About the Artists

Leland Thompson, Coushatta
from Elton, Louisianna

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Leland Thompson is a young Coushatta. When we met him he was preparing to be married. Leland works for the tribe. His job is to visit the elders and to gain whatever knowledge and memories that they might have before they are lost. It is clear in talking to him that he is passionate about his work. In fact, he almost feels guilty for being paid to sit for hours with the elders of his tribe and learn from them.

When we met Leland, he was engaged to be married. I remember him saying that he was not allowed to step over electrical cords prior to his marriage and that the elders have told him he must never crinkle his money but keep it smooth and unfolded.

The Coushatta people were very isolated until recently and when Leland entered the public school system, he spoke no English. It was a difficult transition for him and it took him a few years to catch up to the other students.

The Coushatta fought a long hard battle to be regain their recognition as a tribe by the U.S. government. They finally gained this status in 1973. The programs for regaining their strength as a culture, developing an economic base, buying land, building schools, are inspiring.