Birthday of William Buffalo Tiger (Heenehatche)

William Buffalo Tiger was a Miccosukee leader from the Everglades area of Florida and advocate for self-determination for the Miccosukee people. His efforts to secure federal recognition for his people included a trip to Cuba in 1959 in which he secured international recognition from Fidel Castro as a sovereign country within the United States. Castro also offered his people sanctuary in Cuba. American recognition of their petition came soon after in January 1962. After recognition he served as Tribal Chairman until 1985. He also opposed construction of i-75 through the Everglades. He lived to be 94. (nmh)