Drilling opponents get good news, but battles continue Community News by Beverly Bidney - March 9, 2022March 9, 2022 Texas-based Burnett Oil Co. withdrew its permit applications to dig on two prospective sites in the Big Cypress National Preserve on Feb. 22, but its pursuit to drill for oil in areas close to both Seminole and Miccosukee reservations might not be over. Burnett indicated in a letter to the Florida
Big Cypress embraces ‘Sunshine’ drive thru Community News by The Seminole Tribune - March 9, 2022March 9, 2022 BIG CYPRESS — Instead of pink hearts for Valentine’s Day, the Big Cypress Junior Cypress Rodeo Arena was festooned with a sunny palette of sunflower yellow for the You Are Sunshine drive thru event Feb. 11. The Big Cypress Council Office changed the Valentine’s Day narrative to one of promoting care,
Tribe purchases land near Brighton, Immokalee reservations Community News Top News Top Story by Beverly Bidney - March 9, 2022March 9, 2022 Recent real estate purchases by the tribe include Lakeport Ranch next to the Brighton Reservation. (Courtesy photo) The Seminole Tribe’s Sovereign Wealth Fund purchased a few parcels of land in September 2021 near the Brighton and Immokalee reservations. The purchases, which were made through its Seminole Real Estate Fund, or SemREF, include
February Covid-19 diagnosis concerns Leonard Peltier supporters Community News Top News Top Story by Beverly Bidney - March 9, 2022March 9, 2022 Martha Tommie, from the Brighton Reservation, stands in front of the Coleman Federal Correctional Institution Feb. 6 during an Indigenous-led prayer vigil for Leonard Peltier, who is incarcerated at the prison. (Courtesy photo) Leonard Peltier supporters have another reason to push for the 77-year-old’s release from federal prison – a February
About those power outages: Renewables come to Big Cypress, Brighton Community News Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - March 3, 2022March 3, 2022 Solar panels like these will be used to harness the energy of the sun for battery powered storage on the Brighton and Big Cypress reservations. (Image via Facebook) HOLLYWOOD — The tribe’s leadership wants electric power disruptions on the Big Cypress and Brighton reservationsto become a relic. An ongoing plan to
Covid-19 cases decline in tribe Community Health News by Damon Scott - March 3, 2022March 3, 2022 HOLLYWOOD — The tribe has entered phase three of reopening after almost two years of pandemic-related restrictions. The tribe made the announcement through a video message by Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. on Feb. 18. The new phase began Feb. 28. Phase three includes the return of in-person gatherings, however facemasks
New name part of changes at Education Community Education by Damon Scott - March 3, 2022March 3, 2022 HOLLYWOOD — The tongue twister has been put to rest. The Seminole Tribe’s Center for Student Success and Services(CSSS) – has been renamed as the Education Department. Department officials sought the name change and Tribal Council recently approved it. While it might seem like a formality, Education director Michael Giacchino said
Tribal water rights, issues remain a long game Community News Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - February 17, 2022February 17, 2022 The tribe continues to work on securing its Lake Okeechobee water rights for decades to come. (Photo Beverly Bidney) As the new year kicks into high gear, work moves forward with state and federal agencies – particularly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – on water issues that directly affect the
Seminole Scenes: January 2022 Community Seminole Scenes Top News Top Story by The Seminole Tribune - February 12, 2022February 12, 2022 HASKELL HOOPS: A few Seminoles attended the men’s basketball game between Haskell Indian Nations University and Keiser University on Jan. 8 in West Palm Beach. Above, Chelsea Mountain and her son Jaycon Billie watch the action. Mountain is a former Haskell student who was a standout basketball player at American
Tribal Historic Preservation Office awarded grant for Natural Resource Conservation Service projects Community News by The Seminole Tribune - February 11, 2022February 11, 2022 A THPO archaeologist digging a shovel test. (Courtesy THPO) Editor's note: Mark Savany, THPO field archeologist, submitted this report for the Seminole Tribune. The Seminole Tribe of Florida Tribal Historic Preservation Office (STOF-THPO) was awarded a $347,000 grant from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in September 2020. The grant funds have