Former Seminole Tribune writer inspires young authors Education by Eileen Soler - April 23, 2013April 13, 2015 BRIGHTON — Every time Michael James writes, he answers an expectation. James, a former professional photographer and Seminole Tribune journalist, met Patrick Smith while reporting Smith’s 1999 induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. Two of Smith’s books, "Forever Island" and "Allapattah," focused on Seminole culture and struggles. "We sparked a friendship
Artist Elgin Jumper passes down palate of know-how Education by Eileen Soler - April 23, 2013April 13, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Not even with a swish of his brush would Seminole artist Elgin Jumper paint himself to be an educator. "I am not a teacher, but I am an artist who likes to share with other artists. Children? They are emerging and inspiring artists," he said. On April 10, Jumper,
From playpen to cattle pen: Youth compete in rodeo Sports by Eileen Soler - April 23, 2013April 13, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Dyami Nelson, 13, began rodeo sports only two years ago but competes like he was born in the saddle. During the March 22 Eastern Indian Rodeo Association (EIRA) kids’ non-sanctioned rodeo at the 17th annual Junior Cypress Cattle Drive & Rodeo, Nelson, of Hollywood, held tight to the
Sports spotlight: Maleah Isaac Sports by Eileen Soler - April 23, 2013April 13, 2015 CHOCTAW, Miss. — Some girls just wanna have fun, as the song says. Maleah Isaac, 18, finds the most fun playing basketball. "I have to play basketball. I get to know people, I make friends and I love the competition," Isaac said. The senior, in her first year at Choctaw Central High
Hoopster breaks for tee time Sports by Eileen Soler - April 23, 2013April 13, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — From the court to the diamond to the fairway, Quenton Cypress, 17, represents the unrelenting spirit of the Ahfachkee Warriors. On March 22, the high school basketball and baseball player led schoolmates Troy Cantu and Caitlin Cypress to a second-place finish in the Rick Case Automotive 2nd annual
Brighton Field Day at 75: From simple beginnings, a ‘diamond’ emerges Community by Eileen Soler - April 2, 2013April 9, 2015 BRIGHTON — Thousands turned out to celebrate the rich culture of the Seminole Tribe during the 75th annual Brighton Field Day Feb. 15-17. "This is a great time for us – a diamond jubilee," Stanlo Johns told a packed house at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena amphitheater during the opening parade
‘It is the truth:’ 16th annual Shootout celebrates Seminole victory Community by Eileen Soler - April 2, 2013April 9, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Duane "Handlebar" Decker was given important instructions before heading into a field dressed in 1837 militia garb to reenact a bloody United States versus Seminole battle at the Big Cypress Reservation. "They told me to go out there, act like I’m scared and make sure I die," said
Cattlewomen forge ahead, organized and determined Community by Eileen Soler - April 2, 2013April 9, 2015 One by one, the cattle from Shule Jones’ pasture on the Brighton Reservation were led into headgates where they stood motionless from the neck down for annual inoculations, physical checkups and tagging. The cattle were testy while a team of cowhands and a veterinarian pricked and prodded them, tagged and notch-branded
Frank J. Billie celebrates 90th birthday Community by Eileen Soler - April 2, 2013April 9, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — As birthdays go, Frank J. Billie celebrated yet another that loved ones predict will take the eldest male senior on the Big Cypress Reservation into his centennial – if he is not already there. "I’m happy to have made it to this year and I will be back
At Big Cypress, invasive species on eviction list Community by Eileen Soler - April 2, 2013April 9, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Several nonnative species of the green and leafy kind are not welcome at the Big Cypress Reservation, and the Seminole Tribe is sending the message loud and clear. "As the reservation develops, so will the invasive (eradication) program," said Environmental Protection specialist Stacy Myers. "This is just the