Full Circle Associates

You know, it is easy to forget the individual community perspectives when you are dealing with such a massive recovery as we are with Katrina. Here is a site that is looking at the very specific needs of the Houma tribe. Once I heard of this, my ignorance came to the forfront. I had not heard of this tribe. So as I think of the Gulf region, I realize I have no clue about the community fabric - which MUST be part of the recovery process.

United Houma Nation

"Hurricane Katrina Information

If you want to help out with the hurricane relief effort, contact the tribal government by e-mail at bdr@unitedhoumanation.org or by phone at (985) 475-6640. We will provide more information on the extent of the damage to our various communities and relief efforts in the near future."

.Via email I received this:

After talking with Kevin Billiott yesterday, who is with the Inter Tribal Council of La, he told me that the hardest hit of the Nations were the Houma Tribe and referred me to Brenda Dardar, who he said is the Principal Chief of that Tribe. I just got off the phone with Brenda who said that 3,500 members were
displaced and would need everything in the long run. Most were living in the poorest places in New Orleans area. She is now in trying to locate all tribe members. Most tribe members were living in extended family situations. Most of the homes are still under water. And of course they do not know how long it might be before any of them could move back. Most of the people are in some kind of shelters.

Let me repeat this, 3,500 Native Americans need our help. When asked what they needed now, Brenda said, "Number one we need all your prayers, that is first and then perhaps something like Walmart Cards at this time might be very helpful, however in the future everything would be needed from furniture to cleaning supplies, you name it." She also said the only way she has been able to get any information to anyone was thru the various Indian Nations and Indian News. Go figure.

So, please post this e-mail to everyone you know and ask them to also post
it.

recovery2, katrina, hurricanekatrina