United Houma Nation Newsletter

March 2010

Talking

Bayou

Volume 1, Number 2

The United Houma Nation’s Quarterly Newsletter

I

hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. For Houma People, the holidays kicked off a little early with the annual United Houma Nation Elder’s Fest.

Despite drenching rains, 160 tribal elders showed up to celebrate Elder’s Fest. This is a testament to our people’s sense of community and desire to maintain relationships with friends and relatives from the different Houma communities.

Message from the

Principal Chief

Brenda Dardar Robichaux

Courage to Lead In mid December, my daughter Felicite and I were invited to attend the Global Women’s Leadership Summit “Courage to Lead“ in Geneva Switzerland. This event was sponsored by Vital Voices Global partnership, the Eleanor Roosevelt Project, The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United States Department of State and International Labour Organization.

News and Events

Elder’s Fest................pg. 4 Awards Banquet........pg. 4 Election.................... .pg. 4 La Fete.......................pg. 4 KUHN Radio.............pg. 3 Jazzfest.......................pg. 5 2010 Census...............pg. 5

Principal Chief Dardar-Robichaux with ladies of Sadie Nash Leadership

The Global Summit on human rights brought together 30 women leaders from 5 continents representing 25 nations.

We were also joined by representatives of major civil society, governmental and United Nations agencies.

I had the honor of serving as a panelist on “Educa-

Services

Inter-Tribal Council (ITC)............................pg. 6 Vocational Rehabilitation ............pg. 6 Hurricane Relief.........pg. 6

tion and Political Empowerment: Ensuring Access to Education and the Government” and facilitator of break-out session “Advocating for Indigenous People of Marginalized Populations”. While I was there, I had the pleasure of meeting Kyung-Wha Kang, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Tribal Council

District Reports.........pgs. 7 Meeting Schedule........pg. 2 Tribal Offices...............pg. 2

Sergei Ordzhonikidze, the Director General of the United Nations, welcomed us to the United Nations where we celebrated International Human Rights Day. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton then addressed the audience with a live inter-active teleconference.

Continued on page 3

Get Involved

Volunteers List............pg. 9 Buy From the Tribe....pg. 5 Tribal Businesses.......pg. 10

Fun Stuff..............pg. 11 Youth/Elders.......pg. 8

Page 2, Talking Bayou

WE NEED YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION The United Houma Nation Tribal Center is updating their records and needs your current information.

Please send in copies of birth certificates, death certificates, changes of address and a list of family members that reside in your household. We have provided a form on page 11 of this newsletter for your information. If you have never registered for tribal enrollment or have any questions, please call the Tribal Center at 985-475-6640. You can also find enrollment forms on our website at www.unitedhoumanation.org.

Annual Tribal Council Meeting Schedule 2010 January 9, 2010

February 13, 2010

UHN Main Office 10:00 a.m.

20986 Hwy. 1 Golden Meadow, LA 70357

Dulac Community Center 10:00 a.m.

125 Coast Guard Road Dulac, LA 70353

March 13, 2010 UHN Voc Rehab 10:00 a.m.

Morgan City Office 301 3rd Street Morgan City, LA 70380

April 10, 2010 UHN Voc Rehab 10:00 a.m.

Marrerro Office 931 Westwood Drive, Suite C Marrero, LA 70072

May 8, 2010 Council on Aging 10:00 a.m.

Tribal Offices

995 W. Tunnel Blvd.

United Houma Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Houma, LA 70360

Tribal Center Office No Meeting Scheduled 20986 La. Highway 1 991 Grand Caillou Road June 2010

Golden Meadow, LA 70357 Phone: 985.475.6640 Fax: 985.475.7109

Bldg. 2 Houma, LA 70360 Phone: 985.223.3093 Fax: 985.223.3095

Vocational Rehabilitation Outreach 301 Third Street Morgan City, LA 70380 Phone: 985.380.2773

Inter-Tribal Council 991 Grand Caillou Road Bldg. 2 Houma, LA 70360 Phone: 985.851.5408 Fax: 985.851.7716

Vocational Rehabilitation Outreach 931 Westwood Drive Suite G Marrero, LA 70072 Phone: 504.341.4008 United Houma Nation Relief Office 4400 La. Highway 1 Raceland, LA 70394 Phone: 985.537.8867 Fax: 985.537.8812

Inter-Tribal Council United Houma Nation Tribal Center 20986 La. Highway 1 Golden Meadow, LA 70357 Phone: 985.475.6640 Fax: 985.475.7109

July 10, 2010

August 14, 2010

Lighthouse Fellowship Church 10:00 a.m.

