Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 12, a Great Introduction to Native American Culture and Impact

by Kerri Cooke 

Long before Europeans set foot on the shore of the Americans, the continents were teaming with Native American tribes, each with their own language and culture. 

As the number of Indigenous Americans dwindled after the Europeans arrived, it can be easy to believe they around anymore. However, there are still vibrant communities around the country that carry on traditions that have lasted hundred, or possibly thousands of years. The most recognizable tribe in Southwest Louisiana is the Coushatta tribe out of Elton. 

Called the Koasati in their original tongue, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana is actively preserving their culture every day. Raynella Fontento, tribal archivist for the Coushatta, says, “So much of what we have today exists because our ancestors held onto their language, stories, traditions and identity, even during the most difficult of times. We are still here. We are raising the next generations of Koasati people, speaking our language, practicing our traditions, creating art and teaching our children.” 

The Coushatta recognize the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an opportunity to show the community their culture, but cultural heritage is something that is not limited to one day. “Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity for people to understand that being Coushatta or Native is not something that belongs only in the past,” Fontento adds. “Our cultures are living cultures. We are continually learning from our elders and passing that knowledge to our children and grandchildren.” 

Juliet Hayes is Coushatta and grew up with her four brothers in Elton. Raised by her ‘Aapo,’ which means ‘grandmother’ in Koasati, Hayes grew up hearing the language, and while she isn’t fluent, she says she can still speak and understand the language. 

Hayes says she is proud to be Native American and her upbringing made her appreciate all the things that makes Indigenous Americans special. “Being raised by someone who was born in the ‘40s, during a time when being Native American was anything but popular, I’ll always be in awe of what our ancestors have overcome to get us to this point, and the challenges we are still fighting to this day.” 

While getting to know the Coushatta culture is the easiest for people in SWLA, they are only one tribe out of many in the nation. Fontento adds, “There isn’t one single Native American culture or language. There are hundred of distinct Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples, each with their own histories, languages, traditions, beliefs and ways of life.”  

You won’t get the whole Coushatta experience through the casino events or powwows. The culture is “something we live every day,” Fontento says. “Through the Coushatta Heritage Department and other Tribal programs, we have opportunities for cultural education, traditional art, storytelling, demonstrations and community events. We also work with schools, museums and other organizations to help share Coushatta history and culture.” 

Hayes knows the importance of passing down knowledge and culture, which is why she has taught her son, Vincent, words in Koasati since he was born. She also wants to share the impact Native Americans generate in modern day society. “It’s important to know Native American people are doing incredible things. We are business owners, public servants, attorneys and doctors.” She remembers how her grandmother sacrificed life on the reservation so her and her brothers could be better prepared for a world that isn’t always the most accepting. 

Fontento stresses, “The importance of celebrating the history of indigenous people is that our histories are American history. Our stories don’t begin with European contact, and they certainly don’t end there.” 

Hayes is ensuring her heritage lives on. She is not only an advocate every day, but she has also been in two award-winning Indigenous documentaries and on Dr. Phil where she spoke about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis (MMIW).