E-Mail to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I have a “Mission: Impossible” for you, if you chose to accept. I am a black male, 76-years-old, with some Seminole blood. I was born in 1930 and lived in Copeland, Fla., in a logging camp called Lee Cypress. It was located just south of the Big Cypress reservation.
In 1948 I met a Seminole boy named Billy Osceola. We were the same age and we became fast friends until I ran away to join the army. In the last few years I found myself thinking about Billy a lot; and I miss my childhood friend. If he is still alive I would like to contact him. All I can remember about his family is he had an aunt named Frances Tiger.
Sincerely,
Leroy Thomas
Rubyroy1@aol.com
Dear Editor,
I will be moving to Florida soon. I would love to learn as much as possible about the Seminole people, the language and culture.
In the past years I have become part of the Lingit of Southeastern Alaska. I have begun to learn their language, was adopted and given a name of Dleit Yeil (White Raven). My desires are to learn and get to know others and their culture where ever I am living. It would be an honor to hear from you and an answer to my query.
Sincerely,
Michael O’Hollaren
Dear Mr. O’Hollaren,
Welcome to Florida. The best place to learn about the Seminole Tribe of Florida would be the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum located on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation in South Florida. You may learn more about the museum by visiting www.ahtahthiki.com.
I believe you are speaking of the “Tlingit” people from Southeastern Alaska. Which Tribe are you referring to? Our Tribe does not adopt non-Tribal people into our Tribe nor do we teach our language.
Sincerely,
Tina M. Osceola
Director of Museums
Dear Editor,
I know this is probably a crazy question, but I’m trying to figure out what is meant by the term “Seminole Winds.” I can’t find a reference to it anywhere except John Anderson’s song. If someone could answer that question for me, I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Cherri McNeil
Dear Ms. McNeil,
The term “Seminole Winds” is from John Anderson’s song. The only anthropological reference could be that one of our Tribe’s eight clans is called the Wind Clan.
Sincerely,
Tina M. Osceola
Director of Museums
Dear Editor,
My name is Kayla Bowers. My mother recently died and I am trying to locate two members of your Tribe to inform then of their dear friend’s death. Their names are John and Melissa Jumper. Their last known address was in Cooper, Fla. I was wondering if there was anyway you could assist me in my search. If there is anyway you can, please contact me at (785) 841-4068 or (785) 760-0630.
Sincerely,
Kayla Bowers
Dear Editor,
I am Randall Kratz, from Fallbrook, Calif. I have a website, www.firstgradeplus.com, which I want taken over by an Indian Tribe. To help me accomplish this I am looking for a knowledgeable Native American to act as my agent; someone who understands Indian affairs and is connected with Tribal administrators.
This is a public service project with enormous public relations implications for the Tribe that undertakes it. Could you please direct me to someone who can help me? Thanking you in advance.
Sincerely,
Randall Kratz
randall@tfb.com
Dear Editor,
I thought Betty Mae Jumper had converted to Christianity. How, then, could she ever be a leader of the nation? How can anyone who allows themselves to be driven from their nation’s tradition and beliefs, then lead that same nation? I am confused about this.
Sincerely,
Rose
Dear Ms. Rose,
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is preparing to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of its Constitution and By-Laws. The swift action of people like Betty Mae Jumper prevented our Tribe from being terminated by the U.S. Congress. Her dedication to our people and the future of our children motivated her to become part of the political force that helped shape the Tribe’s government.
One misconception you have is that a person would have to abandon their traditional beliefs and values to become a Christian. Many of our tribal members practice Christianity and their traditional beliefs. Betty Mae has done much work to preserve our Tribe’s Mikasuki language and legends, both cornerstones of cultural preservation.
If you were one of the lucky people to have met Betty Mae Jumper you would not be confused you would be impressed.