Mardi Gras Indian tribes, New Orleans police establish peace pact

This year’s Mardi Gras Indians parade should go with less tension between Indians and New Orleans Police Department. Few years ago NOPD arrested Indians or used sirens lights to force them of the streets. It happened after Monday’s meeting which took place in City Council’s Governmental Affairs Committee. There were present Indian Chiefs and advocates, the mayor’s criminal-justice commissioner, James Carter, and every NOPD district commander. Chiefs from both sides left the meeting hopefully but circumspectly. This year will be a good one for Indians who travel the streets chanting and drumming while visiting places of honor and engaging in elaborate games of hide-and-seek.

Olena