Now situated on a 444 acre reservation in the western part of St. Mary Parish (county), the Chitimacha Nation once encompassed the area from north of Baton Rouge (headwaters of the Atchafalaya Basin) to the Gulf of Mexico, west toward Crowley and east to New Orleans including the surrounding parishes.

The Sovereign nation is located in Charenton, Louisiana, a small and warm community on Bayou Teche with a surrounding area that offers an abundance of natural resources. Approximately 350 resident tribal members live on the reservation. The total tribe now numbers nearly 1,075.

The Chitimacha Museum is located on the reservation near the community of Charenton. The reservation also includes the Chitimacha Tribal School, the Trading Post (convenience store), a Tribal Center, Cultural Center, Sports Complex, Assisted Living Facility, Yaamhana Early Learning Center, Chitimacha Police and Fire Departments, and other community facilities. The Museum features displays of Chitimacha basketry and is filled with exhibits designed to be a walk through time in Chitimacha History. Admission is free.

Foreseeing the need for economic development in the area, the Chitimacha Tribe has formed the Chitimacha Development Corporation (CDC). Opportunities of cash investments, low cost financing, tax advantages and guaranteed loans for company start ups or expansions through joint venture agreements with the Chitimachas are made available through the Chitimacha Development Corporation.

One recent result of the Chitimacha’s reservation development is the Cypress Bayou Casino, a full service venue, with over 43,000 square feet of gaming and five restaurants.

The Raintree Village Planned Community, outside the Chitimacha Reservation offers single family living in a quiet country setting. The brand new West St. Mary Parish High School provides education in the region.

For more information on the Chitimacha Tribe visit www.chitimacha.com