Q & A
Q - Why this community at this time?
98% land loss of The Island due to delta subsidence, extraction-based marsh erosion and the effects of climate change-induced sea level rise. Most dislocated members live in the general vicinity but are separated. This is one of the most threatened Native American coastal populations in the continental U.S. The tribe senses an urgent need to retain cohesion, reinstate traditional practices, continually engage youth and transfer experience to other coastal communities facing similar challenges of climate change.
Q – Can all residents of The Island leave The Island and re-settle to the new community?
Yes, all current residents are eligible to re-settle to the new community. It is a priority of the State and a commitment in the proposal to develop a new site and begin by accommodating the families most in harm’s way.
Q. Are Isle residents required to re-settle when a safe place is provided?
A majority of the residents have affirmed that they want to move. While there is no requirement to do so, Chief Albert has committed to make a safer place available. At some point the Island will be accessible only by boat.
Q – How was the new site selected?
At present, the tribe has located a number of potential sites that may meet HUD requirements. However a decision and purchase will depend upon a number of factors including an environmental assessment, topography, price and federal guidelines.
Q – Is this like a typical subdivision; how do the costs compare?
HUD funding requires a safe and durable development to serve as a national model. Being the first of its kind in the country, buildings will be energy-efficient and protected from storm damage, land use will be sustainable and productive, and a close-knit and self-supporting community will encourage positive relations and economic development. The federal government wants to see a similar situation for other community relocations in the future.
Q – Why would Federal money support this?
Vulnerability of the nation’s working coasts has become a serious concern of the federal government. Acknowledging the present and predicted drastic impacts of climate change on coastal communities, HUD asked for proposals that would demonstrate effective and resilient resettlement strategies. The Louisiana Office of Community Development endorsed this proposal and included it among its submissions for federal funding and it was approved at $48 million.
Q – When this project is completed, how will it affect the surrounding area and change the landscape?
The resettlement project will enrich Terrebonne Parish. Early in the development process, a mobile community medical center will be moved to the location to serve the public, followed by a community market. When fully constructed, the Tribal Community Center, accessible from the highway, will include a health center, local produce market, cultural resources and in-depth resettlement information-sharing, including a regular program of activities for the tribe, visitors and the general public.
Approximately 100 energy-efficient and resilient dwellings will be constructed along existing or created waterways that will improve water quality of the area. Native trees and shrubs will be planted along the property line and in natural areas to improve habitat and support traditional herbal medicine. The site will be buffered by open grazing land, citrus orchards, and ponds for growing rice and raising crawfish.
Q – Why is Lowlander Center involved in this?
The Lowlander Center’s mission is to help create solutions to living with an ever-changing coastline and land loss while visioning a future that builds capacity and resilience for place and people. Founders of Lowlander have been working with Chief Albert and the tribe for more than 8 years. They have gotten several modest grants and contracts that have benefitted the long-term goal of resettlement, eventually leading to drafting the proposals to HUD for the two phases of the competition that have resulted in the present award.
Q – Why are so many partners from so many places involved?
The resettlement project has national - and even global - significance. The Lowlander team has sought out the best and most knowledgeable people from around the country to contribute to work thus far, essentially at their own expense. An effort has been made to engage people who are equally dedicated to our mission, which has resulted in productive, cooperative relations between these professionals and tribe members. When the grant contract is signed, and as the project moves forward, all purchases of goods and services must adhere to HUD guidelines.
Q – Is this resettlement approach what the community really wants?
Definitely. The application to HUD could not have happened without ongoing involvement and sign-off by the tribe. Chief Albert has brought tribal council members and other members of the tribe to all planning meetings since this concept began, increasing participation as interest has grown. In our democratic process, everyone present who wishes to share their feelings and ideas has ‘held the talking stick’. This will continue, and working groups that include tribe members and core experts will flesh out together and implement together vital components of the Resettlement Plan, going forward.
