Indian Country On Wall Street

Tribal Leaders Ring Opening Bell at Exchange

Submitted by NAFOA

NEW YORK — The leaders and finance officers of five Tribal Nations made history on Sept. 7 when they became the first Native Americans to preside over the ringing of the opening bell at a global financial exchange. Maurice “Moe” John, president of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Richard Bowers Jr., president of the Seminole Board of Directors, and Deron Marquez, former chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, sounded the start of trading at the New York Mercantile Exchange, accompanied by cheers and applause from traders on the floor and the more than 100 Tribal council members and finance professionals packing the audience for the occasion. (continue...)

Tribal Education Leader Moves On

Louise Gopher Retires as Director

By Chris Jenkins

BRIGHTON — Louise Gopher, Panther Clan, has helped educate many and inspired hundreds more in her quarter of a century working for the Seminole Tribe’s Education Department. Gopher serves as the Tribe’s Education director, and while her journey has been interesting, she said it is now time to move on. (continue...)

Fort Pierce Community Hosts Indian Day Celebration

By Elgin Jumper

FORT PIERCE — The Fort Pierce community hosted a much-anticipated Indian Day Celebration on Sept. 22 at the Chopco Youth Ranch. This is the fourth year for the important event, organized by Sally Tommie, Fort Pierce liaison, Debbie Christophe, her assistant, Hope Sneed, Fort Pierce community involvement coordinator, Shamy Tommie, director of the Chupco Ranch, Mary Joe Micco, caterer, and the RMG-Redline Media Group. (continue...)

Forty Resolutions Passed at Council Meeting

By Chris Jenkins

HOLLYWOOD — The Tribal Council met on the Hollywood Reservation on Sept. 13. They passed 40 resolutions including these 25: (continue...)

Ahfachkee School Unveils New Mascot

Seminole Warriors Show School Spirit

By Elizabeth Leiba

BIG CYPRESS — A week of school spirit activities culminated in the Ahfachkee School’s spirit rally, held at the Herman L. Osceola Gym on Sept. 27. At the rally, students and faculty alike had an opportunity to show their Seminole pride. (continue...)