Queens Rule VIII: I Married a Big Chief! A panel conversation among Mardi Gras Indian wives

Please join us for Queens Rule VIII, the Spring 2012 installment of an ongoing conversation about the arts, roles, and practices of women and girls in the Mardi Gras Indian culture of New Orleans

I MARRIED A BIG CHIEF!
A panel conversation among Mardi Gras Indian wives

with

Mrs. Gaynell Gibson-Sorina
Wife of Flag Boy Adolph Sorina
Black Feather

Mrs. Agnes Harris
Wife of Big Chief James “Yam” Harris
Semolian Warriors

Mrs. Herreast Harrison
Wife of late Big Chief Donald Harrison, Senior
Guardians of the Flame

Mrs. Sabrina Mays-Montana
Wife of Big Chief Darryl Montana
Yellow Pocahontas

Mrs. Joyce Montana
Wife of late Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana
Yellow Pocahontas

Moderated by Karen Celestan

Our evening together will conclude with a special Mardi Gras Indian tribute performance

5:00pm until 7:00pm
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 
Anna E. Many Lounge
Caroline Richardson Building
Tulane University
 
There is no charge to participate in the event, but seating is limited. To guarantee seating, please RSVP Karen@mosaicliterary.com by Friday, March 16. You may also join and share the event via our Facebook page.

The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame is pleased to present Queens Rule VIII in coordination with the Spring 2012 Feminist Documentary class taught by Instructor Betsy Weiss in the Tulane Department of Communication in association with the Tulane Center for Public Service.
 
Caroline Richardson Building is the second building on the Uptown side of Newcomb Place just off Willow Street on the Newcomb College campus of the Uptown New Orleans campus of Tulane University. The Caroline Richardson Building is a 1950s brick and glass building. The Anna E. Many Lounge is on the second floor at the end of the hall. Please do not confuse the Caroline Richardson Building with either of the "Richardson Buildings" that are located on the Tulane campus near St Charles Avenue.

OPEN THREAD: Happy Mardi Gras 2012! Show us your pics!

The Cheyenne gang. So pretty!!
Photo by @pbraniffsr. Posted originally as http://twitpic.com/8mvme4

Congo Nation Big Chief Donald Harrison, Jr outside Backstreet Museum.
Photo by @Magpieluvsyou posted originally as http://twitpic.com/8mwn60

Who Dat Indian?
Photo by @iTWEET_REALish9 posted originally as
pic.twitter.com/ay0lmTzW

Mardi Gras Indians are all over social media channels this Mardi Gras 2012

Thanks to all the photographers, professional and amateur!

Share links to your favorite photos and videos from this holiday
in the comments section of this post (somewhat limited utility)
or
post to the wall of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Facebook page

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

UPDATE: Louisiana Weekly Profile of Yellow Jackets Big Chief Thomas Sparks, Senior (Was: Volunteer Seamstress or Tailor Needed ASAP)

65 years of new suits for 80-year-old Mardi Gras Indian

20th February 2012  By Geraldine Wyckoff
The Louisiana Weekly

Thomas Sparks Sr., the Big Chief of the Yellow Jacket Mardi Gras Indian gang, marks two momentous milestones this month. On February 17, 2012, he celebrated his 80th birthday and Carnival Day stands as the 65th anniversary of when he began masking Indian. He again has needle and thread in his calloused hand, sewing his suit for his appearance this Mardi Gras. When the Big Chief steps out with the Yellow Jackets, which he’s led since 1955, he’ll be the oldest Black Indian on the streets.

Read the whole article on the Louisiana Weekly website

•••••

Thanks to those who helped spread the word and who offered assistance. 

Yellow Jackets Big Chief Thomas Sparks requests the volunteer assistance of a local seamstress or tailor to sew his jumpsuit ASAP.

The Chief requires an all-in-one jumpsuit out of velvet. The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame has a pattern, but it was cut to fit a small Indian; the Chief is 6'1".

At 80 years old, Big Chief Sparks is the oldest known Mardi Gras Indian still masking.

Please get in touch with Cherice Harrison-Nelson at xxx-xxx-xxxx if you can help.

