1936 Seminole Conference

On February 22, 1936, this pine hammock was the site of
a conference attended by about 275 Seminoles and several
representatives of state and local governments. Florida's New
Deal governor, David W. Sholtz (1933-37), had aided the
state's economic recovery from the great depression. Accompanied
by members of his cabinet and D. Graham Copeland of the
Collier County Board of Commissioners, Sholtz journeyed into the
Everglades to discuss with Seminole leaders what the government
could do to assist the Indians in those trying times. A ceremonial
welcome was followed by conversations in which Gotch Nagoftee
(Josie Billie) and Tush Kee Henehe (Corey Osceola) spoke for the
Seminoles. The Indians appreciated the offer of aid but,
fearing removal from the Everglades, gave the Governor this
reply: "Pohoan Checkish" - "Just leave us alone."

Submitted by @alwaysreadtheplaque