BIG CYPRESS — The Seminole Tribe’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum held its annual American Indian Arts Celebration (AIAC) in Big Cypress Nov. 1 and 2. More than 800 students from South Florida and tribal schools joined other attendees at the museum’s festival grounds on Nov. 1.

The event a commemorates Native American Heritage Month with Indigenous entertainment, food and arts. The AIAC offered something for everyone from Native American culture, music, dance, arts, jewelry, clothing and food. The day began with a traditional Grand Entry led by Seminole medicine man Bobby Henry, Miss Florida Seminole CeCe Thomas, Jr. Miss Florida Seminole Violet Osceola, Billy Walker, Everett Osceola and actor/writer Dallas Goldtooth.

Highlights of the AIAC included alligator wrestling, the Ahfachkee School fashion show and band concert, a wildlife show, Native American hoop dancers, Aztec dancers, White Apache crown dancers and a meet and greet with Goldtooth (Dakota, Navajo).

Florida’s history is an important part of the state’s fourth grade curriculum, so some of the school groups were loaded with fourth graders, their teachers and chaperones. Many of the teachers, who prepared the students for the day by teaching Seminole history, said they wanted the students to get an appreciation of Seminole heritage and culture.

“We talk about how the present day Seminoles keep their culture, traditions and heritage alive,” said Embassy Creek Elementary teacher Dr. Michelle Krantz. “We want [the students] to know Native Americans aren’t just what they see on TV. We talked about the Hard Rock, and they were surprised. I’m trying to show them the benefits we have because of the Seminole Tribe.”

Many of the teachers and chaperones believe it’s important to attend to this and other festivals so students can learn about people who are different from themselves.

“I think it’s critical that they see the culture and traditions beyond what’s accessible to them where we live,” said parent volunteer Jacob Pfeffer, of Cooper City. “This is such an important community in Florida.”

“This place is kind of cool to look at,” said student Iyla Benjamin, 9. “In the museum I got to see where they slept and what it looked like in the old days.”

Embassy Creek Elementary teacher Stacy Vidal said she wanted her students to get a taste of what they learned about in class and hopes they can appreciate the authentic items and people.

“This is exactly what we teach,” said teacher Lisa Dutschke. “I want them to understand that what happens in the classroom is alive and real. I want them to see what Florida is made of and see something they wouldn’t normally see. The Seminole tribe is a culture that needs to be preserved. I taught [students] about how they contribute to our economy and preserve our ecosystems.”

Enthusiastic students from schools around South Florida were excited to be at
AIAC and to experience what they learned about in social studies class.