37332 Hwy. 11 Buras, LA 70041 Cottage at Rivertown 408 Minor Street Kenner, LA 70062

10:00 a.m.

September 11, 2010 Dularge Baptist Church 10:00 a.m.

2567 Bayou Dularge Road Theriot, LA 70397 October 9, 2010

UHN Relief Center 4400 Hwy. 1 Raceland, LA 70394

10:00 a.m.

November 13, 2010 Montegut, LA 10:00 a.m.

Location to be announced December 2010

No Meeting Scheduled

Locations are subject to change depending on availability.

Page 3, Talking Bayou

NEWS & EVENTS KUHN Radio Update Work is progressing towards broadcasting at KUHN in Golden Meadow. After much discussion and searching, the decision has been made to renovate the existing studio at the Golden Meadow Tribal Center.

Damage to the studio from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike will be repaired and soundproofing will take place in the next several weeks, allowing the UHN to keep to its original schedule on internet streaming of music and some selective programming by the end of April.

Station Manager Kirk Cheramie and Business Director Loquetta Legendre attended ANA grants management training in Tulsa, Oklahoma in early January.

The training was a requirement of ANA and was very informative. KUHN has joined the National Federation of Community Broadcasters as required by the ANA grant and professional relationships with Native Public Media, Pacifica Radio, National Public Radio and the Prometheus Radio Project are underway. Volunteers are needed for a variety of programs. KUHN can be contacted at KUHN@unitedhoumanation.org or by phone at 985.475.6640. The program is looking for ideas for programming and broadcasting.

Principal Chief

continued from page 1

Sadie Nash Last summer, I was invited to address a group of young women from New York in a highly interactive conversation/seminar for the Sadie Nash Leadership Project. Sadie Nash Leadership Project promotes leadership and activism among young women. The program is designed to strengthen, empower, and equip young women as agents for change in their lives and in the world.

I became interested in piloting a program similar to Sadie Nash for the young women of the United Houma Nation.

Discussions are underway with Sadie Nash to develop a program this summer for Houma youth.

It has been an honor and

a pleasure to represent the Houma People on a National and International level. I hope to continue to bring awareness, gain support and develop programs that will secure the future of the Houma People.

In closing, I can’t help but mention the Saint’s Super Bowl victory. Their victory not only brought indescribable joy to millions of Saints fans, but also focused attention on hurricane recovery efforts.

The United Houma Nation, like the New Orleans Saints, have battled and fought against adversity for many years. The Saints and the citizens of the Houma Nation are an inspiration. We never wavered and make our way through difficult challenges. With leadership, teamwork and persistence, we can achieve our dream together.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Update

Over the past month, the HMGP Committee met and interviewed representatives of the top four companies which submitted proposals to develop the UHN’s hazard mitigation plan. The interviews, which occurred over a couple of days in mid January was very informative. At the time of the writing of this report, the committee was reviewing information from the interviews and checking the references of each company. The successful company will be responsible for developing

the first non-governmental, single jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan with multijurisdictional components in the State of Louisiana. Once approved by the State of Louisiana and FEMA, the UHN hazard mitigation plan will allow the tribe to apply for and receive funds directly from FEMA for mitigation projects to protect tribal communities, buildings and the homes of tribal citizens.

Page 4, Talking Bayou

Annual Elder’s Fest

Awards Banquet The United Houma Nation Annual Awards Banquet, Christmas Avec les Indiens, took place on December 20th, 2009 at the Houma Municipal Auditorium. The event was catered by Best Ol’ Eatery located in Houma, LA. Entertainment was provided

by Rendezvous. About 185 people were in attendance. The following were awarded: Cultural Preservation: Whitney Dardar Anesie Verdin Education Award: Agnes Verret Advocate Award: Theo Chaisson Leadership Award: Kevin Billiot Pioneer Award: Andrew Molinere Youth Award: Alyssa Franklin Special Recognition: Alvin Tillman Dan Etheridge Ann Yoachim Douglas Meffert Jonathan Tate

Every year we come together as a People to honor our tribal elders and acknowledge their contributions to the tribe. This year, the 13th annual United Houma Nation Elder’s Fest took place on November 21st, 2009. Despite the cold wind and rain, we gathered together with over one hundred and fifty of our tribal elders, breaking last year’s record of over one hundred and thirty elders!

