December 19 - Seminole Tribe of Florida

Ahfachkee students displayscience fair projectsEDUCATION v 1BTampa holdsFamily Fishing DayCOMMUNITY v 4ATeams compete in BigBallers TournamentSPORTS v 1CVolume XXXVI • Number 12 December 19, 2012Big Cypress celebratesSnake Road groundbreakingBeverly BidneyBags of donated goods wait to be loaded. At right, Pete Osceola goes to get more items as Jody Osceola brings bags of goods in from her car.Native Relief Foundation makesChristmas merrier for Pine RidgeBY BEVERLY BIDNEYStaff ReporterIt’s hard to imagine living below thefederal poverty line of $23,050 per yearfor a family of four. But on the Pine RidgeReservation in South Dakota, some familiesstruggle to survive on $3,800 per year.In October 2011, a few SeminoleTribal members watched an ABC Newsdocumentary about the reservation fromthe comfort of their own homes andstarted texting and emailing each otherimmediately. Something had to be done.“We were all touched emotionally;we were crying,” Gloria Wilson said. “Weknew we had to get together as a group anddo something to help. And that’s what wedid.”The Native Relief Foundation (NRF)was created in November 2011 with theobjective to provide assistance to nongamingTribes. In only its second year,the nonprofit organization completed threeseparate relief efforts for Pine Ridge thismonth. They delivered a truckload of goodsto the reservation, including clothing,baby items, warm coats and jackets, nonperishablefood and toys to various districtson the reservation; sent clothing and schoolsupplies to students at Flandreau IndianSchool; and purchased new toys for studentsat the Wounded Knee School. Most of theitems were donated by Tribal members orpurchased by the foundation.NRF member Bobbi “BJ” Billie drovethe 20-foot truck to South Dakota alongwith NRF member Pete Osceola and MishaWinters, a Rosebud Sioux member fromPine Ridge. After a 36-hour drive, theyspent a week delivering items to four of thenine districts on the reservation, which islarger than Delaware.“There are so many communities upthere who need help,” said Billie, one ofthe founders of NRF, who lived in PineRidge for 12 years. “I’ve seen how they livefirsthand. I don’t know how to express it,but it means a lot to me to give up familytime to do this.”The NRF is not funded by the Tribe, soit holds a variety of fundraisers throughoutthe year, including yard sales, raffles andcollections through donation boxes on everyreservation in which people have donated alarge variety of items.“The kids up there don’t often haveshoes without holes in them,” NRF memberJody Osceola said. “This is poverty I don’tthink anyone in the Seminole Tribe can evengrasp. There are no business prospects inPine Ridge, and the land is barren and harsh.They rely on help from the government. It’sreally sad that in America in 2012 this kindof poverty exists.”Pine Ridge faces the following issues:• The 3,469-square-mile reservationis the poorest in the U.S. and is home to apopulation estimated at 40,000 people ofvarious Sioux Tribes.•It is the eighth-largest reservation inthe country.•Only 84,000 acres out of thereservation’s 2.2 million are suitable foragriculture.•Unemployment is between 80-85percent; 49 percent of the population livebelow the poverty level.•There is little economic industry.•It has the highest infant mortality ratein the U.S.•Many families have no electricitymost of the year and no telephone service,running water or sewers.•Life expectancy is 48 years formen and 52 years for women, the lowestanywhere in the western hemisphere, exceptfor Haiti.“The drinking water isn’t always safe,the youth centers are run down, the housingand community facilities are dilapidated,”Wilson said. “We wanted to provide directservice to the people and make sure it goesto a lot of places on the reservation.”Led by Wanda Bowers, the SeminolePrincess Committee helped collect clothing,baby items, linens and school supplies forFlandreau Indian School. The Cultureinstructor at the school is a judge for theSeminole Princess Pageant.“We have been collecting clothing forthe school since 2006; it’s a year-roundeffort,” said Bowers, also an NRF member.“We send them as soon as the boxes getfilled up. As long as the clothes are clean, wewill accept anything. We’ve sent everythingfrom prom dresses to pencils. They reallyappreciate the donations.”For the 124 students at the WoundedKnee School, NRF members Paula Bowers-Sanchez, Caroline Gama and Wilson wentshopping for toys. Armed with names,grades and ages of each student, thethreesome divided up the list and hit the toyaisles at Target.Last year, they bought generic gifts fordifferent ages. This year, they knew what thestudents wanted. Fifth- and eighth-gradersrequested radios. The shoppers found darkhairedBarbie and Monster High dolls, butmost of the Disney princesses were blondes.Regardless, they filled baskets with thedolls, popular action figures, games, Legosand other non-battery operated items.“Our focus is on the children,” saidGama, an NRF committee member. “Wewant to give them a Christmas they willremember.”The NRF is in the application processfor a federal 501(c)3 nonprofit designation,which should be finalized in the next fewmonths. When that occurs, the organizationwill be able to solicit for and accept cashdonations, as well as donations andmerchandise from corporations.“Just a handful of people conceived thisand are now implementing it,” Wilson said.To get involved in the Native ReliefFoundation or to donate goods for theholidays, email GloriaWilson2@semtribe.com, WBowers@semtribe.com or Jody@osceolaoperations.com.F See more NRF photos on page 6ABeverly BidneyFrom left, Gloria Wilson, Caroline Gama and Paula Bowers-Sanchez shop for toys at Target forchildren in Pine Ridge.BY BEVERLY BIDNEYStaff ReporterBIG CYPRESS — Snake Roadhas a shape so distinctive it can easilybe identified from 40,000 feet in the air.With 34 curves, the narrow two-lane roadclearly resembles a snake writhing itsway from Interstate 75 to the Big CypressReservation over the course of 19.6 miles.A notoriously dangerous road, it will soonbecome safer thanks to a new constructionproject to renovate it.About 100 people, including Tribal andfederal dignitaries, attended a ceremonialgroundbreaking for the $4-million-plusproject on Nov. 30 at Big Cypress. Manyattendees have lost loved ones or knowpeople who have been injured on SnakeRoad and hope adding safety features willprevent accidents in the future.“It used to take all day to get here,”Chairman James E. Billie said. “I rememberLady Bird (Johnson) wanted the straightroad to be curved to make it more scenic.That road has injured a lot of people andtook some lives. Hopefully, now it will bea safe road.”While on the campaign trail in the early1960s, Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnsonnoticed the rundown and unattractive stateof the nation’s highways. When Johnsonbecame president, Lady Bird pushed forbeautification of the highways, whichresulted in the passage of the HighwayBeautification Act in 1965. Snake Roadwas built in the late 1960s as part of thatprogram.“If Lady Bird would have had to driveSnake Road, she would have changed hermind about the curves,” President TonySanchez Jr. said. “If you live out here, whenit is dark, it’s a dangerous road. As theBY KATHRYN STOLARZCopy EditorWASHINGTON, D.C. — PresidentTony Sanchez Jr. took home new ideas forpreventative health care and networkedwith Department of Energy officialsregarding solar energy at the White HouseTribal Nations Conference on Dec. 5. Hejoined 565 other federally recognizedNative American Tribes, and AlaskaNative Villages, invited to hear remarksfrom U.S. President Barack Obama andeight members of his cabinet.“It’s very important that we show upin D.C.,” President Sanchez said. “Wealways need to have that presence.”Obama hosted the conference for thefourth consecutive year, continuing his2008 election campaign promise to improveand expand dialog with Indian Country andprompting one Tribal leader to playfullyintroduce him as “the first American Indianpresident.” The conference convened at theDepartment of Interior headquarters.“Now three years ago, I was proudto see that this conference was the largestgathering of Tribal leaders in our history,”Obama told the crowd. “And back then, anevent like this was rare. It’s gotten routine.”The overall message resoundedthroughout the day: the U.S. governmenthas come a long way in its relations withIndian Country, but there’s more to do.Tribal members voiced their concerns, andcabinet members expressed their desires tohelp.“Just as America is going through aprocess of trying to deal with the economy,the unemployment, getting people moreeducated, those are the same issues [NativeAmericans] are dealing with,” PresidentSanchez said. “We all have the sameconcerns, just on various degrees.”The day kicked off with a presentationof colors by the Native American WomenWarriors, accompanied by representativesof the Navajo Code Talkers, includingPeter MacDonald Sr., friend of theSeminole Tribe.After a flag song and invocation,U.S. secretaries made opening remarks,representing the departments of Interior,Education, Treasury, Commerce, Healthand Human Services, and Agriculture.A midday breakout session dividedTribal leaders into five groups, givingTribes an opportunity to help shape federalTribe grows, more demands will be placedon the road. We have the opportunity tocorrect the issues with the road.”The 4.3-mile project stretches from100 feet east of the Junior Cypress Rodeoand Entertainment Complex to the northernboundary of the Big Cypress Reservation.Funding comes from the Federal HighwayAdministration and the Bureau of IndianAffairs. The two current 10-foot-widelanes will be expanded to two 14-footwidelanes with a 16-foot-wide pavedmedian; a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the eastside of the road; and a 12-foot-wide multiusepath on the west side. An improveddrainage system, including culverts andpipes, will be added, in addition to lighting,guardrails and protective crossing features.The schedule for completion is September2014.“This is a great thing for the SeminoleTribe,” said M. Franklin Keel, directorof the Eastern Region of the Bureau ofIndian Affairs. “Across the nation, Indianroads are in disrepair and don’t meet safetystandards. This will give the Tribe a safe,well-maintained road. Safety factors arethe most important issue here.”The Tribe has worked on obtainingfederal funding for this project since 2005.“This is a good moment,” said BigCypress Board Rep. Joe Frank. “Thecommunity has looked forward to havinggood, safe roads for a long time. But thisisn’t the finishing point. All that money forfederal funding takes lobbying.”The Tribe is working in conjunctionwith the Miccosukee Tribe to secureadditional funding for the most dangerousand curviest part of Snake Road leading toI-75.F See SNAKE ROAD on page 7APresident Sanchez attendsTribal Nations Conferencepolicy. President Sanchez attended thesession on Healthcare, Education andYouth. He said diabetes gravely concernsthe Tribe, and he wanted to learn how otherTribes not only treat but also prevent suchhealth issues.“I want to understand what Tribesare doing across the nation,” PresidentSanchez said. “We don’t always needto reinvent the wheel...There are a lot ofTribes that are focusing on health in manyaspects.”President Sanchez hopes to growa closer partnership among the Tribe’sRecreation and Health departments in thenear future as a means of preventativehealth care.“Recreation and Health need to bejoined at the hip,” he said. “We don’t wantto have to rely on medication.”Fort Mojave Tribe Chairman TimothyWilliams shared how his Tribe participatesin CrossFit, an exercise program thatemphasizes cross-training.“He’s a great resource,” PresidentSanchez said of the Chairman, whom hepreviously consulted about solar energy.The other breakout sessions discussedthe following topics: Governance andthe Nation-to-Nation Relationship;Law Enforcement and Disaster Relief;Economic Development, Housing andInfrastructure; and Cultural Protection,Natural Resources and the Environment.The President networked with severalother officials at the conference, includingDepartment of Energy staff regarding theTribe’s move toward solar energy andSecretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.He also took the opportunity topromote a product the Tribe recentlylaunched: the tobacco-free SeminoleUnconquered electronic cigarettes. Heinformally demonstrated the product toseveral attendees and hopes to meet withObama and the first lady early next year topromote the only electronic cigarette madein the U.S.Although he didn’t get to speak withObama at this year’s conference, PresidentSanchez met him on three previousoccasions and plans to attend Obama’sinauguration.“I think he has done a good job inenforcing the executive order that thefederal government has consultation withthe Tribe,” President Sanchez said.F See CONFERENCE on page 6AINSIDE:COMMUNITY: A EDUCATION: B HEALTH: 10AANNOUNCEMENTS: 7BSPORTS: C

