Beverly Bidney) BIG CYPRESS – In Eloponke, “To-Pee-Kee-Ke Yak-Ne” means a place to gather – and that’s just what the Big Cypress community did during a
Seminole culture shines at Chalo Nitka Arts & Entertainment Community News Top News by Beverly Bidney - March 14, 2022March 14, 2022 Siblings Kingston Jumper, 5, and Kanae Jumper, 8, ride their horses in the Chalo Nitka parade March 5, 2022, in Moore Haven. (Photo Beverly Bidney) MOORE HAVEN – After two years of the pandemic, it was clear people were ready to get out and celebrate the 74th annual Chalo Nitka Festival
Hall of fame induction set for April 9 for painter of Seminole life Arts & Entertainment News by Beverly Bidney - March 9, 2022March 14, 2022 Guy LaBree working on a painting in his studio in 2014. (File photo) After a long delay due to the pandemic, artists from the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 will be inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. The class of 2020 includes painter Guy LaBree and singer/songwriter Rita Coolidge.
Q&A with Michele Thomas, recently honored by PECS, Glades County School District Community Education by Beverly Bidney - March 9, 2022March 9, 2022 Michele Thomas, left, receives a plaque from the Glades County School District. (Courtesy photo) Michele Thomas was recently named non-instructional employee of the year for Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School and the Glades County School District. Thomas, from the Brighton Reservation, has been an employee at the school since its inception 15
New reading program at Ahfachkee focuses on Native books Community Education by Beverly Bidney - March 9, 2022March 9, 2022 Kathy Dixon, media clerk, helps Ahfachkee sixth grader Thanoke Roberts with the Read Native program Feb. 11. (Photo Beverly Bidney) BIG CYPRESS — Ahfachkee students are reading books by and about Native Americans in a new program called “Read Native.” The program was inspired by the American Indian Library Association’s inaugural
Despite hurdles, student Kadin Tommie succeeds through pandemic Community Education by Beverly Bidney - March 9, 2022March 9, 2022 Kadin Tommie at home with his grandmother Virginia Tommie. (Courtesy photo) Education during the pandemic has been a challenge for some students. During virtual school, paying attention to a computer screen all day is very different from being in a classroom with a teacher. Kadin Tommie’s grades were good as a seventh
Elgin Jumper’s ‘Fluent Poetry’ show opens at museum Arts & Entertainment Community News Top News by Beverly Bidney - March 9, 2022March 9, 2022 Elgin Jumper's "Fluent Poetry" exhibit is on display in the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s Mosaic Gallery through May 15. (Courtesy photo) BIG CYPRESS – Elgin Jumper’s latest show at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum showcases the versatility of his painting styles in an exhibit called “Fluent Poetry.” “I see a lot of poetry in everything,” Jumper
Drilling opponents get good news, but battles continue Community News by Beverly Bidney - March 9, 2022March 9, 2022 Texas-based Burnett Oil Co. withdrew its permit applications to dig on two prospective sites in the Big Cypress National Preserve on Feb. 22, but its pursuit to drill for oil in areas close to both Seminole and Miccosukee reservations might not be over. Burnett indicated in a letter to the Florida