Houma Nation Update

Messages from the Principal Chief
Brenda Dardar Robichaux


Each week of our recovery period brings new problems and new challenges.

On a recent trip to Isle de Jean Charles, I noticed a large number of vehicles parked at a home. As I approached the home, I heard church hymns being sung by the approximate 20 family and friends who had gathered. A tribal elder, 87 years old, had evacuated to Baton Rouge from the Island for hurricanes Gustav and Ike. He later returned to a relative’s home in a neighboring town. The gentlemen has life threatening health problems and although his home had been largely destroyed by the storms, he expressed to his family that he wanted to spend his last days in his home on the Island. His grandson worked frantically to remove flooded furnishings from his home and clean it as best he could in order for his grandfather to return. When we arrived, the family was singing his favorite church hymns to comfort him in his last moments. My heart broke as I saw this frail tribal elder laying on a cot surrounded by loved ones. Although there was still marsh grass on the porch and mold on the walls, his final wish had come true. He was home.


Supplies needed to address our immediate recovery:

General Needs:
non perishable food
water
tree and debris removal equipment & supplies
personal hygiene items
ice chest
firstaid kits

clothing

gas gift cards
Wal-mart gift cards
generators

Elderly Needs:
Depends
Ensure

Baby Needs:
formula
diapers
baby wipes

To Each His Own (No Explanation Needed)

Lately I have been hearing alot of false rumors about the new President-elect Barack Obama. It just amazes me that people don't invest any time in reading or trying to find some facts, some people it seems - want to believe the worst.

Here is a link to Snopes. com that address all of the current rumors about the new President.. including the big whoppers -- He's a Muslim, oh, and he wasn't born in America.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/obama.asp

Funny thing is that even if you try to put some "truth" out there - it would actually mean one would have to take the time to click on the link, and read.

I am sorry for all the people who are dissapointed that McCain/Palin lost the election. I guess that is part of the electoral process, and the majority of America chose Obama. No one EVER should be put in a position to defend their choices - escpecailly who you vote for.

As for me - I didn't get the chance to vote due to my TN drivers license. The state of Florida does not recognize TN DL's as the only form of ID and I was not able to cast my ballot for anyone.

Trip to TN

I enjoyed a nice & relaxing 4 day weekend in TN and I made great time during the drive. Jip could hardly stand the long ride and was very anxious to get there. The fall colors were very nice along the way and I soaked in the hot tub after the long drive! It was great to see my friends and we shared a awesome seafood feast that Lyle made from scratch with the seafood I brought with me. Jip was having a great time running around with Major and he made friends with their cat, Nicorette, who strongly resembles PumknJax. We drove out and saw the new cabin on Short Mountain and met a neighbor with a great place and kitchen under construction. I soaked in the hot tub each night and looked up at the stars, and they are much clearer up on the mountain away from all the extra light. I enjoyed the peaceful quiet-quiet, and tried hard not to fall alseep to the sounds of the leaves blowing in the wind.