Hurricane Gustav passed to the east of New Orleans, over an area usually described in the media as “southern Louisiana bayou country”. The eye of the storm passed almost directly over the town on Houma, Louisiana, named after the United Houma Nation, a native American people who have lived in this area for decades, after being continually pressed south by waves of European and American settlers. The Houma people were devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and now Gustav has once again wreaked havoc upon their lives.
The following message was sent out by Brenda Dardar Robinson, Principal Chief of the Houma people, shortly before Gustav struck.
Message from the Principal Chief
Brenda Dardar Robichaux
About 20 of my family and friends have
chosen to ride out Hurricane Gustav with us at our home in Raceland.
Our home is on a high ridge right across from Bayou Lafourche. Last
night was a relatively calm night with little wind and rain. But that
soon changed. We lost electricity at 6:05 AM and are using batteries
and a generator to stay in touch with what is happening throughout our
communities. The wind has picked up considerably here to about 85 MPH.
Some of us are sitting on the back porch watching in amazement how huge
oak trees can bend and not break while magnolia tree branches fall.
Others are glued to the TV listening intently for word of where Gustav
is headed and the impact he is having. The latest update is my worst
fear for the Houma People as it is learned that he is approaching the
bayous in Terrebonne and Lafourche parish. I feel we have done our best
to make sure everyone has evacuated safely. The rest is out of our hands.
Hurricane Katrina and Rita left Plaquemine
and St. Bernard Parishes with barely a home left standing or livable.
It has been a challenge to assist our People in these communities when
there is nothing left to start with. Some are still living in FEMA trailers,
with family and friends and a few are finally returning to a home. Terrebonne
and Lafourche Parishes have been on the road to recovery for the past
3 years with lives just getting back to normal. My fear for the past
three years has been “What if Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes suffered
total devastation as Plaquemine and St. Bernard Parishes? These are
the communities with the highest concentration of Houma People. How
would we recover knowing the challenges we still face in Plaquemine
and St. Bernard?” I am paralyzed in fear that this is what is happening.
The great people of the Houma Nation that I am so honored to represent,
who have faced many challenges over the years are about to face one
of our greatest challenges.
As I sit and write the winds are blowing
and Gustav is approaching. I pray for protection, strength and courage
to face what lies ahead.
United Houma Nation
20986 Highway 1
Golden Meadow, LA 70357
Office: (985) 537-8867
Fax: (985) 537-8812
Email: bdr@unitedhoumanation.org