Chief Jim Billie

Chief Jim Billie is one of the most influential Native Americans of the late 20th century. The chairman of the 2000-member Seminole tribe of south Florida since 1979, Chief Billie spearheaded a drive that resulted in the Seminoles becoming the first Native American tribe to establish a gaming industry on sovereign land. The tribe's casino brings in more than 150 million a year and has led to the Seminoles becoming one of the most financially solvent tribes in the United States. Chief Billie has simultaneously established a successfully musical career. In 1999, he received an...