Seminole Nation of Oklahoma by Harjo, Lindsey

Pistols Firing for these Muscogee ladies!

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 01:48:23 UTC

I am enrolled Muscogee, but raised Seminole. I am a former Jr. Miss Indian OK. I did Native American pageants all through out my adolescents. The Miss Indian Oklahoma, Jordan Harmon pictured with me is an OK State graduate and now an attorney.

Honoring my Nana

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 01:48:25 UTC

This is my Nana, Ruth Bondoni. She taught me so much about my Seminole culture. She sewed Seminole patchwork and made the most beautiful Seminole Regalia. Nana was the definition of a proud Seminole woman. She passed away last year. The background of this presentation is of a Seminole patchwork skirt she had sewn in her earlier years.

Introduction to the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 02:05:06 UTC

The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma has a rich and complex history, originating from a diverse group of Native American people, primarily of Muscogee origin, who migrated to Florida in the 18th century. These individuals sought refuge from European colonization and conflicts, and they gradually coalesced into a distinct group known as the Seminoles.

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 02:34:11 UTC

The Seminoles in Florida fiercely resisted the United States government's efforts to force them to move west, leading to three Seminole Wars (1818–1858). The most notable leader during this time was Osceola, who led the Seminoles in resisting the U.S. Army. Despite their valiant efforts, the majority of Seminoles were eventually forced to relocate to Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma, during the 1830s and 1840s.

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 02:35:35 UTC

In Oklahoma, the Seminole Nation established its own government and institutions, including schools and courts, and became one of the Five Civilized Tribes. However, their autonomy was short-lived, as the U.S. government gradually eroded tribal sovereignty. Today, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma is a federally recognized tribe with its own government, and it works to preserve its culture, language, and traditions while also promoting economic development and providing services to its citizens

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 02:39:39 UTC

The Curtis Act of 1898 led to the dissolution of the Seminole government by the Dawes Commission, which divided Seminole lands among roughly 3,000 enrolled members. However, land restrictions failed to safeguard their interests, and fraudulent sales caused many Seminole families to lose their allotments. By 1920, only about 20% of Seminole lands remained in their possession. The discovery of the Greater Seminole Oil Field in 1923 brought wealth to a few who retained their property. In 1934, Congress repealed the allotment policy, and by the following year, the Seminole had reestablished their government. The tribal council was reorganized in 1970 to reflect its traditional structure.

Florida Seminoles

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 02:49:10 UTC

The word Seminole is derived from the Spanish word "siminoli" meaning separatists. Seminole started to be used in the 1700s.

Following U.S. independence, settlers seeking land put pressure on the Seminoles, who were peacefully living in Florida. This, along with European politics and the fact that escaped enslaved people were finding refuge in Seminole lands, led to conflict. The Seminole Wars resulted in the removal of nearly all Seminoles and Black Seminoles to Indian Territory

"Indian" Removal of 1838

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 02:52:22 UTC

The first group of Seminoles forcefully removed, led by Chief Holahte Emathla, arrived in present-day Oklahoma in 1836, and most Seminoles had been relocated west by 1839. By 1842, they numbered around 3,612 in Indian Territory, where they formed the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. A small group of Seminoles (350-500) remained in Florida, forming the Seminole Nation of Florida in 1957.

Tribal Government

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 02:59:59 UTC

Seminole Nation Bands have played a key role in Seminole Society. Originally starting with 35 bands in the 1830s, Modern Day Seminoles Recognize 14 Tribal Bands with 2 Freedmen bans. Band membership comes to the child through their mother. The 14 Bands make up the general council who act as Tribal government alongside Chief and Assistant Chief.

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 03:09:12 UTC

Within the Seminole Nation, both Christianity and traditional beliefs are common and practiced. Baptist and Methodist faiths are the most popular Christian denominations. Many Seminole Christians also participate in stomp dances, green corn ceremonies, traditional fasts, and other ancient rituals. While English is the main language in Oklahoma, many Christian hymns are still sung in the traditional Muscogee language.

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 03:14:17 UTC

In 1856, the Seminoles established their nation in Oklahoma after a treaty with the Creeks and the U.S. government. They were granted land between the South and North Canadian Rivers, with the 100th meridian as the western boundary. Chief John Jumper then led the Seminoles in creating the Green Head Prairie community.

lindseyharjo — 2025-07-08 03:46:53 UTC

Andrew K. Frank, “Seminole (tribe),” The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=SE011.

“Band Chiefs of the Seminole Nation.” The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, www.sno-nsn.gov/getpage.php?name=Band_Chiefs_of_the_Seminole_Nation&sub=Government. Accessed 7 July 2025.

“Seminole Nation Prehistory & Removal.” Seminole Nation Museum, seminolenationmuseum.org/history-seminole-nation-pre-history/. Accessed 7 July 2025.

“Seminole Nation Independence Day 2021.” YouTube, YouTube, 7 Aug. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR0tbnEkwM8.

“Trail of Tears Acknowledgement Walk.” YouTube, YouTube, 10 June 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTwwzpw9aJI.

Simpson, Linda. “Ocese Band .” Ocese Band, 2001, seminolenation.genealogyvillage.com/ocese_band.htm.

Work , L. Susan. The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma A Legal History . University of Oklahoma Press: Norman, 2010.