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

UPDATE: Indians and NOPD reach a Peace – New Orleans City Council meets Feburary 6, 2012 to address issue of New Orleans Police Department protocol for ritual ceremonies of Mardi Gras Indians

Uploaded by diagrams22 on Feb 21, 2010

Second and Dryades: Mardi Gras 2010 meetings of Mardi Gras Indians. This is part 2 of a 4-part 30-minute video. After the typical police interference, we see the arrival of the Golden Eagles with Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Big Queen Mary, the Golden Eagles to Second and Dryades. With them are 101 Runners: the Uptown Bone Gang, Baby Dolls, Moss Men, various costumed Musicians. At the end is a touching meeting with Bo Dollis and Big Queen Rita.

Exclusive Video of Police Harassment of Mardi Gras Indians (March 10, 2010)
via Justice Roars, the Louisiana Justice Institute Blog

Big Chief Tootie Montana honored at the January 5, 2012 New Orleans City Council Meeting
Video from January 5, 2012 Council meeting featuring discussion of issues on the agenda of the February 6, 2012 meeting


Members and supporters of the Mardi Gras Indian community are invited to gather at 10:00 am on Monday, February 6, 2012 in the New Orleans City Council Chambers for a Governmental Affairs meeting convened to discuss New Orleans Police Department protocol for the ritual ceremonies carried out by the Mardi Gras Indian community on Mardi Gras, St. Joseph's Night, and during funerals. This meeting is a follow-up to the June 2005 meeting at which Big Chief Tootie Montana became an ancestor while standing up for the rights of Mardi Gras Indians.


UPDATE: Gambit Weekly livetweeted the meeting and posted this summary

NOPD, Mardi Gras Indians meet with City Council

Posted by Charles Maldonado on Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 3:20 PM

The New Orleans Police Department says it will allow Mardi Gras Indian tribes to parade relatively unimpeded during Mardi Gras season and St. Joseph's Day this year, top police officials said at a meeting of City Council's Governmental Affairs Committee held today to discuss the relationship between the department and the Indians.

Representing the police at the meeting were Bouyelas, Criminal Justice Commissioner James Carter and all eight district commanders. NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas was unable to attend the meeting because he was in Indianapolis preparing for next year's Super Bowl in New Orleans, Councilwoman Susan Guidry said. Mardi Gras Indian representatives included Yellow Pocahontas Chief Darryl Montana, Sabrina Mays Montana (son and daughter-in-law, respectively, of legendary late Chief Allison "Tootie" Montana), Guardians of the Flame Big Queen Cherice Harrison Nelson, Creole Osceolas Chief Clarence Dalcour and longtime civil rights leader Jerome Smith.

Department leaders have agreed to end several long-held practices — most controversially, the practice of ordering Indians off the street at 6 p.m. on Mardi Gras day — that have led to a traditionally strained relationship between tribes and the department.

"There is no 6 p.m. law, no 6 p.m. rule," said NOPD Deputy Chief Kirk Bouyelas. Council Member Susan Guidry responded by polling the tribe members present as to whether they had either been subjected to or had witnessed others subjected to the practice. All responded in the affirmative.

"I give up 5,000 hours of my life per year [in preparation for Mardi Gras season and St. Joseph's day] only to be told to get off the streets," Darryl Montana said.
Creole Osceolas Chief Clarence Dalcour asked that police simply treat Indians like they do Mardi Gras parade krewes and late-night revelers.

"We look at this as something we do for the community," Dalcour said. "We are all paying tribute to the holiday in our own way ... I don't understand how it closes when the sun goes down for some people and not others."

Asked for a commitment not to enforce a 6 p.m. curfew on Mardi Gras Indians, Bouyelas at first balked, saying there needed to be further discussion before Mardi Gras and mentioning "permit issues." Bouyelas mention of permits drew an angry response from chiefs who pointed out that permits, which would necessitate tribes sticking to a specific, pre-determined route, undermined the very point of the tradition.

"There will be no permit There's never been a permit," Guidry said. Asked later by Councilwoman Kristin Gisleson-Palmer if police would commit to promising that "they won't be shut down at 6 p.m.," all present police officials agreed.

Bouyelas said NOPD had also agreed to stop following and corralling the tribes with their cars and not to flash their lights or sound their sirens at Mardi Gras Indians, allowing chiefs more autonomy to police their own tribes, welcome news to many present.

