Egmont Key trip evokes ‘sadness and sense of pride’ for Seminoles Community News by Beverly Bidney - March 30, 2020September 19, 2024 EGMONT KEY — When about 40 people – mostly Seminoles – braved the cold air and the Gulf of Mexico’s choppy seas to visit an island near the mouth of Tampa Bay on Feb. 29, they were stepping back into a critical chapter in the Tribe’s history. In what was essentially
Indian Country deals with coronavirus Community News by Beverly Bidney - March 19, 2020September 19, 2024 The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on Indian Country, including the Seminole Tribe, which has taken numerous steps to protect community members, employees and guests at its businesses. Tribal Council declared an emergency closing of Tribal offices effective March 16 until further notice. Some Tribal businesses are partially operational. Here’s a rundown
First PECS Creek immersion program kids now in kindergarten Community Education by Beverly Bidney - March 3, 2020September 19, 2024 BRIGHTON — In August 2015 an innovative program began at the Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School with the goal of creating Creek speakers from infancy. With only about 30 or 40 fluent Creek speakers in the Tribe, time was of the essence. Initially, the Creek immersion program was housed in the Creek Language
CBH program guides participants back to society Community News by Beverly Bidney - March 3, 2020September 19, 2024 The Center for Behavioral Health’s Re-Entry program is designed to help prepare incarcerated Tribal members to rejoin society. The program recently had its first graduate: Matthew Otero of Immokalee. Trust plays a big part of the program. Otero said at first he hesitated about participating until he met CBH counselor Marilyn
Thousands fill Brighton Field Day Festival Community News by Beverly Bidney - March 3, 2020September 19, 2024 BRIGHTON — Nearly 4,000 attendees enjoyed the 82nd annual Brighton Field Day Festival Feb. 14-16. The visitors, who came from all over North America, were entertained by Native American dance, crafts and culture as well as concerts, competitive alligator wrestling and a professional rodeo. The event had something for everyone, including a
Guy LaBree to be inducted in Florida Artists Hall of Fame Arts & Entertainment Community News by Beverly Bidney - February 28, 2020September 19, 2024 Artist Guy LaBree grew up in Dania, went to school with Seminole Tribal members and spent his career painting his passion: Seminole history, legends and people. The Florida Department of State will honor LaBree’s legacy by inducting him posthumously in the Florida Artists Hall of Fame on April 4 in
Culture, tradition, honor highlight annual Tribal Fair and Pow Wow Arts & Entertainment Community News by Beverly Bidney - February 28, 2020September 19, 2024 HOLLYWOOD — Ancient traditions met the thoroughly modern world at the Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. The 49th annual celebration focused on Native American art, culture, dance and tradition even though it occurred in the
National Native American Veterans Memorial to be dedicated Nov. 11 Community News by Beverly Bidney - February 3, 2020September 19, 2024 The dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial has been set for Nov. 11 at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. The ceremony will take place on the grounds of the museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Organizers said the dedication will begin with a procession of
Florida Southern College’s Wyatt Youngman named ag fraternity pres Education News by Beverly Bidney - February 3, 2020September 19, 2024 LAKE PLACID — Wyatt Youngman admits he isn’t much of a people person. He likes working by himself in his family’s sprawling orange grove in Lake Placid. So how did this accomplished young man, a junior at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, become the president of the school’s chapter of
82nd annual Brighton Field Day Festival and Rodeo to be held Feb. 14-16 Arts & Entertainment Community News by Beverly Bidney - January 31, 2020September 19, 2024 BRIGHTON — An abundance of Native American dance, art, culture, food, music – including alligator wrestling and a pro rodeo – are expected to bring large crowds to the 82nd annual Brighton Field Day Festival Feb. 14-16 on the Brighton Reservation. Each of the three days will kick off with