Our eldest elder this year was 95 years old.

Sheltered from the weather by large tents, our elders played games such as Black Jack, the Elder’s Strut, Ring, Bean Bag and Softball Toss, and “Net a Prize;” where a cast net was tossed over prizes such as canned and packaged goods. Elders visited the Country

Store and the miniature Farmer’s Market where they could exchange tickets for things like carrots, green and yellow onions, red, brown and sweet potatoes and apples. A table was also set up to remind everyone of this year’s Census.

A Thanksgiving lunch was served with a game of bingo to follow. The winners received turkey and vegetables. Some tribal citizens even contributed money for a Blackout pot.

After the games, certificates were awarded to all of our tribal elders. A special raffle for turkeys and other prizes was held. The day ended with a group photo. A good time was had by all who attended.

Special thanks to everyone who helped to make this year’s Elder’s Fest a huge success.

UHN Election

ELECTION: On Saturday, December 5, an election was held to amend the constitution of the United Houma Nation, Article VI, Section 1(e), which states “The Principal Chief shall be limited to two consecutive terms in office”. The election was called to repeal the term limits for the Office of Principal Chief of the United Houma Nation.

Election Results: 407 tribal citizens voted in the election 324 Voted Yes to amend the constitution to repeal term limits 83 Voted Not to amend the constitution and leave in term limits 80% voted Yes to amend the constitution to repeal term limits

20% voted Not to amend the constitution and leave in term limits There are 1814 registered voters. 22.4% participated in the election. 30% must participate in order to amend the constitution.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Principal Chief election will take place on Saturday June 5, 2010.

Applicants wanting to run for this position must have all paperwork turned in to the United Houma Nation office in Golden Meadow by Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by 4:00 p.m.

Approved applicants running for chief will be able to obtain a list of registered voters for $40.00.

Any tribal member who wants to register to vote can do so at the Golden Meadow office or at Tribal Council Meetings that are held monthly. You can check the tribe’s websites for upcoming meetings. Members must be registered 30 days before the election is held.

Absentee Voting will begin April 15th, 2010 thru May 28th, 2010. All ballots must be turned in by 4:00 p.m on May 28th. All ballots received after this time will not be counted!

Page 5, Talking Bayou

2010 Census New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival The United Houma Nation has a food booth at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, also known as Jazz Fest. Volunteer workers prepare food and provide cooking demonstrations at the booth. The proceeds are a major fundraiser for the tribe. This year’s Jazz Fest will be held on April 23rd -May 2nd. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Leah at the United Houma Nation Relief Office at 985-537-8812.

A musical workshop of renowned American Indian artist Derek Miller will be held for students in tribal communities through a collaborative effort of UHN, Lafourche and Terrebonne Indian Education and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

The 2010 Census is upon us and it is important for tribal citizens to fill out a census form. Census questionnaires will begin to be mailed out on March 15. We have centers set up in each district to provide census forms and to assist you in filling them out. The census is an important means of determining how federal funding gets spent. Please make it a priority.

It is very important that tribal citizens fill out their census forms properly. In the section marked “race” tribal citizens must mark the box labeled “American Indian or Alaskan Native” and print United Houma Nation as your principal tribe. All three words must be listed. In mixed family homes, the tribal citizen should be listed as “Person Number 1” on the census form.

There are census jobs available in Louisiana. If you would like more information on the jobs available, or have questions about which sites are available to assist you with census forms, please contact Shirley Feet by phone: 985-312-3215, or email: shirleyfeet@att.net. You can also visit the 2010 Census website at www.2010censusjobs.gov.

The educational workshop/concert sponsored by NOJHF will take place at Ellender Memorial High School on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 9:00 AM. Tribal citizens are encouraged to attend.

