Chief Shalyian Bennett Tyler

We are more than a tribe, we are family. All of us go back to Soloman de Apalachee (Vallery) and without him and the few others like him, the Apalachee people may not have survived. From our ancestors being forced to evacuate Florida in the 1700’s from annihilation, to where we are today, others throughout our history have tried to erase us. Yet, we’re here looking into the future. While knowing there may be some obstacles still to face, they will be met with the strength we carry of our Apalachee ancestors. I pray that the good Lord may also give me the guidance, knowledge, and wisdom to move us forward and to let the world know we are still here.

As the first woman to be elected principal chief in our tribes recorded history, I want to give thanks to all my family and friends for their support. The Woman Chief of the Apalachee Indians of Anhaica!