Northwestern State University’s Bands and Percussion Ensemble will showcase student musicians, conductors, and composers in two upcoming concerts at Magale Recital Hall. Admission to both events is free, and the public is invited to attend. Livestreams will be available at http://www.nsu.la/CAPA-LIVE.

The first concert, presented by the NSU Bands, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature the 2025 Fall Winds Concert Ensemble and the Wind Symphony. Donations will be accepted to support the bands’ upcoming trip to Dublin, Ireland. Contributions can be made by contacting Director of Bands Anthony Pursell at pursella@nsula.edu, 318-357-5825, or through the link northwesternstatealumni.com/band-ireland-trip.

The Fall Winds Concert Ensemble, established in 2024, brings together community members, faculty, staff, and administrators to perform alongside NSU students. The ensemble also gives senior music education majors valuable experience conducting and managing the group in preparation for student teaching. Student conductors include Dylan Dunn-Peacock, Reon Bell, Timothy Pursell, and Josue Bustillo, under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Blair, assistant director of bands, and Dr. Molly Blair, assistant professor of music education.

“The ensemble provides our undergraduate music education majors with an opportunity typically reserved for graduate students,” said Pursell. “I am proud of both our faculty for supporting them and the students for stepping up to lead their peers.”

Following the Fall Winds performance, the Wind Symphony will perform a short concert cycle as they prepare for their appearance at the Louisiana Music Educators Association Conference in New Orleans this January. The program will include the premiere of Fanfare for Brotherhood by senior music education major Turner Sugg, written for the Theta Nu chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, as well as works by Robert Langenfeld (Bursts of Joy), Samuel Hazo (Perthshire Majesty), and a special visit from composer Rossano Galante, who will lead a high school honor band on campus the following week.

The musical celebrations continue on Friday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. when the NSU Percussion Ensemble presents its fall concert. The performance will feature a variety of chamber pieces highlighting different instruments, styles, and composers, including works by John Cage, Andy Akiho, Ivan Treviño, Jessica Flannigan, and Tyler Tolles.
Director of the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts, Scott Burrell, will narrate a children’s story to Treviño’s percussion quartet Space Junk. Music education students from Percussion Class I, taught by Dr. Andrew Blair, will demonstrate their progress in a live performance setting.

The concert will conclude with an arrangement by junior music education major Caedmon Larson of Todd Baker’s Endless Desert. The NSU Percussion Ensemble is directed by Dr. Oliver Molina, with assistance from graduate students Walker Libbe and Sam Wyant.

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Once upon a time, the preacher’s hair was a theological marvel—thick, resilient, and capable of withstanding even the fiercest stewardship campaign. But somewhere between the fifth funeral and the twelfth vision meeting, the follicles began to falter. The once lush locks now resemble the sanctuary after a youth lock-in: scattered, exhausted, and in need of divine intervention.

Is this simply aging? Or is the church, in its mysterious ways, sanctifying its shepherd one strand at a time?

Let’s examine the evidence.

Sermonic Stress: Each sermon must be biblically sound, emotionally stirring, and short enough to beat the Baptists to lunch. That kind of pressure could make Samson reach for a razor.

Liturgical Load: From Lent to Laity Sunday, the preacher must pivot from lament to celebration, all while remembering which stole matches the season. Hair doesn’t stand a chance.

Pastoral Care and Hair Despair: One moment you’re comforting a grieving family, the next you’re navigating a debate about the color of the new fellowship hall chairs. Emotional whiplash is real—and follicular fallout follows.

Vision Casting and Hair Blasting: Rolling out a church-wide vision like L.I.V.E. (Learn and Apply the Word, Invest in Others, Voice the Gospel, Engage with God) requires graphics, podcasts, small group guides, and enough coffee to sanctify a Starbucks. The preacher’s hair, once thick with possibility, now thins under the weight of holy ambition.

And yet—here’s the grace.

Jesus once said, “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Not counted in judgment, but in love.