La Fete des Indien

We are excited to announce our upcoming festival, La Fete Avec des Indiens. La Fete will be held at the Houma Airbase on March 27th.

We will have live entertainment, a gumbo, jambalaya and fry bread cook-off competition, and traditional Houma arts and crafts. There will be resources available on tribal business owners and important information concerning our community such as

Are you on Facebook?

The United Houma Nation and KUHN Radio have official Facebook pages!

federal recognition, cultural preservation, etc. This is a great opportunity to get information and have a fun time with family.

If you are a tribal business owner, would like to volunteer to help with La Fete, or need any additional information, please contact Chris Chaisson or Cacinda Parfait at event@ unitedhoumanation.org.

Page 6, Talking Bayou

SERVICES Inter-Tribal Council (ITC) We are currently taking applications for our summer work program.

Applicants must be a registered tribal member and be between the ages of 16-21. The summer work program typically lasts for 8 weeks and consists of 40-hour work weeks at minimum wage. Priority is given to high school seniors. The last date to apply is April 30th. Anyone interested in applying for the summer work program can contact the Administrative Office at 225-924-1291.

Our annual Project Venture summer youth camp will be held on June 1st through June 5th. Project Venture is designed for

those between the ages of 11-15. A variety of outdoor activities, servicelearning projects and cultural activities that focus on team building, group problem solving, communication, and cooperation , help to develop our youth into productive members of their community. We are also seeking Junior Staffers for our Project Venture program. Candidates must be between the ages of 16-18, have a G.P.A of 2.5 or higher, be a positive role model and provide a letter of recommendation. If you are interested in Project Venture, or becoming a Junior Staffer, please contact Shaunee Huffman at 318-992-0495.

RELIEF OFFICE The UHN Relief Office is still hard at work assisting tribal citizens that have unmet needs. The staff works to coordinate hur- ricane related repairs needed on tribal citizens’ homes and fishing vessels.

All Relief Office staff assists Mrs. Brenda in the planning and implementation of meetings, conferences, outreach, youth activities, etc. The staff works hard to coordinate the day-today operations of the tribe and tribal activities. The Relief Office has a new Administrative Assistant, Leah Savoy. She is a great addition to the UHN Staff. The staff also includes two Student Office Clerks, Alyssa Franklin and Sarah Lirette. Dixie Breaux, Lafourche Parish Project Venture Site Coordinator, is also stationed at the Relief Office.

DID YOU KNOW The first written, historical mention of the Houmas occurred in 1682

Vocational Rehabilitation Program Prepares for Next 5 Years of Funding The United Houma Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Program was first funded to provide employment services to UHN tribal citizens with disabilities in 2000.

Within the nearly 10 years of funding the program has grown significantly and many members with disabilities have benefited from the services provided. The program staff is committed to seeing that this progress continues as the program is required to submit for refunding for the next 5 years.

In preparation of that re-application, the UHNVR Program will be mailing to every tribal household a community needs assessment to determine the most signifi-

cant needs of tribal citizens with disabilities as well as determine what issues create barriers for tribal citizens regarding employment. Families should expect to receive this survey within the next month and are urged to return them completed as soon as possible so that the most comprehensive report can be written regarding the needs of UHN tribal citizens.

The survey is completed confidential and data will only be reported on the tribal population as a whole. This survey will not only help the VR program improve services in our next funding cycle, but will also assist the Tribe overall in developing new programs based on the data gathered. Make sure your data is included!

Page 7, Talking Bayou

UHN Tribal Council District Reports Albert Solet District 1 St. Mary P.O. Box 655 Berwick, Louisiana 70342 985.498.0307 albert@unitedhoumanation.org I want to encourage everyone in our area to attend our upcoming meeting in Morgan City on March 13. We will be discussing some very important topics such as Hurricane Preparedness and the 2010 Census. It is important that our tribal citizens know how to properly fill out the census form. I need to know of any needs, concerns or any ideas you have for our area. Please contact me on my cell phone or by email.

