Grayhawk Perkins NOT MANY OF US CAN BRAG we’ve cooked nutria with Paul Prudhomme, performed with Amanda Shaw and palled around with Dr. John. Grayhawk Perkins has done all that— and so much more. In fact, if I could live three lifetimes, I doubt I’d accomplish half what he has. Yet, in his mid-60s, Perkins doesn’t seem to be slowing down. We managed to convince everybody’s favorite northshore culture bearer to stop long enough for a chat. It was a crisp winter day, and Perkins was working to restore the historic Otis House at Fairview Riverside State Park. As we settled into a sunny spot on the front porch steps, park visitors strolled past and Perkins had a ready smile and quick rejoinder for each. He’s worked for the state park system in many capacities for almost 30 years, and it’s clear he takes pride in the work. But he’s always maintained a part-time status so he can keep his finger in countless other pies. The musician, historian, artist, author, tribal storyteller, naturalist and educator was born in New Orleans and has lived on the northshore for 24 years, but he says, “Everybody claims me.” Of Choctaw and Houma Nation descendancy, his heart’s work is preserving the traditions of his people through music, storytelling, cooking, writing, crafts, artwork, and more. His never-met34
Inside Northside
by Mimi Greenwood Knight
a-stranger personality helps. After five minutes with Perkins, you feel like you’ve known him all your life. But it’s his seemingly boundless energy that’s most remarkable. During Perkins’ three decades with the park system, he’s also taught at the International School in New Orleans and Pathways on the northshore. He’s shared his Native American storytelling at “every library in the state” on his own and at schools and festivals through the non-profit Young Audiences. He’s performed benefit concerts with his childhood friend, Mac Rebennack (Dr. John, to the rest of us). For 40 years, he’s served as the Native American coordinator for the Jazz & Heritage Festival, helping develop the children’s and Native American areas. He’s taught seminars for every branch of the military, MCd the Native American Festival—as well as playing music and storytelling there—plus taught environmental studies and worked as a supervisor for Americore. He designed and created the Canne Brulee exhibit of a Mobilian village in Kenner’s Rivertown and has worked as a historical consultant for films and reenactments. And we haven’t even discussed his artwork. More recently, Perkins has begun traveling back and forth to the University of Alabama, where he’s become a regular, offering classes on Native American cooking and culture. >>
photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
Native American Culture Bearer
