The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame is committed to supporting and maintaining New Orleans grassroots indigenous cultural expressions, particularly the Mardi Gras Indian tradition which has been carried on exclusively in the African American neighborhoods of New Orleans since the 1880s. The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame works year-round to create community among those who mask; honor the individuals and group who create and uphold the masking traditions; and educate the public.

Dr. Roslyn J. Smith and Cherice Harrison-Nelson co-founded the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame in 1998 through the spirit of Big Chief Donald Harrison Senior (1933-1998), founder of the Guardians of the Flame and a past Big Chief of the White Eagles.