Business profile: Big Cypress Landing Community by Eileen Soler - May 29, 2013April 9, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Sadie Tommie Cypress, 82, could only imagine 40 years ago that someday her tiny chickee store packed with snacks, sodas and Seminole arts and crafts on the edge of a swamp would grow to be a landmark on the Big Cypress Reservation. "My mother used to dream of
Big Cypress churches get divine donations Community by Eileen Soler - May 29, 2013April 9, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Former Tribal President Richard Bowers Jr. delivered two hefty checks to churches on the Big Cypress Reservation on May 5 – but all the thanks went to God. "We know that when things are done Godly then it is God who gets the glory," said Pastor Salaw Hummingbird,
Brighton elder Happy Jones keeps Seminole legends alive Community by Eileen Soler - May 29, 2013April 9, 2015 BRIGHTON — All eyes and ears at the Elder’s Building on the Brighton Reservation were pealed to watch and hear Brighton elder Happy Jones recant legends passed through generations. About 50 seniors, young adults and children turned out on April 25 for the latest chapter of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s monthly Seminole
Museum team protects culture, history Community by Eileen Soler - May 29, 2013April 9, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — As daily life modernizes throughout Tribal communities, new leadership at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Reservation strives harder to preserve and protect old traditions. Longtime colleagues Paul Backhouse, who was appointed director in February, and Annette Snapp, hired as operations manager in April, have worldwide experience
Memorial celebrates a life cut short Community by Eileen Soler - May 29, 2013April 9, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Mike Allen Smith was a hardworking, generous, constantly smiling guy. "He was always like the big brother who cared enough to tell us to stop and take a rest – a take your shoes off, have a glass of water and relax guy," longtime friend Herbie Jim said.
Kids accept D.A.R.E. for no drugs, no violence Education by Eileen Soler - May 28, 2013April 13, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — For 39 Ahfachkee School participants of the 2013 D.A.R.E. program, standing up against drugs and violence is a no-brainer. "It’s the best way to never have a miserable life," said fifth-grader Ricky Garza. "It’s about making the right choices." Established in 1983, the international Drug Abuse Resistance Education program
Junior rodeos turn out local competitors Sports by Eileen Soler - May 28, 2013April 13, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Only one more Tribalwide kids’ rodeo competition stands between Seminole youth and a chance at national rodeo recognition. At 7 p.m. May 31, the Junior Cypress Rodeo Arena will thunder with cheers for junior bull riders, cattle breakaway competitors and barrel racers from Big Cypress, Brighton, Hollywood and
BC cattle cut path to ‘memory lane’ Community by Eileen Soler - April 23, 2013April 9, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Monica Chavez was still a filly when she saddled up for the first time to help rustle dozens of 1,000-pound beefy beasts during a cattle drive on the Big Cypress Reservation. On March 23, Chavez, now 20, rode for the sixth consecutive year in the 17th annual Junior
Swamp walkers shed pounds Health by Eileen Soler - April 23, 2013April 9, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — After trying "so many times" to lose weight and get healthier, Sam Tommie said he’s on the right track now thanks to a pedometer walking challenge called Stomp the Swamp at the Big Cypress Reservation. "What I always needed was support. Then the pedometer made it much more
Dasani Cypress captures national science award Education by Eileen Soler - April 23, 2013April 13, 2015 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Taking first place in a school science fair is exciting. Winning a No. 1 spot at the National American Indian Science & Engineering Fair (NAISEF) is huge. "It was a very fun learning experience," said Dasani Cypress, a seventh-grader at Ahfachkee School. In December 2012, Cypress’ How Well Do