Lora Ann Chaisson District 2 Terrebonne 2375 Highway 665 Montegut, Louisiana 70377 985.209.6727 loraann@unitedhoumanation.org I would like to thank everyone in the community that has helped me to get news and events to other tribal citizens. I serve a wide area and I appreciate any help I receive in getting news out to other citizens. If you would like to help, please contact

me on my cell phone or by email. I also want to thank everyone in the community for continually coming out to fight for the repairs to Island Road. This experience has shown me that we can get things done if we unite. And also, thanks to everyone who helped to make Indian Santa a huge success.

If you have a need or concern about our community, please contact me on my cell phone or by email. If you have not updated your contact information, please contact me or the United Houma Nation Tribal Center Janie Luster District 3 Terrebonne 2247 Brady Road Theriot, Louisiana 70397 985.872.2917 janie@unitedhoumanation.org In November I attended a basket weaving conference in Natchez, Mississippi at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians.

As a Houma artist and basket weaver, I teach others traditional Houma art as well as lecture on Houma tradition.

As the 2010 Census approaches, please note that the Bayou Dularge Baptist

Church will be used to assist our tribal citizens in filling out the census forms during March and April.

I also want to use this time to stress the importance of registering your children with the Title VII Indian Education Program. For more assistance with this, please contact Mrs. Kathy Verdin at 985-851-1553.

John Silver ~ Treasurer District 4 Terrebonne 100 Justin Avenue Houma, Louisiana 70363 985.232.2732 john@unitedhoumanation.org We are no doubt living in challenging times, but traveling throughout our tribal communities I have witnessed the great resolve of our people. I am filled with great optimism for our future because of the way you have faced past challenges and your continued resolve in the midst of adversity.

Our issues remain: Federal Recognition, Coastal Erosion/ Hurricane Protection, Education, Economic Development, Health and Housing. I believe the Tribal Council has been improving

in our self-governing and hearing from you on determining our future.

I encourage all of you to take advantage of and involve yourselves and your families in the Tribe and in our many activities and services.

I am honored to represent and to serve you on the Tribal Council. I pledge to continue to work on your behalf upholding and defending the Constitution of the United Houma Nation. If I can be of any assistance to you, please feel free to contact me.

District 5 Terrebonne OPEN SEAT *nothing to report* continued on page 8

Want to stay up to date on current United Houma Nation News?

Sign up for email updates by going to the United Houma Nation Website

DID YOU KNOW The dugout pirogue was the only kind of boat the Houma used.

Page 8, Talking Bayou

UHN Tribal Council District Reports Thomas Dardar, Jr. ~ Parliamentarian District 6 Terrebonne 217 Millennium Avenue Houma, Louisiana 70364 985.665.4085 thomas@unitedhoumanation.org I apologize for not being able to attend the February Tribal Council meeting. I had the privilege of attending the Gulf Coast Fellowship for Community Transformation retreat in South Carolina, to honor two of our tribal citizens for their work in our community. I hope to share some information that is important to our tribal citizens at our next meeting. I also want to encourage everyone to register to vote so they can participate in our tribal election. If you are not registered to vote, please call the United Houma Nation Tribal Center in Golden Meadow.

I want to thank everyone who helped out with this year’s Indian Santa. A special “thank you” to retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Linwood Liner, for his contribution to this year’s Indian Santa through Toys for Tots.

It’s been a rainy winter with long days and freezing temps. I know the last thing on everyone’s mind is Hurricane Season, but

now is the time to start putting together your supplies. Get a little at the time, so you won’t have to rush out and buy in a hurry.

Lawrence “Pete” Billiot District 7 St. Bernard ~ Plaquemine ~ Orleans ~ Jefferson 1917 Billiot Drive St. Bernard, Louisiana 70085 504.682.5770 lawrence@unitedhoumanation.org

UHN Youth Activities Bayou Eagles The Bayou Eagles, a program of the

Dulac Community Center, has been operating as a successful youth program for over 10 years. The group teaches tribal history and inter-tribal dancing to youth of all ages. This year the group plans to make history by producing a theatrical presentation that will tell the story of the Houma people. The program is entitled “Reflections of the Past, Story Tellers of the future.”

This is an exciting and educational project that will be a collaboration between youth and elders. It will be a live performance complete with multimedia support that will highlight different point in Houma history.

I want to encourage our tribal citizens to come to our council meetings.

Please contact me if you have any needs, concerns or ideas for our area. You can reach me by email.

Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. I have had a cousin pass away due to a stroke.

April Guidry District 8 Jefferson 5074 McMurty Street Marrero, Louisiana 70072 504.451.4507 april@unitedhoumanation.org Our community has monthly meetings which are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, at continued on page 9

Coordinators of the Bayou Eagles are certain that all the youth involved will walk away from the experience feeling empowered, proud and more knowledgeable of their own history. This program will also give other tribal citizens the opportunity to showcase their talents by participating in other supportive roles. The team is currently looking for set designers and builders, opening-night crew hands, individuals who can help sew dance regalia and also new dance participants who can commit to the project. Other tribal citizens who would like to volunteer in any capacity are encouraged and welcomed. The production is tentatively scheduled to have its first showing on September 24, 2010. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Jamie Billiot at the Dulac Community Center at 985-563-7483 or BayouEagles@DulacCommunityCenter.org.

The Youth Media Team The Youth Media Team

(YMT) is a group of young men and women who are continued on page 9

Page 9, Talking Bayou

UHN Tribal Council District Reports 6:30 p.m., at the Vocational Rehabilitation office in Marrero. It is located at 931 Westwood Drive, Suite C, in Marrero. The Family Picnic will be held on April 17th at Bayou Segnette State Park, Pavilion #7.

Children’s Summer Camp will be scheduled in June.

The Vocational Rehabilitation office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Any information can be obtained by calling April Guidry at 504-451-4507, or Frances Johnson at 504-341-4008.

You can also email me at april@unitedhoumanation.org Steve Williams District 9 Jefferson 558 Tucker Avenue Jefferson, Louisiana 70121 504.957.9690 steve@unitedhoumanation.org I hosted the 1st Annual Southern Louisiana Swamp Stomp in Galliano on March 6-7 with Bobby Pitre of Southern Sting Tattoo!

Two United Houma Nation citizens making things happen!

I have stickers for sale for $2.00 each with $1.00 going to the tribe. Sticker is 2.75” x 2.75” White Vinyl, Black & Red ink.

Mail concealed CASH ONLY to:

Steve Williams UHN Sticker 558 Tucker Ave Jefferson LA 70121 Laura Billiot District 10 Lafourche 107 West 221st Street Golden Meadow, Louisiana 70357 985.991.0592 laura@unitedhoumanation.org I serve on the seafood committee of the UHN. We are currently exploring the idea of building a seafood processing plant as a way of helping tribal citizens involved in commercial fishing get better income from their livelihood. In order to begin this process, we need to know how many tribal citizens are involved in commercial fishing. If you or someone in your family is in the seafood business with shrimp, oysters, fish, crabs or crawfish, please call me at home at 985.475.5605, or the Golden Meadow Tribal Center at 985.475.6640, or my cell phone at 985.991.0592.

You can also email me at laura@unitedhoumanation.org. In addition, I am looking for citizens in my district who would volunteer to be part of a phone tree. If you are interested, please contact me at the phone numbers listed above or email me.

We need volunteers to

continued on page 10

UHN Youth (continued from page 8) through oral history. Our tribal youth is able to make a connection with tribal leaders and elders by conducting interviews. Over the next few months, the Youth Media Team will be conducting interviews for the oral history archive and KUHN. If your child is interested in YMT, please contact Dana Solet at youth@unitedhoumanation.org or 985-537-8867.

Get Involved!

Federal Recognition - Volunteer to assist the Tribal Council in their efforts toward Federal Recognition.

Contact: Tribal Council Member in your District Cultural Preservation - Can you speak or write Houma, have a traditional Houma recipe or remedy, or teach a class on traditional crafts?

Contact: culture@unitedhoumanation.org Youth Sports - Interested in playing sports? Can you or someone you know donate sports equipment?

Contact: youth@unitedhoumanation.org Hurricane Preparedness - Volunteer to help with Hurricane Preparedness.

Contact: preparedness@unitedhoumanation.org Seafood - Do you or someone you know work in the seafood industry? Find out how you can help our Houma fisherman.

Contact: seafood@unitedhoumanation.org Education Advocacy - Are you a parent, school system employee, community member concerned about the education of our Houma children? Find out how you can get involved.

