New Administration Sworn In

In September 2008, the Choctaw-Apache tribe's new chief and council members were sworn in.

The Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb held a luncheon prior to the installation of their new Chief John Procell and the new Tribal Council. The luncheon and the installation took place at St. Ann Catholic Church Hall in Ebarb on Sunday, September 21, 2008. The aroma of fried chicken, freshly baked desserts, and others foods welcomed the tribal members and guests. Over 200 people were in attendance with numerous local dignitaries and chiefs. One could see the results of the hospitality of the tribe by the smiling faces in the crowd.

The luncheon was a pot-luck affair featuring favorite foods of tribal members plus native foods such as deer, raccoon and an American Indian original...tamales. Tamales can be traced back as early as 5000 BC. They served as a nutritious and portable food for Aztec, Mayan, and Incan warriors. It is well documented in the 1550's that the Spaniards were served tamales by the Aztecs during their first visits to Mexico. Tamales were made with beans, meats and chiles and cooked on the open fires. This was documented by Friar Bernardino de Shaagu.

Tammy Foster, Sabine Parish Clerk of Court and a tribal member officiated at the installation of Chief Procell and the tribal council which consist of Vice Chairman, James "Doug" Laroux; Secretary, Yvonne Sepulvado Busby; Treasurer, Virginia Laroux Malmay; and council members Susan King Lee, Ione Procell Durr, Joy Sepulvado Stewart, Joanna Bebee Sepeda, Pat Ebarb, Sr. and Christopher Rivers. Father Kenneth Williams said a blessing for the newly elected tribal council and Chief Procell.

During and after the luncheon the Chief and council took advantage of the chance to spread their warm American Indian hospitality and visit with old friends and family that they may not have seen for awhile. This was a nice way to renew friendships in a personal and American Indian fashion. Members came from as far away as Las Vegas, Nevada for the event. Chief Procell recognized the oldest tribal male and female members in attendance Mr. John "J.B." Ebarb of Ebarb, 94 years young, and Mrs. Esther Manshack Procell, 84 years old of Noble, Louisiana.

Chief Procell promises to be proactive in addressing tribal resources, problems, and needs. Discussion among the ranks can be good and lead to stronger relations with members, other tribes, and the non American Indian population.

The Choctaw-Apache Tribe is located on the banks of the Toledo Bend Reservoir in northwestern Louisiana. The tribe is twenty-one families, most of who have lived in the area since the early 1720's. They maintain a tribal office west of the town of Zwolle, and host an annual traditional powwow the first weekend in May of each year.