American Indian Culture and Research Journal

August 29, 2005 marked the worst natural disaster in US history. While millions across the world watched their televisions in horror and disbelief, a greater tragedy began to unfold. Centuries of neglect and disinvestment in the indigenous and tribal communities of Louisiana would reach an all-time high in the aftermath of the storm forever known as Katrina. This collection of essays draws on the work of scholars and Native community members from the state of Louisiana and beyond. Although Hurricane Katrina has had an enormous impact on Native American communities in the Gulf Coast area, it also highlights a reality that existed long before the storm struck the region. For mixed-blood communities like the Atakapa/Creole people from Grand Bayou, the storm was a reminder of the social, economic, and political under-pinnings that have erased the voices of Native American peoples in the state. According to Atakapa/Creole tribal member Paul Sylvie: There is a discrepancy. Some people say that we should know better than to live in a flood-prone, hurricane-prone area. They want to say that we “choose” to live on Grand Bayou. It’s not necessarily a way of choice. This is where we have been since before there even was a state of Louisiana or a Plaquemines Parish. Now they want to tell us we can’t apply for aid because of where we live. But as a group, this is our home. If they drive us out, what’s going to stop them from coming for you and your community? Sylvie’s comments speak to the heart of the issue that Katrina has taught us. Issues of poverty, ongoing colonialism, and racism have dramatic impact on the ability of Native peoples to continue to live on their traditional lands and maintain important cultural practices. The community is well aware of the challenges that confront it and refuse to be rendered invisible as so many indigenous people of Louisiana have been since European contact first began.