In October 2010, National Resources Defense Council partnered with StoryCorps and Bridge the Gulf to record, share, and preserve the stories and experiences of those living through the BP oil disaster. During StoryCorps’ two day visit to Chauvin, Bayou Grace’s small offices were transformed into a StoryCorps recording studio. More than a dozen local voices had the unique opportunity to their story as part of the oral history initiative.
“Our collaboration with StoryCorps is about letting Gulf residents tell their own stories on their own terms,” said Peter Lehner, executive director of NRDC. “We expect these stories will document the far-reaching impacts of the oil spill including lost livelihoods and family tradition and permanent damage to the natural resources of the Gulf.”
“StoryCorps is pleased to have the opportunity to work with NRDC to record the stories of residents in the Gulf. Through these interviews, we hope to celebrate the small acts of courage, kindness and heroism committed by Americans every day,” said StoryCorps Founder and President Dave Isay.
At least two of the stories recorded at the Bayou Grace office were then chosen to be part of the StoryCorps/NRDC photo-essay project, Stories from the Gulf: Living with the BP Oil Disaster.
Wendy Wilson Billiot, owner of Wetland Tour and Guide Service and Camp DuLarge, spoke with her 14 year-old son, Seth Billiot, about the changes in their lives since the BP oil disaster. In response to Seth’s question about the effects of the BP Oil Disaster, Wendy said that it has made her want to take people out more to see the beauty of coastal Louisiana, especially in the current precarious situation we are faced with. Says Wendy, “We have to respect the bounty, we have to conserve it, all the while enjoying it. Because something like a failed blowout preventer could change all of that in an instant.”
In another interview recorded at the Bayou Grace office, Thaddeus “Mike” Pellegrin, a retired shrimper from Chauvin, LA, talks with his grandchildren Avery Renee’ Theriot, 15, and Jacob P. Theriot, 13, about the joys and sorrows of life on the Gulf Coast. When asked what bothers him most: coastal restoration issues or the BP Disaster, Mike’s response reveals the vulnerability of all who live in coastal Louisiana, especially as the current disaster is being faced by communities who already face coastal Louisiana’s most critical issue: coastal erosion, restoration and protection. He says, “I think the thing that bothers me the most is that there is a distinct possibility that we will cease to be. That’s scary.”
Bayou Grace will continue to respond to this issue through advocacy and stewardship through its Environmental Outreach Volunteer Program. We know we can’t do it alone. Consider lending your voice to ours as we continue to work for protection and restoration for our beloved 5 Bayou Communities.
