Park hosts Native American Cultural Day
Published 8:17 am Monday, November 10, 2014
Flags of seven Native American nations flew over Cassidy Park on Saturday during Native American Cultural Day.
Tribes represented included Coushatta, Chitimacha, Jena Band of Choctaws, Tunica-Biloxi, United Houma Nation, Clifton Choctaws and Choctaw Apache.
Each tribe had tables to display arts and crafts and other pass out information about their tribe, including where they lived and what they ate.
The event was hosted by the Museums of Cassidy Park and the Intertribal Council of Louisiana Institute for Indian Development. Kevin Billiot represented the Intertribal Council of Louisiana at the event.
Tribal members displayed the painstaking time it takes to build huts with palmetto fronds. United Houma Nation erected a hut in the morning for those in attendance to enjoy.
Along with arts and crafts, each tribe displayed traditional dances and food.
Museums of Cassidy Park Director Lorraine Bourn said the event is the first of its kind in Louisiana. Museums of Cassidy Park Board President Jo Ann Miller coordinated the event. She is a member of the Tunica-Biloxi tribe. Her father and grandfather were tribal chiefs.
Saturday’s event was a way for citizens in Washington Parish and Bogalusa to get a first-hand look and learn so much more about Native American customs and traditions.