2A • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012A season of sadness and joy• James E. BillieKind of neat sitting underneath thisround chickee, by the old fire, my feetback in the old grass roots. Feels good.Smoke getting in my eyes and burning. Makes meknow that I’m still alive. It’s kind of neat insidemy house, too, where we can smell the aroma ofthe cedar Christmas tree and its dying leaves. Man,that’s good.I just can’t believe that Christmastime is hereagain. It’s a little sad and joyous at the same time.It’s sad because it reminds us that a lot of ourolder Seminole people have passed on this year.It’s sad that they are gone now. At the same time itis happy for those of us who are still here and canenjoy the many pleasures the Seminole Tribe cangive us.We are a lot more fortunate than most peoplein the world. I never dreamed the Seminole Tribewould ever be at such a prosperous state. Thatgives me some mental relief that no one is reallygoing to starve in the Seminole Tribe.At the same time, I still see newspapers andpeople writing stories about Christmas, but they donot use the word “Christmas.” They say “Xmas.”It continues to baffle me how some people don’tbelieve in Jesus Christ, so they put a cross overChrist and call it Xmas. So, in my family we stillhave Christ in our Christmas, so I hope you peoplewill do the same thing.I saw a story set in California the other daywhere some town was banning the Nativity scene.I thought that was one of the oddest things I hadseen in my life. What is this world coming to?Whatever it is, the residents still overcame the banby using real live people instead of mannequins.They managed to have their Nativity scene.I have always enjoyed Christmas. The firsttime in my life I evergot a present was atChristmastime. Itwas at the old FirstBaptist church alongStirling Road. And itwas a sack of candyand oranges. I wasabout 4 or 5 yearsold when I saw that.It was such a happyoccasion for mebecause, boy, I reallyloved candy. And allthe sweet things thatyou can get ahold of. That was the only time that Iremember getting a bag full of candy, so that wasprobably the first present I ever got.I remember when I first saw Santa Claus,he scared the living you-know-what out of me.I almost crawled underneath my grandmother’sdress trying to get away from him. Nowadays, Iwonder who that Santa Claus was. It was probablySunny Claus. Back in those days, there was aCanadian Indian couple known as Sunny Clausand Shirley who used to come down here andminister to the Seminoles quite a bit last part of the‘40s and ‘50s.Hopefully, we will all have a good Christmasand start the New Year together.So, I would like to say to everybody in theSeminole Tribe, as well as friends and employeesand whoever reads this paper – even though I maynot know you – Merry Christmas and have a goodNew Year.Sho-naa-bish.James E. Billie is Chairman of the SeminoleTribe of Florida.Seminole Unconqueredelectronic cigarettes will befirst made in U.S.BY BEVERLY BIDNEYStaff ReporterHOLLYWOOD — The electronic cigaretteindustry is poised to become big business, and theSeminole Unconquered brand is preparing to be asignificant player in the field.“This is going to be life-changing,” PresidentTony Sanchez Jr. said. “For me, this is about thehumanitarian side; we will affect the world.”Tobacco-related illnesses kill nearly 6 millionpeople every year worldwide, according to theWorld Health Organization. The Campaign forTobacco-Free Kids reported that about 400,000Americans die from tobacco use annually.The Tribe is currently looking into building amanufacturing plant in Broward County. Virtuallyall electronic cigarettes are made in China, so theTribe’s plant will be the first on U.S. soil, said JohnCameron, CEO of Safecig. In addition, Gamingrecently passed a new policy that allows electroniccigarettes in all non-smoking rooms at the casinos,Hollywood Board Rep. Chris Osceola said.The Tribe partnered with Safecig to producethe brand. In addition to Seminole Unconquered,the Tribe will seek out other businesses that wanttheir own brand or private label and produce thoseas well. Examples include sports teams, businessesand hotels. The Tribe will manufacture all privatelabelbrands.“Native Americans gave us tobacco, and nowthe Seminoles are giving us electronic cigarettes,”Cameron said. “A lot of people will be makingelectronic cigarettes, but we want to make the bestand the safest electronic cigarette.”Cameron, who hasn’t had a tobacco cigarettesince January 2011, feels like an anchor wasBeverly BidneySeminole Unconquered electronic cigarettes.Beverly BidneyPresident Tony Sanchez Jr. is with John Cameron,Safecig CEO.taken off him when he started smoking electroniccigarettes. He no longer smells like smoke nor doeshe wake up in the middle of the night to smoke.Electronic cigarettes provide nicotinewithout any harmful, carcinogenic chemicals. Theingredients are vaporizing fluid, distilled water,natural flavors, essential oils and nicotine, all ofwhich are approved for human consumption. Inaddition, they mimic the physical act of smokingfor the user.“Electronic cigarettes are like having a cellphone connected to a donut,” Cameron said. “Theyare electronic devices you consume.”Cameron believes that properly marketedelectronic cigarettes will save lives. Those whouse electronic cigarettes will continue to get thenicotine their bodies crave without being ostracizedfor their addiction.“There is going to be a revolution in whatpeople smoke,” Cameron said. “We will impactmore humans than penicillin did.”The Tribe plans a national launch of the productnext year. Seminole Unconquered electroniccigarettes will be widely available at stores, smokeshops and casinos. They are currently availableonline at www.seminolecig.com. Once the brandis launched, a national marketing campaign willfollow.“We have to tell the world about it,” PresidentSanchez said. “It can’t be the world’s best keptsecret.”No time for cruise control• Tony Sanchez Jr.As the Seminole Tribe continues to grow, notonly financially, but in all ways, includingmembership, there will always be issues thatwe have to address. We must make sure that we maintainour financial power, keep reinforcing the need for ouryouth to be educated and continue to address the ongoingchallenges to our sovereignty. There will never be a timewhere we can say, “Let’s put it on cruise control.”That was evident when I traveled to Washington, D.C.recently, to attend the Tribal Nations Conference hosted bythe White House. My observations at this event made merealize, more than ever, how blessed we are. While backhome the Seminole Tribe is wrestling with how to controlits membership growth and better manage the financialsuccess that we have, other Tribes were focused on makingsure their health coverage – that they are entitled to by thetrust responsibility of the United States – is continued.It occurred to me, while very important, healthcoverage is just not one of the priority issues that weSeminoles talk about. With our success, we don’t giveit a second thought. The current status of the SeminoleTribe is well documented in Indian Country because ofour success. We enjoy a certain notoriety. People alwayswant to talk to me. They always want to know what is thesecret to our success. Well, there has been a lot of trial anderror. We have definitely made our share of mistakes alongthe way.When I am asked, I tell Tribes, “First of all, you needto determine what it is you ultimately want to achieve. Atthat point, you will see what you need to do.” They wantto know our “secret,” but they never ask me what mistakeswe have made. I think that is more important, to learn frommistakes – not only your own but others as well.The trip to Washington was – no matter how manytimes you have been there, no matter how many times youhave met with various Cabinet members – enlightening.You are definitely reminded that, hey, as people in theadministration change, our fight as Indians will alwayscontinue. I think the Obama administration has been verygood about making sure that American Indian Tribes dohave a serious presence.For me, personally, I wanted to hear and furtherunderstand Obama’s message for Indian Country andalso to lend support for up-and-coming Tribes and thosewho are just struggling to survive, day in and day out. Weaccommodate other Tribes when we can, share our stories,offer our help, but, more importantly, we remind otherTribal leaders, “Hey look, we Seminoles have been veryfortunate. We count our blessings. We don’t take anythingfor granted. This is a fight that you have to fight as well.”Tribal members can take comfort in knowing that weare going to continue to be visible and continue to fight forour sovereignty.The economy has had a lot to do with the currentonslaught of legislative attacks on Indian sovereignty.States have budget deficits to deal with, so when theeconomy was good, hey, there was more than enough taxbase to satisfy their budget requirements. That, however,is not the case today. What we are seeing today is just asymptom of the economic downturn.Here in Florida, we will have to continue to fight theannual casino legislation battles. It would be nice if wedidn’t have to, but that is the environment that we are intoday. However, given that issue, we have shown thatwe have still been able to protect our market. We don’tnecessarily view the state as a bad guy. They have thesame issues as we do, trying to take care of the citizensof Florida without having to raise taxes or transfer burdento the business owners. In fact, we are looked upon by thestate as an opportunity to help some of their problems.In terms of dollars and cents, the Seminole Tribe paysmore to the state than anybody around. It’s because ofour level of success that we pay so much. It’s not exactlylabeled as a tax. Because of our agreement with the state,we must pay for our privilege, and we pay more thananybody else around. But I think that, in order for us tocontinue what we have and protect what we have, that is ascenario that will continue to exist...unless the state feels itcan do better by opening gaming up statewide.At which point we would not have to pay themanything.But the state has seen that even when they had givenin to the pari-mutuels, gave them slot machines, what thestate was promised never materialized. They have notdelivered. On the other hand, we have been committed tothe Compact and we have made our payments, on time, tothe state. We are a known quantity, a proven quantity.That is another factor that will go in our favor whenit is time to renegotiate the Compact. Where other peoplecome in and make promises, the Seminole Tribe delivers.Gov. Rick Scott definitely has been very cautiousaround this issue. Gaming is a very touchy, sensitivesubject, and I can understand the approach he has taken.It’s not just a straight black and white issue. There aremany different positions people can take. Scott has toLetter to the EditorDear Editor:compromise; he has to dealwith us and deal with them.I have had the opportunity tospeak with him on two separateoccasions when he came tovisit us at the HollywoodSeminole Reservation. I takethat as a sign that, hey look, ifsomeone is willing to take thetime and visit us and try to findout what we are, it can’t be abad thing.While we are talkingabout the level of success wehave had, the Tribal membersneed to know that with the Tribal prosperity, there is a costassociated with it, not only in terms of dollars and centsbut also in terms of personal sacrifice. Someone has to bein Tallahassee. And someone has to be in D.C. And whenyou have to be in those places, you know what? You aresacrificing a lot of precious time away from your family.All of us must understand it is no different than thesacrifices made by our ancestors. We are just continuingon the path that set us in motion. Just because we haveto travel somewhere, it is not all fun and games; It’s longhours, and it’s personal sacrifices – I know this is whatwe signed up for. Sometimes I think that gets lost ineverything that we do.I think, at times, Tribal members understand whatwe are trying to do, and there are times when I get thefeeling some people are waiting for the other shoe to falloff so they can see, “See, nothing’s changed. It was just ashow. Now, the real colors start to show up.” Take a lookat the people who are in there; take a look at their past. Aleopard doesn’t change its spots. As long as we continueto be transparent, however, some of those apprehensionsthat people have will eventually subside, maybe notcompletely, but they will subside.I can understand where Tribal members question,“Hey, what are we doing?” because some of the things weare doing are things you can’t touch or feel...changes inpolicies, administrative changes, not always somethingwhere you can walk out the front door and say, “Hey, Isee it.”I can understand where some of the insecurity maycome from. But, I think if the people took the time andreally started digging in and really started looking at thechanges that have been put into place, they would reallybe surprised. It is a testament to this administration. Weare not in trouble. You don’t see any stories where theSeminole Tribe is not able to fulfill our obligations.Take a moment and just look back and see where wewere at 50 years ago versus where we are today. Whereonce no bank would give us a loan, now we enjoy a levelof success that has everyone lining up to conduct businesswith us. Once, we had to go knock on numerous doorsbefore somebody would eventually open up and say, “Allright. OK. I’ll take a chance.” We don’t have to do thatnow.Despite our internal challenges, we have managedto keep our heads above water and continue to be moreprosperous. In order to keep the current momentum going,there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. We mustcontinue to work on our social issues and educate ouryouth and position them to be the leaders of tomorrow.That’s not only a dream and a desire, it is ourresponsibility to make that happen.This Board of Directors has been very adamant onkeeping information flowing freely to our constituents –not only when we have good news to tell but also whenwe experience a rough patch. We will come in and tell youwhen we are going through difficult times, and we willbalance that with a plan of action: Here is what we aredoing to address this situation and start experiencing somepositive results. As long as you keep that informationcoming, the less likely that people are going to startrumors or take the first thing they hear as gospel and startspreading that.This is the time of the year where everyone tries toget a lot of work accomplished because of the upcomingholidays. We do it with the thought firmly in mind that wemust make good decisions and not make hasty decisions.As the elected President, I have been very fortunate tohave the current Board of Directors to work with.That is not to say we don’t have disagreements, butthe disagreements create opportunities to discuss andexplain the thought process, which may get someone tochange his mind. This Board will continue to act with theTribal members’ best interests at heart.As we finish up the year with the Christmas holidays,from the entire Board of Directors, Merry Christmas andHappy New Year. Be safe.Sho-naa-bish.Tony Sanchez Jr. is President of the Seminole Tribe ofFlorida, Inc.I was more than a little disappointed at the low number of people who attended our Veteran’s celebration atBrighton on Nov. 2. This was our annual Tribalwide event to honor and show our respect for our proud warriors.More people should attend this event.Moses Jumper Jr.Big CypressThe Seminole Tribuneis a member of theNative American Journalists Association.Letters/emails to the editor must be signedand may be edited for publication.Subscription rate is $35 per year by mail.Make checks payable to The SeminoleTribune, 3560 N. State Rd. 7, Hollywood,FL 33021Phone: 954-985-5701Fax: 954-965-2937Or subscribe online atwww.SeminoleTribune.orgThe following deadlines apply to allsubmissions to The Seminole Tribune:Issue: Jan. 25, 2013Deadline: Jan. 9, 2013Issue: Feb. 22, 2013Deadline: Feb. 6, 2013Issue: March. 29, 2013Deadline: March 13, 2013Please note: Submissions that come pastdeadline will be posted in thefollowing issue.Advertising:Advertising rates along with sizes andother information may be downloadedfrom the Internet at:www.SeminoleTribune.org/AdvertisePostmaster:Please send address changes toThe Seminole Tribune3560 N. State Road 7Hollywood, FL 33021Publisher: James E. BillieEditor in Chief: Camellia Smith-OsceolaCamelliaOsceola@semtribe.comSenior Editor: Brett DalyBrettDaly@semtribe.comCopy Editor: Kathryn StolarzKathrynStolarz@semtribe.comStaff Reporters:Peter B. Gallagher, Andrea Holata,Beverly Bidney, Eileen SolerIf you would like to request a reporter orwould like to submit an article, birthdaywish or poem, please contactSenior Editor Brett Daly at954-985-5701, ext. 10725Or by fax at 954-965-2937© 2012 Seminole Tribe of Florida

3A • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012Registration open fornew workshop at NLCBY BRETT DALYSenior EditorTribal leaders at the Big Cypress Reservation cut the ceremonial ribbon on opening day of the new Agnes Cypress Boat Ramp.Word’s out on a fishing secretAgnes CypressBoat Rampopens in BCBY EILEEN SOLERStaff ReporterBIG CYPRESS — Bass, snook,catfish, you name it. If a fish swims in theEverglades, it’s as good as dinner on theBig Cypress Reservation.“I’d eat (fish) all day long, especiallyif grandma made it,” said Big CypressCouncilman’s assistant Wovoka Tommie.Tommie said he could also fish all day long,typically hooking 5- to 6-pound catches outof a secret fishing hole deep off the fringeof cattle land owned by Agnes Cypress.“We grew up fishing and hunting outhere. It’s part of our pastime,” Tommiesaid. “But if there is a ‘honey hole,’ youdon’t talk about it.”On Dec. 5 at a ribbon cutting for thenewly constructed concrete and rock-edgedAgnes Cypress Boat Ramp, access to thebest kept secret at the end of Huff BridgeRoad was made easier to get to and wasopened for the asking.Only Tribal members are permitted touse the ramp, which is secured behind alocked chain-link fence. A key to the lockis available only as requested through theSeminole Police Department.Tommie said Agnes Cypress donatedthe land for the ramp, which her son ShaneCypress suggested to Tribal leaders twoyears ago. The $43,000 project took twoyears to complete from idea to approval,funding, land clearing and construction.Agnes Cypress was unable to attendthe opening ceremony because of illnessand Shane Cypress was called away to helpanother Tribal member, but Agnes Cypress’daughter Jeannette Cypress, director ofthe Big Cypress Traditional PreservationDepartment, spoke for her brother andmother.“My brother wanted to give back to thecommunity, and my mother was gratefulfor so much in her own life that she washappy to give the land. Both told me to telleveryone, ‘Thank you,’” she said.Big Cypress Councilman Mondo Tigersaid he was fortunate to have spent muchof his youth also fishing off the land whenit was hush-hush from many other people.Then, the natural brush was thick andthe land wet. Boys (and some men whospied to find the place) had to trek aroundEileen SolerEileen SolerThe new Agnes Cypress Boat Ramp at the remote end of Huff Bridge Road on the Big CypressReservation lets the secret out about a formerly covert fishing spot.3-foot-deep marsh to launch flat-bottomedjon boats off the bank that, from years ofdiscreet use, made a good enough slide intothe water.“Now, whenever a Tribal memberdonates land to the community, it means thatwe are all fortunate to use it,” CouncilmanTiger said.Big Cypress Board Rep. Joe Frankagreed – with a bit of pretend hesitation.“We all grew up here fishing. We’dcome out with a cane pole and whatevergrasshoppers we could get,” he said. “Ihope more fishermen come out here to fish,and I hope they don’t catch anything andleave all the fish for me.”HOLLYWOOD — The NativeLearning Center (NLC) will offer a freeworkshop geared toward Native Americansinterested in starting a business and thosewho already own a Native business.Registration is now open.The Indianpreneurship workshop willcontain business courses that represent thechallenges, experiences and opportunitiesfor Native American entrepreneurs.NLC partnered with Oregon NativeAmerican Business and EntrepreneurialNetwork (ONABEN), the creators ofIndianpreneurship, to offer the two-dayworkshop from March 5-6. Accordingto their website, ONABEN providescurriculum, training and organizationalconsulting focused on developingentrepreneurship in Indian communities.Founded in 1991 by four Oregon IndianTribes, ONABEN serves Indian businessdevelopment organizations nationwide witha mission to increase self-reliance amongTribes.“This particular curriculum is calledGrowing a Business in Indian Country,”said Veronica Hix, executive director ofONABEN and a Cherokee Tribal member.“I can’t say enough about continuouseducation, even if you’ve been in businessfor 10 years.”Indianpreneurship instructors willpull the most important concepts fromthe course’s manuals and will touch uponbusiness planning, marketing, financialsand government contracting. Hix said theworkshop is interactive, featuring manyclassroom activities.“You’re working together with yourfacilitator, as well as with the participants,”she said. “You’re not being talked at; you’rebeing pulled in.”Preston Steele, director of Trainingand Technical Services at the NLC, saidthe center decided to offer the workshopbecause they knew Tribal members had aninterest in the curriculum. The workshop,however, will be limited to 30 attendees toallow for more one-on-one attention.“If there is something they’re interestedin to sustain themselves and work forthemselves, this is definitely a good way todo that,” Steele said. “I think it’s importantfor Tribal members to attend because[ONABEN] is an organization that’s verykeen on the types of grants available andhow to secure those funds.”A portion of the workshop willdiscuss government set-asides available tominority-owned businesses, Hix said. Shealso mentioned that the workshop is a greatnetworking venue and a great way to getsome refresher courses in business.“I think it’s important for aspiringentrepreneurs and existing business ownersto be aware of who’s in their business areawilling and wanting to help them with theirbusiness needs,” Hix said.Anyone interested in growing his orher business or starting a new businessventure is encouraged to attend.For more information or to register,call 954-985-2315.Business profile:Sweetgrass & SerenitySpa Salon BoutiqueTribal members attend skateboardcontest in memory of Alex CypressBY BEVERLY BIDNEYStaff ReporterPOMPANO BEACH — AlexanderBlaine Cypress lived a short, but memorablelife. Alex, who passed away unexpectedlyin May at 21 years old from pneumonia,Beverly BidneyTanoke Billie, 8, skates in the bowl during acontest held in Alex Cypress’ honor on Dec. 1.loved extreme sports and competed oftenin skateboarding contests. In his memory,his mother and aunts started the ABCFoundation to provide scholarships to otherkids who are part of the extreme sportsculture.Alex spent much of his youth on thePine Ridge Reservation in South Dakotawith his mother, Bobbi “BJ” Billie.“Alex was a guy who would give youthe shirt off his back,” BJ said. “He wasfamily oriented; we were always a veryclose-knit family. If I didn’t know wherehe was, one of his aunties did. He was veryproud to say he was a Seminole, he wentto the Corn Dance, and his hero was hisgrandpa. His first tattoo was a mural of mydad (Chairman James E. Billie) wrestlinga gator.”The foundation sponsored theAlexander Blaine Cypress MemorialSkate Contest at the Circus Bowl skatepark in Pompano Beach on Dec. 1. About85 people came to watch 22 competitors,including a few Tribal youngsters, taketheir turns doing tricks on their skateboards.The family donated the prize money: $200for the intermediate category and $300 foradvanced skateboarders.“We needed to show love and sharememories of my nephew,” said TommiBillie, Alex’s aunt. “This is what he lovedto do. He taught all our children how toskate, and that’s how they remember him.”ABC Foundation will awardscholarships of $5,000-$10,000 to highschool seniors in Broward County publicschools who are involved in extremesports. Both Tribal and non-Tribal studentscan qualify for the scholarships. Becausemost scholarships are given to kids intraditional sports, this will fill a niche thatwas previously unaddressed.“Alex skated all the time, but I neversaw him compete,” said Edna Bowers,his great aunt. “I wish I did; I would havefilmed it. He never told us when he wascompeting; he would just go do it.”Those who couldn’t fit inside thecompact viewing area of the CircusBowl gathered under the tent outside towatch the action on a large flat-screenmonitor. Musicians played outside, kidspracticed their best skating moves in theparking lot, and people purchased T-shirtscommemorating the event.Alex left a 9-month-old daughter,Marilyn Annah-belle Cypress, who wasborn a month premature. BJ believes shewas born early so she could see her father,who passed away one month later.“He wasn’t a traditional guy, but healways stayed with us,” BJ said. “Everymorning, he would ask if I was awake andsay, ‘I love you.’ I don’t get my morning ‘Ilove you’ anymore.”F See more SKATE photos on page 7ACrystal and Cory Wilcox are in Sweetgrass & Serenity Spa Salon Boutique.BY BEVERLY BIDNEYStaff ReporterBIG CYPRESS — Crystal Wilcoxwanted to start a business but wasn’t surewhat she wanted to do. While attendinga 5-year-old’s birthday party with herdaughter at a beauty salon in Fort Myers,she was inspired to open a salon of her ownin Big Cypress. That dream has become areality with the opening of Sweetgrass &Serenity Spa Salon Boutique on Nov. 13.“I wanted to open a business on thereservation for the community so they don’thave to drive 30 minutes to get their hairdone,” she said. “Now, if we can only get abank and a grocery store.”Crystal, a cosmetology student atiTECH in Immokalee, never saw herselfin the beauty industry until now. Having adaughter, Jalee, 7, changed her perspective.Crystal enjoys helping other people findtheir beauty.Owned with her husband, CoryWilcox, Sweetgrass & Serenity is a fullservicesalon, spa and boutique. The salon,located in the old Bureau of Indian Affairsbuilding, has separate rooms for hair, nailsand facials and for the boutique. Beforethey opened, the Wilcoxes renovated theentire 1,000-square-foot building and put innew plumbing and electricity to prepare itfor business.“The initial startup was a challenge,”said Cory, who also owns Native LandWorks, which clears land in preparationfor new houses. “Big Cypress has neverBeverly Bidneyhad a salon, and we are providing servicesand making people happy. Hopefully, thebusiness will continue to grow.”Services offered include hair care formen and women, facials and peels, waxing,makeup application, manicures andpedicures. The salon offers specific serviceson different days of the week. Wednesday,for example, is barber day, and Tuesday, theesthetician is there to give facials. Futureservices will include massages and possiblychiropractic services. The hairdresser andnail technician are available daily.The boutique also features NativeAmerican-made jewelry, handmade purses,flower arrangements and customized flipflopsand cell phone cases.“Reactions from the community havebeen good,” Crystal said. “We’ve beenpretty busy, and people are glad we’rehere.”The Wilcoxes believe more businessescould do well in Big Cypress.“Just follow your dreams and run withit,” Cory said.Sweetgrass & Serenity is locatedacross from the Big Cypress Field Officeat 31025 Josie Billie Highway. Hours areTuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.;weekends are by appointment only. Formore information, call 863-902-1224 oremail SweetgrassAndSerenity@aol.com.If you are a Tribal member and businessowner who would like to be featured in TheTribune, email BrettDaly@semtribe.com.

4A • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012Tampa community gathers for Family Fishing DayPaul Simmons gives Nigel Osceola some casting lessons.Peter B. GallagherPeter B. GallagherPaul Simmons hug-hunches up a tree to retrievean errant cast.Peter B. GallagherRuth Osceola “rescues” a catfish from the community pond. Most of the fishcaught were released at another nearby pond, which the Tribe is trying torestock on the Lakeland property.Peter B. GallagherAnthony Holmes is the youngest to catch a fish.Peter B. GallagherPut a worm on the hook, cast the line, catch the catfish, reel it in. TampaLiaison Richard Henry shows how it’s done.Dominic Osceola-Lugo is a proud fisherman.Peter B. GallagherPeter B. GallagherIt’s Dorian Osceola’s turn to hold the new puppy,Jonah.

