HOLLYWOOD — Sixty-eight years after the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Constitution was formed, the tribal community gathered June 2 near the Council Oak Tree on the Hollywood Reservation to watch as six elected officials were sworn in.

The Board and Council officials sworn in are Big Cypress Councilwoman Mariann Billie, Brighton Councilman Larry Howard, Hollywood Councilman Christopher Osceola, Big Cypress Board Representative Nadine Bowers, Brighton Board Representative Bryan Arledge and Hollywood Board Representative O’Hara Tommie, who is the only newly elected official; all others sworn in were reelected in the tribe’s regular election May 12.

“A wholehearted, heartfelt congratulations to our ancestors for the reason that we’re here. … That’s the strength and power that we have of survival to forge the future for our families. Congratulations to everyone in this room for keeping that alive,” Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. said to the audience which sat under a giant white tent outside the Seminole Classic Casino.

Tribal royalty, students and members of the community came together to celebrate and watch the elected officials be sworn in. At the beginning of the ceremony, Miss Florida Seminole CeCe Thomas, Jr. Miss Florida Seminole Violet Osceola spoke and participated in the Seminole pledges, which were said in Creek by Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School students and in Elaponke by Ahfachkee School students.

President Holly Tiger congratulated and thanked everyone who put in the effort to run for office and put themselves out there. Having respect for each other and the positions they hold as elected officials is important, President Tiger said.

“One thing I’ve learned in the past year and a half is just understanding you’re not always going to be the right one or the right answer, but collaboratively you can come to the right answer,” she said.

Eric L. Wilcox, regional director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs eastern regional office, presided over the installation of officials and swore them in.

“The election is over. It’s now time to govern,” Wilcox said.

All Board and Council members sworn in thanked their families, offices, communities and support systems.

“At the end of the day, you’ve given me this opportunity to make me get up every morning and go to work for you guys, no matter what,” Councilman Howard said.

“At the end of the day, there’s going to be peaches and cream, and some days there’s going to be some storms out there. But normally, [when you] weather the storm, there’s always a brighter day ahead. So again, I want to thank my community for giving me this opportunity,” he said.

“As a representative, I will continue to support initiatives that are in the best interest of our people. And let’s not forget, it is our duty as a tribe to empower the next generation. As Council members, it is our responsibility to ensure the policies that we enact today to lay that foundation,” Councilwoman Billie said.

Board Rep. Alredge emphasized improving tribal value in central tribal Florida businesses and being a transparent leader.

“I look forward to working in community our efforts to make sure we create a stronger collaboration together and make sure that all of the decisions that we make are for the betterment of the title shareholders,” Rep. Alredge said. “And to the title shareholders, I will make sure I remain committed to you and earn your trust every day. I’ll make sure that I work hard and stay dedicated and have good communication with me. … So, in closing, I’d like to emphasize that our tribe is built on community, so let’s stay together in one and continue to grow and make this tribe prosperous.”

Guests in attendance included Chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe Talbert Cypress, Assistant Chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe Lucas Osceola, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, City of Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy and Broward County Commissioner Alexandra Davis.