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 helped enlighten the non-Indian world about tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and diligently led the Coushatta Tribe’s efforts to be formally recognized by the State of Louisiana and the U. S. Department of the Interior, which he achieved in 1972 and 1973, respectively. He later worked with the Louisiana legislature to create the State’s Office of Indian Affairs for which he served as the Office’s first executive director.
Sickey served as tribal chairman of the Coushatta Tribe from 1973 to 1985 and his legacy includes transformative socioeconomic benefits for the Coushatta Tribe, Southwest Louisiana, the State of Louisiana and beyond.
Sickey’s leadership and dedication will forever be cherished and remembered by his family, the Coushatta Tribe and both the Indian and non-Indian communities.
A memorial service to celebrate his remarkable life and contributions will take place on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. More details about the service will be publicized as they become available, according to his family.