"We're working to make sure everyone has a great day ... We're one big family," Darryl Montana said.

Bouyelas also promised to identify and give out contact information for someone in the department who will act as "point person" for complaints about NOPD harassment of Indians on Mardi Gras and St. Joseph's Day.

Sixth District Commander Robert Bardy, whose Central City district was held up as the model for drastically improved relations between police and Mardi Gras Indians, said overall communication and cooperation had improved.

"We have gone incident-free in the past two years of this administration," Bardy said. "We have had no incidents in Central City."

Still, Bardy and others conceded that there is still room for improvement, which is why NOPD will soon be bringing chiefs in to help train incoming officers in the academy, Carter and Bouyelas said.

"We want to make sure that our officers are aware of the culture, that they're sensitive to it," Bouyelas said.

 

UPDATE: FOX 8 coverage of the meeting: "Mardi Gras Indians Resolve Concerns with NOPD". Evening broadcast, Feburary 6, 2012

 

UPDATE: New Orleans Times-Picayune coverage: "Mardi Gras Indian tribes, New Orleans police establish peace pact" by Katy Reckdahl. Published Monday, February 06, 2012 at 7:12 PM 

 

UPDATE: WWL-TV coverage: "Indians, NOPD work to improve relationship during Carnival." Posted February 6, 2012 at 8:32 PM

 

UPDATE: WDSU-TV coverage: "Mardi Gras Indians Concerned About NOPD Relations." Posted February 6, 2012 at 11:20 PM

 

UPDATE: AP Wire story: "Police, Indian groups reach Mardi Gras agreement." Posted Feb. 7, 2012, 6:09 PM CST

UPDATE: Watch City of New Orleans video of the entire February 6, 2012 meeting via the Big Red Cotton YouTube channel

  

Spotlight on the Red Flame Hunters

All good wishes to our young brothers and sisters of the Red Flame Hunters as they finish up their new suits! Thanks to them for showing leadership and initiative in educating about the culture and building community via their Kickstarter and social media campaign.


UPDATE:  "Young Mardi Gras Indians, Red Flame Hunters, work on their suits" by Annette Sisco for The Times-Picayune. Published: Thursday, February 09, 2012, 11:11 AM

SNAPSHOT: 1930s Style Indian Suit

 

Unknown Mardi Gras Indian poses with Carnival revelers
outside the Whitney Bank on St. Charles Avenue, 1930s

Photographer unknown. Photo shared with the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame by
EnRapturing ReVisions/Costumes and Body Art.

Remembering Big Chief Donald Harrison, Senior on his birthday

Big Chief Donald Harrison, Senior

January 27, 1933 – December 1, 1998

WATCH: Montana family, Yellow Pocahontas, and Indians of the Nation Gather at Armstrong Park to Observe Big Chief Tootie Montana Day 2012

Video by NOLAFestJunkie

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.

January 6 is Allison "Big Chief Tootie" Montana Day in the City of New Orleans

Photo copyright John McCusker

 At 10:00 am Thursday, January 5, 2012 a resolution
was read in City Council Chambers reaffirming the 2009
proclamation declaring that each January 6 is to be 

Allison "Big Chief Tootie" Montana Day
in the City of New Orleans.

WATCH VIDEO

The Montana family will lay a wreath

at the Chief's statue in Armstrong Park
at 4:00 pm on Friday, January 6, 2012.

WATCH VIDEO 

From 5:00-7:00 pm, The Golden Feather
on Rampart Street

will screen documentaries about
Mardi Gras Indian culture and tradition.

All Indians, supporters, and friends are invited to join the
family and the Yellow Pocahontas at all events.

On June 27, 2005, Allison “Big Chief Tootie” Montana, a cultural warrior and leader, tragically passed away while he was addressing the New Orleans City Council on the unwarranted, violent, and illegal assault on Mardi Gras Indians, neighborhood residents, senior citizens, and children. Big Chief Tootie was in the middle of recounting half of a century of history of police harassment and abuse when stricken. His last words were “I want this to stop.”

Television news cameras captured his fall as the chiefs and others who loved and respected him took up the hymn “Indian Red.”

