All Hail the Chief: A Celebration of Allison “Tootie” Montana and the Yellow Pocahontas

Join the Louisiana State Museum at the Presbytère for a Mardi Gras-themed family day celebrating the life and legacy of Allison “Tootie” Montana and the history of the Yellow Pocahontas Hunters.

Visitors are invited to explore the cultural traditions of the legendary Mardi Gras Indian tribe through discussions, hands-on crafts, music, and interactive programming suitable for all ages.

Program Schedule

Saturday, January 10, 2026
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Big Chief Darryl Montana and Big Queen Dianne Honoré lead a discussion on the history of the Yellow Pocahontas Hunters, followed by a Q&A session.

1:00–2:00 p.m.
A guided musical sing-along featuring traditional Mardi Gras Indian songs.

Location

The Presbytère
751 Chartres Street
New Orleans, Louisiana

Admission

$5.00 per person
Children ages six and under are FREE

Additional Information

This program is part of the Louisiana State Museum’s family-focused programming and offers a unique opportunity to learn about Mardi Gras Indian culture directly from community tradition bearers. For more information, please contact Katie Trevino at [email protected].

Image: Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana and his son and successor, Big Chief Darryl Montana, wearing their 1997 Mardi Gras Indian suits. Photo by Keith Calhoun.