WATCH: Big Chief Tootie Montana honored at the January 5, 2012 New Orleans City Council Meeting

City of New Orleans video via BigRedCotton

 

On Jan. 5, 2012, members of the New Orleans City Council, members of the Montana family, members of the Yellow Pocahontas, Mardi Gras Indians from many other tribes, supporters, and friends gathered in the City Council chambers to pay tribute to the legacy of Allison Marcel Montana, "Big Chief Tootie," "Chief of Chiefs," and Chief of the Yellow Pocahontas Mardi Gras Indian tribe. The first day of Mardi Gras will now be recognized in the City of New Orleans as Tootie Montana Day.

In their comments before the Council, members of the Yellow Pocahontas and the Montana family honored the late Chief by addressing, educating about, and continuing to seek resolution of the long-running conflict between city authorities and the Mardi Gras Indians.