Known as a champion for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Tina Marie Osceola is no stranger to working for the people however she is needed. Osceola earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rollins College and a master’s degree in public administration from Nova Southeastern University.
She previously served as director of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and as an associate tribal judge in the tribe’s first tribal court. A proud mother and grandmother, she has spent her life in Naples with her family. Also an accomplished artist, Osceola creates intricate beadwork and coin necklaces. Her work has been showcased at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and even Disney World. In 2022, Osceola was honored at the 22nd Annual Women Empowering Women for Indigenous Nations (WEWIN) National Conference.
The last few years, Osceola worked diligently with the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) as THPO director and is now the executive director of operations for the Executive Operations Office (EOO) of the tribe.
In a Seminole Tribune article about her role at the THPO, Osceola shared that “The pandemic motivated me to reassess my purpose. I did a lot of thinking about the type of work I do, and I’ve always wanted to make a difference.” Since taking over the role, Osceola prioritized a number of issues that she sees as crucial to the future of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. In particular, two of these are issues surrounding climate change and the impact on ancestral lands and enshrining and protecting tribal sovereignty.
She and Domonique deBeaubien, who also works with the THPO, have been the headliners of the #NoMoreStolenAncestors campaign. The campaign works to bring awareness to the issue of stolen Native remains held by museum and cultural institutions. In 2023, Osceola wrote for Life in Naples magazine. She shared her experience visiting one of these institutions and the call she is answering to bring those ancestors home.
