By Christine McCall ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The 30th annual Gathering of Nations – North America’s largest powwow – attracted more than 1,500 competitive native dancers and tens of thousands spectators to Albuquerque, N.M. from April 25-27. Dancers dressed in traditional garb adorned with colorful beads and flowing feathers kicked off the event

BRIGHTON — Members of the Brighton community paid tribute to their friend Roger Smith at a cattle drive held in his memory on March 16. Led by his riderless horse Goldie, Smith’s boots backward in the stirrups, about 100 people participated in the Roger Smith Memorial Cattle Drive to move a

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

By Judy Weeks TRAIL — The Seminoles are a matriarchal society in which their blood line and clan are descended through the women of the Tribe. This high matriarch position is earned through many years of shouldering responsibility and serving the best interests of her descendants and clan members through hard

BRIGHTON — Growing sugarcane in Brighton is as natural as raising cattle; the 800 acres of sugarcane fields on the reservation are surrounded by cattle pastures. After a few years’ hiatus and a complete overhaul of the fields, sugarcane is back in full production and the recent harvest was one

HOLLYWOOD — Sally Tommie opened the Chupco Indian Art Gallery as an outlet to represent the Seminole Tribe and to share Native American heritage through artwork. It’s also a place to find fine gifts for dignitaries visiting the Tribe. As a former employee of Tribal government, Tommie presented Tribal gifts to

HOLLYWOOD — Most people don’t give too much thought to how clean water enters and exits their homes. Fortunately, employees in the Public Works Department think about nothing else – except safety – while accomplishing that formidable task for the Seminole Tribe. About a year ago, the department initiated improved safety

BRIGHTON — Earning a state license to qualify for a job in the Public Works Department can be a challenge; rigorous licensing exams test student knowledge of specific and technical information. Recently, Public Works Quality Assurance coordinator Craig Gopher became the first Tribal member to earn a Water Distribution System

The Tribe’s Animal Control Program ensures treasured family pets receive vaccinations, rabies shots and electronically tracked implanted microchips through semi-annual clinics. About 50 Hollywood dogs and cats brought their owners to the rabies and microchip clinic on March 28 outside the Health Department. "When the Animal Control Program was started in

By Judy Weeks IMMOKALEE — The Seminole Tribe won first place in the float competition at the Immokalee Harvest Festival Parade for the third consecutive year. The 53rd annual event was held on April 13. As in previous years, the Seminole Tribe played a recurring role. This year, the Culture Department created a