Your Story:
Grandfather, Chipawawa was born on Oklahoma Rez. He changed his family name to Edwards. The courthouse burned down where records were kept about the family's information so I can't trace my Native Cherokee heritage. I am looking to get my tribal affiliation into the Cherokee Nation. My wife and I live next to the Seminole, Hollywood Rez and visit there often and attend the First Indian Baptist Church on Sunday nights and events at the Hard Rock auditorium. I've been tracing my Native heritage with 88 first cousins who live mostly in Evansville, Indiana and Arizona. We have been doing research on Columbus and his voyage to the USA. We are bringing awareness of the enslavement and killings and other atrocities that happened to Natives which are written about in Columbus' journal. Just today we spoke to the Events licensing in Hollywood, FL person - Tony Bridgewood to make Columbus Day events fair by informing the public of the insensitivity and atrocities that were committed towards the Natives on the islands like Cuba and Haiti, etc. We want to change names of streets like Custard St, Jackson St., Sheridan Rd. and Stirling St. We have a friend who is started the
www.unconqueredfoundation.org. He has a vision to make a video of Seminole culture and give opportunitty for the youth to fulfill their potential through giving them opportunity to meet successful tribe people in different occupations. We know Zack and Spencer Batiest who perform "The Storm" on Facebook He's a Seminole Member. My wife and I attended classes at the Native Learning Center which are offered several times a year. They are wonderful classes. I really like your newsletters, and hope to be able to work with you. Rodney Edwards
