Kids fired up for fire safety Education by Eileen Soler - October 29, 2015 When children are raised to respect fire as a daily and necessary part of life, teaching them about the dangers of flames can be tricky, according to the Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Department. "Herbert Jim once called us ‘the fire keepers,’" said Fire Marshal Robert Brown. "So during National Fire Prevention
Prayer at pole events bring God to school Education by Eileen Soler - October 29, 2015October 29, 2015 Prayer is as welcome at Seminole schools as pencils, books and recess. "I am thankful that our Tribe honors God and that you all are able to be standing here today for Him," Josh Jumper said to more than 100 Ahfachkee School students, teachers, parents and community leaders gathered just after
‘Indian Day is every day’ Community by Eileen Soler - October 29, 2015October 29, 2015 Ask a dozen Tribal members what Indian Day means to them and most answer in the same basic way. "Indian Day is every day," said Jennie O. Billie, of Trail. "It’s all the time," said Josh Jumper, of Big Cypress. "It’s life," said Mary Tommie, of Fort Pierce. Though observed throughout Indian Country on
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum reopens with burst of ‘Seminole Spirit’ Community by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2015October 5, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — World-renowned photographer Russell James did not seek to tell a simple story about Seminole culture and tradition when he reached out with his camera to Chairman James E. Billie three years ago. Instead, the Australian-born artist best known for capturing the beautiful faces and perfect bodies of Victoria’s
Proposed national park rule to ease plant gathering restrictions Community by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2015 The Department of the Interior, through the National Park Service (NPS), aims to adopt a new rule that will allow designated members of federally recognized Tribes to gather plants from national parks. When adopted, the new rule will regulate agreements between parks and Tribes for picking and collecting plants for medicinal,
Fickle Erika fizzles to hurricane drill Community by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2015 When all was said and done, Tropical Storm Erika, the first real hurricane threat to Florida in a decade, delivered nothing more to Seminole communities than a long overdue reality check. "Let’s call it a drill – just in case," said Business Marketing Department manager Tiffany Marquez, passing the word Aug.
New firefighter-paramedics pledge commitment to Tribe Community by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2015September 30, 2015 HOLLYWOOD — Though the newest members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida Fire Rescue Department already boasted nearly half a century of combined lifesaving experience, graduation Class 15-01 was honored at Tribe Headquarters Aug. 27 after completing six weeks of intense and specific training. "These men and women are the best
Firefighters respond to wildfires nationwide Community by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2015 Firefighters of the Seminole Tribe of Florida Fire Rescue Department are always prepared to answer emergency calls on Seminole land, but they are also duty driven to respond to needs throughout Indian Country. "We have an obligation to maintain our jobs at home, but we also support the national fight," said
Seminole Tribe’s youngest celebrate Indian Day with gators, games galore Education by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2015September 30, 2015 Indian Day celebrations came earliest for the youngest Tribal members Sept. 18 when preschool students tribalwide attended simultaneous events to honor culture, tradition and Seminole pride. Thommy Doud, director of the Tribe’s preschools, said nearly 220 children participated in Indian Day happenings at the same time in Immokalee, Big Cypress, Hollywood
Foreign exchange students learn about first Americans Education by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Foreign exchange students from Italy who visited the United States in early September learned more than they expected after a day-long educational adventure at Billie Swamp Safari. "I had no idea that when we would tour America we would come here. I never made the connection that the