Told by M. Leblanc:
Meeting at the mounds of Caddo will take place in the early afternoon. There is no place to get lunch there so it is best to eat en route. Right after lunch we will begin - around 12:30 or 1:00 NDN time on Saturday, October 11. We plan to bring lawn chairs and set up under the shade trees, which are near to the river. People should bring cool drinks as the afternoon may be warm. It is best to dress appropriate for the weather. If we do any dancing it will be just for fun among us so regalia is not necessary. Some of us may bring hand drums or other portable musical instruments. Later in the day when it is a little cooler we may dance.
Starting in the early afternoon, the plan is to have discussion. Various
tribal people may talk about their respective groups. Chiefs who are
present may be asked to say a few words. After the opening remarks we may have several discussions ongoing and break into smaller groups. We may have a circle where people discuss the history of Native people in Texas and Louisiana. We may have a circle where people tell stories and lore. We may have a circle where we make prayer feathers. If there are enough kids who want to play, we may get up a stick ball game. These suggestions are not firmed up yet and will evolve as people indicate their preferences and interests. Suggestions are welcome.
This place is a mound complex, which has been a Native American sacred site for over a thousand years. There are many mounds in that area. The place where we plan to set up is near a river under a stand of trees where it will be shady. Adjacent to the shaded area is a burial mound about 35 ft. high. Also nearby is what used to be a mound of Oracles. There was a temple on top of that mound, which housed seers. The Baton Rouge was a popular method used by those who were seers. We may talk about the Baton Rouge and what it was. The city Baton Rouge takes its name from the large temple of oracles, which once stood there. It was to North America as Delphi was to Greece -people came from miles around to consult the baton rouge. When whites arrived they destroyed the Baton Rouge. While most of us no longer believe in oracles, it is interesting to know about as it is a part of our cultural heritage. The Baton Rouge at this site was much smaller and not as well known as the one which gave its name to the city.
There is a large plaza there where people would have danced when the mound complex was in use. At the other end of the ceremonial complex is the primary temple mound. It is damaged but people may still climb to the top of it. This is where the main temple of these people was a thousand years ago. This is where the chief priest lived and where the sacred fire was kept. The temple was usually a square building made of pine logs. Inside they housed items used in various ceremonies. There was also a partitioned area where the chief priest lived. The sacred fire was set up in cross fashion - one log pointing in each of the four directions. It was kept always burning by the fire keeper who was a priest in training. It is a
fantastic place for Native people to visit. It is hoped that you all will be able to attend. I will keep you all updated as plans unfold. Any ideas or suggestions are welcome.
Best regards
M. LeBlanc