Emblem

Red Shoes' People

The Name and Emblem

of the Sovereign Nation of the

Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana

Coushatta Tribe Emblem:

As in any culture strong in tradition, symbolism is very important. Each element of the Coushatta Tribe emblem has a traditional meaning. The Garfish once used for food and jewelry, represents:
Courage
Wisdom
Strength
Discipline

The Colors reflecting traditional clothing worn by tribal members, also reflect the various colors of the day and night and have individual meanings.

Black is for the Night.
White is for the Daylight.
Yellow is for the Sun.
Orange is for Discipline.
Red is for the Life-giving Blood.

The Coushatta Tribe Name:
The origin of the name Coushatta has several traditional derivations:
One Belief is the name originally meant "white-reed brake" and came from the swamp cane that grew in the areas where the tribe usually settled. The cane was used in traditional basket weaving and for arrows and blowguns.

The more popular legend is that a wandering band of tribesmen came upon a group of white men and were asked who they were. They misunderstood the question and answered "koashatt", meaning they were "lost", thus the "lost tribe" and the name.
It is, however, accepted among tribal members that the traditional name for the tribe is Koasati.