The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University presented the program at the District 6190 Rotary Conference held this past weekend at the Chateau Saint Denis Hotel in downtown Natchitoches. Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center and professor of English and Folklore at NSU, brought together four tradition bearers to discuss North Louisiana folkways. Cultural authorities Elvin Shields, Rhonda Gauthier, F.J. Delphin and Nicole Delphin discussed traditional folkways such as canning and preserving, hunting, fishing, butchering, gardening, herb healing, quilting, embroidery and wire toy and doll making. The tradition bearers displayed their crafts and demonstrated their usage. Feico Kempff, Governor of Rotary District 6190, made this opportunity for the sharing of cultures possible. District 6190 comprises Rotary members from 29 parishes in North Louisiana. Shown are, left to right, Rasmussen, Shields, Gauthier, Nicole Delphin, and F.J. Delphin.
