Giving Reparations was created by Cane River Creole descendant Bubba Crow to honor their multi-cultural heritage. Crow is a registered member of the Natchitoches Tribe and proud descendant of Ewe, Bakongo, Creek, Choctaw, Caddo, Chitimacha, Canneci Apache, and French ancestors. They follow in the footsteps of ancestor Marie Thérèse ditte Coincoin, renowned healer, entrepreneur, and matriarch of the gens de couleur libre.
Through this shop, Crow seeks to explore the true meaning of reparations for those to whom this debt is owed and distribute proceeds from sales to fulfill that responsibility. They draw inspiration from their ancestral cultures, including the Ewe (Eh-way) people of West Africa, who express "repair" or "restore" through the term Nubua (Noo-boo-ah), and the Bakongo (Bah-kohn-go) people of Central Africa, who use the word Tula (Too-lah), meaning "to heal or make whole." The Creek (Muscogee) people use Fekcv (Fehk-chah), meaning "to heal," and Ekatv (Ee-kah-tah), meaning "to give back or restore," while the Choctaw (Chok-taw) people use Ishkowa (Ish-koh-wah), meaning "to repair," and Ikhana (Ee-kah-nah), meaning "to give back." Lastly, the Canneci Apache (Kah-neh-chee Ah-pah-chee) people express reparations through Na'it'a'í (Nah-ee-tah-ee), meaning "to heal or repair."
Additional Cultural Information:
- Ewe: The name Ewe means "people" or "tribe" and reflects their cultural emphasis on community and fair exchange in trade.
- Bakongo: The name Bakongo comes from Kongo, meaning "hunter" or "warrior." The Bakongo have a long history of trade and spiritual healing, with markets central to their community life.
- Creek (Muscogee): The word Muscogee refers to the Creek people's deep connection to the rivers and lands of the Southeastern United States, highlighting their role as traders and agriculturalists.
- Choctaw: The name Choctaw is believed to come from a leader named Chahta, who guided his people to their homeland. They are known for their values of communal sharing and restoration.
- Caddo: The name Caddo comes from Kadohadacho, meaning "real chief" or "true chief," emphasizing their leadership in trade and community ties.
- Chitimacha: Chitimacha means "people of the many waters," underscoring their deep connection to Louisiana's waterways and their role as traders and community builders.
- Canneci Apache: "Canneci" is a French term referring to the Apache people. The name Apache is believed to derive from the Zuni word "Apachu", meaning "enemy," or possibly from the Yavapai word for "people." The Apache are renowned for their spiritual practices and traditions that focus on healing, restoration, and maintaining balance with nature.