About the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb

The Choctaw-Apache Community of Ebarb is located in western Sabine Parish and includes in its ancestral territory the municipalities of Converse, Noble, and Zwolle, and the communities of Ebarb, Blue Lake, and Grady Hill. Officially recognized by the state of Louisiana in 1978, the Tribe is the second largest of eight officially recognized American Indian groups within the state. The Tribe is currently seeking federal recognition by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Members of the tribe live within the ancestral boundaries, the remainder live elsewhere in the state and in the United States. The two primary schools in which our children are enrolled (Ebarb and Zwolle) have combined tribal student population of over 700, and both schools receive some funding under Department of Education, Office of Indian Education, programs.

Historically, members of the tribe are descendants of Apache slaves who were sold at slave markets in French and Spanish colonial era Natchitoches and Los Adaes. Oral history tells us that Choctaw ancestors arrived in the region during the late 1700's and early 1800's, many in search of better hunting territories. Additionally, the first Indian agent of the Louisiana Purchase territory, Dr. John Sibley, gave refuge to Choctaw in an effort to protect them from persecution by their Creek neighbors, and subsequently moved two families into the area during the middle 1820's. Recent research into the tribe's history has brought to light that many of the Indian ancestors were natives of the Spanish mission and presidio of Los Adaes, adding a strong Adais identity to the Tribe. This fact dates the tribe's ancestry to the early 1720's and gives the distinction of being one of the few native Indian groups of the state.

The first weekend in May of each year, the Tribe hosts a traditional powwow at Zwolle High School. This event is attended by many Indian friends from across the country, representing 20 or more different tribes, and is an alcohol and drug free event suited for families. The general public is invited to attend and to enjoy the music, dance, food, and arts and crafts.

Miscellaneous Historical Facts of the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb

  • The Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb was incorporated by the State of Louisiana in 1978
  • Our members are ancestors of the thirteen original families: Procella (Procell), DelRio (Rivers), Sanchez (Santos), Martinez, Bermea (Malmay), Ybarbo (Ebarb), Sharnack (Ezernack), Rameris (Remedies), Leone, Padillia (Paddie), Sepeda (Sepulvado), Garcia (Garcie), Cartinez
  • Our ancestors began coming to this area in the 1760's
  • For many years, our people farmed and worked in the timber or oil industry
  • Trips into town, which was nearby Zwolle, were made only when supplies were needed
  • In the 1970's, the states of Texas and Louisiana staked its claim on over 180,000 acres of ancestral land. This forced the people to sell their land for as little as $25 an acre
  • The people were removed for Toledo Bend Reservoir to be created

Administration

 

John W. Procell,
Tribal Chairperson / Chief

John W. Procell, a United States Army Veteran, was elected Choctaw Apache Chief and Tribal Chairperson in August 2005.  Procell's vision and energy have seen an approximate 40% increase in enrollment over the last year.  Procell's main goal during his administration is to reinvigorate and renew the quest for federal recognition of the tribe, thereby increasing opportunities and advancement for its people. Procell has an open-door policy and invites anyone with questions or concerns to contact him.

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Ceremonial Staff