Paper details
CA #5: Native American Culture & More
Watch at least the first four of the linked YouTube videos below. Then, please answer the four reflection
questions below for Classroom Assignment #5, worth 40 points.
Reflection Questions:
1. (5 pts.) What are some of the cultural preservation challenges faced by the indigenous American
peoples?
2. (5 pts.) What cultural expression in the videos did you find to be most interesting or meaningful? Why?
3. (5 pts.) How are the Miccosukees and Seminoles dependent on tourism today? How do they promote
cultural awareness, identity, and pride?
4. (5 pts.) How are Native American efforts to preserve their cultural heritages similar to the efforts of other
groups of people in South Florida in preserving their heritages, beliefs, customs, rituals, etc.?
5. (20 pts.) This assignment is not intended to be only about Native American culture. I hope that you take
a few moments to reflect on your own cultural heritages. What do you know about your ancestry? What
have you learned from your family about its history? What holidays do you celebrate and how do you
celebrate? What aspects of your culture would you like to learn more about, or what skills would you like to
develop in expressing your culture? Are there some aspects of your cultural heritages that you perhaps
don’t wish to pass on to your children? Why or why not?
Are there conversations that you ought to have with your older relatives, conversations that perhaps should
be recorded, so that you can share them with future generations? Are there recipes for dishes that
everyone enjoys at family gatherings, but no one knows how to make them except for “Grandma”?
Exploration of Native American Cultures of South Florida
The indigenous peoples of Florida are often overlooked, and their history, beliefs, arts, and artifacts should
be explored in a study of the humanities here in South Florida. The most prominent tribe in terms of cultural
education and communication locally is the Miccosukee tribe. Also significant in Florida is the Seminole
tribe.
The Miccosukees strongly maintain their unique way of life, ancient customs, and spirituality. It is the goal
of the Tribe to articulate its beliefs and values by transmitting the essence of their heritage to their
descendants and non-Natives alike. In the following video Houston Cypress takes us on a tour of the Indian
Village. Right-click on the link below to watch this YouTube video, originally produced for Miccosukee TV.
The Powwow ceremony has always been a Pan-Indian gathering of communities where knowledge and
magic is shared. The Thundering Moccasins at the Miccosukee Indian Village demonstrate what makes the
Grass Dance, the Fancy Dance, and the Fancy Shawl Dance so unique.
There is a sacred aspect to these Powwow Dances that is symbolized by the use of the colors, the
movements, the sounds, and so much more. The Thundering Moccasins explain how this knowledge is
kept alive in all times and places.
Bird Clan bead worker, Ms. Emma Cypress, explains the traditions of this sparkling craft.
Founded in 1983, the Miccosukee Indian Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the Tribe’s unique way of
life. Among the many fascinating exhibits are rarely seen photographs of tribal members from past
generations and elaborate native attire worn by men and women, Tribal artifacts, Native paintings, special
cooking utensils and much more.
We live in a Global Village that grows increasingly connected through technology and commerce and
sometimes it’s important to identify and celebrate those elements of our culture that highlight our unity as
well as our diversity. That’s why festivals like what the Miccosukee Tribe is doing are important.
Mato of the band Indigenous speaks about his inspiration and pride as an artist at the Annual Miccosukee
Music Festival.
The Seminole wars are remembered today as one of the bloodiest and longest lasting wars in American
and Seminole History. The people of the Everglades and runaway slaves that fought beside them laid their
lives on the line for peace.
At the recently discovered Loxahatchee Battle Field in Jupiter, Florida, spectators and re-enactors come
together to learn about and memorialize those who fought and lost their lives for freedom.
Chief Odulani, family, and Priority One Coalition members at the opening ceremony of the Okalee Indian
Village Reservation POW-WOW in Hollywood, Florida and in celebration of their100th year anniversary of
establishment. July 2 & 3, 2011