Bvlbancha Public Access:
Amplifying Indigenous Voices in the Gulf South
By Carey Fountain
• 4 minute read
Southern Artists for Social Change awardee Carey Fountain writes about fellow awardee Bvlbancha Public Access.
Hali Dardar of the United Houma Nation, Ida Aronson of the United Houma Nation, and Jean Luc-Pierite of the Tunica-Biloxi tribe are leading artistic projects to reflect on the continued Indigenous presence in the Gulf South. Their project, Bvlbancha Public Access, launched in 2021, is a vibrant media group dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices in the Gulf South. The name “Bulbancha,” derived from the Choctaw word for “the place of many tongues,” reflects the project’s mission to celebrate and amplify Indigenous culture.
A Community-Driven Vision
The heart of Bvlbancha Public Access lies in its community-driven ethos. The project is shaped by the voices and visions of the Indigenous people it represents. The collective began out of their work developing Unrecognized Stories in 2020. This project involved commissioning Indigenous thought leaders for in-depth conversations. These dialogues led by Indigenous interviewers provided a platform for voices that were contemporary, relevant, and open-access. The project contextualized the Indigenous experience as a contemporary one within Gulf South culture. This program not only highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Gulf South Indigenous communities but also underscored the ongoing concerns and ideas of its thinkers.
Impact and Transformation
Bvlbancha Public Access aims to create a space where Indigenous people in the Gulf South can see and recognize themselves. It also serves as an educational resource for the general public, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. The project’s success is measured by the relationships it builds across tribes, regions, and to the broader public.
Projects like the Indigenous Gulf Stream, a media biennial featuring 24-hours of content from Gulf South artists displays the collective at their best. By commissioning work from local artists and thought leaders, they ensure that the project remains rooted in the community’s needs and aspirations. This approach supports artists financially, and wefts the cultural fabric of the project. Despite facing challenges, particularly in securing consistent funding, the Bvlbancha Public Access team have found innovative ways to continue to compensate artists.
The Indigenous Gulf Stream is a biennial 24-hour live stream which celebrates a real representation on and by contemporary Indigenous communities in the Gulf South through interviews, photography and media art.
The 2025 live stream will begin at 12:00 am Sunday morning on November 9th, and continue for the duration of Sunday until 11:59 pm.
A Collective Effort
Dardar emphasized the importance of collective effort in the success of Bvlbancha Public Access. The project operates as a net, where each person is a vital cord that holds the structure together. This collective vision is crucial, especially in a project that seeks to represent and uplift a diverse community. This mindset has allowed Bvlbancha Public Access to grow organically, with each member contributing to its evolution.
A particularly poignant moment in the project’s journey was their response to Hurricane Ida in 2021. Leveraging their network, they provided crucial support to Indigenous communities affected by the storm. This immediate and compassionate response highlighted the project’s role not just as a cultural platform, but as a contributor to local vitality.
Looking Ahead
The future of their organization is filled with promising initiatives. The third Indigenous Gulf Stream, will take place Fall 2025. Along with this continued work, the team is growing to support new projects and ideas. Pierite is spearheading a reconstruction of the 1814 play titled La Fête Du Petit Blé Ou L’héroïsme De Poucha-Houmma, which aims to incorporate multiple languages and cultural elements from the Gulf South. The slow-design endeavor seeks to reflect the area’s rich history and contemporary Indigenous presence, reinforcing the project’s core mission of celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity.
Inspiring the Future
Bvlbancha Public Access stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Through their innovative programs and unwavering commitment to community-driven storytelling, the team is not only preserving the past but is actively shaping the future of Indigenous identity in the Gulf South. Their work is a powerful reminder of the strength found in collective effort and the importance of uplifting marginalized voices.
For more information about Bvlbancha Public Access and their ongoing projects, visit their website and join their mailing list for updates.
About Carey Fountain
Carey Fountain’s artistic journey began with writing songs at the age of 11 and composing music soon after. Fountain works as a multidisciplinary artist and community organizer, working to build community through discourse and relationships that explore the human perception and how an informed perspective can transform identity. Fountain works as a musician, painter, muralist, videographer, photographer, clothing designer through his brand Vibes & Virtues and as the Manager of Public Programs at the Birmingham Museum of Art where he creates dynamic, inclusive programs at the Museum to support the BMA’s role as a vibrant and vital community resource.
