The Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana,(NTL), a Louisiana State Recognized Tribe and 501(c)3 organization received a grant on Nov. 29 from the Foundation for Louisiana that will support ongoing operations remotely and at its soon-to-be completed Tribal office and Heritage Center, currently under development on Tribal property in Campti.
In accepting the award, Primary Chief Fred Simon and Vice Chief Janette Melton expressed their appreciation in an email to Caryn Blair, Strategic Projects Manager for the Foundation for Louisiana and agreed to use these funds for “the benefit of all our members,” by supporting and sustaining ongoing Tribal operations, over the next year.
“This grant is a welcome resource to continue the leadership team’s vision of putting resources in place, on our Tribal property in Campti for the benefit of our NTL members and the local community” said Executive Director and Grant Manager, Junell Scheeres in response to news of the award. “Receiving this grant is especially exciting, as we recently celebrated our shared Native American Heritage, an integral part of Louisiana’s heritage story, during an NTL Tribal Family Gathering over Veteran’s Day weekend.”
In the days of early Spanish and French exploration, the Natchitoches Tribe was originally a confederation of Tribes. They once occupied a large territory along the Red River in what is now portions of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Currently its descendants reside in 88 towns/cities across 23 Parishes in Louisiana, and in 38 States and three countries.
Today’s NTL seeks to promote the health, education and well-being of its members and the communities where they live through a variety of activities. In 2023, they participated in several cultural & folk-art festivals, led local food drives and clean-up days, and donated supplies and hosted art contests with area schools. “Giving back to the community is how we seek to honor the sacrifices of our ancestors,” shared Chief Simon. “This grant will be used to continue this work, and for that we are thankful.”