After his passing, the public hearing was originally scheduled to reconvene in September of 2005 but, because of Hurricane Katrina, the levee breach, and the aftermath, a hearing was never rescheduled. Today, establishing the first day of Carnival/Mardi Gras as the Allison “Big Chief Tootie” Montana Day will serve as impetus for conversations among members of the New Orleans City Council, City Administration, the New Orleans Police Department, and all Cultural Bearers, namely, the Mardi Gras Indians, to address the lack of understanding and appreciation for indigenous traditions unique to our city. Most importantly, these conversations, along with policies and procedures regarding culture and traditional practices will end the harassment, disrespect, and cruelty exhibited by some police officers.

Seven years after his passing, those same cruelties Big Chief Tootie spoke of continue today. It must stop!

Allison “Big Chief Tootie” Montana died a warrior’s death in council chambers fighting for the respect of a cultural tradition that defines the City of New Orleans. Today the Indian community hopes the city will provide real and lasting protection and respect for the indigenous traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians and all Cultural Bearers as well as develop a profound understanding of those they aim to serve and see the world as the cultural community sees it. The Mardi Gras Indian community, supporters, friends and family of Allison "Big Chief Tootie” Montana appreciates the leadership and commitment of the New Orleans City Council. Collectively, we look forward to the city taking more permanent action to ensure that the sacred tradition is forever respected and protected. Moreover, the yearly acknowledgement and celebration of the legacy of Allison “Big Chief Tootie” Montana will spark the interest of the young, perpetuate the “Masking Indian” tradition, and ensure full protection and respect for New Orleans indigenous cultural traditions.

Sabrina Mays-Montana, Founder and President
Faces of Culture/Allison Montana Institute of Art, Culture, and Tradition
and Yellow Pocahontas Mardi Gras Indian Tribe

 

HE'S THE PRETTIEST
A Tribute To Big Chief Allison "Tootie" Montana's 50 Years Of Mardi Gras Indian Suiting

 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS CITATION (1987)

  CHIEF OF CHIEFS
WHY MESS WITH ME? (Interview)
MY KNEE WILL BEND NO MORE
Gambit Weekly, July 11, 2005

  A COLORFUL FAREWELL FOR THE CHIEF OF CHIEFS
New York Times, July 11, 2005

HONORING TOOTIE MONTANA
Gambit Weekly, July 26, 2005

Official Site for
TOOTIE'S LAST SUIT
the 2006 film by Lisa Katzman

Cultural Exchange Pavilion at 2012 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival to feature arts and practices of Mardi Gras Indians

Semolian Warriors perform on the Jazz and Heritage Stageat the 2011 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival  Video by kpsoundadvice from the crowd  

From "Eagles, Tom Petty to perform at 2012 Jazz Fest"
by Stacey Plaisance, Associated Press

The Mardi Gras Indians will be given an entire pavilion to showcase their photos, costumes, and music, [Quint] Davis said.

Davis said the HBO television series "Treme" brought national attention to the Mardi Gras Indians, so next year the festival plans to include a lecture series, costume demonstrations and a photo display showing the history of the Mardi Gras Indian culture in New Orleans.

"'Treme' was probably the first national look at the Mardi Gras Indians," Davis said. "Millions of people saw that for the first time, and it generated interest. It made more people aware."

The lineup will include performances by the Mardi Gras Indians as well as the city's popular brass bands.

The Cultural Exchange Pavilion is a wonderful addition to the Mardi Gras Indian performances on the Jazz and Heritage Stage and the daily infield parades.

Visit the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival site for updates about the Cultural Exchange Pavilion programs and to plan your personalized Fest schedule.

We look forward to seeing you out there April 27-May 6, 2012!

Yellow Pocahontas Flagboy Charles "Bubblegum" Robertson has become an ancestor

Charles "Bubblegum" Robertson, Flagboy of the Yellow Pocahontas, has become an ancestor.

Indian practices in his honor will take place at 5 pm on Friday, December 9 and at 7 pm on Sunday, December 11 at The Cultural Cafe at 1300 St. Bernard Avenue in New Orleans.

Participants are requested to bring their tambourines.


Obituary and funeral coverage from Offbeat Magazine:
Memorial for Flagboy Charles Anthony “Bubblegum” Robertson of the Yellow Pocahontas (Photos by Kim Welsh)

The Yellow Pocahontas Mardi Gras Indian tribe paid respect to its late Flagboy, Charles Anthony “Bubblegum” Robertson, on Saturday, December 17 at a funeral service at Charbonnet-Labat-Glapion Funeral Home in Treme.

