AWARDS

Tradition Bearer Award

Louisiana Folklife Month recognizes the rich diversity of Louisiana’s living traditions and showcases an array of tradition bearers across the state. A Louisiana Folklife Month Event honoring Tradition Bearer Carl Parfait for his work preserving the art of trawl net making will held at the Rougarou Fest on Saturday, October 24, 2025 at 3 PM on the Tailing Bayou Community Stage.

Carl Parfait, a native of Dulac, Louisiana, was raised along the waterways of Terrebonne Parish, where he learned the shrimping trade from an early age. Inspired by his father, who prepared his own trawl nets each season, Carl began trawling for shrimp and trapping for animal skins as a boy. At just 14, he left formal schooling to work full-time on the water, gaining an education from the bayous themselves and developing a deep understanding of the craft.

By age 16, Carl had begun learning to make trawl nets, and by 18, while working on larger boats, he was building his own. He further honed his skills under the guidance of Abel “DaDa” Boudreaux, a respected net maker who taught him the technical details of net construction, including different net types and specialized techniques like setback nets. Over two years, Carl absorbed invaluable knowledge that shaped his future in the trade.

Working closely with his Uncle Wilbert, Carl also engaged in hands-on experimentation, designing nets through trial and error to maximize shrimp catches while minimizing unwanted species like crabs. This dedication to innovation and craftsmanship helped him earn a stellar reputation as one of the region’s finest net builders.

Now 63 years old, Carl has spent 47 years perfecting his craft. He operated his own net shop from 1988 to 1994 and continues to build nets today at his own pace, creating custom skimmer nets that take about 10 hours per set.

Carl Parfait stands as a true culture bearer of Louisiana’s shrimping heritage. His lifelong commitment to preserving and sharing traditional knowledge ensures that the art of trawl net making will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Previous recipients include: Waylon Thibodeaux, Brunella Luke, Terry Lapeyrouse, Janie Luster, and Geraldine Robertson.

A project of the Louisiana Folklife Commission in collaboration with the Louisiana Folklore Society and numerous community partners, Louisiana Folklife Month is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.

Woodard Award

The Woodard Award recognizes an individual for his or her work to preserve, protect, restore, and educate on coastal Louisiana. John and Juana Woodard were instrumental in establishing the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center; therefore, this award is given in their honor.

This year’s recipient is Dr. Denise Reed. Dr. Reed is a coastal geomorphologist and an expert in coastal marsh sustainability, whose research has been instrumental in shaping Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan and advancing our understanding of wetland loss and restoration. Originally from the United Kingdom, Dr. Reed earned her B.A. and Ph.D. in Geography from University of Cambridge before beginning what would become a more than 40-year career dedicated to coastal science—much of it rooted here in Louisiana. Her early experiences in places like Cocodrie introduced her to the unique challenges and culture of Louisiana’s working coast, shaping the direction of her life’s work.

Following her time at LUMCON, Dr. Reed served as a faculty member at the University of New Orleans, where she has been a Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and a leader within the Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Sciences. She also served as Chief Scientist at The Water Institute of the Gulf from 2012 to 2017, helping guide applied research that directly informs coastal policy and restoration efforts. Nationally and internationally recognized, Dr. Reed has served on numerous advisory boards, including the NOAA Science Advisory Board and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Advisory Board. Through her decades of research, leadership, and dedication, Dr. Reed has helped transform how we understand and restore Louisiana’s coast. Her work continues to guide efforts to protect these vital landscapes for future generations.

This award will be presented at the Rougarou Fest on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 2 PM on the Woodside Energy Main Stage.

Previous recipients include: Dr. Joseph Orgeron, Maida Owens, Nathan Cotten, Gordon Dove, Reggie Dupre, Dr. Gary LaFleur, P.J. and Marv Marshall, Mickey Thomas, Michel Claudet, and Kerry St. Pe.

Coastal Champion Award

The Coastal Champion Award recognizes a business or nonprofit organization for its efforts to protect and preserve coastal Louisiana. This year’s recipient is Restore the Mississippi River Delta (RMRD). RMRD is a coalition of leading organizations—including Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, and Pontchartrain Conservancy—working together to rebuild coastal Louisiana’s nationally significant landscape and protect the people, wildlife, and industries that depend on it. The coalition advances an equitable, safer, and more sustainable future for Louisiana’s communities, ecosystems, and economy. Their work brings together science, policy, and community voices to promote large-scale restoration solutions grounded in both research and lived experience. At the heart of their efforts is a commitment to restoring the natural processes of the Mississippi River—reconnecting it to its delta to rebuild land, strengthen ecosystems, and reduce risk for coastal communities. Through coordinated advocacy and science-based leadership, the coalition plays a critical role in shaping restoration priorities and policies at the state and federal levels. Their work is rooted in strong core values: centering equity in decision-making, building trust through transparency and collaboration, advancing knowledge through science and traditional ecological expertise, and demonstrating unwavering dedication to bold, effective solutions for coastal resilience. Supported by strong partners, Restore the Mississippi River Delta continues to be a leading voice for a sustainable and thriving Louisiana coast.

This award will be presented at the Rougarou Fest on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 2 PM on the Woodside Energy Main Stage.

Previous recipients include: Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, Anna Marie Shrimp, T. Baker Smith, and Submar.