The enduring Seminoles
Subtitle: from alligator wrestling to ecotourism
By: Patsy West.
Series: The Florida history and culture series
Publisher: University Press of Florida
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Gainesville
Language: eng
Number of pages: 150
Subjects: Mikasuki Indians -- Economic conditions; Seminole Indians -- Economic conditions; Mikasuki Indians -- Ethnic identity; Seminole Indians -- Ethnic identity; Tourism -- Florida
Description: Early in this century, the Native Americans known as the Florida Seminoles struggled to survive in an environment altered by the drainage of the Everglades and a dwindling demand for hides. Patsy West describes how they turned to tourism and discovered another marketable commodity - their own culture.

Though their exhibition economy originally was condemned by the government, it provided income for families as well as a lasting cultural identity for the people. Today, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida promote their tourist activities to world-wide markets as "cultural heritage and ecotourism.".

Illustrated with thirty evocative photographs, West's book supplies an original and colorful social and economic history of an unconquered people. Often told in the words of the many Seminoles whom West interviewed, this book is the only one available on the topic of the cultural tourism activities of an Indian tribe.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [121]-135) and index.