Native Americans protest St Augustine celebration.

Native protesters shine light on complicated history

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -

Thousands of tourists flocked to St. Augustine this week to celebrate the founding of America’s oldest city. But one group at the ceremonies was calling for an end to the revelry. Indigenous protesters say the anniversary is a painful memory that’s too often forgotten by the masses.
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Against a backdrop of canon fire, Bobby C. Billie’s walking stick clicked against the historic stones of the Castillo de San Marcos as he approached the entrance Sunday morning. He was having a conversation with Ceco Osceola in their native tongue.

The two Native American activists were among about 30 protesters in St. Augustine that morning.

“We’re asking the government to tear down the fort and then invite indigenous people to build and structure what was there before. And then we can celebrate," Billie said. "Otherwise there’s no celebration.”

They unfurled a flag of the Original Miccosukee Simanolee Nation, a federally unrecognized tribe for which Billie serves as spiritual leader.

Billie said the arrival of St. Augustine founder Pedro Menendez marked the death of his people’s way of life.

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