UPDATE: Jockomo-fee-nahnay: A forum on Mardi Gras Indian history

The Music Industry Studies Program at Loyola University – New Orleans presents “Jockomo-fee-nahnay,” a forum about the history of the Mardi Gras Indians, at 5:00 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012 in Nunemaker Auditorium in Monroe Hall. Convened by Jim Gabour, professor of video technology, the forum will feature never-before-seen footage of some of New Orleans’ most legendary Indian tribes. The event is free and open to the public.

Jim Gabour is an award-winning film producer and director whose work focuses on music and the diversity of cultures. He began shooting interviews with and action footage of Mardi Gras Indians in the late 1970s.

In celebration of the Mardi Gras season, Gabour will screen and discuss clips including a 1986 interview on beading and suit-making with Bo Dollis, Big Chief of the Wild Magnolias; a “meeting of the tribes” at Tipitina’s in 1985 with the Big Chiefs of the Wild Magnolia, Golden Eagle, and Creole Wild West; and the Wild Magnolias performing with the Neville Brothers at the 1984 World’s Fair jazz and gospel tent.The forum will also feature footage of street runs, performances and interviews with three different chiefs of Wild Tchoupitoulas between 1978 and 1984, including Big Chief Jolly, the late George Landry.

Jim Gabour has made some of his vintage Indian video available via his YouTube Channel


More information about the forum via the Loyola University Newsroom

Spotlight on "Bury the Hatchet," a film by Aaron Walker

Bury the Hatchet trailer from cine-marais on Vimeo.


Aaron Walker's widely-acclaimed documentary Bury the Hatchet features the work and commentary of Golden Eagles Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Flaming Arrows Big Chief Alfred Doucette, and Fi Yi Yi Big Chief Victor Harris.

Bury the Hatchet played in New Orleans this year at the Chalmette Theater through both weekends of Jazzfest. Your next opportunity to see it in New Orleans is in October at the New Orleans Film Festival.

Thanks to Aaron and his team for their contributions to documentation and understanding of Mardi Gras Indian culture.