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Created in 2015, the Big Chief Awards are named after former FirstLine leaders who embodied the values of Service, Learning, Results, Collaboration, Fun and Safekeeping. Each year鈥檚 winners are called Big Chiefs, like the leaders of New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian tribes, also known as Black Indians.

Mardi Gras Indians tribes were formed by people of African descent to retain the cultural memory of original African tribes that were brought to New Orleans as slaves. The Black Indians tradition pays respect to Native American tribes for protecting enslaved people when they made a break for freedom. Historically excluded from joining the primarily white Mardi Gras 鈥渒rewes,鈥� Black Indians developed their own traditions of celebrating Carnival, recognizing their indigenous Native American allies as the original safekeepers.

Here at FirstLine, Big Chiefs reflect those who embody the values we hold most sacred and inspire us to exhibit courage as we work towards educational equity for all children in New Orleans. Winners are nominated by their peers and voted on by former Big Chief Award winners. You can experience a Big Chief Pep Rally for yourself by clicking on the video below.