Contact: education@unitedhoumanation.org Communications - Have a good story, community news, or ideas for the newsletter or radio station?

Contact: KUHN@unitedhoumanation.org (radio) or newsletter@unitedhoumanation.org (newsletter)

Page 10, Talking Bayou

UHN Tribal Council District Reports call other tribal members in the event we have vital information to send to everyone such as evacuations, elections, benefits, etc…

If you have time to volunteer a few hours a week or a month, we are in need of tribal citizens to help with our new radio station, with fundraising, with the various tribal committees and at the tribal center. If you have any questions or concerns about tribal matters,

please contact me at your convenience.

Michael Dardar ~ Vice Principal Chief District 11 Lafourche P.O. Box 1545 ~ Raceland, Louisiana 70394 503.912.0165 mayheart@unitedhoumanation.org Halito, Bonjour, It is a pleasure to continue serving the Houma People of District 11 and

the United Houma Nation. Our first District 10 and 11 Lafourche community meeting was held on January 19th and we will be scheduling the next one in the coming weeks.

Our most pressing need is better communication so we are attempting to establish a phone-tree contact system. If you can assist us in reaching out to the Houma community in Lafourche please contact Laura Billiot at

985-475-6640 or Michael Dardar at 504-912-0165.

Merci, Yokoke, T. Mayheart Dardar

YOUR AD HERE! Buy a space to place your ad, announcements, tribal business, etc.

Contact Suzette James at

newsletter@unitedhoumanation.org for more information

Fun Stuff

TRIVIA

Q. What six parishes are represented on the Tribal Council?

A. Jefferson, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Bernard, Plaquemines

WORD SEARCH Houma Words Circle the 6 words listed below. Words appear straight across, backword, up and down and diagonally.

Q

O

E

H

A

T

E

C

J

F

H

A

F

Y

I

N

G

E

K

F

U

N

U

G

U

A

A

Q

C

N

C

A

W

B

B

REMEDIES & RECIPES Do you have a traditional remedy, recipe or family story to share with the tribal community? Contact Suzette James with your submissions at newsletter@unitedhoumanation.org.

Newsletter Stories Do you have a news item or story for our newsletter? Do you have ideas for our next issue? Send it to us at newsletter@unitedhoumanation.org.

United Houma Nation Website

The best way to keep up with the programs, efforts and issues of the United Houma Nation is to visit the S T S M M U P website at www.unitedhoumanation.org. The website O A T I N S V is updated regularly. The site includes links to tribal history, government, services, multimedia, activities, pow wows, disaster preparedness, “hot topics”, community meeting schedules, upcoming events, and the Palmetto NITA (Bear) OFE (Dog) CUGHA (Pig) TCUKFE (Rabbit) WAKA (Cow) SUBA (Horse) Hut Store, just to highlight a few.

Page 11, Talking Bayou

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE Please use this form to update your membership information with the Tribe’s Enrollment office. If you or your family has not received information from the UHN, it may likely be that we do not have your correct contact information. In addition, please forward copies of birth certificates, marriage records and death certificates for registered tribal citizens if you have not already done so.

Head of Household_______________________________ Tribal Roll #________________________ Physical Address_________________________________ Birthdate___________________________ ______________________________________________ Telephone__________________________ Mailing Address_________________________________ Alt. Phone #________________________ Please List All UHN Tribal Citizens Residing In the Household 1._____________________________________________ Tribal Roll #________________________ Relationship to #1________________________________ Birthdate___________________________ 2._____________________________________________ Tribal Roll #________________________ Relationship to #1________________________________ Birthdate___________________________ 3._____________________________________________ Tribal Roll #________________________ Relationship to #1________________________________ Birthdate___________________________ 4._____________________________________________ Tribal Roll #________________________ Relationship to #1________________________________ Birthdate___________________________ 5._____________________________________________ Tribal Roll #________________________ Relationship to #1________________________________ Birthdate___________________________ Please forward to: The UHN Tribal Center 20986 HWY 1, Golden Meadow, LA. 70357

Talking Bayou United Houma Nation Newsletter

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIPCODE 70357 PERMIT NO.21

20968 La. HWY 1 Golden Meadow, LA. 70357

Name & Address Label

Talking Bayou

The United Houma Nation’s Quarterly Newsletter