Tribal Citizens Put Their Talents on Display

By Chris Jenkins

DAVIE, Fla. — It was about getting in touch with the subconscious mind through art. At least, that was one important message passed on by Tribal citizens Elgin Jumper and Sam Tommie. On March 20, both were featured guests presenting original works of poetry and art for art appreciation students, faculty and staff at the Broward Community College (BCC) South Campus.

Jumper, Otter clan, recited his own original light and shadow poetry along with presenting paintings and sculptures. Tommie, Bird clan, spoke about his Seminole heritage as well as life in the Everglades. He also presented original pieces of sculpture, paintings and drawings and gave a flute performance.

“We’re trying to do new things to share and further Seminole art,” Jumper said.

Broward Community College Visual Arts Department Coordinator and Gallery Director Dr. Kyra Belan said Jumper’s and Tommie’s appearance was timely.

“I think they really opened the students’ eyes on their culture and socioeconomic issues,” she said.

Bringing the two to BCC is part of a renewed effort to understand, appreciate and celebrate Native American and other cultures, according to Belan. She said the last guest appearance she was involved in coordinating was close to 20 years ago, when former Tribal President Joe Dan Osceola spoke.

“I want to continue to bring different cultures here to campus,” she said.

Jumper is a published poet with works featured in his book Nightfall, which is part of the The Native Writers Chapbook Series II, published by the Sequoyah Research Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He said he has been recognized for his talent by instructors for years, through classes and workshops, and his growth continues.

“I want to take [Seminole art] places it has never been before,” he explained. “I’m not afraid to try new things and to put myself out there. When you get deeply into something, you want to keep learning and understanding.”

Tommie, who is also a filmmaker, is one of the few current residents of the Everglades who was born there. Describing himself as “neurotically comfortable,” he said the Everglades spirit is very important for art creation and guidance in life.

“Your spirit is within everything that is around us, within every one of us … we are all connected to all of it. We can also call the spirit the subconscious mind,” he said.

He said he is also close to his roots and environment and draws strength from both.

“[The water] not only provides physical protection, it has also been a spiritual refuge for my family,” he said. “Birds and animals have also actually played a big part in our lives.”

Belan said future plans at BCC include Tribal artists participating in the first Seminole Art and Culture Symposium in November. It is envisioned as an annual event. She said she will also continue grant work, currently tabled among administrative staff on campus, allowing for the building of two to three chickee huts on the southwest end of the campus. The huts will be used for study and leisure, she said.