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Our Vision
To revitalize, mobilize, and empower, for global recognition, Creole people and their contributions.
Our Mission
To preserve, educate, and advocate the value and significance of the vibrant Louisiana Creole people and their culture.
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Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival
Louisiana Creoles' heritage will once again be part of the showcase of Louisiana's vibrant folklife at the 44th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. Come out to air-conditioned Prather Coliseum on Northwestern State University in Natchitoches' campus on Saturday July 20th to learn, practice, and relish traditional crafts and cuisine (including a Jambalaya Cookoff). Three stages of music will feature performances by Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, Sonny Gullage and the Blues Groovers, the Zion Harmonizers, and many more.
Tickets are $10 at the door, or $6 for an evening pass for events after 5pm. Children 12 and under admitted free.
This event is put on by the Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University.
| A big thank you goes out to Rosa Ashby-Metoyer who captivated children and adults alike with folktales from Louisiana and elsewhere as part of a summer camp event with Cane River Creole National Historic Park on June 5th. The interactive performance encouraged all to be themselves, to show kindness to others, and to see how folktales demonstrate the similarities between all cultures. Our thanks also go out to St. Augustine (Isle Brevelle) Catholic Church for allowing us to utilize their church hall for this event and avoid the Louisiana summer's humidity, rain, and sun. |  | On June 9th, Judy Rachal represented the Center at the 22nd Créole Culture Day at Historic Vermilionville in Lafayette, LA. We thank C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. for organizing this day of education and fun. The village was alive with speakers and artists who presented a variety of topics related to Creole traditions, including performances by several local Zydeco artists and cooking demonstrations that included Creole staples like okra with tomatoes, gumbo, and sweet dough pies. Ms. Rachal particularly enjoyed meeting new and old supporters of the Center and hearing many positive comments for our new logo! |
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The Center has updated its website to include listings of organizations for anyone looking to find information about the family or Louisiana Creole heritage. It is amazing too see how many organizations now exist that share the Center's vision of empowering Louisiana Creoles and educating everyone about them and their heritage. | |
Is our list missing or have incorrect information for your organization? Do you have a special event or resource you would like the Center to feature in our Community Partner Spotlight below?
Let us know!
While we always encourage your support of Creole-run businesses and Creole-produced products, the resources we promote are connected to registered not-for-profit or government entities, museums, and community organizations.
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Above: The Center's display at Creole Culture Day;
Left: Rosa Ashby-Metoyer performing on June 5th with CRCNHP (Used with permission from CRCNHP)
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Community Partner Spotlight | | |
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What: Beginning Kouri-Vini
When: Saturdays, Aug 10 - Sept 28
11am - 12pm CST
Where: NUNU Arts and Culture Collective
Arnaudville, LA
Cost: $125
What: La Tab Kréyòl
When: Second Saturday each month
12pm-2pm CST
Where: NUNU Arts and Culture Collective
Arnaudville, LA and by ZOOM
Cost: Free
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La Tab Kréyòl &
Learning Kouri-Vini
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Have you ever wanted to learn or practice speaking Louisiana Creole, also known today as Kouri-Vini?
Herbert Wiltz, a founding member of C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc., is offering a "Beginning Kouri-Vini" course later this summer and holds a monthly gathering for people to practice the language called La Tab Kréyòl. La Tab Kréyòl can be joined virtually from wherever you are.
Kouri-Vini is one of the languages spoken in colonial Louisiana, specifically born out of the contact and need to communicate between French settlers and Africans. The language, along with Louisiana French, continued to be widely spoken in Louisiana until the early 20th century. Both languages declined as they gained a stigma when Americanization strongly took hold of the state. As language is essential to Louisiana Creoles' heritage, the Center is excited to see Mr. Wiltz and many others working to make sure neither Kouri-Vini nor Louisiana French are lost forever.
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Looking for other resources on Kouri-Vini and Louisiana French?
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Two Ways to Support the Center | |
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Communications like this newsletter are only possible with continued financial support from individuals like YOU. The Creole Heritage Center is a part of Northwestern State University of Louisiana, but we rely on funding from grants, sponsorships, and individuals like YOU for continuing public access to our resources, mounting future programs, and being present at community events.
Become a member today -- or give at least $150 to be recognized as part of our Creole Champions Club.
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Visit our new online store to order Creole Heritage Center-branded t-shirts, hoodies, bags, and more! Print Your Cause will process, print, and ship your orders directly to you, with 10% of the cost of each item coming back to the Center. | | |
Thank you to our Sponsors! | |
All donations will be processed through NSU Foundation, Inc. for the sole use of the Creole Heritage Center. Gifts made to the NSU Foundation are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. The NSU Foundation is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its Federal Identification Number is 72-6021495. | | | | |
