‘Wrestling Alligators’ film details candid story of Chairman Billie’s life Community by Peter B. Gallagher - May 16, 2016 MAITLAND – The audience at the Enzian Theatre in Maitland rose in standing ovation April 16 following the Florida Film Festival world premiere of “Wrestling Alligators,” a documentary about the life and times of Seminole Chief Jim Billie. Five years in the making, the 90-minute film follows the trials and tribulations
Immokalee seat on Tribal Council rejected by voters Community by Beverly Bidney - May 10, 2016May 10, 2016 The voters have spoken and the makeup of Tribal Council will remain unchanged. An election administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs ended April 12 with 258 votes cast. The tally was 176 against and 80 in favor of an amendment that would have given Immokalee a seat on the Council.
Indigenous women discuss cultural, educational knowledge at FIU forum Community by Beverly Bidney - May 10, 2016May 10, 2016 MIAMI — Louise Gopher, Destiny Nunez and Betty Osceola led a panel discussion entitled “Seminole and Miccosukee Women; Culture, Community, Family and Public Life” at Florida International University’s Global Indigenous Forum March 29 in Miami. Students and professors listened as the women shared their perspectives on life. Gopher presented the history
Protection of Indian children at core of NICWA event Community by Beverly Bidney - May 10, 2016May 10, 2016 HOLLYWOOD — The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) hosted a house party at Paradise Live in Hollywood March 23 to discuss its mission and let attendees know how they can become involved in the organization. The evening began with a traditional dinner and entertainment by rockers Ted Nelson, Lee Tiger
Prayer service provides fortress of faith for Tribe’s elected officials Community by Eileen Soler - May 10, 2016May 10, 2016 BIG CYPRESS — When hands were laid on the shoulders of elected Tribal officials April 7 in the sanctuary of Big Cypress New Testament Baptist Church, a communion of people put trust in an even higher authority. “We are only human and that is why we need prayer. We have to
Bowlegs Town history, artifacts unearthed Community by Peter B. Gallagher - March 29, 2016May 2, 2016 OLD TOWN — Not far from the Suwannee River, historic Bowlegs Town rests almost like a whisper within a wide vista of North Florida high ground. The town is flanked by coastal mangroves and grassy plains with fingerlike waterways that slither west into the Gulf of Mexico and thick oak
Betty Mae feted at D.C. women’s event Community by Eileen Soler - March 29, 2016 WASHINGTON — A whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C. by family of Betty Mae Tiger Jumper featured the late Seminole leader among distinguished women, living and passed, who have contributed historically to public service and government. The March 19 event, hosted by the National Women’s History Project, honored 16 women whose dedication
State ends legislative session with no compact Community by Eileen Soler - March 29, 2016 TALLAHASSEE — March 11, the last day of the Florida 2016 legislative session, came and went without ratification of the Seminole gaming compact. Senate Bill 7074 died without making it to the floor after weeks of critical legislative debate and backlash from outside gaming enterprises led to a handful of Senate
‘Citizen archaeology’ bills die in committee Community by Peter B. Gallagher - March 29, 2016 TALLAHASSEE — To the relief of Native American Tribes in Florida, the state Legislature ended its 2016 session March 11 with both House Bill 803 and Senate Bill 1054 dead in committee. Had the Citizens Archaeology Permit (CAP) bills been passed and signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott, anyone with
Eighty-mile Tamiami Trail trek conveys Everglades awareness Community by Eileen Soler - March 29, 2016 TRAIL — More than 40 protesters walked an 80-mile stretch across Tamiami Trail from Miami to Naples March 20-25 to step up efforts for protecting and preserving the Florida Everglades. Carrying signs and banners, demonstrators were out to spread awareness for current hot topic issues before lawmakers that could bring an
