By Belinda Brooks
Members of the Butte Tribe of Bayou Bourbeaux met at Northwestern State University (NSU) on Dec. 7 to decorate their float and participate in the 98th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival parade.
Approximately 40 tribe members gathered to adorn the tribal float in festive, metallic colors to celebrate the holiday season. Chief Rodger Collum and Joseph “Keith” Hernandez mounted war horses to add to the ceremonial effects and the parade route crowd’s excitement.
As the tribe walked through the cobbled streets of Natchitoches, they gifted the bystanders with thousands of parade throws of beads, candy, balloons, and New Orleans Saints sports balls. Butte Tribe member Clay Mayeaux donated hundreds of Mayeaux’s Steak and Seafood cups to honor his ancestors and the Christmas celebration. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season from Butte Tribe of Bayou Bourbeaux.
