Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Week 8/8-8/14

Published on: June 30th, 2016

A dove was released in memory of past community members during the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Week at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center in 2015 [Photo by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee]

A dove was released in memory of past community members during the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Week at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center in 2015 [Photo by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee]
A dove was released in memory of past community members during the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Week at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center in 2015 [Photo by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee]

Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame All Stars (L-R): Pharaoh Andrew, Maroon Queen Reesie, Spy Boy Ace, Queen Mercedes Stevenson, Big Chief Brian Harrison-Nelson, Tribal Queen Littdell Banister, Luther Gray, 2nd Queen Mary Kay Stevenson. Photo by Kichea S. Burt

Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame All Stars (L-R): Pharaoh Andrew, Maroon Queen Reesie, Spy Boy Ace, Queen Mercedes Stevenson, Big Chief Brian Harrison-Nelson, Tribal Queen Littdell Banister, Luther Gray, 2nd Queen Mary Kay Stevenson. Photo by Kichea S. Burt
Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame All Stars (L-R): Pharaoh Andrew, Maroon Queen Reesie, Spy Boy Ace, Queen Mercedes Stevenson, Big Chief Brian Harrison-Nelson, Tribal Queen Littdell Banister, Luther Gray, 2nd Queen Mary Kay Stevenson. Photo by Kichea S. Burt
The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Week annually honors the Indian tradition and exemplary members, living or deceased.

The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame has announced their 17th annual Hall of Fame Week, this year taking place Sunday, August 8 through Sunday, August 14. The events honor Indian ancestors and rally members of many Mardi Gras Indian tribes/gangs together to reinforce their traditions and artistic rights.

The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame is spearheaded by Maroon Queen Reesie of the Guardians of the Flame, Cherice Harrison-Nelson. The Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 with the aim to unite the tribes so their traditions are not lost or exploited.

WWOZ caught up with the Guardians of the Flame on Mardi Gras Day 2016 during a ceremony to honor ancestors of Mardi Gras Indians and Native Americans, led by Maroon Queen Reesie. See that footage below.

 

This year's schedule of events for the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Week:

Sunday, August 8 - Manchild in the Crescent City
Fine Art Exhibition featuring the photographs of youth participants from 0-17 years old
3-5p
Ashe Cultural Arts Center
1712 O. C. Haley Blvd.
Free and open to the public

Friday, August 12 - Honors Breakfast for Mardi Gras Indians
10a-12p
Ashe Cultural Arts Center
Open to Mardi Gras Indians by reservation
Call 504-214-6630 to RSVP

Saturday, August 13 - Crystal Feather Honorees Awards Reception Dinner
Basin St. Station
6-8p
By Admission $35

Sunday, August 14
17th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Memorial and Awards Ceremony
Ashe Cultural Arts Center
1712 O. C. Haley Blvd.
3-5p
Free and open to the public

For additional information, please call, 504-214-6630 or email queenreesie@aol.com.

To learn more about the Indian traditions, check back on our 2015 Mardi Gras Indian Queens interview series.

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