The United Houma Nation

There are over 9600 Houma Indians on the tribal roll, the majority of which live in Terrebonne Parish. Since LaSalle met the Houma in 1682, they have faced many struggles for survival and recognition, first with land, trapping, and fishing rights.

A continuing concern for the future lies with the potential loss of the estuaries and with them the seafood industry of Southern Louisiana. Later the struggle was for education. Houma children were shut out of public education entirely until 1963 and continue to repair educational and identity wounds. In 1985 the Tribal Council of the United Houma Nation, Inc., submitted the Federal recognition petition to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. ...

Houma traditions are kept alive through a variety of crafts such as Spanish Moss dolls, cypress woodworking, and palmetto weaving. A Houma festival is held once a year, Labor Day weekend in Houma, Louisiana.

– From the The Louisiana New South Coalition 1992 calendar.

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