Not tracked for vanity but treasured for intimacy. Every strand lost in ministry is known to God. Every follicle that falls is a testimony to a life poured out in service.

So let the strands fall where they may. For every hair lost, a story is gained. Every patch of bare skin becomes a canvas for resurrection. And in the end, the preacher doesn’t go bald.

He goes bold!

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email:  DougDeGraffenried

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Rotarian Paul Rinehart invited and introduced the Executive Director of the Cane River National Heritage Area Rebecca Blankenbaker at the November 4 Rotary meeting. Blankenbaker presented an overview of past, present, and future goals of preserving the cultural story of Natchitoches. Pictured from left are Rinehart, Blankenbaker, and Rotary President Louie Bernard (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

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Downtown Natchitoches shines a bit brighter today as the second in a series of five art pieces was unveiled in Beau Jardin Monday, November 3. The series, titled “Natchitoches in Bloom”, is intended to celebrate Natchitoches’ history and culture with sculptures of flowers significant to the region. The sculpture unveiled today is of a zinnia and is titled “Ode to Clementine” and is a tribute to renowned Natchitoches folk artist Clementine Hunter whose art often featured this flower. The piece is a collaboration between NSU Associate Professor of Art Corbin Covher and local artist Kassi Picou.

Professor Covher said of the project: “I want to help create a set of sculptures that tell the story of our city better than what one type of flower could say. The sculptures will all belong to the series, but instead of one repetitive sculpture, each flower will be one of a kind and add to the narrative of Natchitoches,” 

The Natchitoches in Bloom public art project was created by the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission and the Cane River National Heritage Area. 

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Beautiful, rare Sibley Lake waterfront lot available in the established neighborhood of Oak Point Estates. Perfect location to build your Dream Home.

Address for lot is 112 Cypress Cove on a quiet cul-de-sac street. Lot has 128 feet of water frontage with picturesque lake views.

Subject to restrictions of the Oak Point Estates Homeowner’s Association.

Single Lot: $80,000.00

Contact Owner:
Cell: 318-393-8536

eMail: mes022@yahoo.com

Ward: One
Type: Real Property
Legal: Lot 57 of Oak Point Estates Subdivision, Phase #3 in Section 47-9-7 (112 Cypress Cove)

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Natchitoches Regional Medical Center recently recognized Jessica Peluso, Physician Assistant in Pulmonology, as its newest Guardian Angel.

Jessica was nominated by a grateful patient for her dedication, compassion, and the attentive care she provides. Her ability to listen, explain, and support patients throughout their care journey truly makes a difference.

About the Guardian Angel Program
The Guardian Angel program celebrates exceptional caregivers including doctors, physician assistants, nurses, aides, therapists, and other team members who go above and beyond. Nominations come directly from patients and families who have experienced extraordinary care and include a contribution to the NRMC Foundation in honor of the caregiver.

Nominate a Guardian Angel: nrmcfoundation.org/guardianangel

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Natchitoches’ Women’s Resource Center was among five such centers throughout Louisiana to be honored by Louisiana Right to Life with a “Pro-Life Leadership Award” at the 2025 Republican Leadership Conference held in Alexandria Saturday, November 1.

WRC Executive Director K. Nicole Woods accepted the award on behalf of the center, its staff and dedicated volunteers. The WRC served over 200 young women last year, helping with education as well as practical help such as car seats and other baby supplies. Previously, the WRC assisted new mothers through the baby’s first year. Starting in January, the center will be able to provide assistance through the child’s third birthday, giving the new moms and their children a solid start in their new lives.

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This tax only affects those living in the Provencal School District, which includes the Provencal and Cloutierville areas, and it will result in benefits for Provencal Elementary and Jr. High. 

This plan restructures old Provencal construction debt and funds new improvements to benefit every Provencal student. This plan also cleans up old taxing districts that previously did not match attendance zones. Now, your taxing district will match your child’s attendance zone, meaning your tax dollars support the school your child attends!

The bond will provide $12.5 million in funding for important projects, including:
• Replacing the school’s aging HVAC system
• Upgrading classrooms and technology
• Making repairs to the building and campus
• Improving athletic and music facilities

You may be wondering how this will impact your tax bill:
• Residents in the Provencal area will see a 5-mill reduction.
• Residents in the Cloutierville area, who previously did not financially support the school because their students did not attend Provencal, will begin contributing with 15 mills.

Vote YES!  Together,  we can ensure that Provencal School stays safe, modern, and ready for the future!

Political Ad Paid for by the Friends of the Students, Faculty and Staff of the Natchitoches Parish Schools

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Members of the Natchitoches Lions Club gathered at First Baptist Church to pack Operation Christmas Child boxes, filling them with gifts and essentials for children around the world.

In addition to packing the boxes, the Lions Club contributed to cover shipping costs. Terminator Pest Management and Preston Durr generously matched the donation, doubling the impact and helping even more children receive these holiday gifts.

The gathering also included a special celebration for longtime Lions Club member Mimi Stoker, honoring her birthday and her years of dedicated service to the community.

The Natchitoches Lions Club continues to demonstrate the power of community service, combining volunteer efforts and partnerships to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need.

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LINCOLN, Neb.—Vernell Atamah dropped in a game-high 20 points, but the Northwestern State women’s basketball team couldn’t overcome 24 turnovers and the size of Nebraska in a season-opening 103-46 loss Monday afternoon at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

NSU (0-1) coughed the ball up 17 times in the first half, leading to 30 Nebraska (1-0) points, which put the Demons behind to stay. They turned it over only seven times in the final 20 minutes.

“Today’s game was a tail of two halves,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “The girls corrected a lot of our first half mistakes and locked in and played more intentional in the second half. I was very happy with how they responded after halftime and played with more poise and discipline.

“We have a lot of good, teachable moments from today. Now we learn from it and prepare to take on Wichita State.”

Nebraska shot well from the field all day long, shooting 61 percent from the field, including 8-of-10 in the final frame. That was helped by 50 points in the paint.

When they didn’t score inside, the Cornhuskers used their size to earn trips to the free throw line, making 23-of-30.

Nebraska built a 32-10 lead after the first period and led 59-18 at halftime.

In the second half, it was a different story. Held to just five points on 1-of-7 shooting in the first half, last year’s Southland Conference Freshman of the Year woke up in the third quarter.

After missing her first two shots of the quarter, Atamah came alive, making five straight shots and scoring 15 in the third quarter to play the Cornhuskers to a virtual stalemate.

Next for the Demons is a Thursday contest at Wichita State, the second of three road games to begin the season.

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Northwestern State men’s basketball team battled through a relentless Texas A&M press but couldn’t overcome the Aggies’ size and tempo in a season-opening 98–68 loss Monday night at Reed Arena. 

Third-year Demons coach Rick Cabrera praised his team’s effort despite the outcome, noting the experience will serve as a valuable teaching tool. 

“I’m proud of my guys for the effort,” Cabrera said. “We did some good things, but giving up 98 points is never acceptable. We didn’t guard the way my teams are known to defend. The press bothered us, but it’s a learning experience. One loss doesn’t define us — we’ll bounce back.” 

Micah Thomas paced NSU with 28 points on 9-for-16 shooting, including 4-for-4 from 3 and 6-for-6 from the line. Omar Adegbola provided a second-half spark with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting and 4-for-4 from the stripe.

“Micah carried us and played like a guard who could start for them,” Cabrera said.

Cabrera said facing an SEC press like A&M’s “Bucky Ball” defense provided perspective on the challenges ahead.  

“We’re not going to see another defense like this,” he said. “They scored 48 points in the paint — that’s almost half their total. You can’t win when teams are getting that many layups and twos. But this is how we get better. I told our guys: it’s a learning game.” 

Cabrera emphasized the impact of missing forward Willie Williams, who was sidelined with an injury.  

“Willie’s such a big part of what we do,” Cabrera said. “He’s a great ball handler for his size and would’ve helped us against their press. Once we’re healthy, I expect us to compete for a conference championship.” 

Northwestern returns to action Thursday at North Texas.

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Meet Ella!

Ella is a loving and easy going girl with just the right amount of playful energy. She enjoys having fun and being part of the action, but she is happiest when she’s getting attention, affection, and lots of belly rubs.

One of Ella’s cutest quirks is her perfect sploot — she loves stretching out in the most adorable way, especially after a good cuddle session. And she gives riding in a car a 10 out of 10, especially if there’s a pup cup involved!

Friendly and affectionate, Ella believes every person she meets is a new friend. She’ll happily soak up all the attention and return it with love and kisses!

If you’re looking for a sweet pup who brings the perfect mix of playfulness and calm, Ella is your girl. She’s ready to share her heart — and her perfect sploot — with her forever family.

For more information about fostering or adopting Ella please reach out to FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or visit the website npfauna.org

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Ronald’s job required him to travel all over the world.  His career was hectic, sometime chaotic, and he was constantly on the go.  He was always surrounded by people.  When Ronald got a much-needed break from work, he wanted to spend his time somewhere peaceful and quiet.  His favorite hobby, fishing, provided him the perfect escape.   

And so it was early one evening in the 1980s.  Ronald and his dog, a toy fox terrier named Tuffy, boarded Ronald’s bass boat and headed out onto Lake Shasta in northern California.  Ronald was sure to find solitude in the 30,000-acre lake whose shoreline spans some 365 miles.  Ronald motored his boat into a cove on the lake near a grove of tall pine trees which jutted out from the depths.  Some of the pine trees, the Sugar Pine, grow to a height of up to 200 feet, but about half of the height of the trees Ronald anchored his boat near that day were underwater.  There was hardly a ripple on the water.  He could hear a slight breeze blowing through the trees and the calls of a few birds.  A dog barked in the distance.  Ronald cast his bait into the water.  As he slowly reeled it back in, he glanced at the beautiful snow-capped Mount Shasta, the second highest peak in the Cascade mountain range.  He scanned the shoreline and took a deep breath.  When he exhaled, it was as if months of pressure was released from his body and mind.  With each cast, he became more relaxed.  The catching of a fish was beside the point.  There were no other boats in sight.  Nothing, he thought, could interrupt the tranquility that he was experiencing.

Suddenly, without any buildup or warning, the silence was broken by a sound he described as being “as loud as a hundred freight trains.”  Ronald was born and raised in a refrigerated boxcar that his father had converted into a home just about a rock’s throw from the main line of the Santa Fe railroad.  The noise was instantaneous and deafening.  Ronald thought someone had thrown a case of dynamite into the lake.  He was sure it was the end for himself and Tuffy.  One of the tall pine trees near his fishing spot, a tree he estimated to have been about 110 feet tall, “was released by mother nature from the bottom of the lake.”  With so much of the tree underwater, when its deep roots let go it shot up into the air like a rocket to a height of about 300 feet then broke into three pieces.  Ronald said, “millions of gallons of water flew from its branches.”  The tree shattered when it crashed back down onto the lake’s surface near his boat.  Then, there was a deafening silence.  The sounds of the birds singing, the distant dog’s barking, even the sound of the breeze rustling the leaves in the trees had stopped. 

As Ronald looked around in stunned silence, he realized that he had survived.  Tuffy was also visibly shaken but uninjured.  He thought about what he had just witnessed and understood how lucky he was once again.  He had spent much of his youth in juvenile detention centers, and as a young adult, he had survived a stint in the notorious San Quentin prison.  Ronald concluded that if the trajectory of that hurtling waterlogged tree had been slightly different, he would have been killed, and the cause would have remained a mystery.  After his shocking fishing trip, Ronald returned to work performing his hit songs including “Mama Tried,” “Workin’ Man Blues,” and “Okie From Muskogee.”  You see, Ronald was the middle name of Merle Haggard.                   

