Coral Springs proclaims Indigenous Peoples Day; Miccosukee leader urges preservation and collaboration

The Coral Springs City Commission on Sept. 25 presented a proclamation designating Oct. 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples Day and heard remarks from a Miccosukee tribal official who urged collaboration and attention to indigenous history and environmental preservation. The proclamation recognized the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, recounted key historical facts about the tribe’s federal recognition and resilience, and affirmed respect for tribal sovereignty. The commission voted to sign the proclamation unanimously. William James Osceola — who introduced himself by saying, “My name is Popeye. The American government calls me William James Osceola. My Miccosukee government calls me secretary of the business council” — thanked Coral Springs for the proclamation and invited residents to the tribe’s Miccosukee American Indian Day celebration on the reservation. He described the day as “an invitation for collaboration to help promote real history over grade school mythology,” and said, “To us, this Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation is an invitation for collaboration to help promote real history over grade school mythology.” Osceola emphasized the tribe’s cultural resilience and connection to the Everglades and urged care for the natural environment: “When I look out there I see the most beautiful woman alive… We have to keep her that way. We have to keep her alive, the most beautiful woman alive. The only one we got, this world.” He said the event on the reservation is free and invited the public to attend. The commission’s proclamation recognizes indigenous contributions and the city’s intent to observe Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 13, 2025. The presentation included historical notes the proclamation cited, including the Miccosukee tribe’s 1962 constitution approval by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and federal recognition.