BIG CYPRESS – In Eloponke, “To-Pee-Kee-Ke Yak-Ne” means a place to gather – and that’s just what the Big Cypress community did during a festive open house event March 9 that featured vendors, music and food.

The To-Pee-Kee-Ke Yak-Ne Community Center in Big Cypress made its debut in May 2019, but was only open for 10 months before the pandemic struck.

The Seminole Tribe’s shift into phase three of reopening, which started Feb. 28, allowed a return to facilities and for tribal members to gather in-person.

The open house was organized by Quenton Cypress, the Heritage and Environment Resources Office (HERO) community engagement manager. His goal was to have the tribal community meet  HERO staff and learn about programs and initiatives at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) and the Environmental Resources Management Department (ERMD). Each department staffed informational tables at the event.  

Fifteen vendors also sold clothing, arts and crafts, jewelry and food. The crowd was so large that some food vendors sold out.

“The open house was more than we could have imagined,” Cypress said. “It was a great turnout.”

“The community is ready to be a community again,” said Big Cypress Councilwoman Mariann Billie. “The pandemic is still here with us, like a lot of other viruses. But they are ready to mingle and socialize. Without the people, we wouldn’t be a community or a tribe. We can’t be who we are if we are cooped up at home.”

The vendors were a welcomed sight for those who wanted to shop.

“It’s nice to get out,” said Esther Gopher, who shopped with her daughter Kristen Billie and 11-month-old granddaughter Daenerys Billie. “I haven’t seen some of these people in years, it feels good. We still wear our masks because we still have a baby.”

Rez Jamz, the center’s musical showcase for tribal member musicians, set up a backdrop and sound system outside. Featured artists included Eden Jumper and Cypress Billie.

“It’s good to see everybody and the vendors,” Councilwoman Billie said. “We all like socializing and the energy that comes with it. We want to create an environment where people feel welcome.”