The Inter-Tribal Council of Louisiana, Inc., is a non-profit
organization which was formed as an effort in Indian self-determination,
i.e., Indians governing Indian programs. It is presently composed of
four of the states’ tribes: Jena Band of Choctaws, Jena; Coushatta Tribe
of Louisiana, Inc., Elton; Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, Inc.,
Charenton; and the Houma Alliance, Inc., Dulac. It was incorporated in
May, 1975, and began administering an Employment and Training Program
funded under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, 1973 (CETA),
Section 302 by the Department of Labor that same year.
The Inter-Tribal Council:
—provides leadership, and services on behalf of its member tribes;
—determines needs of tribal members to better provide services;
—establishes supportive or gap-filling services to its member tribes;
—provides technical assistance and input to federal, state, local and
private providers of social services, in planning for
services and needs of American Indians in the state.
Since the Inter-Tribal Council, Inc. began serving the needs of
Louisiana Indians in May, 1975, approximately 15 Louisiana Indians have
earned high school diplomas through programs administered by the agency.
An estimated 10 additional diplomas will be earned this school year.
Approximately 600 Indians have successfully completed job related
training in such fields as carpentry, clerical, auto mechanics,
cosmetology, drafting, and electricians with approximately 550 currently
employed. This represents a significant increase in Indian participation
in the skilled job market since 1975.