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
Gaming boasts two promotions in TCD program Community by Beverly Bidney - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 The best advice Jim Osceola III received propelled him into a career with Seminole Gaming, where as a member of the Tribal Career Development (TCD) program he was recently promoted to director of Hospitality. "Back in 1979, Chairman James Billie told me when I get my degree, don’t come back here,"
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
Educators get schooled at Billie Swamp Safari Community by Eileen Soler - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — The tables were turned on more than 30 teachers this summer when the Tribe’s Florida Seminole Tourism Department hosted daylong learning adventures just for them at Billie Swamp Safari. "I loved every minute," said Tiqua Carty, a fifth-grade teacher from Riverland Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale. Carty was one
Native American Journalists Association welcomes new media Community by Beverly Bidney - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) embraced the past and present at its annual conference July 10-13 in Santa Clara, Calif. The conference theme, "Going Tra-Digital," marked the combination of honoring Native traditions while using modern technology, including social media, in newsrooms throughout Indian Country. "Our traditions shape
Brighton shell pit digging up profit Community by Beverly Bidney - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 BRIGHTON — A steady procession of dump trucks has traveled in and out of the Brighton Reservation shell pit thanks to an abundance of work from multiple sources, including the Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). "It’s in full throttle now," said Brighton Board Rep.
Indian Country profile: Journalist Hattie Kauffman impacts media world Community by Beverly Bidney - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 Hattie Kauffman has the distinction of being the first Native American television reporter to file a story on a national evening news broadcast, but she hopes she won’t be the last. "Our culture is vibrant with storytelling; that’s what reporting is," said Kauffman, a four-time Emmy Award winning journalist and member
East meets West as Hollywood seniors visit California Tribe Community by Beverly Bidney - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 SAN FRANCISCO — A group of seniors from Hollywood went on a sightseeing trip last month to San Francisco, a city known for its vintage cable cars, picturesque Fisherman’s Wharf and steep hills covered in quaint Victorian homes. The group was also enriched by a newly found kinship with the Federated
Seniors catch Seminole fever at meet and greet Community by Beverly Bidney - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 TALLAHASSEE — Meeting a fellow unconquered people was a memorable experience for a group of Big Cypress seniors who traveled to Florida State University July 17 to meet members of the undefeated 2013 BCS championship Seminoles football team. "The players wanted to meet the seniors," said Big Cypress Councilman Mondo Tiger,