TAMPA

Dozens of Tribal members from the Tampa area came to the Seminole’s Lakeland property for Indian Day events on Sept. 29.

Families gathered on a hot and humid day at 9610 Bryant Road in Lakeland, about 35 miles northeast of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa for a number of activities.

Tampa office manager Sunny Ploch helped to organize the events along with members of the recreation office. Herbert Jim, the Tampa Culture Language Director, was the emcee of the day.

The agenda included a clothing contest, which brought out participants from the very young through Tribal elders, including Tribal medicine man Bobby Henry who is 81 years old.

There was log skinning, archery (for the men) and a skillet toss (for the women). A co-ed horseshoe tournament brought out men and women alike.

Sonny’s BBQ provided a variety of food for lunch and dinner.

There were also a variety of ongoing demonstrations during the day’s events. Those included animal phat primitive skills, bead working, wood carving, leather crafting and sewing.

Owen Billie and Marcus Briggs-Cloud told traditional Seminole stories as well.

– Damon Scott