Preserving Mardi Gras Culture Program, USA
AfA started in March 2012 with the Early Childhood and Family Learning Foundation in New Orleans (ECFLF). The mission of the ECFLF is to create holistic programs to empower neighborhoods by improving academic, socio-economic, cultural, and health opportunities for families. The collaborative partnership with the ECFLF and Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians are currently allowing Artfully AWARE to connect the underserved population of at-risk Central City youth and their families to the performing, written and visual arts. The Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians are a Central City-based tribe, charted in 1835, with a long history and legacy in New Orleans culture.

Together, we work every Saturday with the children and families to share the heritage, art and oral history of this tradition. This includes creating artwork that elaborates components of the traditional Indian costume and the performances of traditional chants and dances. The Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians are a tight knit traditional community that preserves a complex music and art culture. Surviving from African tribes brought to New Orleans in slavery, Mardi Gras Indian costumes are a fine example of traditional African-American folk art. Hoping to help re-discover this essentially hidden traditional culture, we also hope to help the Mardi Gras Indians gain recognition for their spiritual and material contribution to our society.