The Isle de Jean Charles Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Tribe (IDJC) tribe in Louisiana is a largely secluded community, existing 80 miles southwest of New Orleans in the middle of a robust wetland. They, due to this seclusion, have not bore the brunt of COVID-19 as many other American communities have. However, they face another equally as threatening power that is driving many to abandon their normal lives and homes: climate change (1).
Rising sea levels and warming waters cause 16 square miles of the Louisiana coast to be submerged every year, and the Isle de Jean Charles seems to be next. Because of this, they are being encouraged to relocate 40 miles north to Schriver, Louisiana, where the state is planning a new community for residents to occupy. However, the tribe sees many shortcomings in the state’s plan, and has rejected countless versions of it due to lack of priority and understanding for the tribal members. The state is insisting that the federal department of Housing and Urban Development sets the standards for new community development, and that the guidelines they set are in accordance with HUD (2). These guidelines refuse to comply with the tribe’s needs, including sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices, and a community center to generate local revenue.
The disconnect between the American government and indigineous tribes in Louisiana is not only a native person’s issue, but an environmental justice issue as well. Environmental racism, which is present in all 50 states and around the globe, is defined as:
racial discrimination in environmental policy making, the enforcement of regulations and laws, the deliberate targeting of communities of color for toxic waste facilities, the official sanctioning of the life-threatening presence of poisons and pollutants in our communities, and the history of excluding people of color from leadership of the ecology movements (3).
The IDJC tribe is subject to environmental racism in this regard, since their status as an indigenous tribe alters the way in which they are treated and approached by the government. However, environmental racism isn’t limited to IDJC and Louisiana. Flint, and Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois, New York City, New York; and Los Angeles, California–to name a few– also see detrimental effects of environmental racism in their communities.
Speaking out against such a deeply entrenched institutional issue can be a daunting task, but action can be taken on both micro and macro levels. Contact your local, state or federal representative to ask what they are doing to actively work against the legacy of redlining. Research areas near you that are plagued by environmental racism, and participate in local community efforts that focus on conservation and accountability for those in power. Participate (safely) in protests and demonstrations to make your voice and presence known to the individuals and institutions that are okay with upholding the status quo. All of these actions require very little to do, but can result in instrumental change in the communities we know and love.
This post was written by Erin Byers.
- “Louisiana Breaks Ground On Isle De Jean Charles Resettlement Project Amid Pandemic”. Desmog, 2020, https://www.desmogblog.com/2020/05/22/isle-de-jean-charles- tribe-louisiana-resettlement-construction. Accessed 28 Sept 2020.
- “Critics Say Louisiana ‘Highjacked’ Climate Resettlement Plan For Isle De Jean Charles Tribe”. Desmog, 2020, https://www.desmogblog.com/2019/04/20/critics-louisiana- highjacked-climate-resettlement-plan-isle-de-jean-charles-tribe. Accessed 28 Sept 2020.
3. Mohai, Paul; Pellow, David; Roberts, J. Timmons (2009). “Environmental Justice”. Annual Review of Environment and Resources. 34: 405–430. doi:10.1146/annurev-environ-082508-094348