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Our Story, Our People.
Our Story, Our People.
The story of the Bayou Lafourche Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha Indians is one of resilience, adaptation, and an enduring connection to our ancestral lands. Our members are direct descendants of a line of identified and recognized Biloxi-Chitimacha ancestors who formed a unique, amalgamated community in the coastal parishes of Terrebonne and Lafourche, with our presence recorded on Bayou Lafourche as early as 1827.
For generations, we have lived in harmony with the rich environment of the bayous, building our homes, raising our families, and developing a distinct culture. Our history is marked by the challenges of devastating hurricanes, flooding, and periods of profound discrimination, yet through it all, we have held fast to our traditions, supported one another, and maintained our identity as a sovereign people.
This history of perseverance shapes who we are today and guides our mission to secure a strong future for generations to come. To learn more about our journey from the earliest settlements to our modern community, we invite you to explore our full tribal history.
Our Mission:
Our Mission:
The mission of the Bayou Lafourche Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha Indians is to preserve, protect, and share the unique history, culture, traditions, and language of our people for future generations. This is achieved by uplifting our community through charitable and educational programs—including assistance with healthcare, housing, wellness, and the preservation of our ancestral lands and environment—for our tribal members and the public.
Our Governance:
Our Governance:
The BLBBCI is governed by the laws and principles set forth in our Constitution and Bylaws. Our government is structured to ensure justice, promote the common welfare, and secure the blessings of freedom for our people.
The Tribal Council: The governing body of the BLBBCI is the Tribal Council, which consists of registered voting members who have been duly elected by the community. The Council is vested with the legislative power to decide issues affecting the tribe, maintain the official membership roll, and manage tribal assets for the benefit of all members.
The Council of Elders: Serving in a vital advisory and administrative capacity, the Council of Elders is composed of respected tribal members who are a minimum of fifty years of age. The Council of Elders provides wisdom and guidance to the Tribal Council and may be called upon to break tie votes, ensuring that decisions are made with foresight and a deep understanding of our traditions.
A History of Resilience
A History of Resilience
The story of the Bayou Lafourche Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha Indians is one of resilience, adaptation, and enduring connection to our ancestral lands. Our members are direct descendants of a line of identified and recognized Biloxi-Chitimacha ancestors who formed a unique, amalgamated community in the coastal parishes of Terrebonne and Lafourche.1
For generations, we have lived in harmony with the rich environment of the bayous, developing a distinct culture and way of life. Despite the challenges of colonization and environmental change, we have held fast to our traditions and maintained our identity as a sovereign people.
Today, we honor the legacy of our ancestors by actively working to preserve our history, protect our sacred sites, and ensure that our story is told for generations to come.
Mission & Vision for the Future
Mission & Vision for the Future
Our Mission
The mission of the Bayou Lafourche Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha Indians is to preserve, protect, and share the unique history, culture, traditions, and language of our people for future generations. This is achieved by uplifting our community through charitable and educational programs—including assistance with healthcare, housing, wellness, and the preservation of our ancestral lands and environment—for our tribal members and the public.1
Our Vision
Guided by the Preamble of our Constitution, our vision is to build a strong, self-sufficient, and thriving nation.1 We strive to be a community where:
Justice is established and tranquility is ensured for all members.
The health, education, and common welfare of our people are promoted and protected.
Our economic well-being is secure, and the blessings of freedom are guaranteed.
Our unique culture, heritage, and traditions are celebrated and passed on to our children.
The Tribal Council
The Tribal Council
The governing body of the BLBBCI is the Tribal Council, composed of registered voting members duly elected by the community for four-year terms.1 The Council is entrusted with the powers and duties necessary to manage the affairs of the Nation and serve the best interests of its members.1
Current Members of the Tribal Council:
Chief: Quincy Verdun
Deputy Chief: Jerrica Cheramie
Secretary: Haley Verdun
Treasurer: Donna Darda
Parliamentarian: Eric Verdin
Warden: Jimmy Billiot
The Council of Elders
The Council of Elders
The Council of Elders holds a place of profound respect and importance within our government. Composed of elected members who are at least fifty years of age, the Council serves in an advisory and administrative capacity to the Tribal Council.
The wisdom and experience of our Elders are invaluable in guiding the decisions of the Nation. They may be called upon to break tie votes in the Tribal Council and to perform other duties that ensure our governance remains rooted in our cultural values and traditions.
Current Members of the Council of Elders:
Clovis (Joe) Billiot Jr
Terry Crosby Sr
Kimberly Bourgeois
Angeline Terrebonne
Earline Verdin
Raymond Gaudet
Adam (Pip) Verdin Sr
Ulysses Verdin
Randy Verdun
Sharon Leboeuf
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