Release of Lake Okeechobee draft plan delayed

by Damon Scott - May 13, 2022May 13, 2022

The final version of LOSOM will guide the Army Corps’ Lake Okeechobee decision-making for at least a decade. (Army Corps, Jacksonville District) The release of the latest draft plan that addresses a variety of issues concerning Lake Okeechobee has been delayed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who manage the lake, has

Native veterans memorial to be dedicated Nov. 11

by Damon Scott - May 13, 2022May 13, 2022

The central feature of the memorial is an elevated stainless steel circle resting on a carved stone drum. It is located on the grounds of NMAI. (Photo: Matailong Du for NMAI) After two years of pandemic related delays, the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to be

Bradley Osceola Latchford builds future in athletic training

by Damon Scott - May 6, 2022May 6, 2022

Bradley Osceola Latchford, right, works with fellow FSU student athletic trainers Connor Brown, left,and Kailey Herrholz for a Seminoles football game at Clemson University in 2021. (Courtesy photo) Sports and athletic training have been a part of Bradley Osceola Latchford’s experience for most of his years in school. He played football

It’s a wrap: film captures Elgin Jumper’s varied talents

by Damon Scott - May 6, 2022May 6, 2022

Elgin Jumper talks about his artistic expression in the documentary. (Courtesy SMP) BIG CYPRESS — The documentary film is complete, but the journey continues. The Seminole Tribe’s Elgin Jumper presented the final cut of a film that highlights his life and creative endeavors April 8 in the theater at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

Kippenberger savors final moments as Miss Indian World

by Damon Scott - May 2, 2022May 2, 2022

Kippenberger was asked to be part of the final night's grand entry of dancers to mark her last moments as Miss Indian World on April 30. (Photo Damon Scott) ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The Seminole Tribe’s Cheyenne Kippenberger ceremoniously ended her unprecedented reign as 2019-2021 Miss Indian World April 28 to April

Seminole role in plume trade, ‘Everglades’ film focus of event

by Damon Scott - April 28, 2022April 28, 2022

Everett Osceola speaks prior to a film screening of “Wind Across the Everglades” at Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale on April 26. (Photo Sergio Tirado) FORT LAUDERDALE – Film buff, Native Reels Cinema Festival creator and cultural ambassador for the Seminole Tribe, Everett Osceola, spoke at an event to mark National

Seminole Tribe lifts mask mandate

by Damon Scott - April 25, 2022April 25, 2022

The use of masks is now optional at the Seminole Tribe. (Image via Facebook) HOLLYWOOD – The Seminole Tribe lifted its mask mandate after more than two years of having it in place during the Covid-19 pandemic. Health and Human Services (HHS) executive director, Dr. Vandhana Kiswani-Barley, announced the change in

Valholly Frank lends support for renewable energy goals

by Damon Scott - April 25, 2022April 25, 2022

Valholly Frank, center, from the Big Cypress Reservation, speaks April 21 at a news conference in Miami with Delaney Reynolds, left, and FDACS commissioner Nikki Fried. (Screenshot via Facebook) The Seminole Tribe’s Valholly Frank might be a bit soft spoken in person, but she’s been a fierce and outspoken leader in

Indigenous big band to convene for unique show

by Damon Scott - April 19, 2022April 19, 2022

Keefe has been a vocalist and musician for many years. (Courtesy Julia Keefe) Jazz vocalist, actor and educator Julia Keefe (Nez Perce) has achieved something uncommon. She’s assembled an all-Indigenous, 16-piece big band for a May 19 performance at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia, Washington. Keefe says that

Father-son team continues Osceola business legacy

by Damon Scott - April 13, 2022April 13, 2022

Gem Osceola (Courtesy photo) HOLLYWOOD – Seminole tribal members Gem and John Osceola have been busy these days. The father-son team are involved in several business ventures and said they stay inspired by the memory of family patriarch Joe Dan Osceola, who died in 2019 at 82. Joe Dan Osceola is known