Ouxouiga Lodge History

The first members of Ouxouiga Lodge were tapped out in June of 1946 at Camp John Evans by brothers from the Caddo Lodge. Mr. Hugh Baker, the Council President, Mr. Oscar Cheneval, ScoutMaster of Troop 10, and Mr. Monroe Stevens, Scoutmaster of Troop 14 were our first three members. 

The name "Ouxouiga" is the Western Apache word for "Thunderbird", which is the totem of our Lodge. The thunderbird, a mythical creature responsible for thunderstorms, was an important symbol of nature's power to the Native American.  The call of our Lodge is that of the Texas Plains Coyote.   In 1952, the name was changed to Osouiga and later that year the spelling was change to Ouxouiga.  The French spelling reflects Louisiana's French colonial heritage.

At one time our Lodge was divided into four Chapters: Allen, LaSalle, Avoyelles (which had the Indian name of "T-Sun-Gali"). These Chapters were later disbanded.

Ouxouiga Lodge has always been.noted a strong Lodge State-wide. In 1952, our Lodge had the honor of tapping out the first members of Quinipissa Lodge of Baton Rouge.

Ouxouiga  has hosted six OA section conclaves:  1964, 1970, 1976, 1980, 1987.  ."   In addition to this, several Section Officers have been elected from Ouxouiga Lodge in the past several years. These include Guy Arnold, Andrew Bindursky, Theron Jones and Patrick Flores as Section Secretary and Treasurer in 1987.

In 1975, Ouxouiga became the first lodge in Louisiana to become a National Standard Lodge.  In 1976, Ouxouiga was the first Louisiana Lodge to be nationally recognized with the presentation of the E. Urner Goodman Camping Award.

Ouxouiga Lodge has given many years of service to Attakapas council at two council camps, Camp John Evans and Camp Attakapas

Our Lodge has set a standard of excellence in the Ceremonial Competition. We placed first in 1980 and 1981, and third in competition between the Lodges from Arkansas and Louisiana. In 1986, our Lodge was awarded 'Honor Lodge' after winning third place in Small-Team Dance competition; first place in Lodge Ceremonies competition and first place with our "Where To Go Camping Booklet.  In 1987, it was awarded honor lodge for the third time in a row.

The lodge newsletter has changed names several times.  It has been know as Elogamgussit (Messenger), Ouxouiga Bulletin, Cry of the Thunderbird, Drumbeats of Ouxouiga, and Drumbeats.

1982  -  Dues raised to $3.00  Thirty Ordeal members were inducted at the Spring Ordeal.  The Ceremonial team place third at conclave.  The dance team competed for the first time in many years.  Andrew Bindursky elected Section Vice Chief and Guy Arnold elected Section Secretary.  Arrowman of the year now elected by youth membership.  Qualifications were 1) not be chief  2) not be a past recipient  3) be under 21.

1986  -  Females were allowed at the Lodge Banquet for the first time with family banquets becoming the new standard.  The first Founder's Award was presented to Gus Dezendorf.  Camping promotion reached 29 of 32 eligible units.  The lodge place 1st in Ceremonies, 1st in "Where to go camping Booklet", and 3rd in small team dance at Conclave.  Over 75 Brothers came to the Spring Ordeal with 22 Ordeal and 14 Brotherhood candidates.  Four Vigil candidates were tapped out for the first time.  Five Ordeal members were inducted in the Fall. 

1987  -  The lodge promoted camping and held unit elections at 32 of 32 eligible units.  The lodge hosted the Louisiana Conclave know as Nischasch.  We were given Honor Lodge and placed first in individual dance, 1st in ceremonies, and 2nd in small team dance.  Over 75 Brothers came to the Spring Ordeal with 27 Ordeal and 14 Brotherhood candidates.  With arduous effort by Eddie Dezendorf, after 14 years, six months, and nine days; the David Coker building became a reality.  The lodge changed sections by going with the Texas lodges. 

1994  -  Dues increased from $5.00 to $7.00.  116 members including 24 new ordeal members inducted.  The Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary at Camp Attakapas. 

1995  -  Joe Fontenot, Sr. became the first Life Member of the lodge.

1996  -  Spring Ordeal brought 22 new Arrowmen to the lodge. 

CONCLAVES ATTENDED