A Religious Spirit
By hannah orgeron, staff writer While the United Houma Nation’s traditional religious practices have mostly been lost over time due to the integration of Catholicism and Protestantism, religion is still an integral part of their lives today. Micheal Dardar, UHN historian, says the Catholic and Methodist religious practices were brought to the people by religious […]
Regalia
By Jade Hawkins, photo editor REGALIA Houma women from three generations — Jasmine Rain, Morning Dove and Bette Billiot — wearing traditional regalia that would be normally worn for ceremonies, dancing or prayer. They are all holding their shawls and feather fans, both would be used in dances. MorningDove says she loves to dance with […]
Celebrations of Life
By Robbie Trosclair, staff writer For the seasons of life, the United Houma Nation combines their traditions with the culture of the surrounding French Cajuns. Traditions like smudging, smoking pipes and prayer songs are integrated with infant baptism baptism, marriage feasts and wedding masses. And in all these traditions, music accompanies each life event. The […]
Powwows
powwow in pictures There are many different styles of dance that take place during a powwow. Each dancer wears regalia unique to that style. Items such as jewelry, pottery, baskets and art are sold from vendors. They are all hand-crafted and authentic to the tribe’s origin. The drumming that takes place during a powwow is […]
Three Sisters
One pound of black beans is added to a separate pot until fully cooked. This take about 5-10 minutes. While the beans cook, prepare the vegetables Chop the onions Slice the squash Slice the sausage Sauté sausage and onions Add the bell peppers and celery Add a handful of fresh shrimp and continue to cook […]
Fry Bread
Step 1 The dough is prepared beforehand and allowed time to rise before preparing this dish. Step 2 Louise Billiot stretches the dough out to make individual pieces of fry bread Step 3 The piece of dough is set in oil at approximately 350 degrees for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Step 3 Step […]
Crafts Showcase Artistry
By loryn monceaux By troy dupont
Foods and Influences
By Robbie Trosclair, staff writer For the United Houma Nation, food starts with traditional crops like corn, squash and beans — a trio known as the three sisters because of the way they sustain each other and the soil while growing together. Monique Verdin, a UHN member, believes the food they grow is important to […]
The Musical Backdrop
By Jade Williams, features editor For the United Houma Nation, music represents history. The songs of the tribe are about the lands and the waters. They are also about tribal leaders who were here long ago. “Some of the songs we sing are about the culture and about some of the stuff my people went […]
Traditions Connect to Past
By Brendan Landry, staff writer The southernmost part of Louisiana is home to some of the most diverse people and traditions in the state. One group with many rich traditions is the United Houma Nation. The United Houma Nation is unique in many ways, from the songs they sing to the clothing they wear. The […]