Date of Award

1-1971

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography and Anthropology

Abstract

Over 2,000 Indians live in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes of southern Louisiana. They are in six communities, the largest being Dulac on Bayou Grand Caillou. These communities also have large non-Indian populations. They have no formal tribal organization nor governmental recognition. Except for a local term, "Sabine," which is derogatory, no collective name is used other than "Indian." Presumedly they descend mainly from the historic Houma Indians, but they have mixed with other tribes and have White and some Negro ancestry. They have lost their aboriginal culture and have adopted that of the "Cajun" French. Until the 1930's, they lived in semi-nomadic bands. They are in the middle level of a hierarchy with Whites above and Negroes below. Most of the laborers are unskilled and seasonally employed. Local merchants extend long-term credit relegating them to a position of financial dependency. They have little political power and depend on non-Indians to voice their interests. Kinship ties are strong. A prestigious person acts as a leader and spokesman for his relatives. The last fifteen years have brought rapid change. Schools are· integrated in all twelve grades. Better jobs are now available. Links have been formed outside the community causing traditional customs to weaken. The group is beginning to lose its cultural and ethnic distinctiveness.

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