Sources:

1.     “Trees of the Shasta-Trinity,” United States Department of Agriculture, accessed October 26, 2025, https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/legacy-media/shasta-trinity/Trees%20of%20the%20Shasta-Trinity%20ROG.pdf.

2.     Merle Haggard and Tom Carter, Merle Haggard’s My House of Memories, (New York: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., 1999), 209.

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The tattered remains of a balloon, its silver string dangling over a flowerpot in my backyard, caught my attention one early morning before Halloween.

(Surreally speaking, Sir Isaac Newton, attired in the Dickensian tatters during his ghostly visit by means of balloon ex machina, drove home the laws of “What goes up must come down,” illustrating the laws of motion governing the heavenly bodies. And also the earthly ones.)

And my heart leaped for the image of Banksy’s ‘Girl with Balloon’ inscribed with the phrase – THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE.

I hope that the child, assuming that it was a child, who lost her or his grip on the silver string of the balloon, knows that there is always hope. And I hope that the child’s guardian is there to remind the child that there is always hope. For “The Child [without hope] is Father of the [lost] Man.”

“However, beyond its scientific significance, this quote can also serve as a catalyst for philosophical contemplation.” (The Socratic Method)

William Shakespeare’s “Seven Ages of Man” is a vivid illustration of the “What goes up must come down” pertaining to human being from its “Mewling and puking” infancy to its last stage of “second childishness and mere oblivion”, completing the cyclical nature of our being.

“What goes up must come down” underscores the Hindu concept of incarnation. What dies must be born again. And again.

Given the philosophical twist of the Möbius strip of being, death is present in life, and life in death. It is similar to the Taoist concept of the union of Yin and Yang, two seemingly opposite forces.

Hence the chariot of life runs on the wheels of Dharma and Karma. Rebirth or Moksha depends on the Dharma and Karma working in tandem. Dharma propels the one with a clean Karmic slate out of the Möbius loop of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) on to the realm of deathlessness. It is called Nirvana in the Buddhist tradition

Here is an example of art copying the rhythm of life, in James Joyce’s Finnegan’s Wake’s concluding word is “the”, which sends the reader back to the beginning of the book, “riverrun”, connecting the loop, albeit a linear one. So to speak, Finnegan is born again.

Also, “What goes up must come down” is the beginning line of the 1st stanza of “Spinning Wheel”, the 1969 hit song by Blood, Sweat & Tears, a Jazz Rock Group. “Everything comes full circle” is the theme of “Spinning Wheel” song.

Finally, let us abide by the love and warmth of our humanity, for we are the undying embers. Let us abide our time, for the Phoenix will rise again.

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By JIM BUTLER

The Diocese of Alexandria lists assets of $16.7 million and liabilities of $9.5 million in its bankruptcy petition filed October 31. 

Seeking Chapter 11 reorganization, the diocese through its attorneys lists $7.8 million in unsecured claims. 

Chapter 11 stays action against a debtor, allowing time for reorganization and court assessment of payment demands.

Bishop Robert N. Marshall Jr. in a letter to parishioners said the 93-page petition seeks a global settlement with those who seek remuneration as a result of alleged clergy sexual incidents.

More than half the 85 identified complaints, by the alleged victims or on their behalf, as of the filing stem from the 1970s or earlier.

A final number will not be known until the court, Chief Bankruptcy Judge John S. Hodges, U.S. Western District of Louisiana, presiding, sets a claims deadline.

It has been previously reported that diocesan officials thought it could pay up to $4 million to resolve the matter and remain solvent.

The diocese a year ago confirmed it and 40 other organizations were working to reach a global settlement before any filing, as a result avoiding extensive delays and legal fees.

(The diocese estimates legal fees of the current matter to be $1 million to $2 million.) A mediator hired by that consortium worked with six attorney groups to reach agreement to stay civil proceedings while negotiating proceeded. 

