American Conversations: Celebrating Poems in Rural Communities

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Bette Billiot

United Houma Nation

Tell us a bit about yourself, the organization you represent, and the work you do.

My name is Bette Billiot. I am the administrative assistant to the current Principal Chief of the United Houma Nation Tribe of Louisiana, Mr. August Creppel.

Tell us about your community/the communities you serve, and your part of the country.

Our community extends through the six lower coastal parishes of South Louisiana, from St. Mary to St. Bernard Parish. The highest concentration of tribal members reside in lower Lafourche and lower Terrebonne Parish.

What did it mean to you and your community to host the U.S. Poet Laureate?

We were grateful to have Ms. Tracy include us as a stop on her tour. Her giving us the time to speak with her and to learn from her was deeply appreciated.

Can you share any feedback you received from event attendees/participants?

Attendees felt the visit was insightful and many looked forward to continuing to read the book that was given to them.

What, if any, type of literary programming do you present in your community? How did this program fit in?

Currently, the UHN does not have a literacy program. The local libraries would definitely be a place to include such an event if ever it were to come back around.

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