InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society > Student Materials > Section B: The United States > New Orleans, LA > Isle de Jean Charles
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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These student materials complement the Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society Instructor Materials. If you would like your students to have access to the student materials, we suggest you either point them at the Student Version which omits the framing pages with information designed for faculty (and this box). Or you can download these pages in several formats that you can include in your course website or local Learning Managment System. Learn more about using, modifying, and sharing InTeGrate teaching materials.
Initial Publication Date: December 7, 2016

Isle de Jean Charles

Coastal Communities: Isle de Jean Charles

Coastal Louisiana is home to hundreds of small communities, as well as several larger towns (such as Lafitte, Houma, and Thibodaux), that are not protected by the large Federal subsidized hurricane protection levees such as those that surround New Orleans. Proposed new levees cannot incorporate all of these communities, although the Morganza to the Gulf levee, when it is built, will include the larger towns listed here. One community that will not be included is the small town of Isle de Jean Charles in Terrebonne Parish.

In 2006, the New York Times published an articlethat tells the story of this small community of Native Americans who have lived off the land and water for many generations. At that time the residents were weary of repeated flooding and contemplating their future.

In 2008, the Times Picayune published an article after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike's storm surges had devastated the town and Chief Albert Naquin announced that he would be moving the entire town to safer ground.

As the short film below will demonstrate, not all the residents agree with Chief Naquin's decision.

Activate Your Learning

Student Reflection:

Read the articles and watch the videos on Isle de Jean Charles, LA to help you understand the dilemma faced by such a small, tight knit community.

Question - Essay

What do you think is the strongest motivation for the residents deciding whether to leave or stay? What is the future of this community?

Note: We will take another look at Isle de Jean Charles in Module 8.

These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »