Our Communities – Grand Bayou Indian Village

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Grand Bayou Indians Village is one of the most remote Native American Communities located at the most southern reaches of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. It is one of the rare Tribal Communities today still accessible only by boat. Historically they are primarily linked to the Atakapa-Ishak/Chawasha, but like many other separate and distinct Tribes within the State that are home to a multitude of many Native American communities, the majority of our tribes are located on the coast and in the marsh of this beautiful ecosystem. Grand Bayou Indian Village is one such community; unique, diverse, passionate about their traditions and way of life, and a people of great heart.

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Located off the mainland in South Plaquemines Parish, we are unique in that we are home to the only continuous indigenous community only accessible by water. But like other coastal Southeastern Louisiana Native American tribes we are now in a fight for survival.  Our village lacks the federal recognition that would mean access to resources that could make a difference. Therefore instead of looking outward for solutions for community and cultural survival we are joining ourselves together with our sister tribes to address the issues of conservation of our waters, lands, natural resources, and to ensure the health of our people for generations to come. Historically we have been a self-sustaining Native American Village, living on the land and waters that has provided our peoples with everything we needed: shelter, clothing, community, medicine, and food for centuries. However, in less than one lifetime we have watched our lands wash away into the Gulf of Mexico and even now realize the uncertainty that we will be around another 100 years.  In spite of this, we are looking for new ways to be subsistent and even once again sustainable and that is why we joined together to create the First Peoples Conservation Council.

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