Tribe unveils kayak dock

A kayak dock was dedicated along Bayou Teche on Chitimacha reservation Wednesday.
Patti Holland represented TECHE Project, a volunteer nonprofit organization that strives to keep the bayou clean and developing recreational opportunities. “A few years back we got Bayou Teche designated a National Paddle Trail and then a National Water Trail,” Holland said. “It’s the only one in Louisiana, and only 25 or so in the country, so this is very important.”
Grant opportunities were developed through the Center for Louisiana Studies at UL-Lafayette and funding was obtained for the docks, located in Port Barre, Breaux Bridge, St. Martinville, Loreauville and at the Chitimacha site.
“It’s been a while coming, but you did an outstanding job with this park,” Holland said of Chitimacha’s efforts. “I know it’s a work in progress and you’ve got more things planned.”
Jennifer Ritter Guidry, assistant director for programming and special projects with the Center for Louisiana Studies, said this seven-year project is now complete.
“It’s been a long time in the making,” she said. “It’s so satisfying to be here. It’s never just one person that does these things, it takes a lot of people, and don’t always get the credit they deserve. There are a lot of people from TECHE Project who aren’t around to get credit for putting together the paddle trail as well as getting this process started with the grants.”
The project has brought bayou access to several communities that did not have it for non-motorized watercraft, Guidry said.
“It’s really exciting to have the TECHE Project has the steward of the paddle trails,” she said. “They’re looking out for the best interests of the waterways.”
Guidry also commended the work Chitimacha officials and staff have put into making the dock a reality.
Chitimacha Cultural Department Director Kimberly S. Walden said working with TECHE Project and the Center for Louisiana Studies has been rewarding. She also complimented the tribal public works department, and tribal youth members who helped contribute to the completion of the dock facility. Chitimacha boasts a youth paddle club, one of few along the Teche.