Home Care In Coushatta, LA

They say they go to sleep at night not knowing whether they’ll have running water the next morning

Residents say they’ve been experiencing major water issues for the past few weeks with the water randomly being shut off each night.

COUSHATTA, La. (KSLA) — Imagine going to sleep and not knowing whether you’ll have running water in your home when you wake up the next morning. That’s what residents of the town of Coushatta claim is their reality.

Residents say they’ve been experiencing major water issues for the past few weeks with the water randomly being shut off each night. They say that they receive no warnings from the town before water is shut off and that they’re concerned.

“That’s the most frustrating thing is not knowing when and how long it’s gonna be off,” Billy Smith said. “You try to sometimes shower early cause you don’t know when it’s going to go off. And you know you need water to cook cause you have to wash your food and you don’t know when it’s going to be off, so it is definitely a headache.”

The town had a water project meeting scheduled for Thursday morning. That gathering has been rescheduled for Friday (Aug. 11) at 10 a.m.

Residents say they’re also worried about the cleanliness of the water.

“I don’t drink the city water; I buy bottled water,” one said.

All or parts of Coushatta’s water system were under at least three different boil advisories during a month’s time. The most recent advisory was lifted Aug. 4.

[RELATED: Boil advisory in Coushatta lifted]

However, residents say they’re skeptical.

“We don’t know if we can drink the water or not; we really don’t know,” one said.

Water customers hope the issues are resolved soon.

“We can’t get any resolutions and answers from anyone; the only thing we’re getting is the bills increasing.”

[RELATED: Louisiana Health Department releases grades for state’s public water systems]

Copyright 2023 KSLA. All rights reserved.

On June 9 and 10, hundreds of Native Americans from across the U.S. and Canada will gather in Kinder for the annual Coushatta Powwow. Now in its 26^th year, the event is a showcase for Native American traditions and talents. Besides the celebratory atmosphere, the Powwow is also an educational experience for kids and adults alike. Jaime Hill, public relations representative for the Coushatta, and Raven Langley, a chairman of this year’s powwow, spoke to us about what to expect at this year’s event.

How would you describe the Coushatta Powwow to someone who has never been before?

The Powwow is a gathering of nations from across the United States and Canada. There are 400 to 500 participants and dancers and about eight drumming groups. They will compete for prizes in dancing, as well as drumming and singing.

The grand entry is the main event. Those will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Saturday. This is where every dancer who is registered comes in and dances together. You will see lots of color, fringe, feathers and sequins. The goal for a dancer is to stand out in their division because their regalia is judged as well. This is where they demonstrate their creativity and heritage.

The dancing, drumming and singing competitions are major features of the Powwow. What do judges look for when choosing winners?

The Northern style of singing is higher pitched, so judges will look for clarity of the voice, whether it’s the right song for the category, and how well the singers know the song. Those criteria are used in the Southern style as well, but Southern singing is much deeper and almost monotone. When you hear the two styles, you can definitely tell the difference. Judges also assess the cleanliness and organization of the drum area, who is singing and not singing, and their dress.

In dancing, they have to know their song and stop on the beat at the correct time. Sometimes, they will throw out new songs, so you have to be on your game if you want to win a top prize.

How else does the Powwow showcase Native American heritage?

We always have several arts and crafts vendors selling one-of-a-kind jewelry, shirts, beadwork and more. There are also a lot of different foods from the different nations. One favorite is always Indian tacos, which have meat, beans, lettuce and tomato. People always love walking around, tasting the different foods and seeing what the vendors have created.

How can attendees get involved in the Powwow?

During the dance competitions, the emcees will explain what is going on and point out things to look for. When there’s not a competition, they’ll open up the floor for anybody to dance. A lot of children really enjoy the chance to do that.

Throughout the whole event, attendees can ask anybody about their background or regalia or performance. There are so many Native Americans from different tribes and cultures, and their regalia has meaningful beadwork that is often tied to their families. They’re always happy to explain everything and what different symbols mean.