Born on September 19, 1955 in New Orleans, Robertson graduated from McDonogh #35 High School and worked for the Sewerage & Water Board for over 20 years. Since Hurricane Katrina, he had lived in San Antonio, Texas, where he passed away on Tuesday, December 6 in his home.

Big Chief Darryl Montana, the son and successor of the great Tootie Montana, and other members of the Yellow Pocahontas, as well as Big Chief Victor Harris, Spirit of FiYiYi and other Mardi Gras Indians were present at the funeral service. After the hearse left the funeral home, a procession led by the Indians marched to the Treme Center.

VIDEO: Mandingo Warriors Big Chief Victor Harris is crowdsourcing his 2012 suit via Kickstarter

Video by AXEL KAPPES

From the "Beads for the Chief" project Kickstarter page:

Every year, New Orleans' Mardi Gras Indians make and wear a "new suit." These are elaborately decorated, fantastically feathered costumes generally somewhat reminiscent of the attire of Native Americans, as seen on the HBO series "Treme." Big Chief Victor Harris and his Tribe, the Mandingo Warriors, are distinctive: they mask in an African style.

Many thousands of hours and dollars are required to create these works of art. When completed, they may be valued at $50,000 or even more. Many people donate their time and energy to help with the sewing, but funds are needed to purchase beads, feathers, and other supplies. It's hard to find the money in today's economy.

The Chief and his Tribe also work hard to keep the young people of the city off the mean streets, providing school supplies, sewing classes and mentoring. The video tells the story: sewing, masking, performing, and teaching the culture to young people. This is an endangered tradition. Many Indians, among thousands of others, have been unable to return to New Orleans since the flood following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Victor Harris didn't miss even one Mardi Gras. He has masked every year for 47 years. Let’s help him make it 48!

The Chief's New Suit is dedicated this year to the memory of Mandingo Warrior Collins "Coach" Lewis, who was the Chief's spiritual brother and friend, a cultural warrior, artist, teacher, drummer, and soulful singer. He had sewn with the Chief for all 47 years before passing unexpectedly this fall. We miss you, Coach!

Carrollton Hunters Big Chief Lionel J. Smith, Senior has become an ancestor

Lionel J. Smith, Senior was the Big Chief of the Carrollton Hunters.

The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame extends all respect and sympathy to his family, friends, and gang.

His obituary in the New Orleans Times-Picayune:

SMITH Lionel J. Smith, Sr. "Big Chief Lionel" passed away peacefully on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Beloved husband of Sherlene Parker Smith. Son of the late Reuben and Annie Mae Smith. He was raised by his grandmother, the late Clara B. Smith. Loving father of Lionel Jr., James and Kenneth Smith, Lee, Greg, Mark and Donald Parker and Troy Lindsey. Brother of Davis Jr., Alvin, Chris, Curtis and Arsell Barquet, Yvonne Robinson, Janet Ann Barquet and Linda Robinson, the late Michael and Bruce Smith, Vincent and Dennis Robinson, Alfred and Terrin Barquet. Loving grandfather of nine and great grandfather of four. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends also survive him. Relatives, friends of the family, also members of The City of Love, the Carrollton Hunters Indian tribe and all Indian tribes in the New Orleans area are invited to attend the Funeral Service on Monday, November 21, 2011 for 10:00 am at The City of Love Church, 818 Sixth St., NOLA. Bishop Lester Love, officiating. Interment is in St. Mary's Cemetery--Spruce St., NOLA. Visitation begins at 9:00 am. CHARBONNET-LABAT-GLAPION 581-4411 

Read, Read, Read: Sixth Annual Big Chief and Big Queen Book Presentation Ceremony

For a second year, actor Clarke Peters, "Guardians of the Flame Big Chief Albert Lambreaux" on the HBO television series Tremé, will join the membership of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame at McDonogh 42 Elementary Charter School for our Annual Big Chief and Big Queen Holiday Book Presentation Ceremony in cooperation with the Big Chief Donald Harrison, Senior Book Program of the Guardians Institute.

