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FREC Award Highlights LTEM Work

11/17/2014

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by Houston R. Cypress,
Coordination Circle, Love The Everglades Movement

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The Film, Recording & Entertainment Council (link) is one of South Florida’s most important economic development organizations serving the Entertainment Industry and over the weekend FREC held its 11th Annual Star Gala recognition ceremony at the Magic City Casino.

The Star Gala (link) recognizes industry professionals and organizations whose careers and bodies of work establish South Florida as a significant region for developing a career in this commercial sector.  There is a thriving community of people here in South Florida and it is important to note just who they are and what they have done.

The nature of entertainment necessarily highlights those on stage, or in front of the camera, or in the spotlight, and so the unique work of the Star Gala is to highlight the talent and expertise of those behind-the-scenes.  The types of categories that this event notes include the work of choreographers, lawyers, recording executives, producers, directors, make-up artists, casting directors, recording studios, up-and-coming talent, and so many more.

Love The Everglades Movement, like FREC, is a member-driven organization.  Our work is concerned with offering opportunities for people to connect with the Everglades and thereby inspiring positive change in the broader society so that we can achieve goals such as improved water quality in the Florida Everglades.  Many of us are artists, and so the methods that we’ve been using reflect our skills.  We understand how our artistic projects communicate complex messages across multiple dimensions, so we’ve been eager to invite influential people to participate in our excursions and events.  Our understanding of the influential embraces people such as teachers, event planners, spiritual leaders, political organizers, etc.

We also strive to cultivate a community of people concerned with Everglades matters using an approach that is respectful of local mores – which we are discovering is not an easy task.  This work has required us to learn new languages, to go outside of our comfort zones, and to confront obstacles of all types.

LTEM began with a vision that Jean Sarmiento (link) was blessed with as a result of his dedication to his spiritual and ceremonial work.  Since the fall of 2012, our work has evolved:  from Everglades excursions, to art exhibitions, inter-faith prayer rituals, benefit concerts, short films, interviews with print/radio/television/internet media, and an eclectic symposium.

Our Summer Symposium 2014 (link) was the culmination of all of the projects and community networking that we’ve been involved in since our efforts began.  Our program and attendance reflected that.  It was also an event that was free to attend so that there would be no barriers preventing people from getting engaged in Everglades advocacy – FREC took note.

At the Star Gala, event hosts such as Trina Robinson of NBC 6 and world-renowned artist Laurence Gartel took time to highlight my achievements in film, television and art, as well as my community work with the Love The Everglades Movement as a prime reason for the honor.

So, I would like to share this honor with everyone who has been involved with LTEM in one way or another since our work began, including all those who’ve been on our Everglades excursions, everyone who has prayed for the water, all the friends we’ve made in all the different communities that we’ve visited, our benefactors and sponsors, and all the members of the Coordination Circle (link).  Nuff Respect!

Another honoree that was noted for Best Film Festival was Filmgate Interactive (link).  Filmgate is an event that showcases and develops transmedia projects – projects that are expressed across multiple media platforms.  Diliana Alexander, Executive Director for Filmgate, invited LTEM to collaborate on their filmmaking workshop.  Diliana wanted to use her resources to express an environmental and humanitarian concern for the Everglades and the Miccosukee community while providing artists from around the world with an opportunity to hone their skills using cutting-edge technologies.  You can see the result of this collaboration by clicking THIS LINK.

The Star Gala was a blast!  Some of us from the Coordination Circle who attended had an opportunity to rub shoulders with the professionals of the South Florida entertainment industry.  And I had a great time, with Dudley Alexis of Epyllion Films (link), in putting together the tribute video honoring Irene Marie of modeling agency fame for her Lifetime Achievement Award.  Love The Everglades Movement was in great company.
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Moksha Lecture Series:  Indigenous Ecologies & the Everglades

10/13/2014

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by Dr. Dennis Wiedman & Houston R. Cypress

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THE MOKSHA LECTURE SERIES PT. 4:
"INDIGENOUS ECOLOGIES AND THE EVERGLADES" 

A Dialog with Miccosukee Houston R. Cypress and Anthropologist Dennis Wiedman

Indigenous peoples around the world continue to express their views that natural and physical environments are being harmed by humans whose philosophies of life do not respect the Earth. The 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples confirmed their rights to traditional lands, resources, language, medicines, religions, media and culture. Anthropologist, Dr. Dennis Wiedman reflects upon the political and environmental changes occurring over the past centuries that disenfranchised Native Americans from their lands, their resources and their sacred places. Houston Cypress, member of the Miccosukee Otter Clan, brings an Indigenous world view to the public through his videos, words and actions. For the past several decades there has been a renaissance of Indigenous arts, music, and religions here in the US and throughout the world. The Indigenous voice is now being heard in films, music, the internet and in the courts.

