Embedded Files
Illustrations by Kayla Jeans
Taking Back Tradition
Taking Back Tradition
Traditionally, every Spring the Houma would gather together from across the bayous of their territory at the end of trapping season. The tribe would come together for a week to trap and smoke/dry fish to make tasso. This was a time for the community members to reconnect with more distant relations, matchmake for the young adults, play games, and simply enjoy each other's company as Houma.
In 2019, several Houma began working in their spare time to bring back this tradition so we could spend a weekend with all of our relations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our 2020 event was cancelled, but we were able to hold the first Tasso Time in approximately more than a century in 2022!
In 2024, the non-profit THICA- the Traditional Houma Indigenous Cultural Association, was formed from some of the original event organizers. THICA is the official non-profit sponsoring entity of the Tasso Time and Indigenous Arts Fest events.
Now, we're working to make Tasso Time 2026 even bigger and better with more demonstrations of traditional crafts, traditional foods served, and connections made between Houma and even with our other Indigenous relatives.
We ask that all Houma share this invitation to other members of the tribe and members of other local tribes, as we are all connected. Please understand this is not an official government event but is a passion project for the individual Houma citizens and other local Indigenous residents who wanted to connect with our people and share our traditions.
We will be offering traditional dishes at lunch; demonstrate crafts like basket weaving, moss doll making, and carving; and ask the elders to share stories of their childhoods and their elders. We will have gear to play stickball and other games as well. We also encourage those Houma who attend to bring photos of their relatives and ancestors to make one massive collage.
Please note this is not an event open to the public.
Since this is about community and family, please offer rides if you can to other Houma who may not have other transportation. The event will be held on the Los Isleños grounds at 1357 Bayou Rd, St Bernard, LA 70085.
2026 Event Details
2026 Event Details
Date: Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29, 2026
Time: 10 am - 5 pm both days
Location: Los Isleños Museum, 1357 Bayou Rd, St Bernard, LA 70085
More details on Facebook: tbd
Hotel Options:
Donate
Donate
DONATE HERE: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fund-tasso-time-2026-cultural-event
Because this is all volunteer-based, we'd like to ask for your help in funding this event, mainly the offering of an honorarium to our artisans and covering supply costs. As our tribal communities are spread out over several parishes, the Houma artisans conducting demonstrations will be traveling some distance to the location. Many of them also need to restore supplies lost from Hurricane Ida or are struggling financially because of Hurricane Ida.
Costs cover artisan fees, supplies, and food for a total need of at least $8,000.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse