New non-profit celebrates Aboriginal Carnival Indians through life, history, and cultural sharing

A new non-profit organization formed this year has big plans for St. Charles Parish.

Feather Fund NOLA was founded this year on three key principles. The first is to uphold and celebrate the culture, music, and history of the Aboriginal Indians of Louisiana. The second is to provide education and activities to promote the aboriginal culture, and the third is to provide opportunities and programming for youth in high-need areas in the community.

Rachel Ledet, a Feather Fund NOLA board member, explained that the organization was formed because of the economic need to give more job opportunities and exposure to the Indians through events and appearances in which the Indians will profit financially.

“We want to create a funnel that helps them get more exposure and output from their culture,” she said.

Ledet said the organization is in major fundraising mode currently as they plan new ways to provide the Indians and their families with not only appearance opportunities but more educational opportunities and access to technology. She said the industry-rich economic climate of St. Charles Parish is a perfect place for the organization to focus its efforts.

“We want to invite St. Charles Parish industry to really partner with us and showcase what they have to offer as far as jobs and career paths,” Ledet said.

The organization has been welcomed by St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell, River Parishes Tourist Commission, many industry leaders, Destrehan Plantation and many other local entities, Ledet said.

Future events planned by Feather Fund Nola include a St. Charles Parish Cultural Festival celebrating the Aboriginal People of Louisiana, a Cultural Festival Fundraising Gala in Destrehan, and a Carnival Second Line Procession that would start at Destrehan High School and culminate with a celebration at Destrehan Plantation.

Ledet said the Feather Fund NOLA board is excited to offer the entire River Region the chance to get acquainted with Aboriginal Indian Culture, all while helping the Indians continue in their traditions and culture.

“We want to give money back to the original community with the goal of providing financial support to continue their history and culture,” she said. “We want to highlight the inter-connection of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the Aboriginal/Pioneering cultures of Louisiana through education, events, and festivals.”

For more information visit www.featherfundnola.com.