kids encyclopedia robot

List of chiefs of the Seminoles facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This article tells you about the important leaders, called chiefs, of the Seminole people. The Seminole are a Native American tribe. Today, their descendants are part of three main groups: the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. These leaders helped guide their people through many challenges and changes.

Early Seminole Leaders (1750–1849)

The Seminole tribe first came together in what is now Florida. From the mid-1700s until the mid-1800s, four main chiefs guided the Seminole people. These leaders were important during a time of big changes. Many Seminole were later moved to a new area called Indian Territory after the Second Seminole War.

Miccosukee Tribe of Florida Leaders

The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida became officially recognized by the state of Florida in 1957. Then, in 1962, the United States government also recognized them. This was a big step for the tribe.

  • ca. late 18th c.–1819: Kinache, also Kinhagee (ca. 1750–ca. 1819). He was a leader of the Creek people in Miccosukee, Florida. After a conflict in 1818, his people moved south. They kept the name Miccosukee for their new tribe.
  • 1962–1985: William Buffalo Tiger, also Buffalo Tiger or Heenehatche, (1920–2015). He was the first chief of the Miccosukee Tribe. He worked hard to help his people make their own decisions.
  • 1986–2011: Billy Cypress, tribal chairman
  • 2011–2015: Colley Billie, tribal chairman
  • 2015–2016: Roy Cypress Jr., interim tribal chairman
  • 2015–present: Billy Cypress

Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Leaders

Many Seminole people were moved to what is now Oklahoma. Here are some of the important leaders who guided the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.

  • 1819–1849: Micanopy (ca. 1780–ca. 1849)
  • 1849–: John Jumper (ca. 1820–1896). He was a chief and leader of a group of Seminole.
  • 1882–1885: John Jumper, chief
  • 1866–1881: John Chupco (ca. 1821–1881). He was a town chief and leader of another group of Seminoles.
  • 1885–1901: John F. Brown (1842–1919), governor, from the Tiger clan.
  • 1905–1919: John F. Brown, governor
  • 1922–1935: Alice Brown Davis (1852–1935), chief
  • 1935–1936: Chili Fish, chief
  • 1936–1946: George Jones, chief
  • 1942–1944: Willie Haney, chief
  • 1944–1946: Jeffie Brown, principal chief
  • 1948–1952: George Harjo (1886–1952), chief, from the Tvsekayv Haco Band and Bear Clan.
  • 1952–1954: Marcy Cully, Nokuse (1910–1954), chief
  • 1955–1950: Phillip Walker, chief
  • 1960–1969: John A. Brown, principal chief
  • 1969–1972: Terry Walker, chief
  • 1972–1973: Floyd Harjo, chief
  • 1973–1977: Edwin Tanyan, chief
  • 1977–1978: Richmond Tiger, chief
  • 1978–1981: Tom Palmer, chief
  • 1979–1985: James Milam, principal chief
  • 1985–1989: Edwin Tanyan, chief
  • 1989–2001: Jerry Haney, principal chief
  • 2003–2005: Kenneth Edwards Chambers, principal chief
  • 2005–2009: Enoch Kelly Haney, principal chief
  • 2009–2017: Leonard Harjo, principal chief
  • 2017–2021: Greg Chilcoat, principal chief, from the Tusekia Harjo Band and Deer Clan.
  • 2021–present: Lewis Johnson

Seminole Tribe of Florida Leaders

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has also had many important leaders. They have worked to protect their land and traditions.

  • 1957–1966: Billy Osceola, the first person to hold this position.
  • 1967–1971: Betty Mae Tiger Jumper. She was the first and only woman to be chairwoman of the tribe. She was also an editor for the Seminole Tribune and a tribal communications director. She spoke English, Mikasuki, and Muskogee.
  • 1971–1979: Howard Tommie. He was a political leader and chairman for two terms. He started programs that helped the tribe. He also worked with the State of Florida to get water rights for Seminole lands. He helped set up tax-free shops and bingo games to bring money to the tribe. Tommie speaks English, Mikasuki, and Muskogee.
  • 1979–2003: Jim Billie. He was chairman during a time when the tribe's businesses grew a lot. This brought more wealth and development to the tribe.
  • 2003–2011: Mitchell Cypress
  • 2011–2016: Jim Billie. He was re-elected but later removed from his position by the Seminole Tribal Council.
  • 2016–present: Marcellus Osceola Jr.
kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
List of chiefs of the Seminoles Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.