Spotlight on History
Louisiana’s Native American Heritage
During November, the LDMA is celebrating National Native American Heritage Month. Louisiana is home to four federally recognized tribes, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe of Louisiana, and the United Houma Nation, as well as several tribes still fighting for federal recognition. The state is also home to the Poverty Point World Heritage Site, a set of complex earthworks built by the Poverty Point culture more than 3,000 years ago. Explore stories that highlight the unique history and culture of Louisiana’s native peoples.
Houmas Indians (1982)
Watch a Folks report tracing the history of the Houmas Indian Tribe and their struggle to gain federal recognition.
American Indian Celebration (1983)
See a Folks visit to the American Indian Celebration in Shreveport highlighting tribal traditions in the South.
Tunica-Biloxi Tribe (1990)
View Chef John Folse preparing Crackling Cornbread with Bill Day of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe on A Taste of Louisiana.
Choctaw Cuisine (1991)
Watch Chef John Folse cook a Choctaw dish called Hulhponi and discuss Choctaw creations stories with Gary White Deer on A Taste of Louisiana.
Elton & Coushatta Tribe (1992)
See Chef John Folse prepare Coushatta Roasted Leg of Venison and Coushatta Sweet Potato Crunch with guest Bertney Langley of the Coushatta Tribe.
Native Waters: A Chitimacha Recollection (2011)
Watch a documentary featuring Roger Emile Stouff recounting the history and traditions of his tribe, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana.
Preserving Native American Languages (2011)
View a Louisiana: The State We’re In story on the efforts of the Chitimacha and Coushatta tribles to preserve their native languages.
Coushatta Long-Leaf Pine Needle Baskets (2014)
See a Louisiana Treasures segment from Art Rocks! highlighting the long-leaf pine needle baskets created by the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.
Poverty Point (2014)
Watch a Louisiana: The State We’re In story on Poverty Point in West Carroll Parish being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chitimacha Basketry (2015)
View a Louisiana Treasures segment from Art Rocks! on the baskets made by the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana.
Chitimacha Powwow (2018)
See a Louisiana: The State We’re In visit to the Chitimacha Powwow in Charenton, a gathering of 20 tribal nations from around the country.
Canoe Restoration Update (2019)
Watch a Louisiana: The State We’re In story on the restoration of two canoes discovered in Louisiana – a 600-year-old Caddo canoe and a 1500-year-old Chitimacha canoe.
The Plight of Pointe-Au-Chien (2022)
View a Louisiana Spotlight on the challenges facing the Point-Au-Chien Indian Tribe, including the fight for federal recognition and the devestation caused by Hurricane Ida.