E-Mail to the Editor
Dear Editor,
The Pow-wow and Tribal Fair this year was really great! It was very spread out over the Hard Rock grounds, but there was something going on at all times. It was very educational and entertaining, and the marketplace had a great number of vendors from many Tribes. This was a job well done.
Congratulations to all those who worked so hard to pull this event together. I am again looking forward to the next year’s Tribal Fair and Pow-wow.
Sincerely,
John Higgins
Dear Editor,
I recently received a copy of the annual calendar that is produced by your department, and the theme this year is very inspiring. I would like to say to the entire staff that they have absolutely outdone themselves with the layout and design. I would also like to say to anyone who has not picked up a copy of this calendar, you are missing out.
Thank you for the copy and I look forward to the next.
Sincerely,
Holly Tiger
Tribal Citizen
Dear Editor,
A brief history of myself: I am 60 years young and am a native of New York who once had a mental image of an Indian as a man in a loincloth riding a horse. When I moved to Florida back in 1972, I lived at Sherman Street and 64th Avenue, just one block from where the Hollywood reservation starts.
Shortly after moving there, I met a man named Steven Bowers who now works in the Liaison/Governor’s Council on Indian Affairs office. Throughout the years Steven has educated me on the Seminole Tribe. I now realize that Seminoles are fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters and most of all very warm people just like the rest of American people.
Steven told me that he was on the Pow-wow committee, that the event was being held at the Hard Rock over the Feb. 8-11 weekend and that the rodeo was free. My wife and I went and had a wonderful time. I could not believe how you converted the Hard Rock Live stadium into a rodeo area. The tons of dirt laid on the floor truly impressed me. I guess if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.
I just want you to know that Steven is very proud of his heritage and is very vocal about all your functions and affairs. Thank you for a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Dominic Modafferi
Dear Editor,
I just wanted to say rock on! I’m a Cherokee from Oklahoma and heard about you guys buying the Hard Rock Cafés and was blown away! I thought: It’s about time! I mean, what better way to say “America” than to have an icon Tribe own an icon. Now that’s the American way!
Cameron Smith
Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma
Dear Editor,
Congratulations on your acquisition of the Hard Rock properties. It’s good to see American properties staying in the possession of real Americans.
God bless you and good fortune,
Sebastian Black
Dear Editor,
We will be in Florida next month and would like to visit and take a swamp tour. What are the directions to get to your place? I can’t seem to find it on the website. We will need to know what interstate you are off and what exit, etc.
Thank you very much,
Sandi Smith
Oshkosh,WI
Dear Ms. Smith,
Thank you for your letter. You can take a swamp tour at Billie Swamp Safari on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, located midway between Fort Lauderdale and Naples.
Here are directions: Take I-75 (Alligator Alley) to exit 49. Drive north approximately 19 miles to the reservation. There are numerous signs for Bilie Swamp Safari that you will see along the way.
Have a great time,
Cindy Malin
Florida Seminole Tourism
Dear Editor,
I am a professional Indian War re-enactor. I have a company of men, around six or so, who would like to participate in the Big Cypress Shootout. We are all seasoned veterans and supply our own horses, tack, and uniforms. We ask for no money, just some water and hardtack.
Please let me know who to contact so I can make arrangements.
Thank you,
Corporal Doc Whiplash
7th Cavalry
Dear Doc Whiplash,
This year’s shootout was Feb. 23–25, as you may know. However, we are beginning the planning of the Big Cypress Shootout for 2008, and would love to stay in contact with you regarding this event. I will keep your e-mail address on file.
Next year’s event will be held on Feb. 22–24, with battles taking place on Saturday and Sunday. You can mark your calendar.
Thank you and I look forward to working with you,
Sherry M. Blanset
Administrative Assistant
Billie Swamp Safari
Dear Editor,
I have enjoyed your casino and have visited numerous other Native American casinos. However, why is it that most other states have table games and the Florida sites do not?
Also most states have the same tables as a conventional casino, such as those in Biloxi, Miss and Gulfport, Miss. Is there a form of discrimination that the federal/state government will not allow the Seminole Tribe the same rights as the Calif., Wis., Mich., Minn., N.Y. and other Tribes enjoy?
I thank you in advance for your reply.
Sincerely,
Norman L. Dault
Winter Garden, FL
Dear Mr. Dault,
The Seminole casinos run Class II games. The Tribe is unable to offer Class III games such as blackjack, craps and slots until the Department of Interior issues something called “Procedures” or the state of Florida enters into a compact with the Tribe.