In the interim staggering award numbers have occurred in several jurisdictions, most recently New Orleans, where $230 million is in play.

(An aside: Alexandria attorney Richard Arsenault is court-appointed reviewer of the New Orleans individual claim awards under a points system.) Status of the Alexandria mediation effort has not been disclosed.

Unsecured claims listed in the Diocesan filing include $7.1 million for priest retirement, health insurance and burial benefits and $626,000 guarantee of a loan to Holy Savior Menard Central High.

In addition to the primary petition the filing includes 21 motions, mostly relating to enrollment of counsel, agent for eventual distribution, financial management and the like.

Bradley L. Drell, of Alexandria’s Gold Weems, is counsel. Also enrolled is national firm Husch Blackwell LLP, three of its partners and a senior counsel.

The filings include a proposed interim order, a proposed final order and disclosure of compensation, none of which is viewable online without subscription to the court-approved information system.

The case number is 25-31257.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives are reporting that Ernest Lard, 50, wanted by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, was captured this afternoon in Red River Parish by Red River Parish Sheriff’s Deputies.

Lard was wanted by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for 1 count of First Degree Rape in connection with an ongoing sexual assault investigation being conducted by NPSO Detectives in Campti.
No further information will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Lard is currently being held in the Red River Parish Jail pending his transfer to Natchitoches Parish.

Sheriff Stuart Wright expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office and the public, stating:

“We want to thank Sheriff Glen Edwards and his deputies for their excellent cooperation and quick response in locating and apprehending this suspect. We also appreciate the members of the public who provided helpful information during the course of this investigation. Working together, we were able to bring this case one step closer to justice.”

If you have any information you would like to share, contact Detective Sgt. Matthew Robertson at 318-357-7830.

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The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) has confirmed that a woman arrested following Wednesday’s 38-mile pursuit on Interstate 49 was using a false identity and is actually a fugitive wanted in Alabama for two counts of attempted murder and arson.

NPSO received a tip on Oct. 31 from a concerned citizen revealing that the female suspect, who initially identified herself as Charidi S. Lopez, is in fact Terry Jo Richardson, 41, of Birmingham, Alabama. Richardson remains in custody at the Rapides Parish Detention Center in Alexandria.

NPSO deputies and communications operators relayed the information to Louisiana State Police Troop E, whose investigators confirmed Richardson’s true identity using the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). A National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check then revealed her active Alabama warrants.

Louisiana State Police have since added charges of Misrepresentation During Booking, Interfering with the Duties of State Police, and Criminal Obstruction of Justice.

The case began on the morning of Oct. 29 when NPSO Deputy Cpl. N. Kerby, conducting a special speed enforcement detail, attempted to stop a 2015 GMC Yukon traveling southbound on I-49 near mile marker 132 for speeding 88 mph in a 75 mph zone.

When Cpl. Kerby exited her patrol vehicle, the driver made a hand gesture and fled, initiating a 38-mile pursuit that reached speeds exceeding 100 mph. The suspect vehicle struck multiple guardrails, exited and re-entered the interstate several times, and eventually entered Rapides Parish.

Louisiana State Police Troopers successfully deployed a tire deflation device near Rapides Station, after which the Yukon overturned and came to rest on the interstate. Both the driver and passenger fled on foot but were quickly apprehended by troopers without further incident.

Both suspects sustained minor injuries and were treated at an Alexandria hospital before being booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center.

The passenger, identified as Wilbur L. Heard Jr., also of Birmingham, Alabama, was found to have outstanding warrants in Alabama and faces extradition, along with additional State Police charges.
Sheriff Stuart Wright commended the interagency cooperation that led to the safe conclusion of the pursuit and the identification of a dangerous fugitive.

“This investigation demonstrates the professionalism and persistence of our deputies and partners at Louisiana State Police and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Wright. “Thanks to their teamwork, a dangerous individual wanted for serious crimes in another state has been taken off the streets.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

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The Adai Caddo Indian Nation hosted its 27th Annual Powwow in Robeline, Natchitoches Parish on October 18, 2025. The powwow is the largest festival in Robeline drawing thousands of attendees from across the country and as far away as Russia and Australia.

