In addition, archaeologists have recently come to recognize that knowledge of the past is not just derived from artifacts excavated from the ground. By working as partners with local related Native Americans, archaeologists can significantly improve the interpretation of the ancient past for the public benefit.

And finally, and very significantly, the original native people of Florida were devastated by the effects of disease and warfare; however, remnants of the Tocobaga, Calusa, Timucua, Tequesta, Apalachee and other groups did survive and were assimilated into the Creek/Seminole and Miccosukee groups that migrated into Florida during the late 1600’s and

early 1700’s. Thus, the concept of "historic continuity" of tradition is validly claimed and revered by today’s Florida Native Americans.

In spite of attempts at removal and relocation by the U.S. government, a resistant and heroic portion of the Seminole and

Miccosukee tribes survived into modern times in Florida. Also, a group of 300 Apalachee descendents in Louisiana are seeking federal recognition as a tribal group originally located in north Florida.

For all these reasons, the concept of "lost" tribes appeared inappropriate to some Board members and discussions began about whether or not to change the Trail’s name. In November, 2006, the Trail Board sent an email to all the Trail sites, interpreters and the Trail Advisory Council, asking for a review of the above background information, feedback comments as to whether the Trail should change its name, and suggestions for a new name, if change was preferred. The unanimous decision from all responders was that the Trail should change its name. Many creative suggestions for a new name were received.

On December 11, 2006, the Trail Board of Directors met in Port Charlotte to discuss and resolve the "name change" issue. After a spirited discussion, the Board unanimously decided to change the name, then a new name was selected for our growing organization:

organization grows, the term Trail will continue to remain appropriate. "Florida" was added to be more specific to our state. Whether to use Native American or Indian came to a close decision. "Indian" was chosen following the model used by the National Museum of the American Indian and because it is a nationally-used term applied to all American indigenous people. "Heritage" was selected since it encapsulates the history, culture, language, beliefs, art and customs for the entire continuum of Florida’s Native American human habitation—from Paleo, Archaic, Precontact, Post-contact, Historic, Conflict to the Modern Era.

                    "Today’s Trail is not just about the ancients, but about the total

                     sweep of time and continuity from the first humans who entered

                     Florida to the present Native Americans here."

Trail Producing Florida Native American Heritage Trail Publication

Great news! In 2006, the Trail was awarded a grant from the Florida Division of Historical Resources (DHR), Department of State, to produce the Florida Native American Heritage Trail booklet. Planned for distribution in late 2007, the 45-60 page publication will be the newest addition to the Florida Heritage Trail series developed through historic preservation

grant funding. Others in the series include the Florida World War II Heritage Trail, the Florida Cuban Heritage Trail, the Florida Black Heritage Trail, the Florida Women’s Heritage Trail and the Florida Jewish Heritage Trail.

The Florida Native American Heritage Trail publication will honor Florida’s Native American cultures, both past and present, by providing in-depth information for residents and visitors. In text and images, the publication will describe over 100 heritage tourist destinations throughout the state where ancient Native Americans left evidence of their cultures

and where contemporary Native Americans thrive and exhibit their cultures.

Of course, the current twenty-six sites and three heritage interpreters which are members of the Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage will be included, as well as many others. In addition to the site and interpreter listings, the publication will include an account of the 12,000-plus years of Native American presence and significance in Florida, side bars of special interest topics and biographies of individuals important to Florida’s Native American heritage.

This ambitious project is being accomplished with the talents of three highly-qualified people within the Trail "family." The Project Director is Brenda Swann, a professional archaeologist with a history of producing publications to educate the public about archaeology. Brenda is also a member of the Trail Board and serves as

Membership Coordinator.

The research and writing phases of the project are nearly complete. The project staff is currently contacting sites to verify information, requesting bids for printing the publication and coordinating graphic design with Patti Cross, the designer chosen by the Board to oversee layout and artwork in the publication. Patti is well-respected by Trail members for

her work in designing all three of the Trail’s brochures.

The DHR grant provides for printing 20,000 copies of the publication. Distribution of those will be divided among four organizations. Each of the following will receive 5,000 copies—the Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and DHR. The Trail will distribute most of its 5,000 copies to its member sites and interpreters.

Very exciting news regarding the project is the generous offer by the Frank E. Duckwall Foundation to fund additional printing so that every elementary school in Florida, or nearly 4,000 schools, will have copies for their libraries. According to Frank J. Rief, III, Trustee for the Foundation, "Because the set up costs will be covered by the Trail’s state grant, printing the additional copies will not be that expensive and the Duckwall Foundation thinks that it would be good to have as wide a distribution as possible." The Trail expresses its deepest gratitude for this important contribution from the Duckwall Foundation.

For more information about the Florida Native American Heritage Trail publication or to learn how a site or interpreter can

become a member of the Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage, contact Brenda Swann at heritagepreservation@cfl.rr.com.

The Trail Needs:

about 5 times a year, usually at different Trail sites. Mileage is reimbursed. Only those able to attend meetings and really "do something" for the Trail should apply.

Call Roger Block 727-367-8381 to discuss how you can help.

What are the benefits of the various levels

of 2007 memberships?

We Need YOU and Your Membership!

Please complete the coupon and mail it with

your check made payable to:

Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage

Ron Fekete, Treasurer,

P.O. 778

Dunedin, FL 34697

Name: ________________________________________________________

Name of Nonprofit, Site/Interpreter, Sponsor: __________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________________________

l Individual: $35 l Site or Interpreter Renewal: $150 l Nonprofit Organization: $50 l Sponsor: $200

The Trail web site was created by Theresa Schober, updated by Roger Block and now is managed by Telesys

Global of St. Petersburg, with Roger as webmaster. Click on "Trail Sites and Heritage Interpreters" and you’ll find not only links to sites and interpreters, but also links to the Convention and Visitors’ Bureaus that advertised in the 3rd Trail brochure.

A big benefit for Trail sites and interpreters is the page called "Trail Activities and Events." Click on it to see listings of near term happenings on this bulletin board. Check out Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center as an example of what can be done. Any Trail site or interpreter in good standing (i.e. dues paid up) can send Roger information for this page.

Sites and interpreters interested in applying for NEW MEMBERSHIP in the Trail can click on "Become a Member" and then on "Site and Heritage Interpreter Membership Application Form" to learn more about the advantages of being a Trail member and how to apply.  Or contact Membership Chair Brenda Swann  407-968-5715.

FHC has been the primary funding source for the Trail’s three archaeological speaker series. www.flahum.org. Tkanks, Joan and Susan!

The Frank E. Duckwall Foundation. In addition to its three grants to the Trail, the Duckwall Foundation has just paid to reprint 36,000 copies of the 3rd Trail brochure. This generosity is why we just sent another 21 cartons (12,600 brochures) for distribution at the five VISIT FLORIDA Welcome Centers and why we can send a box of 600 brochures

to every sponsor and to every renewing site and heritage interpreter if renewals are received by May 1. Thanks, Sandy!