By Judy Weeks BRIGHTON — This year, the annual Brighton Field Day Rodeo was designated a memorial to honor Tribal icon Fred Smith for his contributions to the Seminole Tribe, his country, his community and his family from Feb. 3-4. A proud statesman, lifelong cattleman, tough politician, historical pioneer and compassionate steward

By Judy Weeks BIG CYPRESS — Family, friends and Tribal citizens acknowledged the important contributions of Tribal elders Frank J. and Alice Billie during a celebration of life and birthday party on Feb. 28 at the camp of Nancy and Michaelene Billie. Born around the early 1920s, this brother and sister represent

MOORE HAVEN — One of Florida’s oldest continuous festivals kicked off on March 2-3 in Moore Haven. Chalo Nitka, Creek for "Big Bass," is sponsored in part by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and gives the Tribe an opportunity to showcase their culture and traditions to the outside community. The festival originated

BIG CYPRESS – After 38 years with the Seminole Tribe of Florida Recreation Department, the man everyone knows as Bigg Shot is retired. Moses Jumper Jr., 62, Snake Clan, son of Betty Mae Jumper and Moses Jumper Sr. and grandson of Ada Tiger, the man who single-handedly built Seminole Tribal

BRIGHTON — After 35 years of dedicated work with the Seminole Tribe, Brighton’s Director of Elder Services Leah Minnick retired on Feb. 24. Family, friends and community members came together to honor and congratulate Minnick during a retirement party held at the Senior Center on March 1. "I didn’t want nothing," Minnick

By Naji Tobias BIG CYPRESS — There is nothing like the pride that Seminoles get from reliving their victory. The Big Cypress Shootout never fails to do just that. In its 15th year, the event continues to demonstrate what it was like for the Seminoles to go through a war that led

IMMOKALEE — What began as a practical joke on March 7 quickly turned into a serious, unfortunate series of events that brought the entire Immokalee community together. The Immokalee Seminole Police Department (SPD) received a call at 6:45 p.m. advising them that four children between the ages of 8 and 12

FORT PIERCE — Spending three days meticulously sewing 1 yard of patchwork paid off in a big way for Mary Tommie. For her artistic efforts, the Fort Pierce senior took home first place in the arts and crafts patchwork competition during Brighton Field Day from Feb. 16-19. "It makes me feel good

FORT PIERCE — The Fort Pierce community kicked off a new program this year to encourage kids to participate with extracurricular activities, and it has taken off. Called New Beginners, the program teaches Tribal youth – and adults – how to care for and ride horses. Tribal member Shamy Tommie Sr.,

By Kathryn Stolarz MIAMI — More than 50 Bird Clan members gathered at the Miccosukee Village on March 10 for a family reunion. The group of Seminole and Miccosukee Indians hadn’t gathered together in more than 50 years and decided to reunite the clan once again. "The whole theme is getting to know