The Reorganization Process Is Complicated by Intra-Tribal Division
Neither the Seminole nor the Miccosukee Tribe was able to reach complete consensus on forming a recognized community government in the late 1950s. A constitution and governing body were deemed necessary, but it was difficult for tribal members to agree on how to accomplish this. Defining tribal leadership was a challenge for both groups as well. This reality was further complicated by the tension between traditional and western styles of political and social thought.
Young adults from both tribes began serving as ambassadors to prepare their communities for the changes they believed would eventually occur. A Christian presence was also gaining influence on several of the reservations. As these new parties began assuming traditional positions of authority within the tribes, they gradually took leadership roles previously held by medicine men and tribal elders. This intra-tribal political tension affected both tribes’ ability to effectively negotiate with the U.S. and with one other.
