Greetings everyone,
This guide is meant to serve as a place to find pertinent and relevant legal information to Native American Tribes, specifically in Florida, and their relationships with National Parks!
In no way should this be the end of your research, and please be sure to fact-check all the information.
Laws are constantly evolving in this field, and Tribal sentiment towards certain ideas can change over time.
I thank you for your time exploring this guide. - BR
Today, Native Americans in Florida are members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. The Miccosukees and Seminoles belonged to the Creek Confederacy and have a shared Native American heritage. In fact, the Miccosukee and Florida Seminole cultures include most of the same beliefs and practices. The language spoken by the Miccosukees is also spoken by over half of the modern Seminole Tribe. This language is called Mikasuki. The Miccosukees and Seminoles, however, are distinct and separate tribes with their own proud histories that pre-date Columbus. Others who are culturally and historically tied to the Seminoles or Miccosukees have chosen to remain independent of the federally recognized tribes. Visitors can learn more about these cultures at the Miccosukee Indian Village and Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museums.
There is still a significant number of people in Florida's Native American tribes. Today almost 3,000 people live on Seminole and Miccosukee reservations. Also living in Florida, mostly in Escambia County, are members of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The 2000 census records show that over 53,000 people in Florida claim Native American descent, and 39 different tribes from across North America are represented in Florida’s population.
Archaeological remains, oral traditions and living Native American cultures in Florida demonstrate the long presence and continued significance of Native American heritage. The Florida Native American Heritage Trail informs the public about this important contribution to Florida’s rich cultural legacy, enriching experiences of Florida’s citizens and visitors.
America's Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther. The Everglades are an international treasure as well - a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty.
Source: https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm
Source: https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/arts-history-native-american-culture-heritage-florida/
