In order to preserve the history, culture and traditions of South Louisiana’s lost communities, Garde Voir Ci’s spring 2020 issue, kicked off a series capturing the stories of the people that lived in these distinct places that otherwise would be lost. Places like Grand Bayou, Isle de Jean Charles, Cheniere Caminada, Last Island and the Houma Nation.
“That’s the last thing an Acadian wants to do is move,” says Paul Leslie, professor of history at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. “You drive along the bayou and you see all these French named lanes and you wonder why? Why because their family originated here.”
Only the memories of those left and the documents of those no longer alive sustain Grand Bayou’s story. And Grand Bayou’s stories are the stories of its people. The community it created. And within them, Grand Bayou will always exist.
“I want to talk about this because Grand Bayou was so precious to me” says Jason Blanchard, a former resident of Grand Bayou.