Contemporary Native American scholars, artists and film makers are bringing to the public their ways of knowing about life, the Earth and human relationships with the Earth. Many of these express the Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives as caretakers of the Earth, as compared to those who view the Earth and resources as objects to be exploited, controlled, bought and sold. With environments being modified, polluted, and spoiled, this dialog and discussion of these differing world views may lead to reconciliation and a better understanding of how public policies can respect the Earth.

Here in South Florida where the natural Everglades, rivers, and wetlands were drained, canaled, controlled, filled-in and polluted, Indigenous Peoples continue to express their concerns about the quality of water and how it affects all human and biological life in the Everglades. In this evening of information sharing, dialog and discussion, Houston and Dennis compare and contrast these contested world views about the environment and nature facilitating a better understanding of the restoration of the Everglades and the need for public policies that respect the earth affecting the future quality of life for generations of South Floridians.

Dr. Dennis Wiedman is an anthropologist whose life long work on Native American health extends from the Miccosukee of South Florida, to the Delaware, Apache and Cherokee Tribes of Oklahoma, and the Inupiat of Northern Alaska. His research has ranged from traditional healing to contemporary health problems, from Peyotism as a health care delivery system, to the causes of Native American diabetes and the global increase of diabetes with modernity. Since receiving his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Oklahoma, he has taught for many years at Florida International University where he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Global and Sociocultural Studies. His latest work is published in the American Indian Culture and Research Journal, and the American Indian Quarterly.

Houston Cypress, an Otter Clan member of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Houston grew up in the swamps of the Florida Everglades, blazing trails through the bush. The endangered beauty of the natural environment made such an impression on him during his childhood – being a refuge for his ancestors and the source of traditional plant medicines – that he grew to find ways to articulate strategies for preserving this World Heritage Site. Art, communications and spirituality are some of the modalities and techniques that he employs through his collaborations with the following organizations Miccosukee Magazine TV; Film, Recording & Entertainment Council, FREC Star Gala, Medicine Signs Spiritual Center, Camposition, Inc. and the Love The Everglades Movement. Houston is committed to supporting his society of clans by assisting in cultural preservation, environmental protection, community outreach, business development, media & event production and strengthening sovereignty. He resides on the Miccosukee Reservation located west of Miami, Florida and he maintains a number of traditional villages located on tree islands scattered throughout Water Conservation Area 3A -- the area known as the historic River of Grass, and called by his community: Kaahayatle, which can be translated as "Shimmering Waters".

In consideration of the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 4, Amendment 1 which is about the environmental protection will be discussed. To learn more about the ballot initiative, check out www.FloridaWaterLandLegacy.org and www.VoteYesOn1FL.org - for more information.

*MOKSHA ART GALLERY EXHIBITION*

~JAKE CORDERO~ 

Stay later for musical entertainment with
~DJ CARE~ http://djcare.com/

Tuesday, October 28, 2014:
Doors open at 7:00pm
Lecture begins at 7:30pm (sharp) -10:00 pm

$10 donation pre-sale 
$15 donation at door
Pre-sale tickets available here:
http://mokshalecture10-28.bpt.me/

Share this event, thank you!

Come early for refreshments and snacks from Plaiedean Lounge.

7th Circuit Productions, 228 NE 59th St. Miami, FL 33137www.mokshafamily.org/ for info #305-757-7277
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Miccosukee Chairman Addresses House Subcommittee

4/16/2014

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by Houston R. Cypress,
Coordination Circle, Love The Everglades Movement

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One of our objectives for the Movement is to advocate for respect of Miccosukee Sovereignty.  This is because the Miccosukee Tribe is one of the few communities who actually live in the Florida Everglades -- so they witness, everyday, the effects of environmental degradation.

By listening to and incorporating the Miccosukee message into our Everglades Advocacy, we begin to do the work of Environmental Justice and express our solidarity with this indigenous community.