5A • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012Senior profile: Hollywood resident Marcellus Osceola Sr.BY KATHRYN STOLARZCopy EditorHOLLYWOOD — World-classtrapshooter, former Councilman andfounder of the first Seminole smoke shop,Marcellus Osceola Sr. knows success.“There’s nothing I can’t do,” he said.Marcellus, 67, is a man of determinationand focus who cares deeply about his Tribeand family. He also likes to kick backand have a good time, cracking jokes anychance he gets.He didn’t have it easy growing up, andhe appreciates how far he’s come.On Oct. 22, 1945, Tribal membersCharlotte and Bill Osceola arrived atBroward General Hospital, where Charlotte,Snake Clan, delivered their first child,Marcellus.Living under an open chickee on theMcDaniels Ranch just north of Big Cypressfor his first five years, Marcellus remembersa simpler time with no air conditioning,no plumbing and no electricity. Kerosenelanterns lit the way, and fishing passed thetime.“When you don’t have anything, younever think about it,” he said.His father operated a bulldozer on theranch and his mother raised the children.She also made clothes, beaded and workedfor the Miccosukee Independent BaptistChurch in Hollywood and later as a secretaryfor the Tribe. It was a tough time for manySeminoles, and some worked alongsidethe migrant workers, picking tomatoes ororanges for little pay.By the time Marcellus turned 6, theOsceola family moved into a one-room,reconditioned bath house in Hollywood tosend their children to school nearby.“My dad never went to school, so hewanted me to be better than him,” Marcellussaid. His mother’s education ended in thesixth grade at an Indian boarding school inNorth Carolina.Pictures from the past:rich history in black and whiteBY EILEEN SOLERStaff ReporterBIG CYPRESS — A photographyexhibit at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museumprovides a rare outsider’s glimpse intoSeminole Tribal life from more than acentury ago.For Tribal member Wanda Zepeda whoattended the Dec. 7 opening of Camera-Man: the Seminole through the lens ofJulian Dimock, the nearly two dozen duotonephotographs taken in 1910 remindedher of her own childhood not too long ago.“When I saw the canoes, so manymemories came flooding back. We usedto ride them all the time; we’d go to CornDances…It makes me want to do it all overagain,” she said.Moments captured in time depict dailycamp life before motor cars, concrete homesor store-bought conveniences; mothers andchildren washing laundry outdoors; womengrinding corn; children playing in a canoe;men repairing camp chickees.In other photos, families pose forthe camera dressed in beaded and silverjewelry and traditional Seminole garb. Menwere capped in turbans decked in feathersor European straw and felt hats. Chickeeswere surrounded by lush wetlands as far asthe eye could see.Familiar surnames like Tiger, Cypress,Tommie and Billie are included in manyphoto captions.On opening day, high school studentsfrom Ahfachkee School on the Big CypressReservation and middle school boys fromPemayetv Emahakv Charter School on theBrighton Reservation received a specialtour of the exhibit.Marcellus studied at Dania Elementary,Stirling Middle and McArthur High, wherehe graduated in 1964. He also enrolled intwo trade schools, one for auto mechanicsat Northeast High, and one for dieselmechanics in Miami.Life had its own way of educating himoutside the classroom. His father spokemostly Mikasuki to him because he onlyknew broken English, and his mother spokeMikasuki and Creek.“I know a lot of it, but I don’t use itenough,” he said.His parents also taught him aboutreligion, raising him in the MiccosukeeIndependent Baptist Church in Hollywood,where he sang in the church choir andplayed guitar.“They were hard-core Baptist,” he said.But he formed his own thoughts through theyears, deciding, “You don’t have to go tochurch to talk to God.”In addition, Marcellus learned from hisfather how to hunt, shooting his share ofdeer and hogs and grabbing alligators out ofthe water with his bare hands at night. And,he still has all his fingers.“If I needed advice, I’d always ask mydad until he couldn’t help me no more,” hesaid. He spent much of his time with hisfather, his brother, Raymond, and his uncleJimmie Osceola. He also enjoyed huntingand fishing with Howard Tommie andEugene, Truman, Paul and Dan Bowers.Being an athlete was also importantto Native Americans while Marcellus wasgrowing up, so he played baseball, softballand bowling. He said sports were howIndians gained some respect from whitesociety, even though whites discriminatedagainst them and usually refused to playthem.“They treated black people better thanthey treated Indians back then,” he said. “Itwasn’t all that great.”Marcellus experienced this firsthand,not just in sports, but also out on the streets.“That’s my grandmother,” and “Thatlooks just like my grandfather,” could beheard in whispers as students huddled ingroups to check out Dimock’s work.More Dimock photographs from 1910are published in Hidden Seminoles, a 200-page book available in the Museum GiftShop. The book was co-written and editedby former Florida Museum of NaturalHistory curator Jerald T. Milanich and NinaJ. Root, a former director of the AmericanMuseum of Natural History.Milanich, on hand for the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki opening, said he received a call in 2008from Root encouraging him to come see 200glass negatives from the Dimock collectionof nearly 3,000 negatives that were gifted tothe American Museum of Natural Historyin the 1920s and then forgotten.“I’d put the negatives in the scanner,and it was like magic. We were seeing theimages for the first time in 100 years,”Milanich said.Dimock was the son of wealthy NewYork financier Anthony Weston Dimockwho, after several successes and failures,enlisted his son as “camera-man” foradventure-driven expeditions from 1903to 1913 in the United States’ Deep South.Much of their travels were documented inmagazine articles, which Anthony wrote andJulian illustrated using two cumbersome 6½ by 8 ½ cameras – a single-lens cameraand a tripod-view camera.In 1910, Julian was commissionedby anthropologist Alanson Skinner, of theAmerican Museum of Natural History, todocument the Unconquered Seminolesliving in the Everglades.Clothing and other artifacts collectedduring the expedition, such as silverpendants and sticks used for playing ballHe walked into a Hollywood gas station tofind two bathrooms labeled “Black” and“White” with no option for Indians. Somestores wouldn’t serve Indians either. ButMarcellus wouldn’t put up with disrespect.Kathryn StolarzMarcellus Osceola Sr., 67, ranked among thetop 50 in the world in trapshooting. He stillcompetes today.“I was always accepted because I madethem accept me,” he said.His fearlessness also came out in afew hobbies he picked up. In his early20s, he drag raced his brother’s ’57 Chevy,winning a couple trophies along the way.games, are also on display.Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki director AnneMcCudden said the show, which runsthrough Dec. 9, 2013, serves many interests,including history, photography, geographyand culture.“It’s the perfect example of what everymuseum wants to offer. Everyone wouldwant to see it,” she said.Museum curator John Moga said thephotos have inspired Tribal members tocome forward with more information thanDimock originally provided. Names ofpreviously unidentified people, locations ofcamps and cultural information have beenadded to prior descriptions.Most of the photos were taken in whatis now the Big Cypress Reservation. In fact,Brown’s Boat Landing, where the 1910expedition landed, was located less than amile from the current Big Cypress Landingstore and restaurant on Snake Road.“I bet that through oral histories passeddown from generations, all of the campsand all of the people, not only on BigCypress but on Miccosukee (Reservation),can be identified,” Milanich told Ahfachkeestudents. “It’s a project, but it’s one that canbe done today in air conditioning.”Later, when students gathered betweentwo rows of historic canoes, the Museum’sTraditional Arts and Outreach coordinatorPedro Zepeda encouraged them to honortheir heritage by learning the Seminoleways.“But when you are learning to make abasket or play stickball or stitch patchwork,don’t just learn about the object. Learnthe origins, the history, the stories, thelanguage,” he said. “There is so muchknowledge that goes with our culture.”He’s always been a sharp shooter with agun, having ranked among the top 50 inthe world in trapshooting, which he stillcompetes in today.Yet, Marcellus has a softer, romanticside. At the encouragement of his cousinMoses Osceola, he even learned ballroomdancing, swooning the ladies with hisknowledge of the Waltz and Cha-Cha.Three wives, seven kids, 13 grandkids anda couple great-grandkids later, he is singleand dating, always picking up the bill.Marcellus loves spending time with hisfamily and cherishes them. Like his father,Marcellus wanted a better education for hiskids, so he paid for their private schooling.“I went to public school, and I wantedthem to be better than me,” he said. “Youalways want your kids to be better thanyou.”Marcellus is particularly proud that fiveof his children work for the Tribe.“I taught them that the dividendshouldn’t be the only thing they should liveoff,” he said. “I want them to know it wasn’talways like this.”Marcellus has worked for the Tribemost of his life. As a teen, he ran the giftshop at the Indian Village, and he was acarpenter apprentice with Henry Gopher,learning form work and building concretecolumns in Hallandale.He feels most accomplished aboutpioneering the sale of discount cigaretteson Seminole reservations in the late ‘70s.His Seminole smoke shop was the first,once located on US-441 in what was thenconsidered Dania. He believes it contributedto the Tribe’s financial success. He alsostarted shops in California and New York.Being an entrepreneur comes naturallyto Marcellus by working hard and askingthe right people for help.“If there’s something you don’t know,somebody out there knows it,” he said.After operating cranes, he started alawn maintenance business for the Tribe.James Sweat hands over the keys to Russell Osceola’s new home.BRIGHTON — The HousingDepartment handed over the keys tosenior Russell Osceola’s new homerecently, after just a few months of thebuilding process.Osceola worked closely with theSeminole Housing Department fromstart to finish on the building process.The department helped by setting him upwith project manager Al Huggins, whosupervised the project.“He helped me with everything,”Osceola said. “He would suggest thingslike colors, door handles and lightfixtures.”Prior to his new home being built,Osceola lived at the same homesite for12-plus years in a modular home.“Before that, my mother was stillalive, so I lived with her,” Osceola said.Osceola needed a new home becausehis old house’s base started to deteriorate,he said.His new home consists of almost3,000 square feet of living space,including three bedrooms, a game room,Andrea HolataRussell Osceola getskeys to new homeBY ANDREA HOLATAStaff ReporterHe moved back to Big Cypress for afew years to head a construction projectdraining ditches and adding culvert pipes onthe rez and continued his lawn maintenancework, mowing along Snake Road with hisfather. He returned to Hollywood when hefinished the culvert job.His next venture was a debris removalcompany on the Hollywood Reservation,which he still owns today. He also startedan equipment business, Osceola LandClearing, doing earth-moving, excavationand demolition jobs on and off thereservations.Marcellus also served as HollywoodCouncilman for five terms in the ‘70s andearly ‘80s, a position his son Marcellus W.Osceola Jr. holds now.“My dad was explaining to me how theCouncil took care of the people,” he said.“That’s what it’s always about.”He said Tribal members kept votinghim into office for this reason: “They respectme because I don’t run a welfare program.”He promoted hard work, not just handouts,which wasn’t always popular.“The Tribe didn’t have money then,”he said. But that changed when HowardTommie opened the Tribe’s first bingo halland Marcellus started discount cigarettesales. He watched the money pour in, andin the late ‘80s, monthly dividends wereenacted.After his time in office, Marcellus ranthe Indian Action Team Program, teachingTribal members how to operate heavyequipment to earn a living.He is now in his second year asChairman of the Tribe’s Land UseCommittee and is a member of the GamingCommission.He takes on all this responsibility forthe benefit of the Tribe.“It’s my kids and grandkids,” he said.“I want them to see what it’s like to be amember of something special...I’m notdone yet.”two bathrooms, a large living room, adining room, an inside laundry room, acarport and a screened porch. A far cryfrom the old modular, the new house’samenities include granite countertops,solid wood cabinets, stainless steelappliances, high-efficiency heating andair conditioning to keep monthly billslow, hurricane-impact-rated windowsand doors, and a generator to power thehome, if needed.Osceola said he appreciates his newhome and the extended space it providesfor his family to visit.“I have my sisters come up everyonce in a while, and my son RussellJr. and his wife come by and cookme dinner,” Osceola said. “We are allenjoying it.”He also said he had a good experienceworking with project coordinator CarreraGopher and the Housing Department.“It’s hard when you are by yourself,so it’s nice when you got somebody withyou to suggest things,” Osceola said. “Alot of people don’t like to wait, but it’sworth waiting for. If you are getting ahome, put in for it and be patient; it willcome around.”Eileen SolerFormer Florida Museum of Natural History curator Jerald T. Milanichexamines original Seminole garb from 1910.Eileen SolerVistors to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum discuss historical photographs fromthe exhibit.Eileen SolerStudents from Ahfachkee and Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School have achance to check out historic canoes at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum.Andrea HolataRussell Osceola’s new home features granite countertops, solid wood cabinets and stainlesssteel appliances.

6A • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012Red Barn celebrationplanned for Jan. 26Andrea HolataTeam Tampa celebrates after winning Break the Ice. The youth raced against other reservations tosee who could unroll an iced shirt and put it on first.Brighton Reservation hosts thirdPolice Explorers Field DayBY ANDREA HOLATAStaff ReporterBRIGHTON — To keep youthengaged in positive activities, the SeminolePolice Department held the third PoliceExplorers Field Day from Nov. 17-18 at theFred Smith Rodeo Arena in Brighton.About 60 youth ranging from ages 6-16from Immokalee, Big Cypress, Hollywood,Naples, Tampa and Brighton met for a dayof fun-filled activities.“This event represents the PoliceExplorers and the camaraderie between theTribal members and different reservations,”Police Chief William Latchford said. “Itpromotes teamwork, discipline, and it givestime for the kids across all the reservationsto fellowship with each other and interactwith the police officers.”He said the friendly competitionamong peers will also allow the winningreservation to have bragging rights.After youth set up their camping tents,they were divided into teams by reservationand then competed against each other inteam-building activities, including Face theCookie, Break the Ice, Potato Picker andShirt Off My Back.They worked together to devisestrategies to help their teams finish firstplace, an honor Tampa won. Immokalee andHollywood tied for second, while Naplestook third, Brighton fourth and Big Cypressfifth.“Basically, [the Police Explorers]teaches life lessons; it adds on to what isalready being done in the homes from theparent’s standpoint,” Chief Latchford said.“It gives [youth] an extra added tool fortheir life and whatever direction they go.”Brighton SPD Officer Colleen Hardinorganized the event and said the PoliceExplorers program offers many lessons.Andrea HolataJohn Jimmie, from Immokalee, races to be thefirst to put his potato in the bucket.“It helps to build leadership withthe youth and community involvementbecause they don’t always get to see orspend time with one another on perspectivereservations,” Officer Hardin said. “These[youth] are going to be the future leaders.”Hardin said Field Day takes placequarterly and will be held on eachreservation.And even with 101 Tribal youth in thePolice Explorers program, Chief Latchfordencourages more to join.“There are a lot of kids out there thatwe would love to have in the program,” hesaid. “We would love to bring them intothe Police Explorers program and opentheir minds and their hearts to not just lawenforcement but to a world of service.”For more information about the PoliceExplorers program, call 954-967-8900.BY PETER B. GALLAGHERSpecial Projects ReporterBRIGHTON — Proud andprecarious, like a lone weathered cowboystanding still in a gusty green field, thehistoric Red Barn withstands the ghostlyfade of time.Windswept, battered, craggy andgnarled, the cypress-planked barn wasonce bright red and full of community.Built in 1941 by the Indian Divisionof the Civilian Conservation Corps, theRed Barn was the hallowed centerpieceof the Brighton Reservation, where the13 stables held the top cowboys’ horses,thick nails hung heavy leather saddles,hay was stored in the loft above, and thefirst flames of Tribal government werefanned at meetings and get-togethersamong the poor Seminole Indians.The beloved Red Barn, 16 yearsolder than the organized Tribe itself, wasthe Seminoles’ first town hall.Seminole Indians have workedcattle since the fleeing conquistadors lefttheir horses and cows. But the SeminoleWars and the depression that was Floridaafter the Civil War scattered the Indiansand depleted their first industry. Tojump-start it again, the Bureau of IndianAffairs sent a herd of Apache cows andBrahma bulls to the Seminoles in 1936.Five years later, the Red Barn was built,along with a water tower and troughswhere cattle were treated for ticks anddisease. Today, the Seminole Tribe ofFlorida maintains one of the largest calfproducingoperations in the country.The old Red Barn hasn’t beenregularly used since the 1960s.The main part of the reservationhas moved 3 miles east, and HurricaneWilma took its original wood shingleroof in 1985. Worried the sacred barnmight fall, the Tribe held it togetherwith a shiny steel roof in 2005. Still, theelements of rot and disrepair robbed thegrand icon of its splendor. It was home totermites and an owl that swooped fromthe loft to scare intruders. The doorsfell off, the wooden walls pocked anddeveloped holes, and the unforgivingheat of the cruel Okeechobee sun tookits toll. It was used as a haunted houseduring Halloween, and believing the barnharbors ghosts of old cowboys, childrenstay away to this day.On Jan. 26, the Seminole Tribe isinviting Tribal members and the publicto the Brighton Reservation to take partin a ceremony celebrating the plannedrejuvenation of the Red Barn, includingthe unveiling of a roadside historicalmarker, a National Register of HistoricPlaces plaque and conceptual sketchesof several restored Red Barn scenarioscreated by Hard Rock Internationaldesigner Rob Schaeffer. It may anchora park, serve as a museum or even berestored as a working barn for 4-Hstudents.So far, only necessary structuralrepairs are planned for implementation.“We want to hear from thecommunity. We want to know what thepeople envision for the future of thisprecious historical structure,” said Tribalarchitectural historian Carrie Dilley, whowrote the successful National Registerapplication.Scheduled is a midday programof music and history, beginning witha 10 a.m. cattle drive by the SeminoleCattlewomen’s Association. SeminoleMedia Productions will present its filmabout the Seminole cattle program andinterviews with Tribal cowboys whoremember the Red Barn in its heyday.A raffle/sale of Tribal arts and craftsand items donated by local businesseswill be conducted, and prints from anoriginal “en plein air” painting of theRed Barn by artist Dorothy Gardinerwill be sold; all money collected will beearmarked for the Red Barn rejuvenationproject.There will be remarks by Tribalofficials, a rib-eye steak dinner for allattendees and music from the AndyBuster Band.Portions of this article wereoriginally published in FORUM, themagazine of the Florida HumanitiesCouncil.Andrea HolataDestiny Jimmie and Ashley Faz work together tokeep the balloon from falling during one of thePolice Explorers Field Day events.F More NRF photos from page 1AAndrea HolataMembers of team Naples work together during the Break the Ice game. On Nov. 17, the PoliceExplorers participated in their third Field Day on the Brighton Reservation.Photo courtesy of Peter B. GallagherPrints of this recent painting by artist Dorothy Gardiner will be raffled off at the Red Barncelebration on Jan. 26.F CONFERENCEFrom page 1ABeverly BidneyGloria Wilson, Christine McCall and Wanda Bowers sort clothing in the storage unit.Beverly BidneyJody Osceola throws a bag of goods to PeteOsceola on the truck.However, he would like to see moreconsultation with Tribes before enactinglegislation that would affect Indian Country.Also during the conference, DeputySecretary of the Treasury Neal Wolinannounced new proposals laying out broadexclusions of certain benefits from incomethat Indian Tribal governments provide toTribal members; Tribes have developedprograms to address their unique social,cultural and economic issues, and the newguidelines seek to provide certainty onwhat benefits fall under the general welfareexclusion from income.“It’s a win for Tribes across thecountry,” President Sanchez said.Closing comments came fromsecretaries of Transportation and Labor, andObama capped off the conference with hisaddress, highlighting his administration’sstrides with Indian Country.“We focused on justice and Tribalsovereignty,” Obama said. “Longstandinglegal disputes like the Cobell case havebeen resolved. I signed into law the TribalLaw and Order Act, which is helping tofight crime. These are all important steps,but we’ve got more work to do.”Obama said he hopes to continueKathryn StolarzPresident Tony Sanchez Jr. holds a proclamationfrom U.S. President Barack Obama, in whichhe vowed to improve relations with NativeAmericans. Tribal leaders were given a copy atthe conference.improving Tribes’ economies and quellingdomestic violence. He asked federalofficials to support small Tribal businessesand to improve federal protection of sacredsites, on which a report was released Dec. 6.“We’re going to keep working togetherto make sure that the promise of America isfully realized for every Native American,”Obama said.Bobbi “BJ” Billie gathers bags of donated clothing.Beverly BidneyBeverly BidneyJody Osceola loads items donated by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel &Casino.Photo courtesy of Tami HeilemannU.S. President Barack Obama addresses Tribal leaders during the Tribal Nations Conference.

