News

Micco Bobby Johns Bearheart has dedicated a lifetime to honoring his beloved Creek Indian Heritage. Step by step, he has achieved many successes along the way by working cooperatively with government officials at the national, state and local levels. Now in his 76th year, Chief Bearheart has seen one large part of his magnificent dream come true – the dedication of Native Paths Creek Heritage Museum and Environmental Education Center in Jones Swamp Preserve. The celebration was attended by Perdido Bay Tribe members, federal, state and local public officials, and a host of friends and well wishers. It is with joy and honor that Perdido Bay Tribe undertakes this role as stewards and hosts of this beautiful and sacred place, welcoming students and visitors with a bit of Native American wisdom, charm and flair.

We are proud to announce that Indian heritage people are still alive and well in the Southeast and we in PBT are honored to share that beautiful heritage while we make positive contributions to the greater community. We are proud to honor our Beloved Chief for his vision and leadership. Though he aims to stay actively involved, he looks forward to relaxing a bit in semi retirement as his son prepares to lead PBT forward with strong heart and capable hands. We look to our Vice Chief, Robert Johns Cedarbear, to lead PBT into the future on the Beloved Path his father has set us on. 

PerdidoBay Tribe is grateful to Escambia County for entrusting us with a lease on our 4.5 acre site at the edge of Jones Swamp. An existing building on the property has been transformed into the beautiful and welcoming Native Paths Creek Heritage Museum for all the community to enjoy. We thank all of our members and friends across the country for the enthusiastic, generous support you show in so many ways. Some of you who have not yet had the opportunity to come to Florida, yet you never fail to walk the Beloved Path.

Native Paths will serve as an Environmental Education Center where we envision many projects that will benefit students at all levels as we work with others in our community. Together we will help restore the many damages to our ecosystem and our economic well being from the oil spill, hurricanes, and years of abuse and neglect of this treasured swampland.

The Swamp Ecosystem on the grounds, constructed by Escambia County, the greenhouse we plan for the propagation of indigenous plants, the wildlife attracted through our Migratory Bird Habitat development are examples of ways this center will serve as a focal point for students of all ages and visitors from around to world. All of Perdido Bay Tribe and our many friends are honored to have the opportunity to embrace the role of stewards and hosts for the Jones Swamp Preserve.

Ribbon Cutting: Robert Johns, Vice Chief, PBT, Keith Wilkins, Dir. Community and Environment, Escambia County, Commissioner Grover Robinson, Dist 4, Bobby Johns, Principal Chief, PBT, Commissioner Gene Valentino, Dist.2, Commissioner Wilson Robertson, Dist.1, Chris Johns, PBT

Chief Bobby Johns with Special Guests: John Harper and Steve Duncan, Three Rivers Resource Conservation and Development Council, Carlos Suarez, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Darrell Williams, District Conservationist NRCS, Crestview, FL.

 Now that Native Paths is “officially” open to the public Tuesday – Saturday, 9 to 5, we look forward to welcoming mature, responsible volunteers to help with our staffing needs. To learn more, please call our office, 850-453-7382 or Chief Bearheart at 850-292-2178.

Please check our Photo Gallery and Facebook for photos of the Grand Opening