Memorial service held for Ernest Sickey
Ernest Sickey (right) pictured with Louisiana Senator Russell B. Long (left). Submitted photo
ELTON — A memorial service was held honoring the life of Ernest Sickey, father, First Chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana and prominent Indian-affairs advocate. It was held at Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles on Tuesday.
Honorary Pallbearers were Jeremy J. Fuselier, Eli Langley, Cameron B. Poncho, Tyler B. Sellers, Christopher D. Sylestine, and Dwayne Williams.
Sickey helped enlighten the non-Indian world about tribal sovereignty and self determination, and diligently led the Coushatta Tribe’s efforts to be formally recognized by the State of Louisiana and the U.S. Department of the Interior, which he achieved in 1972 and 1973, respectively. He later worked with the Louisiana legislature to create the State’s Office of Indian Affairs for which he served as the first executive director.
Sickey served as Tribal Chairman of the Coushatta Tribe from 1973 to 1985 and his legacy includes transformative socioeconomic benefits for the Coushatta Tribe, Southwest Louisiana and beyond.
Ernest’s leadership and dedication will forever be cherished and remembered by his family, the Coushatta Tribe and both the Indian and non-Indian communities.
Sickey passed away peacefully on May 17, 2023, at the age of 80.
Speaking at the service were John Bel Edwards, 56th Governor of the State of Louisiana; Troy A. Carter, Sr., United States Congressman for Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District; Dr. Denise E. Bate, Dean of University College and Professor of History, Tufts University; and Reverend Don Barrett, Pastor, Kinder Bible Church in Kinder.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sickey’s name to the Center for Native American Youth, c/o The Aspen Institute, 2300 N Street NW, Suite 700, Washington DC 200371122 or at www.cnay.org/ action-hub/contribute/