What is houmas indian?

The Houma Indian tribe is a Native American tribe that has traditionally lived in what is now southern Louisiana, mostly concentrated in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. They have a long history in the region, with evidence of Houma settlements dating back over a thousand years.

The Houma Indians were known for living in dwellings known as "chicanes" or "thatched huts," made of palmetto leaves. They were skilled fishermen and farmers, cultivating crops such as corn, beans, and squash.

Throughout the years, the Houma faced many challenges, including colonization by European powers, the effects of slave trade and slavery, and the impact of industrialization and land development in their traditional homelands.

Today, there are approximately 17,000 people enrolled in the United Houma Nation, the federally recognized tribe that represents the Houma. They continue to work towards preserving their culture and traditions, including their language, crafts, and music, despite facing ongoing issues such as land loss due to climate change.