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Native Animals in Muscogee and Seminole Culture: Symbolism, Kinship, and Lessons for Wildlife Conservation in Florida

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Date Issued:
2020
Abstract/Description:
This project will assess and define a connection between Florida’s native animal populations and their significance to the environment and the cultures of Florida’s Indigenous Peoples. The main Florida indigenous groups referenced are the Muscogee (Creek) and The Seminole Tribe of Florida. The main points of focus are animal symbology, relationships between native animals and group social structure, kinship relationships, and hunting practices. I also consider the adaptation of these practices as cultural diffusion and assimilation occurred between the indigenous groups and early non-indigenous settlers. I include an in-depth discussion about several animals around which the Muscogee Creek created their clans, connecting to creation stories, social structure, and ancestry. The sacred relationships between native animals and peoples goes widely unnoticed by the present-day occupants of Florida; therefore, educating the public on these connections can help them better understand the importance of wildlife preservation and conservation in the state.
Title: Native Animals in Muscogee and Seminole Culture: Symbolism, Kinship, and Lessons for Wildlife Conservation in Florida.
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Name(s): Dennis, Skylar, author
O’Brien, William, Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Thesis
Date Created: 2020
Date Issued: 2020
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: online resource
Extent: 36 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: This project will assess and define a connection between Florida’s native animal populations and their significance to the environment and the cultures of Florida’s Indigenous Peoples. The main Florida indigenous groups referenced are the Muscogee (Creek) and The Seminole Tribe of Florida. The main points of focus are animal symbology, relationships between native animals and group social structure, kinship relationships, and hunting practices. I also consider the adaptation of these practices as cultural diffusion and assimilation occurred between the indigenous groups and early non-indigenous settlers. I include an in-depth discussion about several animals around which the Muscogee Creek created their clans, connecting to creation stories, social structure, and ancestry. The sacred relationships between native animals and peoples goes widely unnoticed by the present-day occupants of Florida; therefore, educating the public on these connections can help them better understand the importance of wildlife preservation and conservation in the state.
Identifier: FA00003705 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (B.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, 2020.
Collection: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003705
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU

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