There’s also an educational booth in the marketplace to ask specific questions about the Coushatta tribe. Although you will meet participants from all across North America, we’re always happy to share information if someone wants to know more about the Coushatta.

The only requests are no flash photography, ask someone before you take their picture, and don’t touch their regalia.

What else do people need to know when planning their trip?

The Powwow takes place in the Pavilion behind Coushatta Casino Resort. General admission at the gate is $8 per day. Children ages 6 and under get in free. You don’t need to buy tickets in advance.

Each day begins with a gourd dance (5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday). That kicks off everything. It serves as a blessing of the grounds before the dancers and flags arrive. That is followed by the grand entry.

The event is completely family-friendly, alcohol-free and drug-free. There is plenty of seating in the bleachers, but you can bring lawn chairs as well if you prefer.

The 26^th annual Coushatta Powwow begins at 5 p.m. Friday, June 9 and 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10. For more details, visit www.coushattapowwow.com.

By Levi Rickert

May 22, 2023

Ernest Sickey, the first executive director of the Office of Indian Affairs in Louisiana and a longtime chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, passed away on Thursday.

A man of great passion to improve the lives of Native Americans, Sickey met with governors and presidents to seek funding for programs that support tribes and their members. He was instrumental in getting the re-acknowledgment for the Coushatta Tribe from the federal government in 1973. Sickey was 80.

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The Sickey family announced the passing of former Chairman Sickey in a statement released last Thursday:

“Ernest Sickey, father, former Chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, and prominent Indian-affairs advocate, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2023, at the age of 80.”

Sickey was a visionary who desired to bring the Coushatta Tribe out of obscurity. His desire to see the tribe regain federal recognition began in 1965, when he got a small group of tribal members to organize the Coushatta Indians of Allen Parish. The group established a trading post to sell traditional pine needle baskets to raise money for human services programs.

In 1970, Sickey led a successful effort to get the Indian Health Service to provide medical services for the Coushatta people. By 1972, Sickey led an effort that helped the Coushatta earn state-recognition as a tribe in the Louisiana State legislature.

Once the U.S. Department of the Interior granted the tribe its re-acknowledgement as a federally recognized tribe in 1973, Sickey became the Coushatta’s first chairman. He served as tribal chairman in consecutive terms until 1985, and remained a respected leader of the tribe for more than three decades.

Sickey’s work in Indian Country extended far beyond the Coushatta Tribe. He advocated for tribes throughout Louisiana and the southeastern states.

Marshall Pierite, chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, told Native News Online that Sickey will be remembered for being a truly great leader, trailblazer, and advocate for all of Indian Country.

“I have known Mr. Ernest Sickey for over 45 years. He was not only a very dear friend, but also a mentor to me and probably every tribal chairman/chief of the four federally recognized tribes in Louisiana over the last fifty years.” Pierite said.

Sickey was “instrumental” in the creation of the Gulf Coast Native American Chamber of Commerce, joining with Pierite and Adam Crepelle of the Houma Nation to help get the organization off the ground, Pierite said, adding, “I will always remember him as a dear friend and father figure to me and always being there for me morning, noon or night. He will be truly missed and my heart as well as my prayers will be with his family during this difficult time.”

Former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) sent a message to Sickey’s son, former Coushatta Tribe Chairman David Sickey: “He will be remembered fondly by tribal members and the broader Louisiana family for his visionary leadership and many contributions to our state and nation. I will treasure the lunch we shared together not long ago, recalling early years and our family connections.”

Jeanette Alcon (Ute/Taos Pueblo) recalled with Native News Online working for Sickey when he was named to the Louisiana Commission on Indian Affairs by the state’s Democratic Governor Edwin Edwards in 1975.

Alcon said they put in long hours to fulfill Sickey’s vision to make life better for Native Americans throughout the state of Louisiana. She recalled Sickey’s sense of always knowing what to do and his humor.

“He was a dreamer who was a great strategic thinker. He had the capacity to start from scratch with absolutely nothing and turn it into something because he had the capacity to engender support for tribes,” Alcon said.

“What was incredible from my point of view is he did these things with no road map or guide to do the things he did. He was gifted with a sense of just knowing what to do.” Alcon continued.

