Creole Heritage Center showcases resources and NSU at Creole Culture Day

By Dr. Kent Peacock, director of the Creole Heritage Center

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Creole Heritage Center took part in Creole Culture Day at Vermilionville June 7, where staff members Kimberly Martin and Kelly Jackson spoke to at least 100 attendees about the Creole-focused programming, Resource Library and genealogical services offered by the Creole Heritage Center and educational opportunities at NSU. 

This annual event brings together Creole artists, craftspeople, musicians and community partners from across Louisiana to celebrate the notable contributions of Creoles in Acadiana and Louisiana. Demonstrations on cooking, tignon (headscarf) tying, Zydeco dancing, Louisiana French and Louisiana Creole languages, and more made for a full day of interactive learning for all ages.  

Jackson said she particularly enjoyed how it was a “family-friendly fun day when all generations got to be active participants in Louisiana Creole culture.” 

The Creole Heritage Center’s attendance at the event was part of its ongoing outreach to keep the Center an active part of Louisiana’s rich community of cultural heritage organizations, with the extra benefit of maintaining networks for potential volunteer, internship, and job opportunities for NSU students. Both Kimberly and Kelly remarked on the number of proud NSU alumni and parents of NSU graduates who were excited to see NSU represented in South Louisiana, underscoring the presence of NSU Demons throughout Louisiana.

The Creole Heritage Center thanks Colby Martin and the staff of Vermilionville for hosting this event, which provided a sense of community and pride for all Louisiana Creoles, including those from Natchitoches and the surrounding areas the Center was honored to represent.

To learn more about Louisiana Creoles and the Creole Heritage Center, visit www.nsula.edu/creole and follow the Center on Facebook (NSULACreoleHeritageCenter) and Instagram (creolecenter_nsula), or reach out to the Center at (318) 357-6685 or creolecenter@nsula.edu. The Center is typically open to visitors Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Creole Culture Day:

NSU’s Creole Heritage Center was represented at Creole Culture Day on June 7.  From left are David Sigur, Creole Heritage Center Advisory Council member; Colby Martin, Vermilionville staff; and Kelly Jackson, Creole Heritage Center Clerk, in front of the Creole Heritage Center’s table at Creole.