A day in the life of Mr. Backhouse Community by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — On any given day Paul Backhouse, director of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, has his nose to the grindstone. His feet give hints to the task at hand. Doc Martens shoes mean he’s trucking through the daily business of managing his 40-member staff at the
Elders cross reservations, catch up on good times Community by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Elders from Seminole reservations met Aug. 28 at Big Cypress Senior Center for a midday gathering that morphed into a mass reunion. "It’s just so good to hear the laughter from people visiting each other. We always go back and forth to where we live and such, but
Firefighters learn ins, outs of Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Community by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — From a hurricane preparedness briefing emerged a brainstorm idea to prepare Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue for a "what if" scenario. What if flames were to strike one of the Tribe’s most treasured buildings? "We have a 169-page emergency plan, but it’s hard to know how to rescue things if
First responders remember 9/11 Community by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2014April 8, 2015 HOLLYWOOD — Standing at attention, with badges swathed in black bands and eyes fixed on the Seminole, Florida and United States flags, Tribe employees who protect and serve remembered fellow firefighters, police officers and all others whose lives were taken by terrorists Sept. 11, 2001. "It was the Vietnam of our
Student garden feeds bellies, brains Education by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2014April 22, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Garden time looks a little like recess at Ahfachkee School. Children sing, laugh, get dirty and sweaty. They even gobble snacks. But for garden instructor Maxine Gilke and the school’s 148 students, the 0.25-acre backyard patch that blooms year-round with veggies, fruits and herbs is an outdoor learning laboratory. Established
Novice artists travel world on a paintbrush Education by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — A blank sheet of paper became a magic carpet to Mexico during a recent Tour de Art Club project at the Big Cypress Boys & Girls Club. Eight members of the new afterschool club on Sept. 11 water colored, magic markered and penciled El Sol y La Luna,
Rodeo corrals kids for season finale Sports by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Junior Cypress Rodeo Arena was the place to be during summer 2014 for junior rodeo kids, both Tribal and non-Tribal. In fact, it was the only place for children to compete in all of Collier, Hendry or Glades counties. "Programs for kids end when the school year ends.
Indian housing focus of national conference Community by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 CATOOSA, Okla. — Learning the ins and outs, what’s new and what’s history about Native American housing programs hit home for 150 Tribal representatives from 24 Tribes at the national 2014 Indian Housing Training Conference. "Trying to figure out the best ways to accomplish housing and everything that goes with it
New book clears roadblocks for Tribes ‘Finding a Seat at the Table’ Community by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — The Council’s approval to publish the Tribal Historic Preservation Office’s (THPO) "Finding a Seat at the Table" book adds another chapter to Seminole history. The how-to book, to be printed in early 2015 by University Press of Florida, will be the first authored and sanctioned by a Native
Recent rains dump trouble in Brighton Community by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BRIGHTON — Managing rainy season in communities built on historic swamp land poses a flood of challenges. Striking a proper balance between what is correct for the environment, right for the Tribe and recommended by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) while dealing with drainage is a day-to-day challenge, said