Seminole Mascot: Osceola, the Seminole Tribe, and their celebration by Florida State University

Like Sammy Seminole, he donned cartoonish Native American-themed outfits, and performed clownish stunts. Under protest from Native American groups, the character's name was altered to Chief Wampumstompum, though this did nothing to assuage the concerns of protesters. The character was replaced with a more traditionally dressed figure named Yahola, also known as the "spirit chief".

All of these mascots were eventually retired, and officials decided to find a more respectful representative for the school's teams. He came up with the concept of a horseback-riding Seminole mascot as early as , when he was voted into the school's homecoming court. He returned to the idea in , and won the support of Ann Bowden, wife of head football coach Bobby Bowden , who helped make the idea a reality. They proved quite popular, and subsequently other faux-Indian traditions arose, including the " War Chant " in and the "Tomahawk Chop" shortly after.

In , Durham retired and passed his role on to his son Allen Durham, a former Osceola portrayer. In the s and s, when mascots based on Native Americans became more controversial and many Native Americans and supporters protested their use, Florida State consulted with the Seminole Tribe of Florida , emphasizing that Osceola was never intended to be demeaning. In keeping with his stoic portrayal, FSU refers to Osceola and Renegade as a "symbols" rather than mascots, and does not use them for more traditional mascot activities like cheerleading and promotions.

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In , the university revived an older mascot, an anthropomorphic horse named "Cimarron", to fill this role. In April , the FSU Student Government Association voted to discourage the wearing of Native American headdresses from sporting events as being contrary to the goal of maintaining its relationship with the Seminole Tribe, because the headdresses worn by fans are closer to those worn by Plains Indians.

Although referred to as a ban, the vote did not change official university policy regarding student conduct, and imposes no penalty. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Native American mascot controversy.

Seminole Mascot: Osceola, the Seminole Tribe, and their celebration by Florida State University

Retrieved February 26, Retrieved December 31, His mother was a Tallassee woman and his father was an English trader named William Powell. Several of his uncles were leaders during the Creek War of , and his family was among those displaced by that brief but disastrous conflict. Osceola led other warriors in battles against U. He was captured while meeting with U.

NCAA Native American mascot decision

Augustine on October 21, He and over other resistors were imprisoned in Fort Marion in St. Osceola died there, of an acute case of quinsey strep throat on January 30th. He was buried there, on military now National Park Service property, and remains there to this day. Osceola had at least two wives and one child.

Seminole Mascot: Osceola, the Seminole Tribe, and their celebration by Florida State University

They were sent to Oklahoma with the rest of the prisoners. His life is an exciting and important story — not just because of his involvement in the Wars of Removal but even more so because, as an individual, he was indicative of so many of the transitions that were taking place among his people at the time. FSU does not have a mascot — we have a symbol that we respect and prize.

The Seminole people have suffered many hardships and injustices, but they have remained brave, dignified and proud.

Watch: Florida State Seminoles' horse spooked, falls at Orange Bowl

They are the unconquered. These traits serve as an inspiration to all of our students, including our athletes, as well as our alumni, faculty and staff. By calling themselves Seminoles, members of the FSU community are engaging in a tradition of tribute for a people whose indomitable spirit is one that is deserving of honor. During the s, the naturalist William Bartram traveled extensively throughout Florida and wrote of the people, flora and fauna he observed.

He added that the Seminoles once had many horses, but that the white man stole some and ran others off into the swamps. It was a 19th-century long shirt, created in the style favored by the real Indian warrior Osceola, who fought U.

For the first game, Durham was forced to make do. The Chenoweth family of Tallahassee took care of the horse, Renegade, at that time. The new costume consisted of a long, multi-colored cotton shirt with a neckerchief.

FSU Traditions | Tallahassee Seminole Club

The rider carried a long spear, handmade by local doctor Herb Mantooth, adorned with feathers. This silver necklace sparkled with countless charms, Spanish coins collected by the Seminole Indians.

They are the unconquered. These traits serve as an inspiration to all of our students, including our athletes, as well as our alumni, faculty and staff. Former Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden was the first coach to support the idea of someone riding the horse to midfield before planting the flaming spear in the ground.

TV channels, times, dates for every game. Bill Durham and his family supply the beautiful Appaloosa horses and, with the help of the Renegade Team volunteers, continue to bring this spectacular tradition to those who love Florida State University. New York 3-year-old sings national anthem at Syracuse game. Seahawks K Sebastian Janikowski shows horrible effort on tackle attempt.