Native Americans
Jena Band of Choctaw

by Hiram F. "Pete" Gregory

Located in three parishes, LaSalle, Rapides, and Grant, the federally-recognized tribe maintains a center at Jena, Louisiana. The tribe retains the Choctaw language, and cane basketry, blowguns, and brain-tanned deerskins are viable traditional arts and crafts. Ribbon shirts, dream catchers, and beadwork tie their crafts to more active pan-tribal crafts.

Jena Band of Choctaws Folk Artists:

Basketry

Rose Fisher - Split Cane Basketmaker

Ethnic Traditions and Household Crafts

Mary Jones - Chinaberry Necklace Maker and Choctaw Language and Traditions

Ranching, Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping

Clyde Jackson - Deerskin Tanner

Storytelling, Humor, and Oral History

Mary Jones - Chinaberry Necklace Maker and Choctaw Language and Traditions