Rebuild Pointe au Chien Indian Tribe with Resilience

The Pointe au Chien Indian Tribe of Southeastern Louisiana was devastated by Hurricane Ida in 2021. Despite many obstacles, including being overlooked by many government agencies and nonprofits, Pointe au Chien has been fighting to rebuild ever since. This is their home; the tribe refuses to surrender it. Rebuilding Pointe Au Chien Together is dedicated to supporting Point Au Chien community in their intersectional work as they combine nature-based environmental solutions, fortified building standards, and cultural sovereignty to define sustainable resilience.

When Hurricane Ida hit on August 29, 2021, Pointe au Chien was in the eye of the storm and bore the brunt of the damage. Before Ida, almost 70 houses stood in Pointe au Chien; after Ida, only 12 were livable. Elders were displaced, family lands devastated, and boats and livelihoods were destroyed. Often forgotten by government agencies and nonprofits alike, recovery has been slow for the tribe. It’s been three years since the hurricane and the majority of the community continues to live in FEMA trailers or in retrofitted sheds as they wait to return home.

Still, The Pointe au Chien Indian Tribe fights on with or without outside aid. The tribe has implemented nature-based climate solutions to reduce coastal erosion and lessen the force of hurricanes. They rebuild houses that can withstand winds of at least 160 mph and remain protected from the next Category 4 hurricane. They pass down their traditional knowledge of land and sea in their school, culture camp, and in their greenhouse. The Tribe lives and works in the intersection of true sustainability, uniting the natural, the built, and the cultural environments that irrevocably shape each other.

We are working as a network inside and outside of Pointe au Chien to bring the resources and volunteers this community needs to rebuild its homes. We are currently raising $800,000 against a July 22nd deadline to bring Mennonite volunteers to the area to construct resilient houses and we ask that you give as much as you can to support and help this unique and beautiful tribe. The Lowlander Center is acting as Pointe au Chien's financial agent, and all money will be dedicated to the rebuilding efforts. To learn more and find more ways to donate, please visit https://www.rebuildingpointeauchientogether.org/