Houma Indians lead ‘huge family reunion’

Powwows are a gathering of American Indians to celebrate their heritage and culture by reenacting a spiritual and symbolic aspect of their way of life.

They described it as a “huge family reunion” to mark the end of the season and the beginning of a new one.

It is for them a time to thank the Great Spirit for the blessings of the past season and to ask for those blessings to continue into the next.

“We’re proud of our heritage and culture, because the American Indians have always been put down and we want them to come see what we’re about,” said Houma Indian Ernest Dardar.

Through the powwow they will honor their ancestors, elders, families, veterans, friends and since 9-11, law enforcement officers and firefighters.

“After 9-11, it made us realize that their (law enforcement officers and firefighters) lives were on the line just like the people in the military,” said Dardar. “They’re responding to calls and there ain’t no telling what these officers are going to run into.”

Dardar’s eldest son is a law enforcement officer.

“It took 9-11 to open up all our eyes to see the danger that they were in also,” said Dardar.

The American Indians are inviting all to attend the powwow at the Grand Bois Park/ Campground at 470 Bourg-Larose Highway (Highway 24) in Bourg.

The event will run from Sept. 14 through Sept. 16.

It will feature gourd dancing in the Sacred Circle and grand entrances, the time when the colors, veterans and dancers enter the Sacred Circle.

Gourd dancing involves drums, shakers and fans as the dancers pay homage to the four directions, east, west, south and north, by dancing their toes and tamping their heels.

The head gourd dancer will be Richard Whiteside.

There will also be some teepees set up for viewing.

The all-American Indian band, Treater, will perform Saturday night from 9 to 11 p.m. The band is known for its Cajun, Swamp Pop and Zydeco music.

Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students and free for senior citizens and children under the age of 12.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

The event is alcohol and drug free. No ice chests are allowed, but food, soft drinks and water will be available.

Hungry event-goers can expect to get a taste of Indian tacos, fried beans, jambalaya, white beans, shrimp patties, hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries and shrimp and oyster poboys.

Vendors will also be at the event, selling arts and crafts.

Cameras and camcorders are allowed, but event planners request that picture takers ask permission from an individual before taking a picture or filming.

All tribes are invited to the powwow. Among those so far attending are: the Biloxi-Chitimacha Choctaw, the Point Au Chien Indian Tribe, the Choctaws, the Cherokees, the Chitimacha, the Apaches, the Coushattas, the Houmas and the Crees.