How the Everglades saved a tribe, and how the Miccosukee use science to save the Everglades

"IN THE EVERGLADES - On a recent crisp October afternoon, a flotilla of 16 airboats rev up their Cadillac engines and head out into the far corners of the approximately 74,000-acre Miccosukee reservation. Single-file they skim over sawgrass and between cypress stands, heading north, away from the civilization built up along Tamiami Trail. On board the boats are tribal elders to lead the way, scientists to take water samples and Miccosukee parents teaching their kids how to steer the airboats, fish and recognize landmarks."

"The parade of airboats is partaking in the tribe's annual Everglades Study, which the Miccosukee have conducted each October since 1982. The study is a mix of both science and cultural survival. Over the course of a week the tribe and scientists visit 81 culturally significant destinations with names such as "Monkey Tree," "Burning Chickee" and "Smallpox Tommie," looking for pollution but also showing young Miccosukee where they come from."

"The tree islands, slightly raised areas that built up as the River of Grass flowed around them for 5,000 years, saved the Miccosukee tribe in the 19th century. In 1830, the Indian Removal Act was used to force Indians to give up their land in Florida and move to west. The Miccosukee fought back, taking part in the Seminole Wars. In the process, they left other parts of Florida and fled to the Everglades."

The Miccosukee tribe conducts an annual Everglades Study each October since 1982 that combines scientific monitoring with cultural education. Sixteen airboats traverse the Miccosukee reservation with elders, scientists, parents, and children sampling water, steering boats, fishing, and identifying landmarks. Participants visit 81 culturally significant sites with names like "Monkey Tree," "Burning Chickee" and "Smallpox Tommie" to check for pollution and teach lineage. Tree islands formed over 5,000 years provided refuge and resources during the Seminole Wars and helped the Miccosukee survive removal pressures. Elder Michael Frank is the last tribal member known to have lived on a tree island.

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