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by Tina Osceola

Everglades Restoration;

Is It Really?

s I sit here writing this month’s article, I am inspired my bit rhetorical. What do you do with all of the invasive species? How
surroundings. Although the sun is warm, the cool breeze that do we ensure that nutrients from invasive species like Brazilian
A I feel while sitting under the shade of a chickee, is my idea of Pepper aren’t in the water that they send… south? That’s the other
paradise. I am at a Seminole camp that is within the Everglades, the thing… which direction should the water flow? No one on either
home of my people. The Tamiami Trail cuts through the Everglades coast wants the water to come from Lake Okeechobee because
with such precision that it seems like the sides of the roads should of the blue green algae. That’s understandable… after all, I live
have sharp edges. Many have written songs and books about the River in Naples. However, what about those who live South of Lake
of Grass, with the endless prairies of sawgrass from one coast to the Okeechobee and are in the pathway to the Gulf? The Seminoles
other. Within eyesight, I see blue herons and egrets, and beyond where and Miccosukees… the battle for clean water and a restored
my eyes can see, I know there are gators galore. ecosystem always seems to leave out a major voice… the indigenous
Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that it is my day voice.
off from work, so this isn’t something I get to do everyday, as some Although it is my job to protect the cultural resources of my
would think. In fact, when I snap my fingers, I am propelled back Tribe, it is also my responsibility to make sure the Seminole voice is
into reality. I am forced to acknowledge that although these are our not just spoken, but heard. It is also important that the federal laws
homelands, the Everglades is also a battleground. A battleground responsible for the protection of our cultural and environmental
between political parties, a fight for federal funding, a fight for resources are adhered to without fail. Most importantly, however,
water, a fight for clean water, a fight for habitat and for some of us, a I also think it’s important that our story is shared. We all love the
fight for indigenous rights. As the Director of the Seminole Tribe of Everglades, but the people whose lifeblood is as vital as the water,
Florida’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office, my team and I spend cannot be left out.
every waking hour defending tribal sovereignty and the right to call I urge people to visit the Seminole Tribe’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki
this land our home. Many reliant on the tourism industry are quick Museum on the Big Cypress Reservation, as well as the numerous
to exploit the Seminole and Miccosukee heritage if it brings visitors Seminole and Miccosukee businesses that dot along Tamiami Trail.
through their gates, but when it comes to supporting our Tribes’ fight The Miccosukee Tribe has a cultural center, village and museum
for the preservation of its cultural resources, including the burial sites along the Trail that is a must see. Also, please stress to any decision
of our ancestors, we find that we’re standing by ourselves. maker or journalist to ask us for our perspective. Our story is so
Although, in spirit, I support anything that makes the Everglades interesting and is a real added dimension to the natural experience
environment more healthy, Everglades restoration has always been of Florida. The National Park Service and other federal agencies
puzzling to me. Restore the entire ecosystem back to what point in have ignored us enough. We stand prepared to tell our story, show
time? Pre-drainage? How do you do that without taking out Tamiami you what we consider important, and most of all demonstrate the
Trail and I-75? Scientists will stand ready with an answer, so that is a inextricable relationship between the Everglades and our people.

Life in Naples |April 2026 79