7A • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012The Tribal Registerof Historic PlacesShovels in hand, dignitaries prepare to move the dirt signifying the start of the Snake Road renovation project.F SNAKE ROADFrom page 1A“We’ve watched this little roadtake lives for years,” said Big CypressCouncilman Mondo Tiger. “Joe and I haveworked together to get this done. The roadhasn’t been worked on since the 1970s,and a safer road is needed for this growingcommunity.”Residents of Big Cypress will certainlybenefit from the improvements, but it willalso help the Fire Department, includingthe paramedics, respond to emergency callsmore easily and safely.“Lady Bird wanted to make sure everyroad built had an aesthetic value. Now weare finally able to make some changes to theroad,” said Mike Tiger, the Tribe’s treasurer.“Before Snake Road, it used to take twoand a half hours to get from Hollywood toBig Cypress. You had to go up and aroundClewiston on two-lane roads. When you didit every day, it was a long, hard trip.”U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastingssent a letter congratulating the Tribe onthe groundbreaking. Representatives fromthe offices of Sen. Bill Nelson and U.S.Congresswoman Debbie WassermannSchultz spoke about the significance ofthe upgraded road to the Tribe’s safety.Members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs,Federal Highway Administration and theFlorida Department of Transportation alsospoke at the ceremony.“We want to preserve the quality oflife during the project and after,” said StanRodimon, Chief Community Planning andDevelopment Officer, who oversees theproject. “The drainage system will cut downthe mosquito population.”Although some were nostalgic for theallure of Snake Road, safety is the mostimportant aspect of the renovation.“I’ll miss the road because I alwaysenjoyed what Lady Bird did, but I also knowthe road well,” Chairman Billie said. “Newpeople don’t know the hazards of the twistsand turns. I’ve lost cousins and friends onthe straight part of the road, too. At night,you’ll be driving and the next thing youknow a 10-foot alligator, wild hog or deerwill cause you to go off the road. You justhave to go slow and be careful. For a guythat grew up and lives out here, I’ll miss it.”Beverly BidneySeminole Media Productions archive photoAn aerial shot shows Snake Road’s winding curves.SUBMITTED BY CARRIE DILLEYArchitectural HistorianDuring the past two years, the TribalHistoric Preservation Office (THPO) hasworked to establish a Tribal Register ofHistoric Places. The department createdthe Tribal Register as a way to recognizethe cultural resources – historic camps,buildings, structures, archaeological sitesand other places where cultural practicesand beliefs are recorded or are knownthrough oral tradition – that are highlysignificant to the Seminole Tribe ofFlorida.Having a Tribal Register also helpsthe department fulfill its duties as a THPO,as outlined in its Historic PreservationPlan required by the National ParkService.Prior to establishing the TribalRegister, THPO had two ways ofrecording and recognizing historicproperties: the Seminole Site File and theNational Register of Historic Places.The Seminole Site File (SSF) is an inhouserepository of the cultural resourceinformation (including information abouthistoric, archaeological and architecturalsites) on the Seminole reservations andother relevant lands. It includes hundredsof listings and has helped THPO preservecritical information for the Tribe. TheSSF is a list of all recorded sites.The National Register of HistoricPlaces, administered by the NationalPark Service, is a list of properties ofexceptional significance on the nationallevel. THPO has completed two NationalRegister nominations to date – the RedBarn in Brighton and the Council Oak inHollywood.However, many important Seminolesites do not meet the strict requirementsof the National Register.“The THPO realized the need forcreating a classification and descriptivesystem that mirrored the National Registerbut was in tune with the specific culturalnature of Seminole Sites,” said DavidBrownell, THPO research assistant.Therefore, the Tribal Register ofHistoric Places was born.The Tribal Register of HistoricPlaces, maintained by THPO, serves todesignate, protect and/or preserve theproperties listed while increasing theawareness about the places of culturalsignificance for the Tribe. Listing aproperty requires extensive research,including Tribal member interviews,background studies and site visits.By investigating the importance ofthese places, THPO can facilitate thedesignation, protection and preservationof these sites for future generationsin a manner decided upon by theTribe. Options could include simplydocumenting the site, installing historicalmarkers or educational signage, or a fullreconstruction of historic elements of theproperty.These cultural resources helpdemonstrate the identity of the SeminoleTribe, and if they are not protected orrecorded, their significance could be lostforever.Some examples of properties listedare the Little Charlie Micco Camp, theBilly Bowlegs Camp, the Council Oak,the Old Hollywood Cemetery and the RedBarn.Tribal Register information is notpublished to the outside but is readilyavailable for Tribal members.If you would like to suggest aproperty to be nominated to the TribalRegister or would like more information,contact Carrie Dilley at CarrieDilley@semtribe.com or 954-364-5210. Be sureto look for highlights from the TribalRegister in upcoming issues.F More SKATE photos from page 3AMembers of Alex Cypress’ family pose for a picture at the Memorial Skate Contest.Beverly BidneyBeverly BidneyA skateboarder does a trick at the Circus Bowl.Beverly BidneyFrom left, family friend Nicholas Andrews, Tommi Billie, Circus Bowl owner Jason Ranft, BobbieBillie, BJ Billie and Mariann Billie are at the event.Beverly BidneySeminole kids watch as a skateboarder grinds by on Dec. 1.Beverly BidneyNushee Billie, 6, Alena Stockton, 10, and Tanoke Billie, 8, are at the event.Alena Stockton, 10, skates in the bowl.Beverly BidneyThe PoliceKnow Your rightsDo You?Seminole Moments: Cattle historywww.casTillolawoFFices.comCall Me For A Free ConsultationricharD casTillo954.522.3500Since 1990 I have protected rights like yours.My office defends dui’s, drug offenses,suspended license, domestic violence, andall felonies and misdemeanors.24 hours a dayThe hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should notbe based solely upon advertisement Castillo worked as a PublicDefender in Broward County from 1990-1996 and has been inprivate practice for nine years. In 1995 he was voted the TrialAttorney of the year. He graduated from Capital University in1989 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1990, Federal Bar in1992, and the Federal Trial Bar in 1994.Andrea HolataAs part of the Seminole Moments series presented by the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Community Outreach specialist WillieJohns speaks to employees at the Chupco Youth Ranch in Fort Pierce over lunch on Dec. 5. Johns explained the history ofthe Seminole Tribe’s cattle program and its importance to the Tribe.

8A • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012Joshua L. Williams and Michael S. Sprouse, top row, second and third from right, are with their 284th Police Academy class.Seminole Police Department welcomestwo more officers into their ranksBY BRETT DALYSenior EditorDAVIE — The 284th Police Academyclass graduated from the Institute of PublicSafety on Dec. 5, and among the graduateswere two new officers of the SeminolePolice Department.Michael S. Sprouse and Joshua L.Williams underwent 770 hours of trainingover a six-month period in the areas ofphysical, academic and firearms training toearn the honor of serving in law enforcement.During the ceremony at Broward College’sCentral Campus, Seminole Police ChiefWilliam Latchford presented the officerswith their SPD badges.For Sprouse, entering law enforcementwas an easy choice. He’s had an interestin the field since his childhood and alwayshad a desire to serve the public. Despitethe demands placed on him and his fellowcadets during the academy, Sprouse thrived.He served as his class treasurer – a positionhis class elected him to – and earned therunner-up title in academic proficiency witha grade point average of 97 percent.“The police academy was very nerverackingthe first day,” Sprouse said. “Ican remember showing up and not reallyknowing anyone. We were able to bondand stick together. We came together andaccomplished our goal.”Williams, too, always considered acareer in law enforcement. He said helooked up to a friend’s father who was inlaw enforcement and was interested in acareer that protects and serves. The PoliceAcademy gave him that chance. Althoughhe didn’t know the other 14 cadets in hisclass, he quickly developed bonds withthem all.“We turned out to be brothers andsisters,” Williams said. “The best part wasthe camaraderie and getting to know eachother.”Broward County Commissioner ChipLaMarca addressed the class during thegraduation ceremony, encouraging thecadets to remember the reasons they tookthe job: to protect family, friends andneighbors.“We will demand much from you,” hesaid. “We will expect you to protect us fromthose who may do us harm; we will expectyou to be good role models to our children;we will expect you to protect our homes,schools and businesses. Our expectationswill be high, but I am confident you will notonly meet but exceed them.”Both Sprouse and Williams will serveon the Hollywood Reservation, and theylook forward to the experience.“That’s one of the greatest benefits ofworking with the Seminole Department,”Sprouse said. “It’s such a small departmentand a close-knit community that they’rethere to support you. You’re not just anumber in the department; they know youby name.”Brett DalyBrett DalyPolice Chief William Latchford gives JoshuaWilliams his SPD badge during the graduationceremony on Dec. 5.Jackie Burdette retiresafter 18 years of serviceBY ANDREA HOLATAStaff ReporterBRIGHTON — Dispatcher JackieBurdette, from the Seminole PoliceDepartment, retired after 18 years ofservice to the Tribe.Coworkers, family and friendsjoined Burdette for a celebration inher honor to congratulate her at theBrighton Seminole Police Departmenton Nov. 30.Burdette began working for thePolice Department after the unfortunatepassing of her husband forced her tolook for a job. Prior to that, she focusedon raising a family.“There was an article in thenewspaper and my daughter [saw] it,so I applied,” Burdette said.After a thorough background checkand interview, Burdette was hired as adispatcher for the Police Department.In the position, Burdette took callsand dispatched officers when needed,and until recently, she dispatched forthe Fire Department as well.Ringing in the new year safelySUBMITTED BY WILLIAM R. LATCHFORDPolice ChiefWhere has the time gone? As NewYear’s Eve arrives, a night of fun tocelebrate the beginning of a new yearwill too. Regardless of how you enjoy thefestivities, please keep in mind the safety ofyou and your families. In the ever-populararena of social media, it is fun to share yourwhereabouts and plans, but be careful aboutposting where you are, and especially takecaution with advertising that you are nothome.Should your plans involve celebrationsthat include alcohol, remember to have adesignated driver. Under no circumstancesshould anyone drink and drive.Also, be on guard of your surroundings.Fireworks are a beautiful part of manyNew Year’s Eve events, but please takeprecautions to keep young children safearound them. If hiring a babysitter forBurdette said it’s a bittersweetretirement.“I enjoyed the communicationwith the Tribal members,” Burdettesaid. “Trying to help them wheneverthey needed it…I made a lot of friendsout there…And, of course, I am goingto miss my officers and coworkers.”She admits adjusting to retirementwill be hard because she spent the last18 years going out to the reservationto work every day. She does, however,look forward to catching up on losttime with her family.“I love working in my yard onmy flowers and spending time withmy family,” Burdette said. “I have twogrown children who have children, andI missed out on a lot of that while I wasworking.”Burdette also looks forward to herfree time.“I look forward to enjoying the restof my life and try and do what I want todo for a while.”the night, be surehe or she has CPRcertification, hasbabysitting trainingand has verifiedreferences. This willallow you to enjoyyour night knowingyour children are safeand in good care. Remember, if somethingdoes not feel right, it probably isn’t. Takingpreventive measures is key.My staff and I are honored and thankyou for allowing us to keep each of yousafe in our communities this past year.Seminole Police Department warmlywishes you and your families a healthy,safe and prosperous New Year. As youembark on making resolutions and plansfor the coming year, remember to enjoyand appreciate the wonderful family andfriends that surround you.All Family Ministriesoffers variety of coursesSeminole Tribe Fire RescuepresentsDid you know that New Year’s Day is the deadliest forpedestrians?SUBMITTED BY HOLLY BILLIEHealth Department Program ManagerBRIGHTON — All FamilyMinistries, located on the BrightonReservation, is under the leadershipof Pastor Bill Blomberg. The ministrycurrently offers several opportunities tofurther your education.Finances: A course on finances isoffered Sunday mornings. The materialsfor this course come from Financial PeaceUniversity, a Dave Ramsey presentation.Relationships: This class is offered onWednesday night and is titled The Power toLove. It was developed by John Glenn, ofFreedom Ranch Ministry.Bible College: This program is a threeyearBible College course. The materialsare purchased from Faith Bible Institute.The founder and instructor for theseclasses is John Yates. Faith Bible Instituteprovides a chronological study of the entireBible and a Bible college diploma uponcompletion of all classes. More than 33,000students worldwide have participated inthis program, including Brighton residents.Brighton residents Alice Sweat, IvanBruised Head and LeAnna Rae Billiegraduated from Faith Bible Institute.For more information on Faith BibleInstitute or other classes offered throughAll Family Ministries, contact Reina Miccoat 863-634-8046 or Rita McCabe at 863-634-4826.• Avoid the rush of traffic and arrive early to the destination for your New Year’s Evecelebration. Make plans in advance to stay overnight in case you decide not to drive home.• Designate a sober driver, rent a limousine or hire a taxi cab for the evening. Never allow anintoxicated person to operate a vehicle.Photo courtesy of Holly BillieAlice Sweat.Photo courtesy of Holly BillieIvan Bruised Head.Photo courtesy of Holly BillieLeAnna Rae Billie.• Always wear your seatbelt, do not text and be cautious of other drivers because they may beunder the influence of alcohol. Call 9-1-1 or *347 (FHP) to report a vehicle that is swervingon the roadway.• Attend a local professional fireworks show as opposed to personally handling consumerfireworks. Even sparklers can ignite clothing and cause serious burns to children andadults.• Celebratory gunfire (which is oftentimes confused with fireworks) produces stray bulletsthat strike the heads, shoulders or feet of innocent victims when firearms are dischargedinto the air.• Make sure that your smoke alarms are working by pushing the test button.“Smoke alarms save lives”Tampa Seminoles, YMCAform healthy partnershipBY PETER B. GALLAGHERSpecial Projects ReporterTAMPA — Marsha Roberts had aproblem.The Recreation director for the TampaSeminoles had no facilities for either youthor adult Tribal members to work out, playgames or participate in sports.The smallest of the Seminoles’residential reservations, Tampa’scommunity had been relocated from theactual reservation lands in 2004 when theTribe’s new Hard Rock Hotel & Casinooccupied the entire footprint of the originaltrust land.“People were living all over the place– Plant City, Brandon, Lutz, you name it,”Roberts said.More than 900 acres purchased bythe Tribe in Lakeland is awaiting officialfederal recognition as trust land, a processthat can take years.“Someday, most everyone will be backliving together in a community again. Butuntil then, I felt we had to do something,”she said.Maureen “Mo” Chiodini offered aviable solution.The associate vice president ofmembership and programs for the TampaMetropolitan Area YMCA came up witha unique partnership idea for the TampaSeminoles – a regional membershipthat would allow any Tribal member touse any YMCA facility in Polk, Pasco,Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.While YMCA corporate membershipsare common, it is believed this is the firstsuch arrangement between the YMCA andan American Indian Tribe, Chiodini said.“They just walk up and show their IDcards and they can participate in anything.We’ve got kids in youth sports, gymnastics,dance,” she said. “Parents can exercise ingroup and family programs as well. It’sgoing real well.”The program began in October andhas proven popular with Tribal families,Roberts said.“Tribal members know the otherSeminole reservations have gyms and poolsand sports fields,” she said. “Now, Tampahas them all over this part of Florida, easilyaccessible from wherever they are living.”

