Up the Bayou, Down the Bayou, and Across the Bayou

The United Houma Nation of Louisiana is a 17,000 member tribal community located throughout lower bayou settlements in St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, Jefferson, and St. Bernard. We were given the opportunity to tour these communities and meet tribal members July 6th, all thanks to the United Houma Nation.

We spent the day traveling between the five United Houma Nation communities and meeting tribal members at every stop. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Principal Chief of the United Houma Nation, began our tour by taking us to the Hurricane Relief Center Office, located in the lower level of her home. There we viewed a slideshow and listened as Brenda discussed the issues surrounding Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Together the hurricanes affected 8,000 of the 17,000 Houma members, not only causing destruction of property but also tore apart families through relocation and interruption of livelihoods and careers. It was nice to hear that most of the immediate post-hurricane help came from Wal-Mart and various volunteers. Brenda noted that at one time there were more than 80 tents pitched on the front lawn with volunteers from all over the country. She also commented on how media like Indian Country Today and public outreach through National Congress of American Indians increased the amount of awareness and attention that came to the United Houma Nation.

Brenda, her son Jason and daughter Felicite, and tribal member Curtis Hendon led us on a tour of the other tribal communities. At one location we met with many tribal members to discuss the history and present situation with the education system. Fair and adequate schooling were not concepts that tribal members were able to obtain. Attending school up the bayou was not allowed until fairly recently, and when it was allowed, discrimination was always there. The teachers that taught down the bayou were those that were ‘brave enough’ to teach Indian students which often resulted in teachers that were not qualified for the position. At one time, close to ninety percent did not finish high school. Along with education, we also learned about the United Houma Nation’s application for federal recognition. They were told in 1984 at the start of the process that it would take around eighteen months. In the beginning they met four out of the seven criteria for federal recognition so they sent in a rebuttal explaining the three that were supposedly not met. They are currently awaiting a ruling after 23 years in the application process.

We went to back to Brenda’s home for a wonderful lunch of local seafood, vegetables, and desserts. Numerous community members were there to eat and talk on a personal level. After lunch and socializing, we set out on a tour provided by Annie Miller’s Son’s Swamp and Marsh Tour. We saw all sorts of wildlife including turtles, jumping fish, Great Blue, Little Blue, and Little Green Herons, egrets, and lots of gators!

We set out for more touring of the surrounding tribal communities after the swamp tour. Our bus picked up Louise Billiot, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Houma Nation, who discussed the importance of how it only takes one to make a difference. In this case she referred to Willamena Hooper who worked to open a community center for the United Houma people.

Finally we met Miss Marie Dean, a treasured elder who has a great skill of basket weaving. Her simple style of living and big heart is one that most everyone can learn from. Our day with the United Houma Nation ended with Brenda welcoming us back into her home for dinner and more socializing.

Riders meet with Miss Marie Dean in her home

I think most of the riders would agree that our first visit to a tribal community was amazing. The United Houma Nation of Louisiana were absolutely wonderful people who offered us not only great food and hospitality but knowledge that we can all use throughout our travels.

By: Martina Gast