While the attention of the country seems to be focused on the devastation of New Orleans following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last August and September, the United Houma Tribe of Louisiana continues to rebuild, largely through the efforts of volunteers from across the country.
Some 3,500 tribal citizens were affected by the storms and over 1000 were left homeless, their homes completely destroyed by wind and water. The Houma Tribe consists of over 11,000 members and is the largest tribe in Louisiana.
Although the waters have long since receded, the tribe continues to focus on getting homes repaired and some rebuilt.
The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference of the United Methodist church is among a small number of hundreds of volunteers who have come to the aid of the United Houma Nation.
Two teams of volunteers spent their Christmas and New Year’s Holiday among the Houma people. Helping to rebuild roofs of tribal elders and other citizens.
While the second team was there, the local site coordinator announced that they had just finished roof number forty, with many more to go, said Rev. David Wilson, one of the volunteers and the head of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference.
The team members from Native American United Methodist churches spent most of their time tearing off old shingles and roofing materials and replacing the old roofs. Other members also worked in the Houma Relief Center located in the area. Mrs. Brenda Robichaux, Houma Tribal Chairwoman said the tribe has a list of priorities they are working from, which include tribal elders at the top. She also said that the list continues to be long and there continues to be a great need. The emphasis right now is the repair and replacing of roofs, she said.
Team members treated the tribal chairperson’s family to a special dinner while they were there and Mrs. Robichaux expressed her appreciation for all the volunteers who have helped the tribe.
Mr. Ed Leftwich, member of Mary Lee Clark UMC in Del City arrived in Houma on December 27th and opted to stay to help out due to the tremendous need in the community, said Rev. Wilson. As of January 11, 2006, Ed was still there helping with other volunteers. Mr. Leftwich is a roofer by trade and was a godsend to the tribe, Rev. Wilson said.
“After I saw the need, I knew I would have to stay awhile,” Mr. Leftwich said. “There is a tremendous need and the people need our help.”
Among the volunteers were retired persons, tribal firefighters, a law student, and business persons. All of the volunteers were drawn to help out other Native American persons in need and volunteered their time and money to get to Louisiana.
“It was a great experience for me,” said Ms. Tana Fitzpatrick, Ponca, Chickasaw, Crow and Sioux, “I learned a low while I was there and it was a great way for me to spend my break from school,” she said. Tana is a first year law student at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.
Team members who went the week after Christmas included Ed and Delrayne Leftwich of Mary Lee Clark Memorial UMC; Elvis Billiott of Fife Memorial UMC; Rev. Billie Nowabbi; Rev. Mildred Harjo; and Rev. Rubye Taylor.
Team members for the second team included, Rev. David Wilson, Tana Fitzpatrick, Norman First American UMC; Karen Tso, Mt. Scott Kiowa; Matt Horse, Mt. Scott Kiowa; Karen Deason, J.J. Methvin UMC; and Rose Bonine.
At least three other volunteer teams from the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference are planning to go to the tribal area over the next several weeks, said Phillis McCarty, OIMC Disaster Response Coordinator. The conference is also working to organize more trips over the next several months.
There will be a training to be scheduled for persons who are interested in serving as team leaders who will organize and lead teams to work with the tribe. Information will be sent soon to pastors announcing the dates.
If persons are interested in going on a work team, please contact Phillis McCarty or David Wilson at the OIMC office at 405-632-2006
