Sorry, can't recall the name of the tribe/gang reportedly relocated to Austin. I read a newspaper article (in New Jersey, so it was nationally syndicated news), and didn't recognize the name of the young (20-something) Big Chief. Of course, my not knowing the name doesn't mean much ~ I'm a local, and a relatively knowledgable one, but by no means an "insider."

Please refer to the wonderful new benefit/fundraiser CD "Our New Orleans" for the definitive word from Big Chief Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias: "We gonna fun on the Mardi Gras, Ain't gonna let Katrina keep us down!"

Some of the Injuns will undoubtedly spend this Mardi Gras in exile, a few others may be in town but not have time to put together an outfit they'd be seen in, and as we've seen, there's a possibility one or two groups may even transplant themselves elsewhere and continue their traditions there. Maybe.

Nevertheless, a decent-sized complement of Mardi Gras Indians will certainly among the thousands of New Orleanians determined to celebrate our city and our culture ~ like never before ~ two weeks from Tuesday.

In the words of Allen Toussaint, also from the CD mentioned above, "Yes We Can Can."