Hurricane Katrina

18 October 2005

Ray of Light; A Personal Perspective

On August 27th my wife and I and two of my grandchildren headed north on Louisiana Highway 23 and left the towns of Boothville-Venice behind us. Loaded in the car was a few pieces of clothing for the four of us, some important papers, and a few personal possessions. Like thousands of others who were evacuating out of the path of Hurricane Katrina, I had no idea of the tremendous changes coming to our lives.

When Katrina came ashore two days later, it took away not only our home but our entire community, and in many ways, it took away the way of life I’d known for over forty years. Though given the opportunity, it is hard to put into words the thoughts and emotions that these events have brought to the surface.

Driving through the devastated area, you find yourself completely overcome by an array of emotions as you see all the parts of your life – that were once familiar and comfortable – have been taken away. The stores that you shopped at, the place you bought gas, the restaurants where you ate, and the place you dealt with on a regular basis are not there. In the early days after the storm, I had described this feeling as if my feet were no longer touching the ground, and I had lost touch with reality.

Working with the tribes’ hurricane relief effort, first for Katrina and then for the communities affected by Hurricane Rita, has given me a broad perspective. I have seen this tragedy unfold from every angle, and I have been at the center of this great emotional upheaval.

In many ways the first victim of a catastrophe such as this will be hope. As we struggle with the day-by-day changes of lives turned upside down, we can lose sight of a vision for the future.

In the early days after Katrina struck and the tribe faced the task of bringing aid to its citizens, we stood ignored by the American government. The temptation was ever-present for us to give way to despair. There was the possibility that we could concentrate on the severity of the situation and not draw on strength and hope the creator has given us.

Fortunately, there was that ‘ray of light’, a hope that, through the Creator’s grace, brought comfort and relief. From across the land people, both native and not, have responded to the Creator’s call and have brought much needed help. Supplies and assistance have come in many forms, and Houma people are on the road to recovery.

Yes, many challenges lie ahead and many serious issues concerning the tribes’ welfare must be resolved; above all these things, we have hope!

There is a vision for a brighter and stronger future for the Houma people and a sense of security that attest to the survival of the Houma Nation.

T. Mayheart Dardar