Coushatta Tribe proclaimed its friendship with Israel

ELTON, L.A. – In a major ceremony November 17, the Sovereign Nation of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana became the first Native American tribe to recognize, honor and welcome official representatives of the State of Israel.

“This unprecedented initiative will firmly establish the Coushatta Tribe’s role on both the national and international stages, while also opening the door to new business relationships and future economic development initiatives,” said Kevin Sickey, Chairman of the Tribal Council of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.

The Honorable Asher Yarden, Consul General of Israel to the Southwest, represented the State of Israel at the event. Yarden and other members of the Israeli delegation toured the Coushatta Tribe installations on the Coushatta Reservation in Elton, Louisiana, and joined with Coushatta Tribal Council leaders for a press conference.

During the ceremony, Coushatta leaders and Consul General Yarden signed a proclamation in recognition of “common histories” and a “shared spirit of endurance.” Yarden explained that one of these “common histories” is that “both of our ancient languages are still in use today.”

“This unique relationship, being forged between two sovereign entities, which live so far apart geographically, only goes to show that open hearts and open minds can bridge the gap between two old and historical cultures that may otherwise appear so far apart,” Yarden said.

Sickey explained that the proclamation is a way to honor the similarities and officially declare that the two nations will be tied together for years to come. In addition to the valuable cultural exchange, he said, the Coushatta Tribe hopes to build on the relationship by exploring possible business and investment opportunities as a way to expand on the Coushatta Tribe’s revenue base for the future.

“I am thrilled to see this opportunity materialize,” said Roee Madai, Consul for Economic Affairs to the U.S. Southern Region. “Israel is always vested in developing and expanding mutually beneficial economic relationships with other nations. As Israel’s economic consul, I will make myself and my office available to promoting business opportunities in Israel and stimulating the trade relations between Israel and the Coushatta Tribe. “

The agreement with the State of Israel is the latest and most important step in an ongoing effort by the Tribe to build relationships with other governments and explore new business opportunities. In June, 2008, the Coushatta entered into a cooperative agreement with the Jefferson Davis Parish Economic Development Commission – the first formal agreement addressing economic development efforts between the two neighboring governments.

“Many Native American Tribes have not explored the full benefits of being a sovereign nation, but it has been a part of our long-range planning for some time. This important event will not only highlight our sovereign status, but will serve to establish an important, mutually beneficial relationship with a major, international partner,” Sickey said.


About the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana

The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana was officially recognized by the Federal government in 1973 and marked a major turning point in tribal history in 1985 with the election by popular vote of the first Coushatta tribal government.

From their earliest days as a proud, hard-working people struggling to maintain long-standing traditions in the face of possible relocation, the Coushatta Indians have endured and overcome every hardship they have faced and have remained on tribal lands in and around Elton, Louisiana, since the 1800s. Despite serious setbacks and some population dispersal, the tribe’s character and ideals have not only held fast, but have been strengthened. The Coushatta language, Koasati, is now considered unique among Native Americans because it has survived in its purest form and is still spoken fluently in the Coushatta community today.

The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana owns and operates Coushatta Casino Resort, which employs more than 2,700 area residents. The Coushatta are in the process of building a new, $12 million Coushatta Heritage Center, which is scheduled to open in Fall 2009 and will feature interactive exhibits and a language game that will allow visitors to hear and learn about the Koasati language.


Source: Native Times