Icon of the Seminole Tribe

By Judy Weeks

BIG CYPRESS — On Dec. 24, 2005, another chapter in the history of the Seminole Tribe came to a close. Tommie Jumper, thought to be the oldest living member of the Tribe, passed away at the age of circa 105 years.

Born into the Panther clan in 1900 in the woods east of Copeland, Fla., in what is today Collier County, Tommie Roberts later married Harley Jumper. This union produced 12 children, with seven still alive today. She had more than 125 direct descendants spanning five generations. (continue...)

Seminole Writer Wins College Writing Contest

Editorial by Janice Billie

Tribal citizen Elgin Jumper is the son of Eva and Alan Jumper. He is a member of the Otter clan who grew up on the Hollywood Seminole reservation.

Recently a friend of his called The Seminole Tribune office informing us of his first place wins in two writing contests. He is taking writing classes at Broward Community College and I spoke with his instructor Elisa Albo. (continue...)

O’Neill “Supernova” Bell Knocks Out Opponent, Takes Tour of Rez’s

After Victory in NYC ‘Supernova’ Kicks Off Undisputed Rez Tour

Submitted by Redline Media Group

It was the type of New Year’s kickoff that the sport of boxing needed. When it was all over, O’Neil ‘Supernova’ Bell had not only delivered a dramatic 10th round knockout of Jean-Marc Mormeck to fans at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 7. (continue...)

Seminole Donates to Locks of Love

Story by Judy Weeks

IMMOKALEE — A seven-year-old member of the Immokalee community has learned about compassion for others at an early age. Chelsey Ford, daughter of Michelle Ford, heard from a friend that a group collects human hair to be made into wigs for medical hair loss patients. (continue...)

Tribal Council Meeting

By Janice Billie

HOLLYWOOD — The regular session of the Tribal Council was held at the Seminole Tribe Hollywood Headquarters on the morning of Jan. 13.

Two Tribal employees received special recognition from the council prior to the meeting. The Billy Cypress Service Award was presented to Cheryl Russell, a flight attendant from the Aviation department. The council then recognized Seminole Police Department Chief Mike Floyd for receiving the 2005 Police Chief of the Year Award from the National Native American Law Enforcement Association. (continue...)