The Legacy Continues

Donald Harrison, Sr.
January 27, 1933- December 1, 1998

In a venue that had standing room only, eager patrons sat awaiting the start of The Big Chief Donald Harrison Sr. seminar. The first speaker was one of the Chief daughters Mrs.Cherice Nelson, she spoke on what her father meant to her and how he was dedicated to the craft of designing Mardi Gras Indians suits. She continued to talk about The Gaurdians of The Flames and what the tribe meant to her father Big Chief Donald Harrison. Mrs. Cherice Nelson emphasized how her father created suits that were works of art, They included all sorts of plumes, pearls, colored stones, and feathers. She then mentioned the jobs of each member of the Chief's tribe. The Flag Boy carries his flag representing the whole tribe. The Spy Boy looks for anyone who may try to harm the Chief or anyone in his tribe. The Wild Man stays close to the Chief and Queen to protect them from any danger or harm. Each tribe member distinguished their costumes and headpieces so that they're tribe would stand out from all the rest. The Big Chief Donald Harrison, Sr. masked "Big Chief" of four Mardi Gras Indian groups; Cherokee Braves, Creole Wild West, White Eagles, and The Guardians of The Flame. The Big Chief was the first Big Chief to use African drums and dancers. Cherice Nelson emotionally spoke when she referred to her father as a fallen Big Chief who will be remembered by the community as one of the Big Chiefs to ever to put on a suit.

As Mrs. Nelson left the podium, Brian Nelson stood before the audience and recaptured his experience in becoming The Big Chief of The Guardians of The Flame. He took on his grandfather's role after Donald Harrison, Sr. gave up his crowns. Brian Nelson added his own flavor to the tribe and by rapping new chants to old songs. Brian's fiery display of energy as a "Big Chief" exemplifies the control a chief must have over their tribe. Brian Nelson proved that he would continue his grandfather's legacy.
Mrs. Herreast J. Harrison, the wife of "Big Chief", Donald Harrison, Sr. and grandmother of Brian Nelson stepped up to the stage with grace. She spoke of the importance of the "Big Chief" and how the family continued the legacy of her late husband.
Following her mother, Ms. Michele Harrison spoke about her passion in her craft of creating costumes. She has become one of The Guardians of The Flame Master Craftsman. She touched on the importance of knowing your craft in order to put your own patterns of stitch down in costume. Many of the patterns of beading in the costume may appear arbitrary to the average person but in fact there may be significant symbolism associated with the patterns. She closed in mentioning the different styles of Uptown Indians from the Downtown Mardi Gras Indians. Beaded narrative, rhinestones, crystals, satin ribbons, velvet, and exotic feathers characterize the Uptown Indian costumes. On the other hand, Downtown Indian style includes 3D sculpture, mixed sized beads, pearls, sequins, satin, and turkey feathers.
After family members spoke Brian Nelson appeared fully dressed in Mardi Gras Indian costume. He closed the seminar with an example of the Indian dances and chants.