Tribal Election Results Are In - Seminole Tribe of Florida

The Seminole Tribune 4 May 20, 2005Thousands from across Indian Country made it to the Gathering. GatheringContinued from page 1dress handmade by McCall.All talent presentations were well applaudedby the audience in attendance and even though McCalldid not place in that category, her presentation earnedone of the few “awws” from the crowd.The night of the dance competition, McCalldanced to the beat of the Indian drums arrayed in abeautiful Southern Cloth dress made by SalinaTodome, a Kiwona/Comanche from Tulsa, Oklahoma.The beadwork on the detail of dress was made by herhusband Junior Todome, who also provided all ofMcCall’s beaded accessories as well as her beadedmoccasins.Eighteen year old McCall showed muchenthusiasm in her desire to represent the Tribe at theMiss Indian World pageant. In order to participate inthe pageant, the prospective contestants had to sell raffletickets and McCall sold almost 4,000 tickets. Shewas the contestant with the most raffle tickets soldoverall and her efforts were rewarded with a Disney®cruise.Throughout the week’s activities, not only didMcCall participate in a once in a life time experiencebut also met a wonderful group of new people. Shepointed out that the Miss Indian World pageant committeepraised this year’s contestants for being one ofthe most wonderful groups they have worked withbecause each contestant treated each other withoutanimosity. At times, McCall even shared some of herpacked accessories with some of the other contestants.“Everything was so calm,” said WandaBowers, McCall’s mother and chaperone.“I felt honored to represent the Tribe,” saidMcCall, “What was more important for me was that Igot a chance to show that all Natives have differentphysical features, whether it may be dark or light, tallMichael Murphy(L-R) LaWanna Niles and Nancy Motlow at the Seminole Tribe’s booth.Adelsa Williamsor short.” Besides a contestant from Canada, McCallwas the tallest one on the group.On the first night of the Pow-Wow during thegrand entry ceremonies, the arena director called outthe female jingle dancers for a jingle dance as way of“good blessing” for the weekend festivities.The 2004-2005 Miss Indian World DelanaSmith, a kindergarten teacher at her Tribe, also performeda farewell jingle dance. Surprising the crowd,Smith brought along her kindergarten class to dancewith her. Smith explained that the dance with the childrenwas also in memoriam to the youth killed in thepast tragedy in her home and reservation in Red Lake,Minnesota. Pow-Wow goers gave Smith a standingovation for her presentation after they silently witnessthe dance.McCall shared that another emotionalmoment was right before the contestants came outfrom the dressing room to enter the arena for theannouncement of the winner on the final night of thecompetition.“I was very nervous and excited right untildifferent contestants started singing songs in theirNative language,” said McCall, “That’s when some ofus started crying.” “One Navajo contestant said itmeant more if she did it in her language.” Shedescribed the music as peaceful and soothing.As always the tough competition had to benarrowed down to one lucky winner, she was CassieThomas from the Seneca Tribe from Lawtons, N.Y.Thomas also won the best public speakingand best traditional presentation award.McCall wants to give many thanks to all theSeminole Tribe of Florida officials of the council andthe board who supported her and made possible forher to participate in this year’s pageant. She alsowants to thank all of those who purchased raffle ticketsand all who attended the Gathering of Nations andgot a chance to witness her presentations and offeredgraceful compliments.Tribe Makes an Impact at Broward DaysMichael MurphyBroward Days Co-Chairs Belinda Kaiser (left) and John Pisula withStephen Bowers, who is displaying the Tribe’s sponsorship award.Submitted by Stephen D. Bowers,Liaison, Governor’s Council onIndian AffairsTALLAHASSEE, FL —The Seminole Tribe of Florida participatesin Broward Day inTallahassee, Fla. during the annuallegislative session. Broward Daysis when various community-mindedresidents throughout BrowardCounty converge in Tallahassee tolobby for various issues that matter.This year’s Broward Days tookplace April 4–6 with over 600Broward County residents in attendance.Committees are formed inBroward County to fight for morefunding for various BrowardCounty-wide issues including:health care, workforce development,education workshop and children’sissues/juvenile justice. Theythen bring these issues to lawmakersin Florida’s capital.The Seminole Tribe ofFlorida joined forces with AllService Refuse, Citrix Systems,Comcast Cable Communications,Keiser College and Motorola to help sponsor most ofthe activities. A few of the activities during the threedayevent included an official welcome to Tallahasseeby District 2 Broward County Mayor Kristin Jacobsand Senator Walter “Skip” Campbell (D-FL), also theBroward LegislativeDelegation Chair. Campbellalso introduced a legislativeproclamation recognizingBroward Days to thestate Senate.The Broward Daysluncheon featured speakerTom Lee, Florida’s SenatePresident.Liaison Stephen D.Bowers, LaWanna Nilesfrom the Hollywood Clinicand Immokalee Tribal citizenNancy Motlow,Immokalee Reservationrepresented the SeminoleTribe of Florida. Whilemanaging a booth duringthe Annual SponsorRecognition Reception,current Florida AttorneyGeneral Charlie Criststopped by to say hello tothese Tribal representativesand pick up a few of theSeminole Tribe’s giveawayitems.Seminole Princess PageantJuly 30, 2005Hollywood, FloridaIf you are interested in running for the title of Miss Florida Seminole and/or Jr. Miss Florida Seminoleplease contact Wanda F. Bowers at (954) 966-6300, Ext. 1468, or your local Princess CommitteeMember.Further information to follow