Tribal senior marks 50 years on two wheels Community by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 HOLLYWOOD — Max Osceola Jr. likes to consider his age in BC timeline. "For Seminoles, there is BC – Before Columbus, and BC – Before Casinos. I was before casinos," he said. On Aug. 13, the former Tribal Councilman personalized another point in time: 50 years on two wheels. He drove to
New Museum outreach project sprouts history, culture, education Community by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Sometimes community outreach begins by planting seeds in your own backyard. "This shows culture in action – history brought to life," said Van Samuels, a Tribal community outreach specialist at the site of a new authentic Seminole garden on the grounds of Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. The 1,000-square-foot garden built by
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki to wheel in Smithsonian skateboard exhibit Community by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Quenton Cypress thought his job at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum was cool, but when the work program trainee was tapped for consultation about a national traveling exhibit, he was convinced. "The show is about skateboarding in Indian Country, so I’m stoked. I can honestly say it’s awesome," said Cypress,
Dozens of cyclists rally in memory of July Billie Community by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — The lasting legacy of beloved Tribal member July Billie, of the Otter Clan, was clearly evident July 19 at a community event to mark the anniversary of his death. July was fondly remembered just days from what would have been his 40th birthday. The fitness buff, on the cusp
Boys & Girls Club grown-ups bolster mission with training Education by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Nothing is left to chance when the Boys & Girls Club is charged with the Tribe’s next generation of leaders. "First and foremost is the safety of the children," said Robert North Sr., director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Mentoring ranks just
Big Cypress rodeo events putting Junior Cypress arena on map Sports by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Rodeo barrel racers lined up to win bucks Aug. 16 and to kick off the new 5-D Barrel Series at Junior Cypress Rodeo Arena in Big Cypress. "I’m here for the fun, money and excitement," said Monica McGoey, of Davie, who rode two runs on her horses Cool
Tribe versus FPL is war of words Community by Eileen Soler - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 LABELLE — The Tribe’s three-year legal battle against a 2011 Hendry County land zoning change that could clear the way for a mammoth electrical power plant to be built next door to the Big Cypress Reservation has become a war of words. For the Tribe, lawyers argued in trial July 14-17
First Creek dictionary set for publication Community by Eileen Soler - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 The endangered native language of Brighton residents will get a reprieve from extinction when the first Creek language dictionary is printed in book form early next year. Tribal Council recently approved an agreement with University Press of Florida to publish "Este Semvnolvlke Enponakv, The Language of the Seminole People: An Outline
Growth spurt at Billie Swamp Safari spawns new life Community by Eileen Soler - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Life is blooming at Billie Swamp Safari from a sunflower cluster at the Seminole village to the triplet of mischievous toddler otters named River, Kora and Daisy. Two infant bobcats, a 6-month-old grizzly bear, a cadre of new staff members and a handful of venue renovations are bringing
Lady gator wrestler a first for Billie Swamp Safari Community by Eileen Soler - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — For the first time since Billie Swamp Safari opened 21 years ago at Big Cypress Reservation, a female employee is wrestling alligators. Athletic, pretty and brave, Sarah Hall, 27, captivates crowds several times a week when she enters the gator pit for go-rounds with some of the largest