Historic Dania photographsfeatured in research notebookSUBMITTED BY TARA BACKHOUSECollections ManagerIn September’s column, we introduceda recently acquired research notebook thatoriginally belonged to Francis Frost White.White was an employee with the Bureauof Indian Affairs and worked on the DaniaReservation during the first half of the 20thcentury.The notebook contains hundreds ofitems that date mainly from 1919 to thelate 1930s. It consists of a variety of items,including research reports, newspaperclippings and photographs.As we began to catalog the itemsin this notebook, we focused first on thephotographs. The photographs document awide variety of people, camps and events.Some of the people in the photographs areidentified but not all of them. We would likeyour help in identifying some of the peoplein the photographs this month and in thefuture, as we continue our investigation.This month, we have three photographsfrom the notebook. The photogenic manin a cowboy hat in Photograph 1 is JackOsceola, and the photograph is datedMarch 18, 1935. It’s fantastic and rare forPhoto courtesy of Ah-Tah-Thi-KiPhotograph 2: Two unidentified men stand nextto each other.a museum to know the exact date of thephotographs in its collection. This is notusually the case, as most photographers donot take notes or label their photographs.We know the photographer of the othertwo photographs is Dwight R. Gardin, ofBrighton, but the people of the photographsare not identified. We think that these facesare recognizable and that someone mightbe able to tell us who they are. If we havethis information, we’ll be able to providethe photos to family members who comeand search the Museum’s archives forpictures of relatives.This is one of the most importantservices we provide, and we would like tohelp more people.If you know who these people are,please call the Museum at 877-902-1113and ask for the Collections Division. If youidentify a member of your family, we canalso give you a copy of that picture, andwe will search the Museum’s collection forother pictures of your family member.If you would like to view the researchnotebook, to look for pictures of yourfamily or to see anything else in thecollection, please contact the Museumto make an appointment, or just drop byPhotograph 3: Four unidentified young women sit on a stone wall.Photo courtesy of Ah-Tah-Thi-KiPhotograph 1: Jack Osceola, March 18, 1935.at your convenience and ask to speak tosomeone in the library.Photo courtesy of Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki9A • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012Hah-Tung-Ke:John Paul WaltersBY PETER B. GALLAGHERSpecial Projects ReporterTALLAHASSEE — In the early1980s, former Florida State Universitymusic therapy student John Paul Waltersdecided to leave Tallahassee for the hillcountry of Texas. A friend named Marthaoffered him a room at her house whilehe contemplated the move. She lived inthe historical town of Miccosukee, anunincorporated community in northeasternLeon County not far from the Florida-Georgia line.“I was mesmerized by the area,”said Walters, a singer/songwriter whoperformed in the Meisburg & Waltersmusical duo for the previous five years.“I was only planning to stay sixmonths, but I stayed a year,” he said. “Ihated to leave.”His walks around the countryside, thestunning panorama views, the rolling hillsdotted with ponds and lakes, the cool, stillnights, the rural culture – “all the beautifulthings about the area” – led Walters toput his thoughts on paper. The result:Miccosukee in My Mind.During the 18th century, the townof Miccosukee (located at the junction ofVeterans Memorial Drive and MoccasinGap Road) was a major center of theMiccosukee Tribe, which often foughtarmed battles with white settlers. Thetown was originally mapped by the Britishin 1778 and first called Mikasuki with 60homes, 28 families and a town square.Some 70 gunmen protected the town. Itwas the capital of the short-lived State ofMuskogee.In 1818, Gen. Andrew Jackson invadedthe village, defeated village Chief Kinhageeand drove the Indians south. Eventually,the area had a U.S. post office, schools,churches and stores and became a centerof Leon County cotton plantations. Duringthe Civil War, soldiers from MiccosukeeThere’s a sleepy little townThere just below the borderNestled in between Florida and GeorgiaIt’s a pretty little place, it helps me get byJust about daybreakWalkin’ down a country roadSmellin’ that sweet tooEverything is brand newThese are the things that help me get by‘Cause when I’m out on the roadI go to Miccosukee in my mindJust about dinner timeMartha’s makin’ sweet teaHangin’ laundry on the lineAnd singin’ to her babyThese are the things that help me get byFishin’ with my new plugOut in the row boatDreamin’ ‘bout the big oneCook him over hickory smokeThese are the things that help me get by‘Cause when I’m out on the roadPhoto courtesy of John Paul WaltersSongwriter John Paul Walters.enlisted in Company K, 5th Florida Infantryand Company B, 1st Florida Cavalry.After the Civil War, the area revertedto farms. During the 1890s, wealthyindustrialists established quail huntingplantations and large ranch estates,removing thousands of acres of landfrom agricultural production. The townessentially became a ghost town after theboll weevil infestation of 1918 and theGreat Depression a decade later.Walters no longer performs the song,which is only available on iTunes. Forthe past few years, he has suffered a raredisease called spasmodic dysphonia, aneurological disorder that causes spasmsof one or more muscles of the larynx(voice box) during speech. National PublicRadio’s Diane Rehm, bluegrass guitaristTony Rice and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. areamong the notables who have sufferedfrom this neurological disease.“I really miss the performing andsinging, but I have to accept the fact Icannot really do it anymore,” Walters said.“But my passion, my real focus, is really inwriting. Soon, I am going to move back toNashville to be a staff songwriter. I’m notgetting any younger. Why not give it mybest shot?”‘Miccosukee in My Mind’Lyrics by John Paul WaltersI go to Miccosukee in my mindTired of livin’ out of a suitcaseChokin’ on the fast foodChecked in the motelsGlued to the boob tubesSmoky and his radarHiding by the highwayGot to get back where I can live my life mywayJust about twilightWhippoorwill in the woodsKicking my shoes offListenin’ to the crickets talkThese are the things that help me get byRockin’ on the front porchFinally got the kids to sleepThankin’ my lucky starsPray the Lord my soul to keepThese are the things that help me get by‘Cause when I’m out on the roadI go to Miccosukee in my mind• Willie JohnsIalwayshad a thirst, a hunger, forthe history of my people. But whenI was growing up, nobody talkedmuch about it. There wasn’t time for muchbesides survival. We lived in chickees onthe Brighton Seminole Reservation. Myfamily was dirt poor and spent most of ourtime working in the fields, working withcattle, anything we could find, even cuttingpalm fronds for the Catholics to use onPalm Sunday. As a kid, I would hear myuncles talk about when the Seminoles alllived in camps across Florida and how theymissed the free hunting and trapping way oflife. When they came onto the reservation,it was like a death sentence to them. Alot of them became migrant workers justto keep food on the table. The struggle tosurvive overshadowed the memories of theshooting and guns and wars and genocideof the past.When I was a boy, I also spent timein the world outside of the reservation.At the age of 3, I caught polio, and theytook me away for three years in a crippledchildren’s hospital in Orlando. I rememberwhen I finally came back. The first nightI woke up in a chickee, I could smell thehog pens. I realized then that God had pityon me to put me on an Indian reservationbecause nothing was going to come to me;I had to get off my a-- and run it downmyself. By 7, I had thrown my braces intoa cabbage tree. I played four years of highschool football at Okeechobee High, rodebulls, went out with the pretty girls. I wasdetermined to make it. If there was everany prejudice directed at me, I didn’t knowit.As I got older, my hunger to learn aboutmy people’s history only got stronger. Istarted doing a lot of independent research.I asked questions. People would tell mestories passed down, but I knew there wasmore. The more I studied, the more I didn’tunderstand the magnitude of what tookplace among my people. As time went on, Ifound out that other Tribal members reallywanted to know the history, too. My phonewould ring off the hook with others wantingme to find out historical information forthem. Long ago, they began calling me aConquistadors: distant ghosts we won’t forgetTribal historian. I’ve got a history degree.I’ve amassed a large library of bookswritten about my people from every angleyou can imagine. The past is very, veryreal to me. I am worried it could disappearunless we make a determined effort topreserve our history.Last year, I signed on as the SeminoleTribe’s representative in the Viva Florida500 project [commemorating the 500thanniversary of Spanish explorers landing onFlorida’s shore]. I didn’t do this to make apolitically correct statement that will rendereverybody happy. I did it to make sure thatthe history of my people is represented.We are here to educate, not forgive. We arehere to enlighten, not accuse. We want tokeep very alive the memories of those dayswhen the Europeans first came. We wantto tell who the Spanish people were whocame to our shores, and we want to educatepeople about exactly what they did.People may not realize how manyTribes and Native peoples existed beforebeing decimated by the disease and warfarebrought on by the conquistadors. Withthe priests looking on, Spanish explorerstook out the aboriginal Floridians withmassacres in the name of God. And theysent the good news back to the king. But,we can only speak for ourselves. TheFlorida Indians of long ago could illustratewhat happened, but they didn’t write booksand journals.Indians all across America sharedstories that were kept alive and passeddown through the generations about whatthe European invaders did. That’s how itwas told to me: The truth of those dayswas kill the Indian – or give him a blanket,invite him to supper, sneeze on his blanket,then send him away.Yet, we survived all of this atrocity.We actually learned from our attackers. Welearned to practice slavery from them, andwe even learned the behavior to sell out ourown people. Creek warriors did real wellin that regard; they would come down hereand hunt down the other Indians the sameway the white man did. They would sellIndians as slaves just like the white mandid.The Spanish brought in their cultureand tried to make us a part of it. Theywere actually merciful in some ways. Afterthey put you in your place, enslaved andunarmed, they would Christianize you andmake you a Catholic. Our cultures clashed,and the Spanish had the upper hand.When I think of the past, I feel likewe were always running. For hundredsof years, we were on the run. We ranhere from all over. Some of us ran hereearlier than others. We Seminoles believewe are descended from the indigenousTribes of Florida, running and hiding likeall the others. You had the Calusa, theApalachicola, the Mayaimi along LakeOkeechobee, the Ais people of the IndianRiver Lagoon, the Tocobaga in Tampa,Arawak in the Caribbean, Timucua upin the northeast and the Tequesta in thesoutheast. The individual Tribes were toosmall to engage in effective warfare withthe Spanish and their allies. So, they ran.The Seminole Tribe of Florida has aTribal Historic Preservation Departmentthat is absolutely concerned with theaccurate interpretation and preservationof our history – all the way back to thefirst peoples who occupied this land.Both the state of Florida and the UnitedStates, under the 1990 Native AmericanGraves Protection and Repatriation Act(NAGPRA), recognize the SeminoleTribe as the guardian of the ancientsoutheastern Tribes who were eliminatedfrom their home lands. It becomes ourofficial duty to handle repatriations, whichcan include re-burials of human remainsand the return of funerary objects, sacredobjects and objects of cultural patrimony.We have been involved in many, many ofthese cases.While all Seminole people haverespect for our culture and our ancestors,not all Seminoles agree on how we shouldrelate with our neighbors. Some who havebeen quite active and vocal about theseissues are Independent Seminoles whochoose not to be enrolled members of theorganized Seminole Tribe of Florida. Theyfrequently speak at public meetings whenissues arise where they perceive traditionalSeminole culture is being wronged. Someof the Independents want to regain Paradiseby loading every person in the state on aboat and then shipping ‘em all out. But thatain’t gonna happen.I think education is the answer. SomeIndependents argue that the city of St.Augustine should tear down the old fort(Castillo de San Marcos) because of theatrocities that occurred to Indians there 400years ago. I look at it differently. I wouldrather it remain standing so the memoriesof those days would not fade away. Thosewho don’t remember the past are doomedto repeat it.For St. Augustine’s 450th anniversary(planned for 2015), I made a suggestionthat it would be cool if we could inviterepresentatives of all the Native Tribeswho were incarcerated there during andafter the Seminole Wars, get them alltogether, and do a healing ceremony. Butsome Independents did not agree, so theTribe refused to endorse the idea.Many Seminoles would say, “Leave itall alone.” They argue we shouldn’t spenda whole lot of time, money and effort onworrying about the Spanish conquistadors– that today there are much bigger thingswe need to be worried about.Maybe the best place to focus on thehistory is in the schools. I don’t think theEuropean invasion is discussed a lot in theclassrooms. The conquistadors came overhere 300 years before Andrew Jacksonstarted chasing us. Students are taught moreabout the three Seminole Wars than thegenocide performed by the Europeans andthe Americans. In my home of Brighton,our charter school spends a lot of time onlanguage, which is very important to us,and on taking the kids on cultural outings.The Spanish are part of the curriculum, butI don’t believe there is much said aboutit. We have to change that in all Floridaschools.It’s too bad we all haven’t been talkingabout all this history all along. Maybe itwould not have been so glorified.In the end, I don’t believe the Spanishwere ever that happy with Florida. We justdidn’t have what they were looking sodesperately for. They were basically goneby the Revolutionary War. Then, alongcame the American settlers. Wouldn’t youknow it, they wanted the Indians’ land.They held their meetings. “How we gonnaget the land? What are we gonna do withthe Indians?” Somewhere, someone had anidea: “Let’s hire Andy Jackson. He knowswhat to do: Write up failing treaties, spank‘em in a few wars, go after ‘em, keep ‘emon the run, put ‘em out West somewhere.”When the Supreme Court ruled theIndian Removal Act was unconstitutional,ol’ Andy Jackson just said, “Stop me,” androde off after the Indians anyway. If hedefied the law like that today, the federalmarshals would be all over him. To tell youthe truth, Seminoles today despise AndrewJackson more than the conquistadors.But you know how they say, “Out ofbad things, good things come?” When theSpanish sailed away, they left their horsesand cattle here, and we used them to startthe Seminole cattle industry.In fact, for most of the past 100 yearsin Florida, the Seminoles have thrived inthe cattle industry. We once sold the meatand hides to the Cubans, even loaded upcattle on the St. Johns River. People calledus the Cow Creeks. Today, we are thefourth-largest calf producers in the country.After we stopped running, those abandonedcattle pulled us through. That was our firstcasino: the Spanish cow.If it was paradise before the Europeanscame, Florida was an absolutely horribleplace to live after they left. Post-Civil War,you had outlaws, bandits, deserters, everysort of bad individual, all the problemsof poverty, everyone hit hard. Beforewe got reservations, we were survivingin little camps all over the Evergladesand Big Cypress Swamp where only themosquitoes and gators were supposedto be. Our homeland had shrunk. But weweren’t running anymore.Our communities began to grow,and we began to organize. The Indianswho settled in the ‘Glades became theMiccosukee and Big Cypress Seminoles.Those who lived to the north were Creekspeakers whose descendents are theBrighton Seminoles of today. We survivednearly 500 years of genocide and atrocitywith our culture and languages still intact.That is who we are.The conquistador is a distant ghost.But we will not forget.Willie Johns is Community OutreachSpecialist for the Seminole Tribe of Florida.This article was originally published inFORUM, the magazine of the FloridaHumanities Council.

