“Big Chief” Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles, Mardi Gras Indians, New Orleans, Louisiana

The tradition of Mardi Gras Indian tribes dates back more a hundred years. Coming out of black, working-class neighborhoods in New Orleans, the first tribes were formed in the late 19th century as a response to the whites-only “krewes” that dominated the city. These societies were modeled after Indian tribes, in tribute to the American Indians that, as the story goes, assisted escaped slaves. The tradition has lasted until the present-day, with more than 30 tribes still operating in the city. Joseph Pierre “Monk” Boudreaux is a chief – and a legend among Mardi Gras Indians. Like other American Indians, every year he constructs an enormous, elaborate costume that’s feathered, beaded and bedazzled with sequins, which he wears as he parades through the city during Mardi Gras. As with all things New Orleans, music plays a huge part in the Indian tradition: Boudreaux leads the Golden Eagles, who play a blend of traditional New Orleans jazz, funk and soul, featuring call and response vocals and a lot of percussion. Boudreaux and his band will bring this unique tradition to the American Folk Festival this year – amazing costumes and all – in their post-Hurricane Katrina mission to keep the Mardi Gras Indian tribes alive and well.