SEMINOLES

Geographic Location

• Originally settled in Southern Georgia, Oklahoma and Alabama.
• After the wars the Seminoles were eventually pushed down to Southern Florida.
• Today the majority of the Seminoles live in Oklahoma with a minority in Florida.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• The Seminoles are descendants of the creek people.
• Spoke seven different languages: Muscogee, Hitchiti, Koasati, Alabama, Natchez, Yuchi and Shawnee.
• Population stood at 1200 natives.
• After the First, Second, and Third Seminole Wars the population died down to about 240.
• After this the seminoles lived on the fringes of society.

Culture

• Much of the seminoles culture and history was expressed through art.
• Basketry is also a huge part of the native culture.
• "Green Corn Dance", ceremony where they celebrate manhood.
• The Seminoles are divided into 8 different clans. (non-human entity)
• Newborns inherit the clan of their mother.

Religion

• Originally had their own beliefs.(dreams and animal spirit).
• Eventually converted to Christianity.
• The First Christian Baptist Church was adopted 1936.
• Funeral Service.

No Surrender!

• By May 10, 1842 president John Tyler had given up on expelling natives.
• Thirteen years later Seminoles plotted attack on U.S. led by Billy Bowlegs.
• After the imprisonment of Bowlegs tensions died.
• U.S. could not force the Seminoles to surrender.
• The President Finally declared the war was over even though no treaty was signed.

Bibliography

• http://www.semtribe.com
• http://www.eram.k12.ny.us/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectio...
• http://www.native-languages.org/beadwork.htm
• http://search.credoreference.com/content/topic/seminole
• http://www.bigorrin.org/seminole_kids.htm