11A • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012NATIONAL NATIVE NEWSFlorida’s Hard Rock to openhotels in China in 2015HOLLYWOOD — Hard Rock International,the hospitality brand owned by the Seminole Tribeof Florida, is expanding its hotels into China,announcing plans for two Hard Rock hotels, bothon golf resort properties developed by China-basedMission Hills Group.Hard Rock plans a 280-room hotel in Shenzhen,the booming port city on China’s southern coast, anda 250-room hotel in Haikou on Hainan Island, offsouthern China.The two hotels are slated to open in 2015 at acost of nearly $143 million, the companies said.“The expansion of Hard Rock Hotels into Chinais a momentous event,” Hard Rock president HamishDodds said in a news release.The Asian nation of 1.2 billion people is theworld’s most populous, with a fast-growing middleclass increasingly traveling within their country.China also ranks as the world’s No. 4 internationaltravel destination by tourist spending and soon couldtop the list, according to reports from the U.N. WorldTourism Organization.Hard Rock has 18 hotels in the Americas andAsia. The group includes one in Macau, the formerPortuguese colony that now is a special administrativeregion of China known for its gambling resorts.– Hard RockViolence Against Indian WomenAct filedWASHINGTON, D.C. — Lame duckCongressional efforts to reauthorize the ViolenceAgainst Women Act (VAWA) are halted more thanseven months after the House and Senate passedseparate bills. This has led Congressman Darrel Issa(R-Calif.), with co-sponsoring Native AmericanCongressmen Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Mike Simpson(R-Idaho) and Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) to introduceHR6625, the Violence Against Indian Women Act of2012.The Congressmen are seeking to use Tribalprotections for Native women and families as abargaining tool by lawmakers in a last-ditch effortto get the VAWA back on track. It stalled whenRepublican leaders objected to Native Americanprotections offered in the Senate bill, includingprovisions that would give Tribal courts jurisdictionover non-Indians who commit crimes on reservations.The passed House version does not includethose Tribal court provisions, instead allowing fora battered Native woman – or a Tribe on her behalf– to file in U.S. district court for a protection orderagainst her alleged abuser, whether Indian or not,who committed the abuse on Indian land.White House spokesman Shin Inouye said theObama administration still supported the Senateversion of the bill.Congressman Cole, a Chickasaw Tribal member,told Indian Country Today Media Network hesupports the Senate version of the bill and has beentrying to educate his colleagues.“I have had an opportunity to talk to some peoplewho say this would be unconstitutional,” he said. “It’snot unconstitutional. It’s clearly within Congress’purview to give Tribes the ability to have effectivepolice power and protection of their own territory.“There are 535 members of Congress, and 534of them could go on the Sioux Reservation, commita crime and not be subjected to local jurisdiction,”Cole added. “If I did it, though, I would be becauseI’m an Indian. We trust Tribes to have jurisdictionover Native Americans. As long as you give peoplethe right to appeal, they ought to be subject to Tribaljurisdiction.“Most American communities have localjurisdiction; Native Americans do not. It’s not right. Iwill vote with the democrats on this if an amendmentor recommit is offered. I hope we can get it done thisyear.”– Indian Country Today Media NetworkAlcatraz graffiti preservedALCATRAZ ISLAND, Calif. — Recently,when the water tower on Alcatraz Island was repaintedby the National Park Service (NPS), its famousgraffiti was documented before it was covered so itcould be recreated. It was during the American Indianoccupation of Alcatraz Island (1969-1971) that thewords “Peace and Freedom. Welcome. Home ofthe Free Indian Land” were scrawled on the famoustower.“We painstakingly documented the originalgraffiti on the water tower,” Alex Picavet, GoldenGate National Recreation Area spokesperson, toldIndian Country Media Network. “It’s the same colorpaint; everything is the same.”About $800,000 went into refurbishing andstabilizing the historic water tower, even though itdoesn’t work, and part of that process included a coatof fresh, moisture-resistant paint, a coat of paint thatcovered the historic political message, one the NPSthought was important enough to recreate.“This is a really important part of Alcatraz’shistory, and this was one of the most visible waysthat this history stays present on Alcatraz, so itwas important to the National Park Service that allvisitors…have the opportunity to learn more aboutthe occupation of Alcatraz,” Picavet, who is Osage,said.Native writer Dean Chavers was one of 78college students who took over Alcatraz Island in1969.“The Indian symbols on the Alcatraz water towermay not mean anything to the National Park Serviceauthorities, but they mean the world to us Indianswho were there. It is part of history,” he said, callingRichard Oakes, the Mohawk leader of the Alcatrazoccupation “a true visionary.”Shot and killed in 1972, Oakes was rememberedduring the refurbishment of the water tower. FawnOakes, Richard’s daughter, and Elijah Oakes, hisgrandson, helped in the restoration process.“It was meaningful to the National ParkService to have this cooperative effort between theNative American community, whose history weshare responsibility for preserving, and the federalgovernment to repaint the messages,” Picavet said.The occupiers were protesting the poor treatmentof Indians in schools and the U.S. government’s“treaty termination” policy (reversed by PresidentNixon in 1970 as a result of the Alcatraz occupation).Other evidence that is left of the Indianoccupation include a graffiti on the dock when peoplearrive that says, “Indians welcome,” and, “Indianland.” The word “Free” is scrolled into a shield in theemblem graffiti above the main door to the cell house.– Indian Country Today Media NetworkNRC weighing uranium minenear Pine RidgeWASHINGTON, D.C. — The federalNuclear Regulatory Commission has announcedthe opportunity for interested parties to intervenein Crow Butte Resources’ application to expandits uranium mining operation to the Marsland site,located between the Pine Ridge Reservation andCrawford, Neb.In 2008, the Oglala Sioux Tribe intervened todemand hearings on a previous proposal for expansionof the company’s mining at the nearby North Trendsite. The NRC also granted participation in thoseproceedings to the nonprofit Western NebraskaResources Council, the nonprofit Owe Aku (BringBack the Way) and its founder, Debra White Plume,who is Oglala Lakota.The new opportunity for requesting a hearingor otherwise seeking approval to intervene in theapplication for the additional expansion was postedin the Federal Register. It gives interested partiesuntil Jan. 29 to request a hearing, petition for leave tointervene or move for permission to file contentions.Instructions for doing so are included in the FederalRegister notice. The NRC will determine eligibility.Crow Butte Resources, a subsidiary of Canadianmining giant Cameco, wants to increase in-siturecovery (ISR) mining, which involves injectinga leach solution into wells drilled into an ore body,allowing the solution to flow through the ore body andextract uranium, then removing the uranium from thesolution by ion exchange. Precipitation, drying andpackaging into solid yellowcake uranium also takesplace on site for shipping to nuclear power plants.Interveners in the previous application argued,among other things, that “the current mine sites arewithin the treaty boundaries; that they possess waterand mineral rights under the treaties, that infringementof the treaties would constitute injury.”The NRC did allow petitioners to argue theirallegations about contamination of water resourcesand potential resulting environmental and healthissues, as well as concerns over adequate consultationwith Tribal leaders regarding a prehistoric Indiancamp located in the region of the then-proposedexpansion site.Crow Butte Resources has been mining uraniumfor Cameco on the southern side of the Pine RidgeReservation in Nebraska for 29 years. Cameco is oneof the world’s largest uranium producers, accountingfor about 16 percent of international production.Its uranium operations span the globe with mining,milling and development assets in Canada, Australiaand Central Asia, as well as the United States, wherethe Smith Ranch-Highland operation in Wyoming isanother of its assets.Located between the Crow Butte minefield andthe Smith Ranch-Highland field is the proposedDewey-Burdock uranium mine site, a project of theCanadian holding company Powertech UraniumResources Corp.– Native Sun NewsChaske Spencer of ‘Twilight’ isleader of the packNEW YORK — Lakota actor Chaske Spenceris one of the most well-known actors in the world.He and several other Native actors play QuileuteTribal members who happen to be shape-shiftingwerewolves in The Twilight Saga. Spencer repriseshis role of alpha werewolf pack leader Sam Uleyin the fifth and final film of the series, The TwilightSaga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, which was released inlate November and is in the movie scene now.Spencer’s journey to stardom took him fromrural reservations in Idaho and Montana to the brightlights of New York, where he’s now based. Recentwork has taken him to Montana’s Fort BelknapReservation to shoot the film adaptation of the lateBlackfeet author James Welch’s Winter In the Blood;to Australia, where he filmed the well-received butcanceled NBC pilot shot in Australia, Frontier; andto the San Carlos Apache Reservation to shoot theaward-winning drama Shouting Secrets. Here is anexcerpt from a recent interview with Spencer byIndian Country Today Media Network.Q: How has growing up on various Indianreservations influenced your outlook on life?A: I’ve lived on the Fort Peck, Northern Cheyenneand the Nez Perce reservations. I actually had a goodtime on all of those places and particularly enjoyedthe family aspect of living there. There was a lot ofpoverty there and all that, and one of the reservationsI moved to in the ‘80s I’ll always remember had thishorrible sulfuric smell in their tap water. I didn’t thinkmuch about it because I didn’t know any better oreven know about life off the reservation. But just likeeverywhere in the world where people grow up in alower end economic tier, I really do appreciate whatI have the more I move up. It’s affected my politicaloutlook as it’s helped me see behind the smoke andmirrors of how the U.S. government propagandaworks and what the media presents about Americanculture. So, I took that background with me when Iwent to New York and started working as an actor,and I carry that with me to this day.Q: What made you decide to take a leap of faithto head to New York City from the rural Fort PeckIndian Reservation in Montana?A: There was nothing going on in my life, really.I was just bumming around. I’d failed in school, Iwas drinking a lot, I wasn’t doing anything exceptcommunity theater, and so I really had nothing tolose. Things couldn’t get any worse, so I decided tomove to New York and gave acting a shot. I’d alwayswanted to try to see if I could do it, and, luckily, I’vebeen fortunate enough to where it’s worked out. Ididn’t try to hop in and be like, “I just want to be amovie star.” I actually wanted to learn how it was liketo be a real actor, so I started taking a lot of actingclasses, hanging out with other actors and learningthe artistic process of it.Q: Looking back, what was it like just being partof the hugely successful Twilight franchise?A: It’s funny talking about it because Twilight’salmost like an entity in its own. I don’t think it’sreally hit me how huge Twilight was, but maybe itwill down the road. But for now, I just think I wasreally fortunate to be able to get the job, that it wassuccessful, and it gave me a career. I don’t know,maybe three or four years down the road and I’ll beblown away by being part of that franchise, but it’sstill too soon. It’s like when something happens inyour family – good or bad – you don’t know how tocomprehend it until it sinks in. I do know I enjoyedthe work, hanging out with everyone, the travel, allthe opportunities given to me and that the fans havereally enjoyed the movies. There’s a lot of talent inthose movies, and everyone in them will continue towork and grow as artists.Q: Why is it personally important for you topromote healthier lifestyles for young Natives forMichelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign?A: Natives overall are not healthy, but it’s notlike there’s a bunch of health food stores on thereservations. I grew up eating junk and crappy foodfrom a deep fryer or whatever the local gas stationsold because there was nothing else to eat. I didn’teven know what a vegetable was. So, we need tobeware of our health because diabetes and obesityare big problems in Indian Country, and we need toeducate ourselves on eating right and getting lots ofexercise. We should treat our body as a temple. If kidsstart becoming aware of maintaining healthy habitsat a young age, it helps against health risks as theyget older.– Indian Country Today Media NetworkNavajo Keyboard app nowavailableFLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — An American Indianownedsmall business from Arizona, NativeInnovation, has finished groundbreaking work thatwill now allow Apple users to download the NavajoKeyboard app for their iPhones and iPads throughiTunes. And it is free.The Navajo Keyboard makes it possible for usersto type in and removes many of the frustrations thatusers have with typing the Navajo language using thedefault iPhone and iPad keyboard. This applicationplaces an extra row of keys on its keyboard, allowingaccess to specific Navajo characters withoutdepressing the letter. A slide bar is included that canbe turned on and off to transition between the Navajokeyboard and the default iPhone and iPad keyboard.“We wanted to provide something for ouryounger generations that is unique and promotesthe language,” said Jerome Tsosie, president and coownerof Native Innovation.“The performance of the Navajo Keyboard appsupports sharing what you have written through socialmedia apps such as Facebook, Twitter, messages,plus email. Overall, Navajo Keyboard is essential toall Navajo language enthusiasts because of its speed,usability and plain usefulness.”“Fewer and fewer Navajo children are speakingless and less Navajo. Almost all entering kindergartenchildren coming to school are monolingual speakersof English. The average age of Navajo speakers isincreasing. Though about 56 percent of the 300,000plus Navajo are speakers of Navajo, this is downfrom about 60 percent 10 years ago,” said FlorianTom Johnson, who designed the layout of the NavajoKeyboard. “As a language planner, for Navajo not tobecome endangered, we must do everything possibleso Navajo speakers continue to use Navajo with eachother and with those learning to speak Navajo.“Navajo language must regain its function inNavajo society for Navajos to continue using thelanguage. This Navajo Keyboard is only one of manyways to do that,” Johnson said.The mission of Native Innovation is to providerevolutionary technology and education solutions toNative American communities with a goal to reinvestits profits back into the Navajo Nation by providingemployment.– Native News NetworkShale oil boom in North Dakotaimpacts Native AmericansFORT BERTHOLD, N.D. — From a quietagricultural state, in just five years, North Dakota hasbecome a rapidly industrializing energy powerhouse.By the middle of 2012, North Dakota was producingabout 660,000 barrels of oil a day, more than twice asmuch as just two years before. That number makesNorth Dakota the second-largest oil-producing statein the United States, after Texas.North Dakota’s political establishment –democrats and republicans alike – view the oil boomas a huge success. The state’s economy is surging.Between 2008 and 2012, more than 41,000 workerswere hired in North Dakota, which has the lowestunemployment rate in the country. All the oil pouringout of North Dakota has markedly improved U.S.energy security. As recently as 2005, the U.S. wasimporting 60 percent of the oil it consumes; today,imports account for 42 percent of consumption.But not everyone is happy about the situation.Traveling across northwest North Dakota, it is notdifficult to find farmers and ranchers who are outragedby what they are experiencing. Many North Dakotansview the oil rush as an assault on their communitiesand the places they love. The degradation of westernNorth Dakota is especially poignant for the 12,000Native American residents of the Fort BertholdReservation, home of the Mandan, Hidatsua andArikara. The nations, known as the Three AffiliatedTribes, today live on a fragment of their historicalterritory. The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 affirmeda 12-million-acre reservation in the Great Plains, butby 1880, the United States had disposed of all but988,000 acres, and, of these, non-Indian farmers andranchers soon came to own about half.In the 1950s, the federal government forced theTribe to sell 175,000 acres of prime farmland alongthe Missouri River Valley for Lake Sakakawea.Today, the oil rush – more than 500 wells now pumpoil on Fort Berthold and another 1,600-3,000 areplanned for the next five years – is jeopardizing theremaining 400,000 acres of Indian land holdings.The Three Affiliated Tribes’ official position isthat drilling benefits the community. One third of theTribal members at Fort Berthold own some mineralrights, and the Tribe has established its own energycompany with long-term plans to take over energyproduction on the reservation. Tribal Chairman TexHall said oil will bring the reservation “sovereigntyby the barrel.”But the reality is that little oil money reachesmost of the reservation. Activists Walter and LisaDeville and Theodora Bird Bear, lifelong residentsof the reservation town of Mandaree, said none ofthe oil money collected by either the Tribe or NorthDakota comes back to their town. Earlier this year,the Devilles and Bird Bear did a survey of Mandareeresidents to gauge their views on the oil boom. Ofthose they questioned, 84 percent said they do notreceive adequate information on environmentalimpacts to air, water quality and land; 92 percent saidthey fear drilling-related spills.Oil production is starting to displace theTribal culture based around agriculture and grazinglivestock. The intrusion of fleets of trucks on ruralroads has degraded quality of life in westernNorth Dakota. From exploratory drilling throughcompletion, it takes about a thousand truck trips tofrack a shale oil well.“If you have a post box on the side of the road,it’s full of dirt,” Walter said.Theodora Bird Bear, 61, remembers that beforedrilling arrived in the area, Mandaree served “as arefuge for endangered species, a sanctuary. But it’s afragile environment and cannot take continuous hitslike this. Fort Berthold is our last historic land. Thisis it.”– Earth Island JournalObama remembers his Crowadoptive fatherWASHINGTON, D.C. — The late Crow elderwho adopted then-presidential candidate BarackObama into the Crow Nation during the 2008democratic primaries was memorialized by thepresident at this year’s White House Tribal NationsConference, an annual event sponsored by the Obamaadministration.It was Hartford “Sonny” Black Eagle whogave Obama the Crow name Awe Kooda BilaxpakKuxshish, or “One Who Helps People ThroughoutThis Land.”Obama’s adoptive mother (and wife of Sonnyfor more than 60 years), Mary Black Eagle, said,“When (Sonny and I) adopted (Obama), I asked himto remember me when he made it to the White House.He said, ‘Mom, you’re going to be there with me,too.’”True to his promise, the Black Eagles visitedObama in Washington, D.C. on several occasions,including during the 2009 inauguration.At the conference, Obama spoke reverentlyabout Black Eagle, noting it would’ve been his 79thbirthday the day before.“And while we can’t celebrate that milestonewith him today, we can celebrate his remarkable lifeand all that happened along the way because Sonny’sstory is not just one man’s journey to keep his culturealive, but one country’s journey to keep perfectingitself,” Obama said.The president recalled Black Eagle’s tales ofgrowing up in a time where he was struck for speakinghis Native tongue in boarding schools and having toread signs that said, “No dogs or Indians allowed,” toeventually living in a time when he was able to adopta then-future president into his Tribe as a son.“And over those decades, as Sonny went frombeing a father to a great-great-grandfather and ashe taught his family the Crow language and hiscommunity the Crow customs; as he became a livingsymbol of the perseverance of the entire Crow Nation,Sonny stayed true to those fundamental values – tocherish the Earth and each other, to honor ancestorsand preserve traditions,” Obama said.– Indianz.com

12A • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 20129 5 4 . 3 2 7 . R O C K • s e m i n O l e h a R d R O C K h O l l y w O O d . C O mManagement reserves the rights to change or cancel promotion at any time. Persons who have been trespassed or banned By the Seminole Tribe of Florida or those who have opted into the self- exclusion program are not eligible.If you or someone you know has a gambling problem call 1.888.ADMIT.IT.

1B • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012Student spotlight:Rollie Gilliam IIIBY KATHRYN STOLARZCopy EditorLAKE WORTH — In an imperfectworld, Rollie Gilliam III wants to help thosewho suffer.The Tribal member aspires to becomea social worker and, one day, the programmanager of the Tribe’s Family ServicesDepartment.“I learned that people are hurting andpeople just need someone to listen,” Rollie,25, said. “It’s just that simple. Especiallyin a down economy, if you’re not hurtingfinancially, you’re hurting in another form,whether it’s mentally or spiritually.”A sophomore at Palm Beach StateCollege, Rollie is on track to completehis associate degree thissummer. He plans totransfer to Florida AtlanticUniversity to earn hisBachelor of Social Work.Higher educationadministrator Linda Ileyhas watched him growthrough the years and feelsconfident he will succeed inhis endeavors.“I have known Rolliewhile (he was) still in highschool and have witnessedhis progress academically,as well as personally,” Ileysaid. “I can say he is aman who has not allowedobstacles to prevent himfrom becoming a responsible, maturedand dedicated person. He is passionateabout helping himself, his family and hiscommunity.”Rollie said he grew up in Fort Piercestretched between two cultures: that of hisfather, Tribal member Rollie Gilliam Jr.,and that of his mother, African AmericanDoris Stokes. His grandmothers took turnshelping raise him and his Tribal sister,Tomasina Gilliam; and Family Servicescounseled him through his “trials andtribulations.”Realizing how valuable counselingproved for him, he began his path towardbecoming a social worker.The Tribe’s Work Experience Programhelped jump-start Rollie’s career, exposinghim to the working world and to more ofthe Tribal community. He enrolled in theprogram in 2007 as an office assistant forFort Pierce’s Education Department andthen transferred to Hollywood in 2009.He helped with filing, phone calls andcheck requests, in addition to shadowingthe department head on trips to otherreservations.Adult vocational administrator MarieDufour said he provided insight on how toimprove programs for Tribal members.“His questions were always servicerelated: ‘How can we make these servicesbetter?’” she said.Last summer, Rollie decided todiversify his experiences in the WorkExperience Program by enrolling as ateacher’s aide for the Hollywood Preschool.His responsibilities for the 4- and 5-yearolds’class includedreinforcing curriculum,supervising field trips andpreparing students forgraduation.“(In the WorkExperience Program,)we can wear as manyhats as we want as Tribalmembers,” Rollie said.“We can work anywherethat we want (within theTribe), so I wanted to takeadvantage of the variousopportunities that we haveas Tribal members to beas versatile and diverse aspossible.”Dufour praised hisprofessional curiosity, aswell as his consistency with the program.“His everlasting presence in theprogram has shown there are Tribalmembers in the program who are seriousabout their education and want to understandtheir departments better so they can one dayrun them and take them to the next level,”Dufour said.Rollie said he is grateful to the Tribe forthe opportunity to participate in the WorkExperience Program and for funding hiseducation. He plans to give back by makinghis career within the Tribe.In his personal life, Rollie is involvedwith his church, Jesus Ministries FamilyWorship Center in Dania Beach, and heenjoys playing basketball and fishing in hisfree time. He is married to Tracy.Photo courtesy of Rollie Gilliam IIIRollie Gilliam III aspires to studysocial work.Charter School studentsget a lesson on bullyingEileen SolerPre-K students from Renee Barry’s class let out huge laughs during a demonstration about rubber elasticity when another teacher attempts to pop anair-filled balloon with the tip of a pencil.Science fair means super funat Ahfachkee SchoolBY EILEEN SOLERStaff ReporterBIG CYPRESS — Students learnedhands-on at the annual Ahfachkee Schoolscience fair that school is indeed cool.On Dec. 4 at the Herman L. OsceolaGymnasium, 58 science fair projects wereshowcased by dozens of students whoshared their discoveries and explored newideas.“I had fun using tools like pliers, and Igot to do a lot of measuring. Now, I knowhow a roller coaster works,” said EliseBrown, 11, who took second place amongfifth-graders for her interactive projectcalled Roller Coaster Marbles.Children streamed to Brown’s displayfeaturing multi-colored marbles that, whenreleased at the top of a miniature rollercoaster made of twisted metal clothinghangers, would demonstrate scientificterms such as potential energy, velocityand kinetic energy. The exhibit also provedBrown’s hypothesis that the roller coaster’sstarting point should be high enough toenable the marble to “loop the loop.”Other topics included the effects ofgravity on human height, metal’s reactionto cold and hot water, the use of naturalingredients for common remedies, andwhether more or less water added to dishsoap makes the most bubbles.Some projects tackled everydayproblems.Charlie Osceola, 8, won first placeamong fourth-graders for her project, BugOff, which determined that cinnamon oilcould be used as a natural and safe deterrentagainst unwanted insects – especially ants.Osceola cut a banana in half, putcinnamon oil on one chunk, and then put30 ants and both banana pieces under glass.She observed within hours that the antssteered clear of the cinnamon half or diedwhen they tried to eat it, while the ants onthe plain banana ate carefree.Other projects attacked issues.Dasani Cypress, 13, took an entiremonth to research, gather and compilelaboratory results through the Big CypressEnvironmental Resource ManagementDepartment and to establish results forher project, which evaluated phosphoruscontent in water flowing in and out of thereservation.The seventh-grade, first-place winnersaid she did not care whether she placed inthe competition.“I just wanted to know that if thingsdumped into our water [are] ruining the lifecycle...we don’t want to kill our plants, fishor wildlife,” Cypress said.She hypothesized that naturallyflowing water through Big CypressNational Preserve and the Evergladeswould be cleaner leaving the reservationthan coming in because the reservation’smiles of pristine vegetation acts as a naturalfiltration. She proved her hypothesis – thephosphorus levels in water leaving thereservation are lower and therefore lessdamaging to the environment.Projects at the science fair includedabstracts, problems, hypotheses, experimentdocumentation and conclusions.By the end of the school day, first-,second- and third-place winners werenamed from grades four through 12. Thetop three overall winners from gradesseven through 12 will be announced inJanuary at the school’s annual awardsassembly. Those three winners will goon to compete at the National AmericanIndian Science & Engineering Fair andExpo in Albuquerque, N.M.Ahfachkee School librarian GaryChaffin, who manned one of four sciencedemonstrations during the fair exhibit, saidhe was impressed by the quality of studententries.“We’ve seen some terrific, in-depthresearch. It’s exciting to see the kidsmaking hypotheses, guessing results andsharing conclusions,” he said.Chaffin was one of four school staffmembers at tables where children steppedup to experience science firsthand. HeEileen SolerKindergarten teacher Vicky Rudolph giveschildren a demonstration about rubber elasticityby attempting to pop an air-filled balloon withthe tip of a pencil.showed kids how to use permanent markersand cloth to create colorful art. Whenrubbing alcohol, a solvent, was sprayedonto the marker designs, the colors spreadthrough the fabric for a tie-dye effect.Children also witnessed how elasticityin rubber works and how the humansense of touch is affected under freezingtemperatures.Kindergarten teacher Vicky Rudolph,who co-chaired the science fair withbusiness teacher Tricia Jolly, said the eventwas fun for teachers, students and parents.“As a teacher, I enjoy seeing thechildren go from stressed at the verybeginning of the projects to so proud oftheir accomplishments later,” Rudolphsaid.F See more SCIENCE photos on page 2BAndrea HolataEntertainer and motivator Chris Hollyfield stops by Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School to speak toyouth about taking a stance against bullying on Nov. 14.BY ANDREA HOLATAStaff ReporterBRIGHTON — Students of PemayetvEmahakv Charter School got a lessonon bullying on Nov. 14 when entertainerChris Hollyfield stopped by to speak withstudents.Students, teachers and staff watcheda slideshow presentation showing howbullying can harm people, how to “speak upto bullying” and how to “be somebody orbe nobody.” They learned the importance ofnot letting a person stop them from livingsuccessful lives.Hollyfield, who has been on WorldWrestling Entertainment and has acted inthe movies Bad Boys and Little Giants,spoke with students on his experience withbullying and encouraged youth to always dotheir best. Hollyfield may not be the tallestman, but he has a big heart and is strongerthan most people; he can lift 330 pounds,weighing in at only 110 pounds.“Never allow a bully to stop you fromliving your dreams,” Hollyfield said. “Speakup and let your voice be your tools and notyour hands. Today, you have a choice. Youcan be somebody or be nobody.”Students asked questions followingHollyfield’s speech. They wanted to knowif he had people to confide in when he wasbullied.“I had friends that I would talk tothem about being bullied,” Hollyfield said.“When I got bullied, it would be when myfriends weren’t around. We didn’t alwayshave the same classes.”Despite the challenges he faced, he hasa new outlook now.“I get comments made because peopledon’t know who I am,” he said. “At my age,I don’t pay no mind to it because if I put mypositive energy into their negative energy,then I am going to be the one who is losing,so I keep it going and move forward.”He also pressed the importance of notretaliating by use of force because it canchange your life.Hollyfield wrapped up his speech withan important note.“Always have determination and desireto be a friend and not a bully,” he said.“Believe in yourself and the goals thatyou set for yourselves. Always listen toyour culture, teachers, principal and yourparents.”F See more BULLYING photos on page 5BAhfachkee students tourFlorida Gulf Coast UniversityBY BEVERLY BIDNEYStaff ReporterFORT MYERS — Theadministrators at Florida Gulf CoastUniversity in Fort Myers believe theiruniversity makes a difference in the livesof their students by having small classes,requiring community service and gettingevery student engrossed in the learningprocess.“Instead of a sage on a stage, ourclasses get the students more engaged,”said Jim Wohlpart, dean of undergraduatestudies.To promote their unique academicenvironment, the university welcomedstudents from Ahfachkee to tour thecampus on Nov. 13. The 16 students ingrades seven through 12 spent the dayhearing from university president WilsonG. Bradshaw, Ph.D., top administratorsand student tour guides. The day cappedoff with a men’s basketball game betweenGulf Coast and the University of Miami,which Gulf Coast won 63-51.“We like the students to have earlyexposure to colleges to see if theycan see themselves there,” said PaolaMoneymaker, education adviser. “Thereis something about them experiencing thecollege environment and seeing studentson campus that gives them the sense ofan actual university community.”Gulf Coast stresses hands-onlearning, as well as responsibility for theenvironment. A lot of learning occursoutside the classroom; every studentmust complete a service learning projectin the community.“We need more education in thefuture,” Bradshaw said to students. “It’sinevitable that your community will needyou. I don’t care where you go to college,I care that you go. Of course, I hope youcome here.”Although actual classroom timeat college is far less than during highschool, expectations are high for studentsat any post-secondary institution, andGulf Coast is no exception.“When you get here, you have towork hard,” said director of admissionsR. Marc Laviolette. “It’s a great place tocome to get your education.”The students toured the sprawlingcampus and saw the athletic facilities,freshmen housing, classroom buildings,public spaces and the library beforesettling in for some pizza and thebasketball game. While walking throughcampus, Ahfachkee students took note ofthe older students as they rolled quicklyby on skateboards.“This is the first college campus I’veseen,” said eighth-grader John Robbins,13. “It’s kind of inspiring; I’d like to goto college.”“It’s better than I expected,” addedeighth-grader Nashoba Gonzalez, 13.During the tour, students gainedinsight into what it means to attendcollege and may be less intimidated bythe prospect of leaving home for school.“The students need to know the insand outs of the admissions process,”Moneymaker said. “They need to getserious early. This tour gave theminformation about what GPA is required,what test scores they need to get in,sports recruiting and other criteria forattendance.”Senior Tyler Tigertail, 18, enjoyedthe experience.“It was very educational andinformative,” he said.F See FGCU photos on page 5B

