Principal Chief

Dr. Mike Robichaux, Brenda Dardar Robichaux, Felicite Robichaux, Jason Pitre, Jamie Billiot, Joshua Pitre,

Biography

Brenda Dardar-Robichaux was born October 15, 1958 in the bayou community of Golden Meadow, LA. Her mother and father are Houma who were not allowed to attend public schools and were limited to a 7th grade education by the policies of segregation present at that time. Brenda was the first child in her family to be allowed to attend public school, and was her family’s first high school graduate. She is the granddaughter of Ernest Dardar, a well respected tribal leader and spiritual healer or “traiteur”.

Shortly after graduation in 1976, Brenda began working for the Indian Education & Supportive Services Program of the Lafourche Parish School Board where she presently serves as Director/Cultural Resource Specialist.

Brenda began serving on the Tribal Council of the United Houma Nation in 1992. In 1997, she was elected Chairwoman of the 16,000 member Nation and in 2002, she attained the position of Principal Chief of the Houma Nation.

Under her leadership in both Indian Education and Tribal Government, the UHN has enjoyed unparalleled growth, a cultural resurgence and international recognition. She and the Houma Nation have hosted members of the French Senate, French Aristocracy, and French Naval attachments as well as Tribal leaders of many Nations. Brenda was presented a medal by the French Government, making her the first Medal Chief of the Houma Nation in over 300 years.

Her willingness to confront the injustices against Indian people from the classroom to the state capitol is well established and she has gained a reputation as being an outspoken and dauntless advocate for minority issues.

Brenda is a board member of the Inter-Tribal Council of LA and initiated the development of the LA Indian Education Advocacy Committee. She serves on the Board of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, and is an officer and member of numerous other boards and organizations.

Brenda is married to Dr. Michael Robichaux and the mother of three children, Josh, Jason and Felicite.