List of chiefs of the Seminoles facts for kids
The Seminole people are a Native American tribe with a rich history. Their leaders, often called chiefs or chairmen, have guided them through many important times. Today, Seminole people are part of three main groups: the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This article tells you about some of their most important leaders.
Contents
Early Seminole Leaders (1750–1849)
The Seminole tribe first came together in what is now Florida in the mid-1700s. These early leaders helped shape the tribe. Many Seminole people were later moved to a place called Indian Territory (which is now Oklahoma) after a conflict known as the Second Seminole War.
- Cowkeeper, 1750-1783
- King Payne, 1783-1812
- Bolek, 1812-1819
- Micanopy, 1819-1849
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Leaders
The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida was officially recognized by the state of Florida in 1957. They gained federal recognition in 1962. This meant the U.S. government officially recognized them as a tribe.
- About late 1700s–1819: Kinache, also known as Kinhagee, was an early chief of the Creek people in Miccosukee, Florida. After a battle in 1818, his people moved south. They kept the name Miccosukee for their tribe.
- 1962–1985: William Buffalo Tiger was the first chief of the Miccosukee Tribe. He worked hard to help the tribe make its own decisions about its future.
- 1986–2011: Billy Cypress, tribal chairman
- 2011–2015: Colley Billie, tribal chairman. His time as chairman ended in 2015.
- 2015–2016: Roy Cypress Jr., interim tribal chairman
- 2015–2021: Billy Cypress, tribal chairman
- 2021–Present: Talbert Cypress, tribal chairman
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Leaders
Many Seminole people were moved to Oklahoma in the 1830s. Here are some of their leaders:
- 1819–1849: Micanopy
- 1849–: John Jumper was a chief who led a group of Seminole during the American Civil War.
- 1882–1885: John Jumper, chief
- 1866–1881: John Chupco was a leader of another group of Seminoles during the Civil War.
- 1885–1901: John F. Brown, governor
- 1905–1919: John F. Brown, governor
- 1922–1935: Alice Brown Davis, chief. She was an important female leader.
- 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, chief
- 1952–1954: Marcy Cully, 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
- 2021–present: Lewis Johnson
Seminole Tribe of Florida Leaders
The Seminole Tribe of Florida has also had many important leaders who helped their community grow and thrive.
- 1957–1966: Billy Osceola was the first chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
- 1967–1971: Betty Mae Tiger Jumper was the first and only woman to be chairwoman of the tribe. She was also a writer and helped with tribal communications. She spoke English, Mikasuki, and Muskogee.
- 1971–1979: Howard Tommie was a political leader who helped the tribe gain important water rights for their lands. He also helped start businesses like tax-free shops and bingo games to bring money to the tribe. He spoke English, Mikasuki, and Muskogee.
- 1979–2003: Jim Billie was chairman during a time when the tribe's businesses grew a lot, leading to more wealth and development for the community. His time as chairman ended in 2003.
- 2003–2011: Mitchell Cypress
- 2011–2016: Jim Billie was re-elected but later his time as chairman ended again in 2016.
- 2016–present: Marcellus Osceola Jr.
