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Spirit of a Culture: Cane River Creoles

Louisiana Public Broadcasting・60 minutes read

Multiculturalism in America exists beyond black and white categories, as Creoles like Clyde Thomas and Mereta strive to defy race as the sole defining feature, with Louisiana Public Broadcasting supporting the preservation of Creole culture through donations and programs. Louisiana's Creole population boasts a rich history and diverse heritage, urging viewers to appreciate their unique identity and support initiatives for cultural preservation.

Insights

Multiculturalism is a term used to describe individuals who do not fit into the categories of white or black in America, with many not accepting this concept.
Creole culture and heritage are rich and significant, with a strong sense of community and cultural identity centered around Catholicism.
Creole identity is complex, influenced by family, Catholicism, genealogy, upbringing, and beliefs, rather than solely based on race.

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What is multiculturalism?
Multiculturalism refers to embracing diverse ancestries and identities.

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Summary

00:00

Celebrating Creole Culture: Rich Heritage and Identity

Multiculturalism is a term used to describe individuals who do not fit into the categories of white or black in America, with many not accepting this concept.
The speaker identifies as a Kreyol, a proud Creole from Cane River, representing a movement against race as a defining feature of a population.
The film's funding comes from various grants, including those from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The speaker's heritage in Louisiana dates back almost 300 years, with a mix of French, Spanish, African, and Native American ancestry.
Creole culture and heritage are rich and significant, with a strong sense of community and cultural identity centered around Catholicism.
Creole communities are widespread in Louisiana and beyond, with strong ties between different Creole groups.
The Creole spirit is deeply rooted in history and culture, with a focus on maintaining and celebrating their unique identity.
Creole identity is complex, influenced by family, Catholicism, genealogy, upbringing, and beliefs, rather than solely based on race.
Creole communities have thrived in various locations across America, with a strong sense of cultural pride and heritage.
Creole culture is seen as one of the oldest and richest native cultures in America, often overlooked or misunderstood due to societal perceptions of race.

19:40

"Unmarried Couple Acquires 18,000 Acres Together"

Clyde Thomas and Mereta were never married due to the French Konoha laws that prohibited Europeans and Africans from marrying.
They had 10 children together and lived openly in a common-law relationship for nearly 20 years.
Local authorities urged them to end their relationship in 1786 after 18 years of cohabitation with Claude Thomas Premiere.
Claude Thomas Premiere decided to marry a European woman, but he still helped his children get land grants.
Marie Torres, his partner, and their children benefited from this relationship, receiving land and freedom.
The couple acquired over 18,000 acres of land along the banks of Cane River in 20 years.
They were part of the Creole community, which included landowners and planters who acquired property and slaves.
They bought their enslaved cousins out of slavery to provide them with a better life.
The Creole population in Louisiana was marked by those born in the state, distinguishing them from those born in France or Spain.
The text also includes information about a TV program discussing the Cane River Creole culture and encourages viewers to support Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

34:45

Challenges of Creoles in American Society

Americans in the Protestant east were English-speaking and didn't understand Latinist culture.
Jefferson's proposal to buy Louisiana was met with skepticism in Congress.
Concerns arose about handling foreigners on American soil.
The Louisiana colony, including Cane River people, grappled with democracy and their behavior.
Napoleon's sale of Louisiana without much knowledge upset many.
The confusion over the term "Krio" puzzled Americans regarding the Louisiana colony.
Slavery in Louisiana differed from the American norm, with slaves living in villages.
The Cane River Creole people thrived, intermarrying and prospering.
The Civil War brought economic struggles and a shift in societal categorization for Creoles.
Creoles faced challenges fitting into the American system, leading to a loss of identity and heritage.

51:54

"Exploring Creole Heritage: Lockwood's Documentary Journey"

Lockwood returned to the Atchafalaya Basin 25 years after his initial work
Lockwood worked on a documentary about the Cane River Creoles, focusing on their story
Lockwood also produced a story called "Making Away" about the African-American history of Cane River
Currently, Lockwood is working on a story about No Man's Land, a contested strip of land between the US and Spain
Dr. Mark Guidry, an expert on the area's people, discussed the Louisiana grand families and their Creole heritage
Dr. Guidry highlighted the strong family bonds and celebrations within the Creole community
Dr. Guidry emphasized the importance of support for LVB programs and the matching donation challenge by Dr. Kathy Seymour
Lockwood discussed the Cane River Creole people predating America and their unspoken connection
Lockwood highlighted the impact of Jim Crow laws on the Creole community and their efforts to preserve their heritage
Louis McGuire, a California Cane River Creole, shared his family's migration story to the West Coast for better education opportunities

01:07:52

"California Creoles Embrace Heritage and Identity"

Louis McGuire felt at home in California due to the presence of family, despite the stark contrast in size compared to Natchitoches Cane River.
During the civil rights movement, McGuire faced pressure to identify as African American rather than Creole, which he found uncomfortable.
The McGuire family initiated the publication of Bayou Talk, a California Creole newsletter in 1989, to address misconceptions about Creole identity.
Rumors circulated in the early 1990s about a study by the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service on preserving Creole culture.
Terrell Delfin proposed a cultural renaissance to document and share the history and achievements of the Creole community.
Tracy Colson Fantino, a Creole Renaissance mother, educates children about Creole culture and identity.
The Creole community rejects the idea of race as a defining feature, emphasizing multiculturalism and embracing their diverse ancestry.
Creoles advocate for understanding and acceptance of their culture, urging others to appreciate and respect their heritage.
Creole identity is highlighted through personal stories, such as the preservation efforts of Tunt Lee, who passed down the history of Cane River.
Viewers are encouraged to support Louisiana Public Broadcasting through donations, with matching challenges to double the impact of contributions.

01:23:37

Support LP and Win Ultimate Patio Makeover

For a donation of $120 or a monthly contribution of $10, you can receive the Forgotten People book by Gary B. Mills. Alternatively, for $72 or a monthly donation of $6, you can get the program DVD of "The Spirit of a Culture Cane River, Creoles," and access to the PBS and LP On-Demand Library. To support LP fully, opt not to receive a gift, ensuring 100% of your donation goes to LP.
Louisiana Public Broadcasting offers the chance to win a $25,000 grand prize gift card from the Barbecue Guys for an ultimate patio makeover. Tickets cost $45 for two, with a third ticket free. Enter the LVB Ultimate Patio Raffle for a chance to design your dream patio with features like a barbecue island, fire pit, comfy furniture, and a big screen TV. Visit LP Bauchi for more details.

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