Chitimacha Indians presentation at Iberville Museum set for May 11

PLAQUEMINE - Kimberly S. Walden, M.Ed., Cultural Director/Tribal Historic Preservation Officer of the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, will give a presentation on the Chitimachas, the Indian tribe that had the largest presence in Iberville Parish on Saturday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. as part of the American Indians of Iberville exhibit at the Iberville Museum.

Thomas Dardar, Chief of the United Houma Nation; August "Cocoa" Creppel, a Houma Indian, and Tony Conrad, Head Gourd Dancer for the Plaquemine Pow Wow, ceremoniously opened The American Indians of Iberville exhibit on April 6. Since that time more than 500 guests have visited the exhibit, along with more than 300 area students.

The exhibit includes artifacts from the Chitimachas, Houmas and Bayogoula tribes, a parish diorama showing where each tribe settled, general information on Indian life in Louisiana, and a book display with bibliography for suggested reading on Louisiana Indian tribes. It will continue through May 31.

Sponsors include DOW, Axiall, SNF, A Wilberts Sons, Black Stallion, and Perry Verret Investments. The Iberville Museum is located at 57735 Main Street, Plaquemine. Hours are 10 am – 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Entrance fee is $2 adults and $1 children. It is free to school groups. For more information, call 225-687-7239.

The American Indians of Iberville is the final installment of the People of Iberville series of exhibits highlighting the various cultural groups who settled in Iberville Parish and their influence on the culture and progress of the parish. The exhibits began over 5 years ago at the Iberville Museum.