KYLE DONEY |
‘Unconquered’ by Birth, ‘Unconquered’ in Spirit
The evening of Sept. 5, 2005, isn’t one that Kyle Doney will soon forget.
Standing in the middle of the field at Doak Campbell Stadium before more than 80,000 cheering Florida State University fans, Doney was about to take part in one of college football’s most beloved traditions. Clad in authentic Seminole Indian regalia handcrafted by members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, he was to plant Osceola’s flaming spear at midfield.
It was the football team’s season opener, and excitement was at a fever pitch as FSU prepared to take on the University of Miami. As the scoreboard clock ticked down to game time, Josh Halley, the FSU student portraying the legendary Seminole leader Osceola, rode up to Doney on Renegade, a spirited Appaloosa horse. In a dramatic and highly symbolic gesture, Halley handed over the flaming spear to Doney, who held it high above his head for several seconds — and then planted it dramatically into the ground as the FSU fans roared their approval.
As thrilling as the moment was for Doney, he knew it was about far more than a football game — even one against a longtime rival. As a lifelong member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Doney was very much aware that he was taking part in a ritual that symbolized the warm relationship between his tribe and his alma mater.
“Being the first tribal member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida to plant the spear was a huge honor for me,” Doney remembered. “I was never able to attend a home football game when I was younger, but I remember seeing Osceola and Renegade on TV. Since then, FSU’s ‘tradition of tribute’ continued to be a special event for me. So when I was asked to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it was a dream come true.”
KYLE DONEY |
Doney graduated from FSU in spring 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree, having majored in political science and minored in criminology. Although he’s no longer on campus, he is far from forgotten — thanks in part to FSU’s new “Unconquered” campaign, which features his image, in traditional Seminole Indian clothing, on interstate billboards, in television commercials and in magazine advertisements throughout Florida.
“The word ‘unconquered’ is very important to me because it describes my ancestors’ determination,” Doney said. “If you take time to think about it, it’s really remarkable what my people accomplished. Against all odds, including limited resources and being outnumbered, my people not only managed to survive but they also remained free. Thanks to their perseverance, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has grown into one of the most successful Indian tribes today. I’m so grateful for what my ancestors did and their determination to remain unconquered.”
It is entirely appropriate that FSU would seek to emulate the spirit of the Seminole people through its current campaign, Doney said.
“I am proud that FSU chose to use the ‘Unconquered’ theme,” he said. “I believe the campaign not only informs students and others about Florida State University’s continued striving for success, but it also encourages people to learn more about the rich history of the Seminole Tribe. I think the more people understand the true meaning behind the ‘Unconquered’ spirit and its connection with the Seminole Tribe, the more they can appreciate FSU’s ‘Unconquered’ campaign.”
These days, Doney, 23, is living and working on the Seminole Tribe’s Brighton Reservation, located northwest of Lake Okeechobee. He works in the tribe’s information technology department, where he is assisting with the setup of a new charter school on the reservation. Doney foresees even bigger challenges down the road.
“My long-term goals include being a positive role model and a leader of the tribe,” he said. “Basically, I want to help the tribe in any way that I can. The Seminole Tribe just celebrated our 50th anniversary, so I hope that I can take over one day and help the tribe reach future milestones.”
|
