Florida Republicans on Capitol Hill are backing a proposal to add the Osceola Camp in Everglades National Park to the Miccosukee Reserved Area (MRA).
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., introduced the bill to include the Osceola Camp to the MRA this week with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., co-sponsoring it. U.S. Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., will champion the proposal in the U.S. House.
“Incorporating the Osceola Camp into the MRA would improve the Tribe’s ability to govern the affairs of their community and facilitate the raising of the camp in order to optimize water flows to Everglades National Park without adversely affecting the residences at the Osceola Camp,” Rubio’s office noted.
“The Everglades is a national treasure and we must do everything we can to restore it. Recognizing the Osceola Camp would be a critical step forward in the restoration process, and would make a meaningful difference to the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation,” said Rubio.
“I am proud to introduce this bill with my colleagues to protect the Miccosukee Tribe’s Osceola Camp that has been a home and site of cultural significance for generations of Tribal members. I deeply appreciate the partnership I have had with the Miccosukee Tribe as Florida governor, and will continue to support their interests as U.S. senator,” said Scott.
“As the U.S. representative for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, I have witnessed the Tribe’s commitment to being an exceptional steward of the Everglades, while also being a dynamic community partner creating jobs and opportunities for the people of South Florida. I look forward to continuing working together with Senator Marco Rubio and the Tribe to preserve our beautiful River of Grass and incorporate the Osceola Camp into the Miccosukee Reserved Area (MRA),” said Gimenez.
“I am proud to join my Florida colleagues in introducing this critical legislation for the inclusion of the Osceola Camp into the Miccosukee Reserved Area within the Everglades National Park. This bill supports the longstanding residence of Miccosukee tribe members and enhances their self-governance within the community, while optimizing water flows to the Everglades National Park. I look forward to working together with my colleagues to continue the preservation of this unique ecosystem and sacred land,” said Díaz-Balart.
Miccosukee Tribe Chairman Talbert Cypress is backing the proposal.
“The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida thanks Senator Rubio, Senator Rick Scott, and Congressman Gimenez for their unwavering support of the Miccosukee Reserve Area Act Amendment. This amendment will serve to protect the traditional site of the Osceola Camp and the families that live within. The Osceola Camp is my father’s home, my aunt’s home, my family’s home and has been central to Miccosukee cultural and seasonal gatherings. We will be able to host Miccosukee tribal members for many years to come with this Amendment and ensure a permanent home for our traditional way of life. Everglades restoration is reaching its zenith and this Act allows us to raise the camp above expected water levels and prevent flooding of traditional chickee sites. The Tribe’s efforts will be bolstered by our partnership with Everglades National Park and its current superintendent, Pedro Ramos. This amendment is emblematic of how partnerships can evolve for the better and demonstrates the leadership of our Florida Members on behalf of the Tribe to help preserve our culture and traditions. We look forward to the passage of this important Amendment and to our continued partnership with Senator Rubio, Senator Rick Scott, Congressman Gimenez, and the National Park Service,” said Cypress.
Rubio’s bill was sent to the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday.
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