Houma people
The Houma (/ˈhoʊmə/) are a historic Native American people of Louisiana on the east side of the Red River of the South. Their descendants, the Houma people or the United Houma Nation, have been recognized by the state as a tribe since 1972, but are not recognized by the federal government.
Flag of the United Houma Nation | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 10,837 registered (2010, US Census) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States ( Louisiana) | |
| Languages | |
| English, French, Louisiana French; formerly Houma language | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Choctaw and other Muscogeean peoples; French Louisianians |
According to the tribe, as of 2023 they have more than 17,000 enrolled tribal citizens residing within a six-parish area that encompasses 4,750 square miles (12,300 km2). The parishes are St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard.
The city of Houma (meaning "red"), and the Red River were both named after this people. Oklahoma shares a similar etymology, as the root humma means "red" in Choctaw and related Western Muskogean languages, including Houma.