Point-au-Chien Fishing Tribe Fights To Recover From Hurricane Ida And Gain Federal Recognition

Standing on the porch of the tribal community center six months after Hurricane Ida pummeled his community, Donald Dardar still chokes-up as he remembers seeing the remains of his village for the first time. The area, home to a fishing community of more than 800 Point-au-Chien Native Americans, endured some of the hurricane’s worst destruction leaving in its path unanswered questions on whether to rebuild in an area that is ground zero for the climate crisis.

“We were lucky. We were able to convince everyone to evacuate before the storm,” said Dardar, who serves as tribal co-chairman. “Can you imagine what would happen if someone stayed. They would have died for sure.”

By Ed Lallo