Seminoles Defeat Government Troops at Kissimmee Slough Shootout

The Seminole Tribune 5 February 6, 2004Flamingo Elementary students were all ears when Charles Hiers Billie spoke.Charles Hiers Billie Volunteers at Old Davie School:By Michael KellyDAVIE, FL — Charles Hiers Billie takespride in many things. One of them is his desire toeducate individuals about the Seminole Tribe. Sowhen the Broward County School Board asked Billieto volunteer at the Old Davie School in Davie, FL, hewas more than excited.“I was at the Broward County Pioneer DaysCelebration and spoke with someone about volunteeringhere at the school; they thought it was a greatidea,” said Billie. “This is the first time a Seminolehas assisted in such a program.”Most of the visitorsto the Old School are schoolchildren, ranging from secondto fourth grade. On thisparticular day, the FlamingoElementary School in Daviespent a late Wednesdaymorning listening intently toBillie as he sat in his fiberglassreplica of a Seminolecanoe. He discussed how theSeminoles use to travel bycanoe through the meanderingeverglades, stopping bytrading posts to buy and sellgoods.“The smallercanoes were used for hunting,holding only a coupleof people,” said Billie. “Thelarger canoes would carry families along the everglades,also known as the river of grass.”Traditional Seminole canoes are made fromcypress trees, generally between 15 and 30 feet inlength. The canoes are narrow, approximately threefeet wide, 15 inches deep and 15 feet long. And whileMichael KellyCanoe Building Becoming a Lost ArtMichael KellyCarlos Fernandez works on thefiberglass canoe.most Seminoles used a tall wooden pole to navigate,some canoes were powered by a small sail.Billie explained that constructing traditionalSeminole canoes has largely died out.“Very few people know how to do it,” saidBillie. “And those that do are elders.”“It can be a pain-staking process, but its partof our culture. Our younger generation needs to learnit. It’s important,” he continued.Billie hired Carlos Fernandez to replicate theSeminole canoes, but added a few refinements.“The canoe I’m workingon right now is wider and has a flatterbottom, so it’s easier to moveabout,” said Fernandez. “Also, thesides are much higher so you canuse it in the ocean.”The particular canoeFernandez is working on reaches28-feet in length, and will have asmall sail.According to Fernandez,the process for constructing a fiberglasscanoe can take a few days orseveral weeks to make. After creatingthe actual canoe, a gel coat isapplied, which creates an outershell. After that, more layers gelcoat are applied to add thickness.Billie would like to constructa few of them for each reservation,and eventually use them forcanoe races, reenactments, or justfor fun.“It’s important that our children learn abouttheir past and how we lived,” said Billie. “The realcypress canoes are becoming extinct. Maybe with thehelp of these fiberglass canoes, that past will nevergo away.”Archery Brings Family TogetherBy Michael KellyHOLLYWOOD — The last timeWanda Bowers tried archery was in high school.But from Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, she and her son CaseyMcCall, 15, will compete in their first archerytournament at the Brighton Recreation building.“My son and I were inspired by IndianDay back in September 2003,” said Bowers.“The Recreation Department set up archeryequipment and targets to hit. After a few pointersfrom John Waterhouse and Steve Young, Iwas doing fairly well. My son Casey alsoenjoyed it.”For most parents, spending time withtheir children can be as difficult as hitting abull’s-eye.“For me, it was a great way to bondwith my son,” said Bowers. “Because I workfull time, I don’t get to see Casey that much.This way, we get to practice together.”John Waterhouse, Indigenous ArcheryCoach for the Seminole Tribe for the past twoyears, sees potential in both Wanda and Casey.“I think they have the potential to dowell,” said Waterhouse. “They’re here everyMonday and Friday for practice, two hours eachday. They’ve shown they are committed to succeeding.”The mother/son team shoots as many as60 arrows at an 18 inch target, 20 yards away.According to Casey, the hardest thing to do isremembering the right technique.“You need to concentrate on every littledetail - placing your hands just right and eyeingthe target,” said Casey. “But once you get it, youjust know you’re going to hit the bulls-eye. It’salso relaxing; it’s just you and the target.”This tournament is a tune-up for theSunshine State Games, to be held in Tallahassee, FLin June. But the ultimate goal is to compete in the2005 Indigenous Games in Buffalo, NY.“We took the Bronze medal at theMichael KellyTaking aim (L-R): Casey McCall, John Waterhouse, and Wanda Bowers.Michael KellyCasey McCall’s archery skills are right on target.Indigenous Games in Winnipeg back in 2001,” saidWaterhouse. “Clinton Holt was outstanding. If it wasn’tfor a technicality, he would have captured thegold.”Unfortunately, Holt has not committed to the2005 Indigenous Games, butWaterhouse is optimistic he’llbe there.Wanda recalled one daywhen Casey was getting frustratedduring practice.“He wanted to quitright there on the spot,” saidWanda. “I said fine, then I’llquit too - let’s go home. Hechanged his mind and hasn’tlooked back since.”Waterhouse, who has morethan 20 years experience inarchery and as an instructor,hopes more Seminoles willparticipate in classes and inupcoming tournaments.Archery instructions areoffered every Monday from6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If youare interested in signing up,please contact the HollywoodRecreation Department at(954) 989-9457, or call JohnWaterhouse at (305) 796-2874.