Department of Interior clears Tribe for streamlined economic development Community by Eileen Soler - January 29, 2015April 6, 2015 HOLLYWOOD — During a signing ceremony Jan. 8 at Tribal Headquarters in Hollywood, the Seminole Tribe of Florida became the 15th of 566 federally recognized Tribes to be approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior for autonomy over tribal leasing agreements on trust lands. Before Chairman James E. Billie, other
Revelers celebrate Big Cypress Reservation’s 119th anniversary Community by Eileen Soler - January 29, 2015April 6, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Hundreds of cars and trucks packed a pasture-turned-parking lot Jan. 10 in Big Cypress where more than a century ago Seminole ancestors braved wilderness, swampland and bloody battles for Native American freedom. "The Seminole people were so tough to survive those times and then to come so far.
New housing brings Tribal members home Community by Eileen Soler - January 29, 2015April 6, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Julius Ivan Billie signed up for reservation housing when he was 18 years old. A dozen years later, on Jan. 14, Billie was one of several Tribal members joyfully (and finally) checking out new digs at the grand opening celebration for the long-awaited Big Cypress townhomes. Each of the
Brighton Laundromat is labor of suds Community by Eileen Soler - January 29, 2015April 6, 2015 BRIGHTON — Margie Billie never loved laundry a day in her life – before now. "It’s really very relaxing, actually. It feels even better getting paid to do it," said Billie, one of two Tribe employees who juggle shifts at the new Brighton Laundromat. For reasonable prices, according to volume and weight,
Seminole Youth Home to comfort kids in crisis Community by Eileen Soler - January 29, 2015April 6, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Just inside the front doors of the newest Family Services facility in Big Cypress, kids ages 10 to 17 will find video games, a big screen TV, comfy leather sofas and a refrigerator packed with food. But a deeper look into the 5,381-square-foot, eight-bedroom youth home reveals the
Music education plays different tune at Boys & Girls Clubs tribalwide Education by Eileen Soler - January 29, 2015April 6, 2015 Keanu Bert cradled an electric guitar and strummed its strings on a recent Thursday night at Brighton Boys & Girls Club. On drums, Jason Haydon boomed a steady four-beat while music teacher James Payne, on lead, plucked an iconic melody that crosses generations. "It’s AC/DC – Highway," said Jason, 9, who
Future NY teachers learn the BC way Education by Eileen Soler - January 29, 2015April 6, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Only at Ahfachkee School could four New York college students and winter break in Florida equal three credits toward a college degree. "Learning doesn’t always happen on the Internet or in a classroom," said Teresa Hoercher, tutorial coordinator for the Cayuga Community College (CCC) Center for Academic Success. Hoercher
Ahfachkee homecoming brings past to present Education by Eileen Soler - January 29, 2015April 6, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Ahfachkee School teens rocked around the clock, or at least until 10:30 p.m. Jan. 16, during a 1950s sock-hop themed homecoming dance at the Big Cypress Community Center. Tabletops decked in vinyl records and malt shop drink centerpieces circled the dance floor. A jukebox and hamburger stand
Department of Interior Secretary clears Seminole Tribe for streamlined economic development News by Eileen Soler - January 8, 2015May 19, 2017 HOLLYWOOD — The Seminole Tribe of Florida on Jan. 8 became the 15th of 566 federally recognized Tribes to be approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior for increased autonomy over tribal leasing agreements on trust lands. During a signing ceremony at Tribal Headquarters in Hollywood, before Chairman James E.
To South Dakota, with loving care Community by Eileen Soler - December 30, 2014April 7, 2015 HOLLYWOOD — It didn’t take a jolly old man and a red-nosed reindeer to deliver tons of comfort just in time for Christmas to some of the poorest communities in Indian Country. Wheeling in a 24-foot Ryder truck filled to the brim, Christopher Billie and Obadiah Osceola, of Hollywood, braved chilly