Florida Seminole Tribe

PRESENTATION BY: THOMAS ANDERTON

Overview of the Seminole

General History (how the tribe originated) Territory Authority Structure Beliefs and Rituals Language Education Marital Arrangements Economic Prosper Seminole Independency

General History

In the 1700s, bands of Creek Indians migrated to Florida from other states.

Later, some Yuchis and Yamasses Indians joined the migrating Creeks to comprise the Florida Seminoles tribe.

Derived from the Creek word “simano-li,” the name “Seminole’” was originally taken from the Spanish word, “cimmarron,” which means wild or runaway.

General History (continued)

Reasons for Migration Conflict with the Europeans Conflict with other Creeks Search for more fertile land

Territory

Six Reservations in present day Florida Hollywood Big Cyprus Brighton Immokalee Fort Pierce Tampa

Present Day Authority Structure

Chief Governing Body Composes of: Chairman Vice-Chairman Tribal Council

Representatives from each reservation In charge of:

Seminole Police Department

Human Resource programs

Gaming Enterprises

Citrus Groves

Beliefs and Rituals

Christianity

First Seminole Indian Baptist Church (Hollywood)

Big Cyprus First Baptist Church (Big Cyprus)

Green Corn Dance

Spiritual event

Held for Gratitude to creator for providing food

Purification ceremonies performed

Disputes settled

Language

Most Members of the tribe are bilingual Muscogee (Creek) Miccosukee English

The use of native languages have declined among Seminole Youth Modernization

Education

Over a million spent on education for: Promising tribal college students Ahfachkee Indian School

K-12 school for tribal members

Marital Arrangements

More open to intermarriage (present day) Previously not excepted

Permits non-tribal spouses Members must have at least one-quarter

Seminole ancestry

Economic Prosper

Sources of Tribal Income Hotels and Casinos

Seminole Hard Rock Café and Casino

Tourism Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

Billie Swamp Safari

Seminole Arts and Crafts Shop

Citrus groves

Seminole Independency

Structured government system Brings order to the tribe

Well funded education program Allows education to all children

Well built tribal enterprises Creates jobs for tribal members Creates funds for the tribe

Works Cited

Culture: Who are we. Seminole Tribe of Florida. 12 April 2014.

< www.semtribe.com/culture >

Google Images. Florida Seminole Tribe. 12 April 2014.

< www.google.com/search/floridaseminoletribe >