Fire on Miccosukee Reservation Destroys Homes and Artifacts

A devastating three-alarm fire recently engulfed parts of the Miccosukee Reservation in the Florida Everglades, causing significant damage to homes, a community center, a traditional Chickee structure, and valuable art and artifacts. The inferno began on July 27 at the Miccosukee Tiger Camp and, according to the Miccosukee Police Department, appears to have been accidental, though investigations are still ongoing. Thankfully, no casualties were reported.

Patchwork artist Khadijah Cypress, who had spearheaded the destroyed Creativity Center, described the harrowing scene as community members rushed to tackle the blaze. With propane tanks exploding, Cypress knew the losses would be immense. Though her home was spared, the fire obliterated the Creativity Center, where residents engaged in traditional arts and crafts.

The community now faces the task of supporting displaced families and rebuilding, with initiatives like the Tiger Camp Relief Fund already underway. Despite the grief, Cypress is determined to renew efforts to restore cultural activities, emphasizing the importance of preserving and passing down Miccosukee traditions.

The Tiger Camp holds historical significance as a cultural and social hub for the Miccosukee people, dating back to the leadership of their first elected chairman, Buffalo Tiger. The fire represents a profound loss for the tribe, compounded by ongoing environmental and cultural challenges, such as opposition to the nearby immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”

As the community grieves and assesses the full impact of the fire, they request privacy and support to rebuild and continue preserving their vibrant cultural heritage.