The New Orleans area has a unique culture from many different Indian tribes. These tribes include the Chitimacha Tribe, the Coushatta Tribe, The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe all of Louisiana. "Approximately 2,700 people identify as having American Indian/Alaska Native background".
"The Chitimacha Tribe, the Coushatta Tribe, the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe of Louisiana are the four federally recognized tribes in Louisiana". All of the tribes other than the Chitimacha are headquartered in specific towns throughout Louisiana. There are seven Native American tribes that are the main inhabitants of New Orleans, these include: "Chitimacha, the Atekapa, Caddo, Houma, Natchez, and the Tunica". The only tribe still living on a section of their original homeland are the Chitimacha tribe, which is two hours away from New Orleans. The Chitimacha were the biggest influence over the "southeast region at the time of contact with European setters, but were embroiled in a 12-year war against the French in the early 18th century". Many members of the Chitimacha tribe were enslaved, killed, and displaced as a result of this war. The tribe fought for land titles from the United States government, but were only given a few hundred acres in the form of a trust in 1916. As a result, the Chitimacha had to purchase extra land over the years and now own over 900 acres.
Via oral discussion, the Mardi Gras Indians are a "hierarchical tribes comprised of African-American members who participate in performances and parades during the Carnival season". The tradition has several possible origins and began in the 18th century. Historically speaking: "local indigenous tribes hid runaway black slaves, and some people view Mardi Gras Indians as honoring the history of the two cultures. Others point to collective racism and violence that both black and indigenous communities in the area faced as a SHARED experience".
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| Photo by KHatcher |
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| Photo by KHatcher |
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| Photo by KHatcher |
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| Photo by KHatcher |
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| Photo by KHatcher |
The term of "Mardi Gras" Indians is derived from the Native Americans who accepted the slaves into their society when they made a break for freedom. Each outfit represents a different Native American tribe that lived in New Orleans. They each portray a different style and dress to stand out. They show a ceremonial dance and songs as well as the Big Chief being in charge of all of the other Chiefs.
Krissi
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