Are Seminoles Ok With The Florida State Mascot?

The Tribal Council of the Seminole Tribe of Florida has stated that it supports the continued use of the name “Seminole” and any associated head logo as currently endorsed by Florida State University. The university previously had “Sammy Seminole” but retired him in 1972 due to his offensive and insensitive nature. The name Osceola comes from one of the leaders of the Seminole people during the Seminole Wars, the Indian Removal. The majority of Seminoles do not live in Florida, but rather reside in Oklahoma, one of the fruits of the Seminole Wars.

Florida State University has a unique, mutualistic relationship with the Seminole Tribe, which was previously uncommon in professional sports mascots. The university does not have a mascot but instead calls itself “Seminoles” in admiration of the only Native American tribe never conquered. The NCAA’s objection to the university’s Seminole mascot has polarized the campus and Seminole community, which largely supports the use of native mascots.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida approves of the university’s use of the name and actively supports it by assuring the accuracy of the name. The university and the Seminole Tribe have an unusual bond that defuses most debate over the school’s nickname. The use of the Seminole is used to personify every student at FSU by showing exceptional character and spirit.

Is the Florida state mascot a real Seminole Tribe?

Florida State University (FSU) has a tradition of using Osceola and Renegade as mascots since 1978. Osceola, a dignified representation of the school’s founder, is overseen by Allen Durham, whose father introduced the tradition in 1978. He wears Native American-themed regalia approved by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, including leather clothing, moccasins, face paint, and a garnet bandana. He carries a feathered spear and rides Renegade, an appaloosa horse.

Osceola performs at home football games and homecoming events, initiating each game by charging Renegade to midfield while the Marching Chiefs perform the War Chant. He hurls a flaming spear into the ground before the first play of the game.

Is the Seminole Tribe ok with Florida state?

Since 1947, Florida State University (FSU) has been known as “Seminoles” in honor of the federally recognized Seminole Tribe of Florida. The tribe collaborates closely with FSU to guarantee uniformity in the utilisation of the Seminole name and iconography. Additionally, representatives of the tribe serve as dignitaries at university functions. This partnership is illustrative of the resilience and shared values of the Tribe.

Will FSU ever change their mascot?

Florida State University (FSU) has retained the Seminoles as its symbol, despite being ordered to change mascots deemed offensive to Native Americans or lacking the tribe’s blessings. The Seminoles are the only Native American tribe never conquered by the U. S. Government. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff are honored to portray “Osceola”, a great Seminole warrior, riding the Appaloosa horse “Renegade” during football games.

To be chosen, students must maintain excellent grades and be of good character. The clothing worn by the student is sewn by the Seminole Tribe women. Tribal members also travel to Tallahassee annually to crown the Homecoming chief and princess with authentic Seminole regalia.

How much do Seminoles get paid a month?

The Seminole Tribe of Florida, with around 3, 300 members, now receives a monthly dividend check of $7, 000, or $84, 000 annually, primarily from casinos. The tribe’s purchase of the Hard Rock franchise has increased their wealth, as over 90% of their budget comes from gaming. The Seminole Tribe owns and operates five other casinos in Florida, which generated over $1 billion in total revenue last year.

What is the controversy with the Florida State mascot?

In 1947, Florida State University (FSU) students chose “Seminole” as their football team name from over 100 names. The university has since used the Seminoles symbol multiple times, but some imagery used from 1947 to the 1970s was considered disrespectful to Native Americans. In the 1970s, early consultations between the University and the Seminole Tribe evolved into the partnership we nurture today.

On June 17, 2005, the Tribal Council of the Seminole Tribe of Florida unanimously approved a resolution supporting FSU’s continued use of the Seminole name and associated images, stating that they have not opposed and support the continued use of the name and head logo as currently endorsed by FSU.

Why were the Seminole removed from Florida?

The Seminole were originally part of the Creek confederacy in southern Georgia, northern Florida, and Alabama. In the late 18th century, some Lower Creek villages moved south into northern Florida, becoming known as Seminole. By the 19th century, the Seminole were considered a threat to the slaveholding culture of the American South and were designated for pacification and removal. Despite not being conquered during the Seminole Wars (1817-18, 1835-42, and 1855-58), thousands moved west, most removed due to the Treaty of Payne’s Landing.

The first group of migrants, led by Chief Holahte Emathla, arrived in present-day Oklahoma in 1836. By 1839, most of the Seminole had been relocated west, and by 1842, they numbered about 3, 612 in the Indian Territory. They eventually formed the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. After their relocation, the Seminole were initially confined to the Creek Nation, but in 1849, two bands of Seminole under Wild Cat and John Horse migrated to Mexico.

In 1856, they signed a treaty with the Creek and the U. S. government, establishing the Seminole Nation. During the American Civil War of 1861-65, most Seminole sided with the Confederacy, and many dissident refugees fled to Kansas.

Did FSU get permission from the Seminole Tribe?

In 2005, the NCAA policy on Native American names prompted the Seminole Tribe of Florida to assert their rights to speak for themselves. The Tribal Council passed a resolution supporting FSU’s continued use of the Seminole name and associated images, which convinced the NCAA to allow Indigenous communities to sanction the use of their name. In response, FSU and the Seminole Tribe renewed their efforts to strengthen their relationship, including constructing traditional chickee buildings, creating a new curriculum for Seminole history and culture, and unveiling the “Seminole Family” statue.

FSU also bestowed an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Seminole Tribal member and General Counsel Jim Shore. University administrators emphasized the responsibility of the community in upholding the relationship, abandoning many student traditions as the university considered honoring their partnership with the Tribe.

Does the Seminole Tribe get money from FSU?

The Seminole Tribe of Florida benefits from the university’s use of the Seminole name and related symbols, despite not receiving financial compensation. The use of Indian nicknames and mascots by colleges and universities began in the early 1900s, with over 100 colleges and 2, 500 high schools featuring Indian mascots. However, activist groups in the 1960s and 1970s challenged the use of some names, calling them offensive. FSU officials approached the Seminole Tribe to ensure the accuracy and respect of their use of certain symbols.

What is the nickname for the Florida state Seminoles?

The Florida State Seminoles are the athletic teams representing Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. They compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level, primarily in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for all sports since the 1991-92 season. The Seminoles’ athletic department fields 18 teams, which have collectively won 20 team national championships, over 100 team conference championships, and numerous individual national and conference titles. The Seminoles’ fight song, “Florida State University Fight Song”, is a popular song for the university’s football teams.

What is the Seminole State College bird?

Seminole State College’s mascot, the Raider, was chosen in 1966 to represent the campus’s diverse ornithological life. The mascot, a successful raptor with sharp vision, reflects the ethos and attitude of the Raider athletes. The new logo design, timed to coincide with the college’s 50th anniversary in 2015, aims to foster a sense of pride and camaraderie among students, alumni, and staff. The mascot, Rally, was named in 2015 after a college-wide contest and came to life in spring 2016. The mascot’s tenacity, speed, and keen-eyed pursuit of prey reflect the Raider athletes’ ethos and attitude.

What is Seminole State OK mascot?

Seminole State College’s costumed mascot, Rally Raider, serves as a spirit leader and goodwill ambassador for the college. Its presence on campus aims to create pride and engage the campus community. Students can apply for the role and receive a $13 per hour pay. The Raider was chosen in 1966 by founding President Earl Weldon to represent the ornithological life on the campus. Central Florida Zoo bird keeper Cindy Dupree attributes the Raider’s tenacity, speed, and keen-eyed pursuit of prey to the ethos and attitude of the Raider athletes.