NATIVE AMERICAN VILLAGE

Louisiana is rich in Native American culture. A celebration of the influence of Louisiana tribes, the Native American Village within the Folklife Village focuses on the rich heritage of our state’s indigenous peoples. Relax under the shade canopy of a palmetto-thatched chickee while enjoying traditional drumming and singing by Southeastern dance and pow wow troupes. Watch demonstrations of basket weaving and woodcarving by Louisiana’s tribal elders and their apprentices. The Native American Village offers Festival-goers an oasis of tranquil charm.

The Native Nations Tent showcases Louisiana's indigenous craftspeople, many of them Elders, from state and federally recognized Louisiana tribes. The 2008 demonstrators and special exhibits include:

WEEKEND 1

River Cane Baskets
John & Scarlette Darden
Chitimacha
Charenton, LA

Basket Weaving
Lora Ann Chaisson
United Houma Nation
Montegut, LA

Pine Needle Baskets
Edna Tyler & Becky Walsh
Clifton Chocktaw
Clifton, LA

WEEKEND 2

Wood Carving
Roy Parfait
United Houma Nation
Dulac, LA

Garfish Scale Jewelry
Janie Luster
United Houma Nation
Theriot, LA

Pine Needle Baskets
Marjorie Battise
Coushatta
Elton, LA

Pine Needle Baskets
Myrna Wilson
Coushatta
Elton, LA

Wood Carving
Ivy Billiot
United Houma Nation
Houma, LA