Chairman David Sickey recently shared his address for the Coushatta Tribe’s Re-Recognition anniversary by the U.S. Government. He addressed the letter to his elders, tribal council members, families, leaders, associates and friends. His address on this moment in history follows:
First and foremost, let me begin by wishing each of you good health, all happiness, and abundant peace. We continue to rise above this unprecedented pandemic, with all its challenges, by looking after one another. We have always been and always will be committed to protecting one another, giving all that we can, and meeting the issues we are facing with the many gifts the Creator has given our people. We are doing the work to listen and take care of one another. The greatest strength available to us in all that we face is the grace of God demonstrated in our families, our neighbors, and our world community, united together.
With that in mind, as Tribal Chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, it’s an incredible privilege to address you on this most significant day for our tribal members – a day the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana observes as the 47th Anniversary of our Re-recognition by the U.S. government. This day represents our elders’ triumph over adversity, resulting in our greatest wealth – our sovereignty. This day stands in Native American history, marked forever, as we, the Coushatta people, again took our rightful place as the federally recognized Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.
Three years ago, our Tribal Council signed the first official proclamation, dedicating this historic date, the 27th of June of every year, as Koasati Thoiliihchit Hokosobaitoha Nihta (Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana Re-Recognition Day). In this way, we celebrate, we remember, and we honor the enduring strength, the unwavering perseverance, and the true unity of our ancestors, our elders, and all tribal members. Knowing where you come from, what our people have overcome, and how the Struggle Has Truly Made Us Stronger, carries with it the power to overcome the challenges and struggles we face in today’s life.
Today, we recognize the absolute strength of this legacy and how it opens doors to every future opportunity for all of our tribal members.
Our ancestors, elders, and families blazed a trail for us to follow. The wrongs they endured, the hardships they overcame, the challenges they faced and even died for make our prosperity – make today – possible for us. We are blessed by the lives and the work of our ancestors and our elders. We know they are always present – the trail they blazed is a constant reminder, and motivation, for our own daily walk. Remembering them and our history in this way is an enduring honor for our generation and for generations not yet born.
As we remember and commemorate the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, we know with certainty that our Tribe has incredible strength and power to overcome any and all challenges. With the blessings of God and the strength of our ancestors, we have won, and we will continue to succeed, because We are an US. We are still here. We are Coushatta strong. We are the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.
To every member of our wonderful Tribe, this day is yours and ours to share and to remember who we are so that we will continue to be strong long after this day. This day is your sacred day. Take time to honor it. I also hope to encourage our neighbors and surrounding communities in supporting family and friends who are Coushatta tribal members. Send them messages of love, encouragement, and understanding.
As a unified community, strongest in our support and genuine care for one another, let US celebrate this 47th Anniversary of Re-recognition by the U.S. government of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana with pride in our progress and healing of America.
As noted by my father, Ernest Sickey, in 1973, as he and the elders regained our federal recognition, “The Tribe has worked long and hard for this. The struggle has made us stronger and our victory will open the way to justice and a better life.” More than ever, I remember his words and what we celebrate today, as it applies to Native Americans, and to all Americans facing unprecedented crises. Together, we will find our way to a better life – the life America promises all her citizens.
I thank each one of you. May God bless us all, and may God continue to protect and bless the sovereign nation of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.
