In response to the growing poverty and suffering of the Native American tribes in the Southeast, the United States government passed the Indian Reorganization Act and allocated land to the Seminoles in Florida. The Indian Reorganization Act allowed the Native tribes to organize their own governments and set up their own constitutions. The Seminoles voted and passed their constitution, which established the Seminole Tribe of Florida in 1957. As more time passed the Seminoles would be granted more land from the US government that was taken away years ago by the military. In 1977, the first smoke shop was created by the Seminoles as a means of gaining revenue and the creation of smoke shops began an enterprise for the Seminoles. Soon after the first high-stakes bingo hall was created in Hollywood and soon gaming became the number one economic enterprise for Seminoles. Noticing the success of the gaming halls, other tribes began to follow the lead set by the Seminoles. The acquisition of land and reservations taken long ago by the government allowed the Seminoles to create many hotels, smoke shops, and gaming halls like the Hard Rock Casino. With the increased revenue and support from the federal government allows the tribe members to have modern housing and health care. Education is highly supported as well, with about $1 million spent each year. The Seminoles have came a long way and prosper in the face of opposition.
References
Florida Department of State: Division of Historical Resources.
N.b. "Seminole History". Electronic Document. http://www.flheritage.com/facts/history/seminole/, accessed July 22, 2014.
Seminole Tribe of Florida.
N.b. "Survival in the Swamp". Electronic Document. http://www.semtribe.com/History/SurvivalInTheSwamp.aspx, accessed July 22, 2014.
Seminole Tribe of Florida.
N.b. "Seminoles Today". Electronic Document. http://www.semtribe.com/History/SeminolesToday.aspx, accessed July 22, 2014.
After doing research into the modern day Seminole Tribe, one can see the struggles and successes of the native people. As an American, I feel disgusted by the actions of the government in dealing with the natives in such a cruel way. However, I can see the steps taken by the government now to fix the mistakes of the past and it is good to see the Seminoles prospering so well. The Seminoles have adopted an American spirit as well and they have made the best of their situation as seen with the constructions of the gaming halls, smoke shops, and hotels. Despite the hostility they faced so long ago, the Seminoles have adapted to a modern world and are thriving.
ReplyDeleteGood post, and interesting reflection Matt. I have a couple of suggestions here. Why not, somehow, mention the film we watched "We Still Live Here" about the Wampanoag, and talk about the parallel with these groups. Why not, somehow, mention some course content. I like it that you use your own personal reflection, but some course content could be added. Like I said, even if it is not about native American groups per se, the film "Precious Knowledge" could also fit in there, and some of the stuff from the book about assimilation. You don;t have to add a big deal, just include course content.
ReplyDeleteSecond thing I need to mention, you all are pretty consistent on your refs, and that is great, and I assume you do not have dates for them. When you do not have dates, just write "N.d." (without the quotation marks) instead of the date. You all have just ignored the date section that goes in front. Look at your manual again. So all of you have to add the dates, or if there are not dates, the N.d. instead. Finally, and please pass this message along because I might not make the same comment with all, but except for you I believe all of the other group members, have written the "accessed..." in parenthesis. Tell them not to write parenthesis. They might be able to read this, but just in case, pass the message along. We are looking for consistency in all this. Good job Matt, thanks. You guys get ready for your presentation. You will do great.
The Seminole people are one of many native tribes that live in the United States. The Wampanoag, like the Seminole, have adapted to a new world but face their own problems. Anthropologist and linguist are trying to bring back the native tongue of the Wampanoag people. While the Seminoles in the past have fought for their survival and the survival of their culture. And the survival of the Seminoles allows us to learn about a culture that is different from ours. The same idea fits the Wampanoag people as their journey to revive their language. The revival of the language will help establish solidarity among the native people. The survival of a culture and the adaptation that goes with this is a common trait that is within every culture.
ReplyDeleteN.d. Matthew, not N.b. in the references. The rest is fine. Thanks. Change that please, so it does look right. Thanks, I appreciate the time and work.
ReplyDelete