Seminole Tribe Celebrates Its Independence Day

By Iretta Tiger

HOLLYWOOD — “This last Fourth of July Gloria [Wilson] and I were talking and we started wondering why the Tribe didn’t have its own version of the Fourth of July,” said Hollywood Representative Max B. Osceola Jr. “Soon after that conversation Gloria started to organize the event and here we are today”

On Aug. 20 the Seminole Tribe celebrated the 48th anniversary of the ratification of the Tribe’s Constitution and Bylaws. The original date of the ratification is Aug. 21, 1957.

Wilson had organized not just a celebration but an eloquent reminder of where we come from. The ceremony opened with a video by the Seminole Broadcasting department. The video was specially created for the celebration; it detailed the ratification and the success of the Tribe after the ratification.

Attending the ceremony was the last surviving constitution committee member Reverend Frank Billie. Councilman Osceola presented Reverend Billie with a special recognition plaque. Danny Jumper translated for Reverend Billie as he recalled the time of the ratification.

Betty Clay and Dan Bowers lead a group in singing gospel songs in Miccosukee.

Miss Seminole Christine McCall read an article which was an interview with Reverend Billie.

In a special presentation Miss Seminole and Jr. Miss Seminole Jennifer-Diane Chalfant presented medals to past and present board and council members. Liaisons and Tribal Secretary Priscilla Sayen were also presented with a medal.

Descendants of those who have passed away accepted on their behalf.

Chairman Cypress received three medals for his positions on both the board and the council; he was the only one to receive that many.

Jr. Miss Seminole recited the poem “Council Oak” was written by Moses Jumper Jr. The ceremony closed with congratulations and paying respect to Reverend Billie, but the day was not over.

Even before the ceremony there were golfing and bowling tournaments. In lieu of prizes based on placement participation prizes were awarded for the bowling tournament.

Following the ceremony were sack races, egg tossing, horseshoe tossing and a hula hoop contest. There were also several carnival rides and rock climbing for the kids. The celebration closed with an excellent display of fireworks.

Happy 48th birthday Seminole Tribe of Florida.