98% land loss of The Island due to delta subsidence, extraction-based marsh erosion and the effects of climate change-induced sea level rise. Most dislocated members live in the general vicinity but are separated. This is one of the most threatened Native American coastal populations in the continental U.S. The tribe senses an urgent need to retain cohesion, reinstate traditional practices, continually engage youth and transfer experience to other coastal communities facing similar challenges of climate change.
Q – Can all residents of The Island leave The Island and re-settle to the new community?
Yes, all current residents are eligible to re-settle to the new community. It is a priority of the State and a commitment in the proposal to develop a new site and begin by accommodating the families most in harm’s way.
Q. Are Isle residents required to re-settle when a safe place is provided?
A majority of the residents have affirmed that they want to move. While there is no requirement to do so, Chief Albert has committed to make a safer place available. At some point the Island will be accessible only by boat.
Q – How was the new site selected?
At present, the tribe has located a number of potential sites that may meet HUD requirements. However a decision and purchase will depend upon a number of factors including an environmental assessment, topography, price and federal guidelines.
Q – Is this like a typical subdivision; how do the costs compare?
HUD funding requires a safe and durable development to serve as a national model. Being the first of its kind in the country, buildings will be energy-efficient and protected from storm damage, land use will be sustainable and productive, and a close-knit and self-supporting community will encourage positive relations and economic development. The federal government wants to see a similar situation for other community relocations in the future.
Q – Why would Federal money support this?
Vulnerability of the nation’s working coasts has become a serious concern of the federal government. Acknowledging the present and predicted drastic impacts of climate change on coastal communities, HUD asked for proposals that would demonstrate effective and resilient resettlement strategies. The Louisiana Office of Community Development endorsed this proposal and included it among its submissions for federal funding and it was approved at $48 million.
Q – When this project is completed, how will it affect the surrounding area and change the landscape?
The resettlement project will enrich Terrebonne Parish. Early in the development process, a mobile community medical center will be moved to the location to serve the public, followed by a community market. When fully constructed, the Tribal Community Center, accessible from the highway, will include a health center, local produce market, cultural resources and in-depth resettlement information-sharing, including a regular program of activities for the tribe, visitors and the general public.
Approximately 100 energy-efficient and resilient dwellings will be constructed along existing or created waterways that will improve water quality of the area. Native trees and shrubs will be planted along the property line and in natural areas to improve habitat and support traditional herbal medicine. The site will be buffered by open grazing land, citrus orchards, and ponds for growing rice and raising crawfish.
Q – Why is Lowlander Center involved in this?
The Lowlander Center’s mission is to help create solutions to living with an ever-changing coastline and land loss while visioning a future that builds capacity and resilience for place and people. Founders of Lowlander have been working with Chief Albert and the tribe for more than 8 years. They have gotten several modest grants and contracts that have benefitted the long-term goal of resettlement, eventually leading to drafting the proposals to HUD for the two phases of the competition that have resulted in the present award.
Q – Why are so many partners from so many places involved?
The resettlement project has national - and even global - significance. The Lowlander team has sought out the best and most knowledgeable people from around the country to contribute to work thus far, essentially at their own expense. An effort has been made to engage people who are equally dedicated to our mission, which has resulted in productive, cooperative relations between these professionals and tribe members. When the grant contract is signed, and as the project moves forward, all purchases of goods and services must adhere to HUD guidelines.
Q – Is this resettlement approach what the community really wants?
Definitely. The application to HUD could not have happened without ongoing involvement and sign-off by the tribe. Chief Albert has brought tribal council members and other members of the tribe to all planning meetings since this concept began, increasing participation as interest has grown. In our democratic process, everyone present who wishes to share their feelings and ideas has ‘held the talking stick’. This will continue, and working groups that include tribe members and core experts will flesh out together and implement together vital components of the Resettlement Plan, going forward.
For additional Information visit: Isle de Jean Charles band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw ~ Lowlander Center ~ Website by VTG Enterprises