Welcome back to our Seminole Spaces series! In this series, we explore places and spaces important to Seminole culture, history, and tourism. This week, we travel to Silver Springs, a tourist hot spot which featured many Seminole families over the years. It was once a prime destination on Florida’s tourist map. Now, Silver Springs has now transformed into the beautiful Silver Springs State Park. During the early 20th century, Silver Springs, which included a Seminole Indian Village, exploded in popularity. But, did you know that the Seminole presence at Silver Springs went back much, much furt ..read more

Welcome back to the latest installment in our Seminole Snapshots series! In this series, we look at the impact of photography in preserving and sharing the Seminole story. This week, we look at an utterly unique collection, gathered over the lifetime of W. Stanley Hanson Sr. and his family. Due to Hanson’s close relationship with the Seminoles and Miccosukee of the area, they are a predominant feature in the Collection. This close relationship is incredibly apparent in the photographs, which are unique in their candid, familiar tone. Often, those in the images are smiling, laughing, and engagi ..read more

Although Earth Day is April 22nd each year, the Seminole Tribe of Florida is kicking off the festivities next week with two “Earth Day the Native Way” events. Start the festivities on Tuesday, April 16th from 9:00am – 6:30 pm at Okalee Indian Village in Hollywood, FL. Then, drive out to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on Thursday, April 18th from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm for another, fun, free, earth-friendly event. Both will showcase live Indigenous cultural performances, earth-friendly activities, educational workshops, Seminole food and craft vendors, and nature tours. Read below for more details on ea ..read more

Throughout the month of March, we have had the privilege to highlight just a few of the strong, resilient, and powerful Seminole women throughout history. To end our Seminole Women’s History Month feature, Florida Seminole Tourism would like to take the opportunity to highlight a few contemporary Seminole women affecting change. But, this is not an exhaustive list. Throughout Indian Country and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, there are many, many women who are caring for their families, their culture, and changing the course of history. So, we encourage you to lift up and support women and girl ..read more

Happy Friday! For the latest installment in our Women’s History Month Series, we look at the life and legacy of Susie Jim Billie (Panther Clan). Born around the turn of the twentieth century, Billie was a revered Seminole elder and medicine woman. This week, we share her life and dedication to preserving traditional medicine and Seminole healing. At one point one of the oldest Seminole elders, she experienced a significant amount of change during her lifetime. Thus, we also seek to understand her unique perspective and knowledge gained through over a century of life experiences. In our feature ..read more

Welcome back to Women’s History Month! Today, we are continuing our journey spotlighting strong, resilient, and impactful Seminole women through history. In this installment of our series, we journey back to the 1950s when the Seminole Tribe of Florida achieved federal recognition.At just 21, Laura Mae Osceola emerged as the interpreter and spokesperson for the Seminoles, addressing Congress during a time when many Seminoles did not widely speak English. Osceola was fluent and well-spoken in English, Mikasuki, and Creek. Her linguistic prowess paved the way for her historic role as the first S ..read more

Happy Friday! Throughout March, Florida Seminole Tourism is spotlighting significant Seminole women every week on our blog. In the latest installment of our Women’s History Month series, make sure to grab your backpack and sharpen your pencils! This week, join us to learn more about the incredible Seminole teacher Lorene Bowers Gopher. During her long career, Gopher dedicated her time to education, the preservation of Seminole Culture, and the preservation of the Florida Creek language. In addition, Gopher would become Brighton’s Cultural Program Director. She would develop community programs ..read more

Today is the first day of Women’s History Month! Throughout March, Florida Seminole Tourism is spotlighting significant Seminole women every week on our blog. This week, you will learn about a formidable and resilient cattlewoman. She left a lasting imprint on Seminole history, her family, and Seminole cattle. Our celebration kicks off with none other than Ada Tiger (Snake Clan)! In our featured image for this week, you can see a postcard featuring two women and children around a Seminole camp fire. Ada Tiger sits to the left, and Agnes Tiger and her two sons sit to the right. The original ima ..read more

Welcome back to the latest installment in our Seminole Snapshots series. In this series, we look at the impact of photography in preserving and sharing the Seminole story. Previously, we have looked at the works of Julian Dimock, Irvin M. Peithmann, William Boehmer, and John Kunkel Small. This week, we focus on candid snapshots from renowned commercial photographer Joseph Janney Steinmetz. Over the years, Steinmetz snapped numerous shots of Seminoles, also including some important historic moments in history. So, follow along with us below to experience some of Steinmetz’ photographs, and for ..read more

The final event of the 2024 Seminole Tribe of Florida Festival Season is almost here! This weekend, visit the Brighton Reservation for the Brighton Field Day Festival and Rodeo. Last year, the first in-person event since the pandemic attracted thousands. From alligator wrestling competitions to professional rodeo, concerts, wildlife shows, and more, there is something sure to grab you each day of the three-day festival. So, don’t miss out on this exciting, unique event! Interested in attending? There are NO authorized online retailers for Brighton Field Day tickets. Please purchase your ticket ..read more