Ebarb Choctaw-Apache Tribe Native American Powwow 2025

The Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb, located in western Sabine Parish, Louisiana, stands as a testament to the resilience and cultural fusion of Indigenous communities. Officially recognized by the state in 1978, the tribe's lineage traces back to a rich tapestry of ancestors, including Choctaw bands seeking new hunting grounds in the late 1700s, Lipan Apache individuals, and the Adai people associated with the Spanish missions and presidios of East Texas, notably Los Adaes .​ Los Adaes, established in 1721, served as the capital of Spanish Texas and became a melting pot where Spanish soldiers, Indigenous peoples, and freed Apache slaves intermingled. When the Spanish government ordered the abandonment of Los Adaes in 1773, many families undertook a forced march to San Antonio, a journey fraught with hardship and loss, often referred to as America's first "Trail of Tears" . Some descendants eventually returned to their ancestral lands, settling in areas that would become Ebarb and Zwolle.​ Throughout the 19th century, the Choctaw-Apache community faced numerous challenges, including land encroachments and the establishment of the Toledo Bend Reservoir in the 1960s, which led to the displacement of many families. Despite these adversities, the tribe has preserved its cultural heritage, maintaining traditions such as pine-needle basketry, unique culinary practices like the renowned Zwolle tamales, and hosting biannual powwows that celebrate their rich history and community spirit .​ Today, the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb continues to thrive, with a significant population residing within a 15-square-mile area in Sabine Parish. The tribe remains steadfast in its efforts to gain federal recognition, aiming to further solidify its identity and ensure the preservation of its cultural legacy for future generations.