KarunaNews Story

Devon Parfait is a member of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe. His family's traditional way of life was disrupted by Hurricane Rita in 2005, forcing them to leave their home in Dulac, Louisiana. Devon became the chief of the Grand Caillou/Dulac Band of the tribe at a young age, with a strong commitment to preserving tribal customs and helping the community. As a coastal resilience analyst at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Devon works to address the challenges posed by climate change and land loss in Louisiana. He advocates for technical solutions like sediment diversions and shoreline protection while also researching ways to address coastal erosion. Devon remains dedicated to coordinating community efforts and preserving tribal traditions, culture, and heritage for future generations.