In an interview for the Koasati Documentation Project, a project to preserve the Koasati (Coushatta) language and history, Sickey recalled how the tribe’s health clinic did not have money to purchase toothbrushes or toothpaste to distribute to its clients.

“Why don’t you just write a letter to the Crest place?” Sickey recalled asking the staff. He decided to write the letter himself.

“Not long after, boxes started coming with toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss and then we gave them out,” Sickey said.

Alcon said his motto, which still graces Coushatta tribal literature remains "the struggle has made us stronger."

Fulfilling the wishes of Sickey, his remains were cremated. A memorial service is scheduled for June 27, 2023 on the day the Coushatta Tribe celebrates its 50th anniversary of its federal re-acknowledgement.

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RED RIVER PARISH, La. (KSLA) - Plagued by water issues, Coushatta announced another boil advisory.

As a result, Red River Parish schools were closed Monday, Aug. 21. The school district was set to reopen Tuesday after the town of Coushatta said water pumps were repaired. However, officials later canceled school again due to failed repairs.

Students returned to class Wednesday, Aug. 23. The school district says they have plenty of bottled water for students and staff to use.

Three large water tanks and portable restrooms were also sent in to help temporarily resolve the issue.

“We’re just kind of in a situation where we have to make sure that we can provide for these students and not have them in an unhealthy or unsafe situation.”

The School District issued the following statement the night of Sunday (Aug. 20):

“Good evening parents and guardians of Red River Parish School Students, This is Alison Strong, your superintendent. The Town of Coushatta has informed us that there is a major leak and one of the city’s water pumps that feeds our schools and our town is down at this time. The low pressure has caused a boil advisory for the Town of Coushatta. Please make sure you are following the complete boil advisory until it has been rescinded by the water system. The schools have been preparing for this and purchased plenty of drinking water for our students in case of a boil advisory, however with one pump down it has caused extremely low/no pressure in our school restroom facilities. At this time we have no option but to close all schools tomorrow, Monday, August 21, 2023. We are monitoring the situation closely with the Town of Coushatta and will make updates by social media, local news outlets, and our all call platform as soon as we have more information. As of right now all schools do plan to reopen as soon as possible as we are exploring alternative options for our restroom facilities. All schools closed tomorrow, Monday, August 21, 2023.″

Red River schools Supt. Alison Strong

On Aug. 19, the town of Coushatta announced a boil advisory for the town’s water system until further notice.

Areas under advisory:

Callers have also reported losing water once again.

Copyright 2023 KSLA. All rights reserved.

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KSHV) – The CPKC Holiday train is making its way to Shreveport and Texarkana, carrying Christmas cheer with light displays and live music.

The CPKC Holiday Train is making its 25th annual trip through Canada and the United States aiding food banks and shelves by raising funds, collecting food donations, and increasing awareness about the challenges of food insecurity. The train will make several stops in the region, including Texarkana and Shreveport this Wednesday.

Check out the elaborate light displays along the train cars and enjoy musical performances on the decorated stage from Seaforth and Kiesza. The event is free to attend, and attendees are encouraged to donate to the local food bank.

Another train, the CPKC Holiday Express, will make its way through East Texas and Northwest Louisiana in early December. Although the Express does not have live performances, children and guests are welcome to go inside the train and meet to Santa.

“The Holiday Train program is close to the hearts of our CPKC family. Our railroaders take great joy in joining communities across our network as they come together in the giving spirit of the holidays,” said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel. “We are proud to support local food banks as we fight food insecurity by collecting food and raising money and awareness. I am grateful to all the railroaders and community members who have supported the Holiday Train over the past quarter century and made it such a success.”

Since the Holiday Train began in 1999, it has raised more than $22.5 million and more than 5 million pounds to support food banks throughout North America.

See where and when the Holiday Train and Holiday Express are stopping near you below.

Food banks and organizations in the area this year’s Holiday Express will support the Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana and the Salvation Army Texarkana.

The CPKC provided an FAQ site to answer questions any visitors might have.