The day started with an 8:00 AM mass at the Los Adaes State Historic Site sponsored by the Cane River National Heritage Area. The presidio at Los Adaes, originally called Nuestra Señora del Pilar de los Adaes, was the first capital of Texas and it’s mission was the first Catholic mission in present-day Louisiana. The first mass was held there over 300 years ago. Both the presidio and mission are named for the Adai Caddo Indians (Los Adaes translates to the Adai).

Father Louis Sklar (a native of Natchitoches Parish) presided over the mass with a congregation consisting of the descendants of the original French, Spanish, and Native American settlers. Assisting Father Sklar as lector was John Mark Davis, Chief of the Adai Caddo Indian Nation.

“We were honored to attend mass at Los Adaes, a historically significant site for all people of Louisiana and Texas,” said Robert Brevelle, Tribal Councilman of the Adai Caddo Indian Nation. “Over 300 years ago, our ancestors welcomed the Spanish and French explorers. We asked our guests to build a mission so that we may worship and learn the teachings of Jesus Christ. That mission was the first Catholic mission in present-day Louisiana and named for our people [San Miguel de Linares de los Adaes]. The presidio [Los Adaes] and the second mission in Louisiana, built nearby, was also named for our people [San Miguel de Cuellar de los Adaes]. The presidio served as the first capital of Texas for nearly 50 years. And at last week’s mass, the lineal descendants of the Indigenous peoples and the Spanish and French pioneers gathered to worship. We are cousins sharing a common history, bloodline, and faith.”

The powwow was held at the Adai Caddo Cultural Center located five miles north of Los Adaes. The 80-acre complex includes a museum and ceremonial grounds. The powwow is free and open to the public. The family friendly event includes arts and craft vendors, musicians, and dancers from across the country. Father Sklar blessed the grounds at 10:00 AM and the festivities went until 4:00 PM.

Vice Chief Deb Garrett received the Chief Rufus Davis Jr. award, the Adai Caddo Indian Nation’s highest honor. The award is presented to individuals whose selfless service and actions are above and beyond all others, contributing to the protection and advancement of the tribe, its members, and legacy.

Liz Niette Williams, Patricia Niette Gilcrease, and Sandra Arthur received the Tribal Council Award for their outstanding leadership, volunteerism, and service to the tribe.  Harper Danielle Davis was crowned Adai Caddo Princess by the Council of Elders, and she will represent the tribe at powwows, festivals, and other events. 

In attendance and participating in the gourd dance was Chief Tom Rivers and Vice Chief Jake Rivers of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb. Chief Rivers is also the Chairman of the Louisiana Native American Commission.  

“The powwow was held historically for many purposes,” said John Mark Davis, Chief of the Adai Caddo Indian Nation. “Traditionally powwows would have been held several times a year for different purposes such as war, harvest, honor and prayer for a successful harvest or a successful hunt. Today we celebrate our powwow to honor these traditions and demonstrate our heritage with dances, crafts and traditional food. 

This year’s powwow was a great success, and even extra special, thanks to the Cane River heritage group for arranging a Mass lead by Father Louis Sklar at one of the first missions and one of our original villages, at Los Adaes for El Camino Real day.

The following day, the Adai Caddo held their annual meeting at the Cultural Center. Adai Caddo Paul Vercher of Old Henly Knife & Tool Co. presented gifts of tomahawk calumets (peace pipes) to Chief John Mark Davis, Vice Chief Deb Garrett, and Councilman Robert Brevelle. Paul hand forged the tomahawks from steel salvaged from a 19th century wagon wheel found on the family’s Texas ranch. Paul did all of the woodwork and leatherwork himself. One of the calumets will be used next year at a ceremony for the Adai Caddo and the Spanish government. 

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