While volunteers did what they could to repair homes, there was still a tremendous need for housing—and jobs. The federal government had refused to recognize the Houma, so they weren’t eligible for FEMA assistance. And with the fishing industry decimated, there was little in terms of work.
But thanks to Robichaux’s vision and support from organizations like the Ms. Foundation, UHNRF established programs like job training for women in “non-traditional” trades. With skills in construction, women would have better access to living-wage jobs and be able to help rebuild homes. Such programs also helped ensure that women wouldn’t be further marginalized by relief efforts as they had been by the storms.
Still, Robichaux points out, the Houma Nation’s problems go well beyond hurricane damage.
One town has been sickened by an oil industry dumping ground, which still hasn’t been cleaned up despite years of appeals and a 60 Minutes segment. In another community, landowners who couldn’t read or write were tricked into signing over their property to oil and gas companies.
Robichaux has plans for buying more land and building alternative communities for those who have lost theirs. But those plans will take money and time, and there’s never enough of either.
She credits the Ms. Foundation, not only for its support for hurricane recovery, but also for helping her develop into a more effective leader. Robichaux’s experience on a Ms. Foundation advisory committee inspired her. After participating in strategy discussions with fellow grantees, donors and colleagues about how grantmaking can help build social justice movements, she remembers, “I’d tell anyone who’d listen: ‘Just look at what these women are doing. We need to do more for our women and for our people.’” Robichaux, who already believes women’s full participation is key to a just and sustainable recovery in the Gulf Coast, started an additional program to encourage young Houma women to pursue an education.
Robichaux sees herself as following in the footsteps of powerful Houma women before her. “Our women have been leaders. They’ve had to be strong, and I’ve had to be strong.”
Brenda Dardar-Robichaux Founder, United Houma Nation Relief Fund
