Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana facts for kids
| Kowassaatiha | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| 910 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( Louisiana) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, Koasati | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional tribal religion, Protestant Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Koasati people |
The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana (in their own language, Kowassaatiha) is one of three federally recognized tribes of Koasati people. Being "federally recognized" means the United States government officially acknowledges them as a sovereign nation. They live in Allen and Jefferson Davis Parishes, Louisiana. Each year, the tribe holds a special event called a pow wow in June.
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Where the Coushatta Tribe Lives
The Coushatta Indian Reservation is a special area of land that belongs to the tribe. It covers 154 acres in Allen Parish, Louisiana. In the 1990s, about 400 people lived on this reservation. The tribe has its own police and fire departments, plus a court house. They also have a medical center, a fitness center, and a place for community events.
The Koasati Language
The Koasati language is a unique part of the Muskogean languages family. In 2000, around 200 people still spoke Koasati, mostly in Louisiana. For a long time, only tribal members spoke this language, and it was never written down.
In 2007, the tribe worked with McNeese State University to save their language. They received a special grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This money helped them record and protect the Koasati language for future generations.
How the Coushatta Tribe Governs Itself
The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana has its main office in Elton, Louisiana. The tribe is a sovereign nation, which means they have the power to govern themselves. They are led by a council of five members who are chosen by the people in elections.
Here are the current leaders:
- Chairman: Jonathan Cernek
- Vice–Chair: Crystal Williams
- Secretary-Treasurer: Kristian Poncho
- Council Member: Kevin Sickey
- Council Member: Loretta Williams.
Building the Tribe's Economy
The tribe owns and runs the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, Louisiana. This resort includes the Koasati Pines golf course. The casino has 8 restaurants and 4 hotels, making it the biggest casino in Louisiana. It provides jobs for over 2,500 local people. This makes it one of the largest private employers in Southwest Louisiana.
