Interviewer(s): Ari Anand; Nicole Crosby. Houma, LA

Affiliation: University of Arizona

I had seen or met Thomas Dardar a few times in various contexts before this interview-when he danced at the Native American Liturgical Celebration in Dulac, at the United Houma Nation Tribal Council meeting at the Robichaux residence in Raceland, and again at the Robichaux residence at the Houma community strategizing meeting, where he suggested we interview his father. We decided that Nicole and I would both do the interview, and both arrived there on Thursday evening. The house was busy, with Noreen cooking up a big meal, and Thomas and Noreen's kids and grandkids present. About half an hour to an hour later, Thomas Sr. and Beverly arrived, and we commenced the interview. Much of the interview was informal conversation, and the atmosphere was very lively.

Thomas Dardar, Jr. was born in 1956 as the oldest of 11 children. He completed the 7th grade and began work at a supermarket and in a service station. He then got into the oilfield as a roustabout, oiler, and tugboat operator. He has also held jobs blasting and painting and advanced to foreman.