This year, our program features John Henry, 

the 1990 Caldecott Honor Book by Julius Lester, 

illustrated by Jerry Pinkney.

When: Thursday, December 1, 2011

Time: 9:30 - 11:00 am

Where: Auditorium, McDonogh 42 Charter Elementary School

All Mardi Gras Indians, supporters, and friends from the public are welcome to join us in this ceremony sharing the joy and importance of reading with McDonogh 42 students.

We request that everyone participating conduct him or herself in accordance with and with respect for school rules and student safety.

The Guardians Institute is a non-profit organization founded by Herreast J. Harrison and the late Big Chief Donald Harrison, Senior through the spirit of the Guardians of the Flame Mardi Gras Indian gang. It has worked for over 20 years to preserve, celebrate, and advance the indigenous cultural arts of New Orleans. Its outreach programs utilize comprehensive arts and literacy activities in service to New Orleans children in grades K-12. Since 2006, the Big Chief Donald Harrison, Senior Book Program of the Guardians Institute has distributed over twenty-eight thousand books valued at over a quarter-million dollars to children in the Greater New Orleans area. Contributions to the Book Program and other projects of the Guardians Institute are tax-deductible. 

The 2011 program is made possible with support from Basin Street Station, New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation, NOLArize, NDM, Kerry Clayton, and Paige Royer.

For more information, please contact Cherice Harrison-Nelson (504) 214-6630



SNAPSHOTS FROM PAST PROGRAMS


"Read, Read, Read!" Creole Osceolas Big Chief Clarence "Delco" Dalcour takes the lead supported by Chiefs, Queens, and Indians of the Nation at McDonogh 42 Charter School in New Orleans (December 2009)


 Listen to Clarke Peters reading to students at McDonogh 42 New Orleans (Dec 2010)

2011 Backstreet Cultural Museum annual All Saints Day Tribute Parade to honor Collins "Coach" Lewis and all culture bearers who became ancestors this year

By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer
The Louisiana Weekly

Remembering Loved Ones

Often, the simplest gestures, the little touches best express the love, joy and respect that people have for each other. In New Orleans, like no other place in the United States, we adhere to the tradition of remembering those who’ve passed on November 1, All Saints Day. People here tend to the graves of their loved ones by bringing flowers, perhaps a broom and a shovel and maybe even a picnic basket to the area’s cemeteries. They make sure that their families’ and friends’ final resting places remain in good repair.

Twelve years ago, a new tradition was born. The Backstreet Cultural Museum presented its first annual All Saints Day Tribute Parade, a small though caring affair that honors musicians, Mardi Gras Indians and all those involved with the culture who died throughout the year. Often, one close to the heart person is paid special tribute with photographs and memorabilia associated with their life placed on top of a simple, wooden, horse drawn wagon that is the centerpiece of the parade.

This year, Collins “Coach” Lewis, who sewed for the Fi-Yi-Yi Mardi Gras Indian gang and was active in numerous aspects of the Black street traditions and died on August 5, 2011, will hold that position of honor.

As is tradition, the parade, led by the Treme Brass Band, will leave from the D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 1716 N. Claiborne Avenue at 3 p.m. 

Read more about the All Saints Day Tribute Parade (including the full route) on The Louisiana Weekly website

FILM CLIP: "The Black Indians of New Orleans" (1976)

Enjoy a 10-minute excerpt from "The Black Indians of New Orleans," a half-hour documentary by cultural historian Maurice Martinez from 1976 that stands as the first in-depth film about the Mardi Gras Indians.

The Queens Council invites all children of the Nation to the Mardi Gras Indian Halloween Party!

Mardi Gras Indian Nation Halloween Party
and Costume Contest

Theme: Come as your favorite pop star!

When: Saturday, October 29th
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Where: 4625 St. Ferdinand Drive
Hosted by: Mardi Gras Indian Nation Queens Council

All children of the Mardi Gras Indian Nation are invited. Each child is invited to bring one guest.

RSVP by Monday, October 25th to Queen Gaynell at 504-782-7929

Please help spread the word among our families.

2011 Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Roll Call

Video by nolamml of 2011 rollcall at the 2011 Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame ceremony 

The ceremony took place on Sunday, August 7, 2011 at Ashe Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans.