Latest news with #Houma
Axios
13 hours ago
- General
- Axios
United Houma Nation seeks federal recognition
The United Houma Nation, which is Louisiana's largest recognized tribe, continues to seek federal recognition as the group gears up for its annual powwow. Why it matters: Federal recognition unlocks funding, protections and land and water rights, in addition to sovereignty as a native nation. The big picture: The process is long and complicated, Principal Chief Lora Ann Chaisson tells Axios New Orleans. They've been pushing for recognition since before World War II, according to the Associated Press. They were denied in 1994 and have been appealing ever since. The application requires extensive historical documentation, which the nation continues to research, Chaisson says. State of play: The United Houma Nation has 19,000 tribal citizens, according to information from the Houmas. The majority live in Terrebonne, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Mary, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. The Houma people established what is known today as the French Market in New Orleans. Bayou St. John and the land at Congo Square were also important to them, according to information from the tribe. They can trace their history in New Orleans back to 1675. Go deeper. Zoom out: The state has worked on exploring the indigenous history of Louisiana, with more hopefully to come, according to Carrie Broussard, the assistant secretary for the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development. There's the self-guided ancient mound tour, she said. And, there's a museum with guided tours at Poverty Point, the state's only World Heritage Site through UNESCO. What's next: At the tribal level, Chaisson said they want to move forward with a program to teach their youth the native Houma language.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Iberia native named National Superintendent of the Year
NEW ORLEANS, La. () — New Iberia native, Walter B. Gonsoulin Jr. has been named the National Superintendent of the Year by The School Superintendent Association on Thursday afternoon during the National Conference on Education in New Orleans. Gonsoulin was rewarded with a $10,000 check to which will go to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated or the school now serving the same area. 'To me, this is one of the greatest honors of my life. As a child growing up in New Iberia, Louisiana, I never could have imagined achieving this honor.' said Gonsoulin. Gonsoulin is the first superintendent from Alabama to be honored with this award. He has been a superintendent for Jefferson County in Alabama since 2019. Since then, he developed a college and career readiness initiative that led to 357% increase in the number of students that earned industry credentials, indicating that those students possess the qualifications for entry-level employment. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now With this honor, Gonsoulin is excited for the recognition for his county and the hard work put into the programs. 'However, I want to be clear, while my name is on the award, I am only one part of it. I would not be in this position if it were not for the hard work of the teachers, administrators, support personnel, board members, students, and parents. They are the heartbeat of Jefferson County Schools.' said Gonsoulin. Houma man arrested in Lafayette, charged with child sex crimes Democratic leaders bash GOP's spending plan: 'Not acceptable' $400M in federal grants to Columbia University canceled amid antisemitism probe New Iberia native named National Superintendent of the Year President Trump suggests he may not change daylight saving time Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