2B • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012F More SCIENCE photos from page 1BEileen SolerElise Brown, 11, shows her Roller Coaster Marbles science fair entry. The project looks atpotential energy, velocity and kinetic energy.Eileen SolerCharlie Osceola, 8, of fourth grade, shows her Bug Off science fair display.Eileen SolerAhfachkee eighth-grader Selena Onco, 15, demonstrates her science fair projectwith smoke-filled bubbles.Eileen SolerAhfachkee students, staff and parents stream into the Herman L. Osceola Gymnasium onDec. 3 for the school’s annual science fair.Eileen SolerDasani Cypress, 13, tends to her first-place project about water quality in Big Cypress.Eileen SolerMikiyela Cypress, 10, displays abstract art she created by drawing withpermanent ink on a kerchief, then spraying it with rubbing alcohol.Eileen SolerGregorio Reynosa, 11, and Damien Fish, 10, demonstrate how humansrespond to the sense of touch when suddenly affected by frigid temperature.

3B • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012Kids carve out a place for themselves in Tribal traditionChildren and instructors engage in soap carving on Nov. 27.Beverly BidneyAn Immokalee Culture instructor helps Kassiah Robbins, 6, carve a turtle.Beverly BidneyBeverly BidneyKassiah Robbins proudly displays his firstcompleted turtle.BY BEVERLY BIDNEYStaff ReporterBIG CYPRESS — The art of carvingis being passed along to the next generationthanks to the efforts of the CommunityCulture Department. Vinson Osceola led asoap carving workshop at the Willie FrankLibrary in Big Cypress on Nov. 27.The fresh smell of soap permeated theair under the chickees behind the libraryas Tribal youth learned to carve using therelatively soft medium and dull knives.Only after they hone their skills and learn tocarve confidently will the children graduateto wood carving.The technique for both is the same, butwood is significantly more difficult to carve.With a lot of patience, Osceola andother members of the Community CultureDepartment taught the kids how to hold theknife and carve away the soap slowly andcarefully. The kids chose whether to carve aturtle, canoe, dipper or dolphin. Most of thekids, whose ages ranged from about 6-11years old, chose turtles.“We only have an hour, but an hour is agood start for this age group,” said Osceola,of the Big Cypress Community CultureDepartment. “The turtle, canoe and dipperhave historical significance since they areitems we’re exposed to and have alwayslived with.”Osceola said more Tribal membershave picked up the art form Tribalwide.“The younger ones start with soap, andnow we have older ones who are starting tocarve wood,” he said. “They are advancingto more detailed projects; they want tochallenge themselves. The skill is beinghanded down slowly.”Many of the kids under the chickeecarved for the first time; others hadexperience.“This is my second time carving,” saidDylan Robbins, 7. He said he looks forwardto carving again, but next time, he wants touse a more challenging medium. “Soap iseasy; I want to try wood.”As with anything in life, confidencecomes with experience.“I’ve carved before,” said ReginaldLing, 11. “But I’m doing much bettertoday.”Beverly BidneyVinson Osceola guides Dylan Robbins’ knife sohe can feel how it should fit in his hand.Reginald Ling, 11, watches as Victor Billie shows him how to carve detail in the turtle.Beverly BidneyCharter School recognizes November Students of the MonthPhoto courtesy of Michele ThomasElementary school Students of the Month are Serenity Lara, Serenity Micco, Ferron Sampson, Josiah Johns, Jahdee Arnold, Tiera Garner, Jace Brown,Giselle Micco, Gabe Williams, Lake Goodwin, Dathen Garcia, Jahcole Arnold, John Beck, Haylie Huff, Alyssa Gonzalez, Kaleb Doctor, Alaina Sweat, DanteThomas and Jarrett Bert.Photo courtesy of Michele ThomasMiddle school Students of the Month are Alicia Fudge, Jalynn Jones, Kelton Smedley and OscarYates.

4B • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012PECS’ girls’ basketball team pose for a picture. Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School held a pep rally for their basketball teams on Dec. 4 in honor of their first home games of the season against the Moore Haven Terriers.PECS hosts pep rally to recognize basketball teamsAndrea HolataPECS’ boys’ basketball team pose for a picture.Andrea HolataAndrea HolataSydnee Cypress, guard for the Lady Seminoles,is welcomed by her peers.Andrea HolataLogan Ortiz gets pumped up during the PECSpep rally.THE RED BARN CelebrationSupport The Red Barn PreservationJanuary 26 th , 201310 am - 2 pm• Cattle Drive• BBQ• National Register Plaque Dedication• The Andy Buster BandRaffle featuring prizes from SeminoleCasino Brighton, Hard Rock Hollywood,Hard Rock Tampa and more!For information, please contact Carrie Dilleyat 954-364-5210 or carriedilley@semtribe.comBRIGHTON RED BARNBUILT IN 1941BRIGHTONRED BARNBUILT IN 1941 GLADES COUNTY, FLPreserving The Past And Building A Future!TRIBAL HISTORICPRESERVATION OFFICEBRIGHTON RED BARNBUILT IN 1941BRIGHTON RED BARNBRIGHTONRED BARNWHERE THE SEMINOLE AND MICCOSUKEEGET VIP TICKETS & SERVICE SINCE 1985FEATURED EVENTSTICKET BROKERS \\\\\\\\\\\\\\???PINKBON JOVITAYLOR SWIFTEVENTS: 305.443.300024 HOUR TEXT LINE: 305.450.3323TRAVEL: 305.445.6566JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS \\\\\\\\\\\\\KID ROCKPITBULLB.B. KINGJUSTIN BIEBERSTEVE MILLERMUSESARAH BRIGHTMANPINKBON JOVIMAROON 5ANDRÉ RIEULADY GAGAULTRA MUSIC FESTERIC CLAPTONJOHN LEGENDTAYLOR SWIFTMIAMI HEATWWE SMACKDOWN0% SERVICE FEE ONALL ONLINE ORDERS!\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ WWW.TICKETPLACE.COM OR SILVIA@VIPTICKETPLACE.COM\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Teacher profile: Nidia CarusottiF FGCU photos from page 1B5B • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012BY BEVERLY BIDNEYStaff ReporterHOLLYWOOD — Being in a roomfilled with tiny babies may not be everyone’sidea of a good time, but for HollywoodPreschool teacher Nidia Carusotti there isno place else she would rather be.“I’ve always loved working with thebabies,” said Carusotti, a teacher at thepreschool since 1995. “We get to come towork every day and be happy.”As a child in Argentina, Carusotti spenttime lining up her dolls and playing teacher.She always loved children, so she studiededucation in college and graduated with adegree from an Argentine university. WhenCarusotti moved to the U.S. in 1995, shetook more classes at Miami Dade Collegeand earned her state teaching certificate.She enjoys sharing her knowledgeand skills with the youngest children in thepreschool and gets tremendous satisfactionfrom the simplest smile from one of thebabies.“A big smile to me is enough,” Carusottisaid. “When you talk to the babies and theysmile, you can melt.”She, along with two other teachers, has12 babies in her room. During a morningin late November, the children played withsmall balls, square rattles and containersfilled with raw oatmeal. It looked like play,but the babies got a full sensory experiencewhere they learned colors and shapes,exercised fine motor skills and experimentedwith taste when the oats wound up in theirmouths. Carusotti worked hard to make sureeach baby received the entire experience.“I want to share my skills with them,”she said. “The best thing is seeing that theylearned what you taught them.”She also enjoys watching babies growand learn to walk. At any given momentin the spacious baby room, children testtheir legs by toddling around the room. Thebabies in the room range from six weeks to 1year old, so by the time they walk well, theytypically move on to the next classroom.“The kids are beautiful,” Carusotti said.“I think we have the best room. If you aren’thaving a happy day, the babies can changeyour mood. I cannot see my life withoutteaching, with no children around.”Beverly BidneyAhfachkee students listen as Florida Gulf Coast University students explain the school by theclassroom buildings.Beverly BidneyNidia Carusotti is with a baby in her classroom.Teacher Nidia Carusotti gets the attention of the babies with falling oatmeal.Beverly BidneyWhen Carusotti began teaching at thepreschool, it was located in a little houseby the clinic. A few years later, they movedto the old building on the Hard Rock site,and a few years after that, the school movedto the Dorothy S. Osceola Building on theHollywood Reservation. The teacher-tochildratio used to be one teacher for everythree children, but it is now 1-to-4.“The population is increasing, andthat’s a good thing,” Carusotti said.When she leaves work, Carusottienjoys watching her two grandchildren,ages 8 and 5. She lives with Carlo, herhusband of 38 years, in Miami Lakes. Heradvice to aspiring teachers is simple: Get agood education, have a lot of patience, behonest and give the kids love.“I’m so glad to work here,” she said. “Ithink God supplied me with this job. I feellike the preschool is a big family, and it’s apleasure to come to work.”Beverly BidneyAhfachkee students watch the men’s basketball team practice before the game against theUniversity of Miami.F More BULLYING photos from page 1BChris Hollyfield gives a firsthand account on bullying.Andrea HolataThe group listens to the tour guide while inside a two-bedroom dorm.Beverly BidneyAndrea HolataStudent Odessa King is all smiles as she poses with Chris Hollyfield.Andrea HolataChris Hollyfield, center, takes time to pose with Charter School studentsafter his speech on bullying.Quenton Cypress, 17, left, and Tyler Tigertail, 18, lead the group from the library.Beverly BidneyDivorceModificationsAppealsChild SupportJudith A. HomkoMarital & Family LawAlimonyPrenuptial AgreementsPaternity IssuesDomestic Violence(954) 525-0651 | (954) 525-1898 Fax320 S.E. 9th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316Trusted Pest Control Provider for the Seminole Tribe of FloridaBBB (A+ rating)Serving the Gold Coast to the Treasure CoastBroward954•421•9981DON’T WAITANY LONGER,CALL THE EXPERTS!Ants • Roaches • Spiders • RodentsMosquitos • Lawn Spray • Whiteflywww.HaggertyServices.comPalm Beach561•347•2930Email: haggertyservice@bellsouth.net

6B • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012Hollywood preschoolers prepare for Christmas seasonBY BEVERLY BIDNEYStaff ReporterHOLLYWOOD — Theannual holiday season usuallybegins in front of a festivelydecorated Christmas tree in a faceoffwith a camera. The formalholiday portrait session can be abreeze or a catastrophe, dependingon the age, mood and expectationof the subject.At the Hollywood Preschoolon Nov. 28, the mood ran fromcheerful to tearful as children tooktheir places in front of the treewhile photographer Tim Taylortried to make a pleasant holidayphoto. Bedecked in their fanciestclothes, the tiny tots did their bestto sit still and smile for the cameraas teachers and mom stood closeby. In some cases, the moms werecalled upon to hold their crankykids as Taylor worked to isolate theface and the background to give theillusion of sitting nicely in front ofthe tree.Off camera, eager childrenattempted to wait patiently for theirturns in front of the tree. Some kidswere so distracted by the tree thatthey only had eyes for the colorfulornaments instead of the camera.It was a long day, but in the end,those photos will be a joy in thehomes for which they are destined.This baby is focused on the camera.Beverly BidneyBeverly BidneySisters Raquel LeBron, 2, and Relle LeBron, 4, are ready fortheir close-up in their best party dresses.Beverly BidneyTeacher Nicole Taylor Terry finds the solution to Jayden Jumper’s mood as she liftshim high for his photo.Beverly BidneyMaddox Osceola, 9 months, poses nicely while his mom, CariSilva, holds him as the photographer takes a picture.Beverly BidneyThese siblings are completely distracted by the Christmasdecorations. Eagle Young, 3, stands behind his sisterJessell Young, 17 months.Beverly BidneyShawnee Correa, 20 months, and his brother Lakota Correa, 6 months, try to pose withoutmoving.Beverly BidneyThese three siblings are in different moods during their photo session.This baby is focused on the camera.Beverly BidneyBeverly BidneyPhotographer Tim Taylor and teacher Nicole Osceola tryto get students to smile for the camera.Beverly BidneyWhile siblings Aubrey and Tyson Cypress, both 4, wait calmly in thebackground, Autumn Cypress, 2, tries to stop crying.

7B • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012‘How Long Will They Mourn Me?’Poem by Ike T. HarjoHow long will they mourn me when it’s mytime to ride?Troy, Bill, Eli make sure it’s poppin whenyour homie gets to the other side.Lil homie Troy I remember us hangin outand having fun,True warriors representing the Unconqueredones.Just so you know I paid my respects towhere you lay,Lil homie I pulled the weeds and cleanedyour area that day.It’s been a long time but we still miss youlil homie,You will not be forgotten that’s how it is andhow it will always be.Big homie Bill at that time it was hard to beoptimistic,When your homie is dead laying on thepavement twisted.I couldn’t believe my big homie took thatfall,But you know my dog rope is staked to theground so for you big homie I handled thatand stood tall.We miss you big homie and I apologize fornot being there,A legend you are and much respect you getanywhere.Now to my homie Eli it hasn’t been longsince you took that ride,The photos, the letters are appreciated yourwife also sent one you wrote after you wentto the other side.Your loyalty is unmatched as well,Will another homie stake his dog rope to theground for me only time will tell.Until I breathe my last I will keep yourmemory alive,We miss you homie just make sure it’spoppin when I arrive.My time will come because we are a dyingbreed,But there is always hope that our warriorcode of conduct will live on through ourseeds.I look forward to the day I breathe my last,Once again hangin with my homiesreminiscing of the past.Who will miss me when I’m dead and gone?Momma don’t cry I’m an Unconqueredwarrior let me ride on.How long will they mourn me after I takemy last breath?Just as my three homies this Unconqueredwarrior embraces death.Warrior 4 LifeIke T. HarjoSholoopahthi BolchuncahgaKoowaathiSeminole Tribe honoredduring FSU HomecomingPhoto courtesy of Bobby FrankFrom left, Jonathon Frank, Brent Frank, Arek Jumper and Justin Frank represent Team King Pins at the 2012 Broward County United StatesBowling Congress Junior Scholarship Tournament.Congratulations to Team King PinsCongratulations to Team King Pins for placing second overall in the Team category, 401 – 599, handicapped division at the2012 Broward County United States Bowling Congress Junior Scholarship Tournament.Doubles, 201 – 299, handicappedFirst – Arek Jumper/Brent FrankFourth – Jonathon Frank/Justin FrankSingles, boys 101 – 149, handicappedFirst – Brent FrankFifth – Justin Frank‘In the Depths ofSolitude’Poem by Alex TuckerI exist in the depths of solitudePondering my true goalTrying to find peace of mindConstantly yearning to be acceptedAnd from all receive respectNever compromising but sometimes riskyAnd that is my only regretA young heart with an old soulHow can I be in the depths of solitudeWhen there are two inside of meThis duo within me causesThe perfect opportunityTo learn and live twice as fastAs those who accept simplicityAll events, boys 101 – 149, handicappedFirst – Brent FrankThird – Justin FrankSeventh – Jonathon FrankHappybirthday,JettaHappy 5th birthdayto our daughter JettaOsceola on Dec. 20.We love you so muchand pray for manymore to come.Love, Mom(Brittney Eisenbrey),Dad (Adam Osceola),Clayson and KamdenBrett DalyEditor’s note: In last month’s issue of The Seminole Tribune, Tribal member Kyle Doney wasinadvertently blocked in the photo. We want to recognize him and his contributions to the SeminoleTribe and FSU’s successful, ongoing relationship.Protect your Quality of Life,Life is Great! But, how long will you wait beforeyou take the vital steps to protect your family, Qualityof life Insurance secures a retirement, pays for allmajor medical conditions and death.Imagine a family with Quality of life insurance,the provider of the family has a life threateningillness, they make a claim through their quality of lifeinsurance and receive the money they need. This notonly gives them security but it gives them the time theyneed to recuperate.ClassifiedDon’t wait! Get prepared today!Quality of life insurance can do for you!!!Your Money, Your Insurance, Your Choice.Call us today!Michelle EstyQuality of life InsuranceAgent305-776-5254www.qualityoflifeinsurance.commesty1@yahoo.comTHRIFTARELLA'SUsed Furniture-Home Goods-Gifts and More!4300 Davie Road-across from RodeoMonday-Saturday 10-6 pmwww.thriftarellas.com954.587.0818Christine & DominickGet Out of Jail Fast!Call Myrna Loy (954) 583-9119. Tribal dividends, MasterCardand Visa accepted. 24 hours • Speedy Release • ProfessionalService. 1128 NW 31st Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311

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1C • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012The Plainzmen play You Don’t Want It in the Big Ballers Basketball Tournament during the men’s semifinals on Dec. 8 at the Hollywood Gym. The Plainzmen won 49-45 and went on to take the championship title.Big Ballers tournament and car show keep Randall Huggins’ memory aliveKathryn StolarzBY KATHRYN STOLARZCopy EditorHOLLYWOOD — For KelvinHuggins, his brother Randall’s memorialtournament is a celebration of a life that wastaken too soon, which occurred on Kelvin’sbirthday.“[The tournament is] more like mybirthday than my real birthday,” Kelvin, 29,said.A dozen years ago on Oct. 29, Kelvinwatched Randall, 21, pass during a sparringmatch at the former Warriors Boxing Gymon US-441.Despite the tragedy, the Hugginsfamily pulled together to commemorateRandall’s life, joining two of Randall’sloves into one weekend every December:the Big Ballers Basketball Tournament andStrictly Business Car Show. Here, Kelvinremembers his brother Randall’s best days.Here, he can celebrate.“It’s a good thing for us,” saidRandall’s mother, Kathy Huggins. “It keepsus together.”Kathy; her husband, Trail LiaisonNorman Huggins; and children Marilyn,Kelvin, Adriana, Bianca, Kailyn and Lucasorganized the basketball tournament forthe ninth year. The tournament has built areputation as one of the biggest Native-onlybasketball tournaments on the East Coast,and possibly the country, Randall’s father,Norman, said.“They come out and help us keep hismemory alive and help us celebrate hislife,” he said.This year, the tournament drew about280 ball players divided among 17 men’sand 11 women’s teams.“Even with the economy, I was kindof surprised we had that many people,”Norman said, referring to travel costs thatcould discourage out-of-state teams.Players traveled from British Columbia,Washington, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Northand South Dakota, California, Arizona, NewMexico and New York. Tribes representedincluded Choctaw, Seneca, Iroquois,Cherokee and Navajo.“I think it blew up in year three,”Norman said. “It kind of went national.How did that happen? Through friends andthis thing called social media network andword of mouth...We don’t look for peopleno more; they come to us.”Nadgelin Cliffe, of the Campbell RiverIndian Band, came from British Columbiato play with the Coastal Natives.“It’s a get-together with all of our closefriends, and we get to play basketball,” saidCliffe, who returns to play in the tournamentyear after year. “What could be better?”Norman said the hospitality and the bigcash prizes draw people in and keep themcoming back, and Cliffe couldn’t agreemore.“It’s definitely a treat to come here,”she said, emphasizing how well the playersare treated.Throughout the three-day tournament,the Huggins family provided free T-shirts,free refreshments, free catered food(culminating in a home-cooked meal on thefinal night) and free admission, all in thewarm spirit of Randall.“He was full of life, always smiling,willing to help out any way he could,” saidRandall’s cousin Savannah Huggins.Norman prides himself on the generositythe family shows the tournament’splayers. This year, they offered free onsitechiropractic care and free massages.“We’ve traveled the country going todifferent tournaments, and nobody’s goingto take care of you better than we do,” hesaid. “We’re known for our hospitality.”Big Ballers Basketball Tournamentbrings out competitionOn Dec. 6, the Huggins familywelcomed players and supporters to theHollywood Gym for the first day of thetournament. About 50 people filled thebleachers for the kick-off game, whichpitted Nothing Fancy against the Redsticks.“Let’s get ballin’,” Norman said, andthe referee blew the whistle to begin.The tournament continued on Dec. 7with so many games scheduled that somewere held at the Jewish Community Centerin Davie. The excitement built as teamsvied to make the championships on Dec.8. There was particularly steep competitionthis year, Norman said.“Every year is kind of unique in itsown way,” he said. “What I liked about [thisyear] was we had about five or six (men’s)teams that could win it. Here, we’re kind ofknown for competition. Even the women’s,there were about three or four (teams) thathad the chance to win.”In the end, women’s team ABC, ofArizona and New Mexico, took the titlefor the second consecutive year against theLady Ballers, 71-48.“That game was kind of like a payback,”Norman said, referring to how the LadyBallers beat ABC by nearly 30 points inthe quarterfinals. “They woke up in thechampionship game. They took control ofthe game early and just closed it out. Theywere hitting their 3s.”As for the men, the Plainzmen, of Northand South Dakota, last year’s tournamentrunners-up, beat You Don’t Want It in thechampionship game 66-52, closing out thetournament after 10 p.m.“That was like an intense game from theget-go,” Norman said. “You had to man upin that game or you’d be on the floor. Theyjust went back and forth, back and forth. Inthe last five minutes or so, the Plainzmentook control, and they closed them out with3-pointers, three or four in a row of them,and that was it.”Each year, the referees help Normanchoose two MVPs.“The MVPs that we gave away thisyear kind of came from the heart,” Normansaid.The Plainzmen’s Anthony Brown, afriend Randall grew up with, took the awardfor the men’s division.“Every time the team tried to make arun, it was him that either got a block ormade a rebound or made a basket,” Normansaid.ABC’s RaeAnn West, of Arizona, wonthe honor for the women’s division.“She made some tough baskets inside,”Norman said. “She’d rebound for them.Basically, she was their muscle. You couldtell.”F See BIG BALLERS on page 3CPECS’ basketball season looks promisingAhfachkee player Malari Baker, No. 15, dribbles the ball down the court.Ahfachkee and PECSbasketball teams face offBY BEVERLY BIDNEYStaff ReporterBIG CYPRESS — The basketballseason is underway, and for the first time,the Ahfachkee Warriors and the PECSSeminoles met at center court. The HermanL. Osceola Gymnasium in Big Cypress wasthe site of the big games on Nov. 29 whenthe girls’ and boys’ teams each faced off.The atmosphere was vibrant with a crowdof vocal fans, family and friends of bothschools’ teams.“This is our first time seeing them,”said PECS eighth-grader Odessa King, 14.“We’re pretty confident.”With a record of 3-0 for the seasonbefore this game, PECS girls had reason tobe confident; Ahfachkee’s record was 0-2.They beat the Ahfachkee girls 55-45.In front of crowded bleachers, theAhfachkee Scream Team led fans inBeverly Bidneycheers and performed during halftime andtimeouts.“This is the first time we’ve playedPECS,” said Cicero Osceola, coach ofthe Ahfachkee boys’ team, who had a 0-1record before the game. “It’s just like anyother game; we’re ready and are going tohave some fun.”PECS boys were also ready for thematch up. Their record for the season was2-1 before the game.“The boys are looking forward toplaying Ahfachkee,” said Ryan Tedders,PECS coach. “We’re pretty excited.”The PECS boys’ team was victorious;they beat Ahfachkee 47-32.Perhaps a new rivalry or Tribalwidecamaraderie was forged during the event.Only time will tell.F See more FACE OFF photos on page 2CBY ANDREA HOLATAStaff ReporterBRIGHTON — Pemayetv Emahakv’sbasketball teams have high expectationsthis season.For both the girls’ and boys’ basketballteams, excitement fills the air for coaches,parents, students and the community whenthey take to the court.So far, the boys hold a 4-1 record withone loss to their rivals, the Yearling MiddleSchool Bulls, while the Lady Seminoleshold a 5-0 record (as of their first homegame on Dec. 4 against the Moore HavenTerriers).Lady Seminoles seek perfect season“Our goal is to go undefeated this year,and I don’t think we will accept anythingless than that,” head coach Tim Thomassaid. “Last year, we had a lot of closegames (because) of the free-throw line.”Thomas said the perfect season isattainable for the Lady Seminoles basedon the level of leadership, enthusiasm andeagerness of the girls on the team.“Our point guard eighth-grader ShaePierce is one of the best players on our team,”Thomas said. “She averages 20 points pergame, as well as our guard Odessa King,averaging 9 points; and Sydnee Cypress,averaging a near 6 points.”Although King and Cypress are juststarting with the team this year, they havestepped up as leaders on the court.Pierce has played basketball since shewas young and is no stranger to PECS’team.“I have been playing with the CharterSchool for three years now and beenplaying basketball since I was about 5 yearsold,” Pierce said. “I like to play basketballbecause I like to run; it’s good exercise,(and) I want to carry it on for generations(because) my mom used to play.”In addition to the leading girls on theteam, the Lady Seminoles has some sixthgraderswho contribute to what may be oneof the basketball team’s most successfulyears yet.“I have a few first-time players on theteam,” Thomas said. “Raeley Matthewshas come a long way; she is dribbling betterand becoming more aggressive.”Forward Alicia Fudge is another sixthgradershowing eagerness on the court.“I like to play basketball because I getto run up and down the court, (and) I get myexercise,” Fudge said.Hard work and heart put into the gameshas contributed to the Lady Seminolesgoing undefeated so far, including thewins against Yearling Middle, 36-7; LakePlacid, 41-14; Moore Haven, 44-13; andAhfachkee, 54-45.The team’s last home games thisseason are against West Glades (Dec. 20),Clewiston Middle (Jan. 8), Ahfachkee (Jan.10), Glades Day (Jan. 14), Osceola Middle(Jan. 15) and Yearling Middle (Jan. 15).Players include Raeley Matthews,Aleina Micco, Chyna Villareal, SunniBearden, Camryn Thomas, Deliah Carrillo,Raylon Eagle, Alexus James, Alicia Fudge,Sydnee Cypress, Martina Herrera, OdessaKing and Shae Pierce.Boys’ team shows promise on the courtUnder the direction of head coachRyan Tedders and assistant coach StephanieTedders, the boys’ season is starting to lookup for the Seminoles.The boys’ roster includes KeltonSmedley, Trevor Thomas, Richard Harris,Lucas Osceola, Drayton Billie, DemetriusClark, Robert Fudge and Logan Ortiz.Although the boys lost their seasonopener at Yearling Middle School, 53-29,they are not letting that discourage them.“Of course, everybody wants to winthem all,” head coach Ryan Tedders said.“Losing the first game was very difficult.They now want that to be their only loss,and they can achieve that by working as ateam and showing good sportsmanship.”Tedders said his team could have wonthe first game, but the boys got behind andgot frustrated.So far, the boys are maintaining theirgoal by having only one loss. Their winsinclude games against Lake Placid, 35-28;Moore Haven, 33-15; Ahfachkee, 47-32;and Moore Haven, 47-9.With the leadership of three returningplayers, Demetrius Clark, Trevor Thomasand Drayton Billie, the Seminoles can guidetheir team to a winning season record.“They lead by example (and) rarely outof position on defense,” Tedders said.Demetrius Clark makes an easy jump shot against Moore Haven on Nov. 27.F See more PECS photos on page 2CAndrea Holata

2C• The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012F More FACE OFF photos from page 1CF More PECS photos from page 1CBeverly BidneyThese young players are all arms and legs asthey go for the ball.Beverly BidneyShae Pierce tries to get around defender Dasani Cypress, of Ahfachkee.Andrea HolataKelton Smedley shows his athleticism as he goes in for alayup against Moore Haven during the first home game ofthe season on Dec. 4.Andrea HolataDeliah Carrillo makes a layup during the game againstthe Moore Haven Terriers on Nov. 27. The Lady Seminolesdefeated the Terriers 44-13.PECS player Demetrius Clark, No. 2, feels the pressure from Ahfachkee players.Beverly BidneyThe Ahfachkee Scream Team cheers during a timeout.Beverly BidneyBeverly BidneyAhfachkee player Nathan Anderson, No. 2, seekssafe passage to his team’s basket.FRAUD ALERT SEMINOLE DIRECTV FRAUD ALERTAndrea HolataLady Seminoles pose for a picture after their 36-7 win against their rivals, Yearling Middle School, on Nov. 20.Sample DIRECTV invoice for Seminole Tribal Member.Compare this to YOUR bill. Upgrades will vary due to your choices.Please call our office at (954)985-5703 for help.

3C • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012Kathryn StolarzIn a close game, the Plainzmen beat You Don’t Want It in the men’s semifinals atthe Hollywood Gym. The went on to win the championship.Kathryn StolarzThe Outlaws take control of the ball against the Coastal Natives, but not for long.The Coastal Natives won the women’s semifinals.Kathryn StolarzYou Don’t Want It goes for a shot against the Plainzmen in the Big Ballers BasketballTournament on Dec. 8. The Plainzmen won 49-45.Kathryn StolarzTribal members and friends show off all kinds of wheels at the Strictly Business Car Showat the Hollywood Ball Field.Kathryn StolarzNorman Huggins, son Kelvin Huggins and daughter Marilyn Huggins head back to thebasketball tournament after visiting the car show.Kathryn StolarzMercedes Osceola and children Presleigh and Draven Osceola-Hahn smileby her first-place 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430.F BIG BALLERSFrom page 1CStrictly Business Car Showdraws a variety of vehiclesOn the final day of ball play,the Strictly Business Car Showwas held just around the cornerat the Hollywood Ball Field,open to the public.Tribal member Eric Osceola,owner of Bigg E Customs,ran the event. Fifty-eight carsentered the show, coming fromBrighton, Big Cypress, PompanoBeach, Miami and beyond.“It’s a good thing to geteverybody together and paytribute to Randall Hugginsand the Huggins family,” saidOsceola, who used to playbasketball with Norman andremembers entering his car in thefirst memorial Strictly BusinessCar Show in 2004, whereRandall’s car was on display.Randall’s father and siblingschoose the recipient of theHuggins Family Choice Awardeach year, and this year it went toa souped-up, yellow 2005 ChevyImpala.“The kids liked it because ofthe suicide doors and all the TVsand 30-inch rims,” Norman said.“The guy put a lot of money intoit…In the car show business, it’sall trying to be unique. We justtry to look for something that’sunique.”Mark Furlong, of BigCypress, recently updated hisNissan 350Z with a custommadePanther Clan stencil and135.7-decibel speakers for theshow. Furlong has entered everyStrictly Business Car Show andhas never lost, he said.“It’s like playing poker,”he said while waiting for thewinners to be announced. “Youknow you got a good hand.”Sure enough, Furlong wonfirst place in Import Wild, secondplace in Euro Mild, and mostimportantly for him, “braggingrights.”Tribal member VirgilDoctor, Randall’s great uncle,of Hollywood, returned to thisyear’s show with three typesof wheels: a “Big Town” truckand a Miami Hurricanes-themedmotorcycle and golf cart.“[The show] gets bigger andbetter every year,” he said.Here’s how Tribal membersplaced in the car show and SPLsound-off competition:•Hollywood Board Rep.Chris Osceola’s 1996 GMCYukon won SPL Big Ballersand Highest SPL awards andplaced third in SUV; his 2010Chevy Camaro placed second inDomestic Mild.•Justin Osceola’s 2010Nissan GT-R placed first inImport Mild; his 2010 JeepSRT8 placed first in SPL SUVand 2nd in SUV.•Lois Justine Billie’s 2012Dodge Charger SRT8 placedfirst in Domestic Mild.•Mercedes Osceola’s 2004Mercedes-Benz S430 placedfirst in Euro Wild.•Sandy Billie Jr.’s 1995 Dodgeplaced second in Classic Mild.•Virgil Doctor’s 2007Dodge Dually placed second inBig Boy Toys.•Adam Osceola’s 2007Mustang Shelby GT500 placedsecond in Domestic Wild.

4C • The Seminole Tribune • December 19, 2012Exclusively onFind out how to win:Prizes • Gift Cards • LCD TVThe Seminole Channel (9545)Tuesdays 8-9 PM Thursdays 5-6 PMCall: 954-985-5703What’s the Word of the Day? Contest is sponsored by SMP for Tribal Members who subscribe to DIRECTV and tune in to watch theSeminole Channel (9545) for the “WORD OF THE DAY”. You must contact us with your name, address, phone number, and confirm thenew WORD to enter drawings to win prizes. Drawings are done weekly & monthly, with Grand Prize to be drawn 1/20/13. Must be over18-years-old to enter. Prizes over $50 are subject to tax.