Billy Cypress, longest-serving chairman and leader of Miccosukee Tribe, dies at 74

Billy Cypress, who was the longest-serving Chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, has died. He spent decades advocating for tribal sovereignty and environmental protection of their land.

Cypress was first elected to the Miccosukee Business Council in 1973, serving for over a decade before being elected Chairman. He held the office for over 26 years.

The Miccosukee Tribe announced that Cypress died on Feb. 28 at age 74.

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