The Miccosukee community has a Way of Life that is intimately connected with the vitality of the natural world -- indeed, their philosophy is expressed in a beautiful symbol that is maintained in the heart of every village -- the Circle of Life.

The Miccosukee Tribe has also been an important catalyst for much of the progress achieved so far regarding Everglades Restoration.  This is due in large part to the greater legal framework and promises made by the US Federal Government to the indigenous sovereignties, known as the Federal Trust Responsibility.  Although the historical record reminds us that there has been much discord between the United States and the sovereign indigenous communities of this continent, we can also find evidence of great friendship and prosperity.  So we look forward to honoring our friendships with the Miccosukee community and how we can build on that to achieve environmental/Everglades goals that benefit everyone -- including the people that live there.

Recently, the Miccosukee Chairman, Hon. Colley Billie, addressed the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee during the Public Witness Hearing on Native American Issues.

Chairman Colley Billie's statement was concerned with Everglades matters, and it's such a revealing statement about Miccosukee concerns for the Everglades, that it's worth sharing in its entirety.
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Donate Now!  Everglades Benefit Concert at 7th Circuit Studios

4/8/2014

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7th Annual Everglades Awareness Benefit Concert

3/30/2014

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by Houston Cypress,
Coordination Circle, Love the Everglades Movement.

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Opportunities for participation include:
  • Sponsorship and/or Donations
  • Vendor Booths
  • Speakers Welcome
  • Performances Welcome:  Music, Poetry, etc.
  • Environmental Art Exhibition:  Artists Welcome

Environmental Art Exhibition
  • We are extending the submissions for the Environmental Art Exhibition through Mon, Mar 31.
  • Please send images to:  gallery@mokshafamily.org
  • We have some great pieces already and we are looking for a few more.  All mediums considered.
  • The exhibition opens on Fri, Apr 18 - with Moksha Roots Live.
  • Please spread the word.  Thanks!
https://www.facebook.com/events/839603659389807/

On Saturday, May 10, 2014 Ploppy Palace Productions and The Miccosukee Tribe will be hosting a concert to raise awareness and funds for Everglades protection and public education. As part of this three stage extravaganza, some of South Florida's top bands, spoken word artists and community activists will join together to raise awareness for this vital natural resource.

There will be musical performances by Boxelder, Afrobeta, Sweetbone, Franklin's Wheel, Aaron Lebos Reality, Nature's Fury, Teri Catlin, Super Fuzz, Cog Noman, Nag Champayons present the Prolific Minimalists, Kuyayky, The Osceola Brothers Band, Mr. Grim Reapa, Orion, Val C. Wisecracker, Grant Livingston, Anthony Nelson and more.

Spoken word by Alonso, Oscar Fuentes, Rebecca "Butterfly" Vaughns and more.

Dance and performance by Elviza's Rockabelly Hippies, Feiruz Asaad, Melody Gedeon and more.

Live art by Eva Ruiz, Anibal Fernandez, Linx and more.

Face painting by Them There Eyes.

Community speakers include FL State Senator Dwight Bullard, South Miami City Mayor Phil Stoddard, Houston Cypress from Love The Everglades Movement, Laura Reynolds - Executive Director for Tropical Audubon Society, Matt Schwartz - Executive Director for South Florida Wildlands Association and other concerned citizens.

In addition there will be an Environmental Art Exhibition featuring a selection of distinctive artists including Kiro Fox Ace, Eva Ruiz, Peter Barreda, Margrit-Rose People, Abdiel Acosta, Anibal Fernandez, Jean Sarmiento, Lauranda Hook, Rei Ramirez, Wesley Geometry, Mike Jones, Aeric Moskowitz, Jorge Muriel, Flex Maslan, Mike Matthews, Jake Cordero, Alissa Christine, Brian Call, 
Chia Ortegon, Stephanie McMillian and more.

One of the reasons why this is an Environmental Art Exhibition, rather than an Everglades Art Exhibition is because we want to reach out to more people and see how they connect with the environment, ecology and nature in general. Many people do not get to experience the Everglades and their relationship to the region is limited, yet everyone should have some sort of environmental awareness and some understanding of what it means to have clean air, clean water and an area that is pollution free. We want to reach out to more people and share environmental consciousness - and that happens many ways. 

DONATE NOW: http://www.gofundme.com/EVGConcert7

Currently, the Everglades is one of the most threatened natural habitat in the western hemisphere.  Residential development, water management and agricultural use have shifted natural water patterns and have altered the vitality of the ecosystem.  With an alarming number of people moving into South Florida every year, we need to come together and help to protect the Everglades for our survival.

There will be information booths from Love The Everglades Movement, Tropical Audubon Society, Legalizepot.us (voter registration) and other organizations.

In addition there will be vendors and small businesses promoting and selling their merchandise, including The Wallflower Gallery, the Moksha Boutique, Lotus in Hand and others.

The 7th Annual Everglades Awareness Benefit Concert at 7th Circuit Productions is sponsored by Ploppy Palace Productions and The Miccosukee Tribe.

7th Annual Everglades Awareness Benefit Concert
Saturday, May 10, 2014
6:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
7th Circuit Productions
228 N.E. 59th Street
Miami, FL 33137
305-757-7277
www.7thcircuit.tv
www.facebook.com/7thcircuit

This is an all ages event
Admission is $ 10.

DISCOUNT ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE
@ www.ploppypalace.com

** Sponsorship and vending opportunities are still available.**

Donate here: http://www.gofundme.com/EVGConcert7

For more information, please check out www.ploppypalace.com or e-mail Ploppy Palace Productions at events@ploppypalace.com or call 305-579-0069.
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Coming 2/26/14:  EVG Prayer Circle in the City

2/1/2014

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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
7:00 pm -- 9:00 pm

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What once was, will be again!
Ehyah Asher Ehyah
That which I was, I AM no longer; That which I AM, I AM becoming!
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In the heart of South Miami -- amidst the hustle & bustle of commerce, entertainment & education -- is a verdant oasis at the gardens surrounding the Doc Thomas House on Sunset Drive & 55th Avenue.

Doc Thomas House
Home of the Tropical Audobon Society
5530 Sunset Drive
Miami, FL 33143

PARKING AVAILABLE ON-SITE

As a Full Spectrum Movement, we at "Love The Everglades" are doing the work of Everglades Restoration Activism on the Physical, Mental, Emotional & Spiritual levels.  We honor the Circle of Life by working to maintain the integrity of all life, including the most fundamental element: the sacred water.

Join us as we come together in a Prayer Circle on behalf of Everglades Matters. Our intentions for this ceremony will be:

1) Purity of the water flowing from the Kissimmee River Valley down through to Florida Bay;
2) Compassion flourishing in the hearts of the decision-makers and stakeholders associated with Everglades Restoration;
3) Growth of the community concerned with Everglades Matters;
4) Integrity & Vitality of the Circle of Life.

As a Universalist ceremony, you are welcome to pray according to your own traditions.  Other than the intentions listed above, we are open to the unique expression of your Love & Light.  Tap into Universal energies and contribute to an eternal ceremony which honors the Circle of Life.

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If you can not attend, you may focus your prayers & intentions throughout the day at your leisure or as you are called.  IN SPIRIT, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO PRAY FOR THE EVERGLADES AS A REGULAR PRACTICE!
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The property has been protected from development for decades by the dedicated individuals who believed that maintaining a sacred green space full of native life was more valuable than what the developers had to offer.  When you walk through the trails you will find yourself under the cover of Hardwood Hammock trees like Live Oak, Cocoplum, Red Maple, and Gumbo Limbo.  Continue exploring and you will find a canopy of Pine Rockland trees filling the air with a distinct smell and an extremely diverse undercover.  The majority of the East Coast rests on what was once a large Pine Rockland Hammock with Hardwood Hammocks scattered among them.  As people began to follow Flagler's Railroad further south, the high grounds were developed and transformed into the city we see now.

Today the Tropical Audubon Society and volunteers have been very active in restoring the property to its natural state resembling an ecosystem that once thrived on the eastern coast of this paradise we call home.

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Historic Doc Thomas House Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ0lAbT5Qoc

Pine Rockland Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vFFXQLxZnk

Hammock Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Co29DNfou4
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This is the perfect setting to create a Sacred Space and Activate a Holy Intention for Everglades Restoration efforts.

PARKING AVAILABLE ON-SITE

www.LoveTheEverglades.org

For further information, please contact Houston Cypress at 786-897-4582, or send an e-mail to LoveTheEverglades@gmail.com.

...because the Everglades Matters!
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    So many voices.  So many colors.  So many nations.  One water.

    We are the Movement's many voices -- from the Coordination Circle, from the allies and supporters, and from those who yearn to share their Love of the Everglades.

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