The first documentation of masquerading as Mardi Gras Indians was in the 1880s, and Big Chief Donald Harrison Sr. led the first Guardians of the Flame tribe appearance on February 7, 1989. Cherice Harrison-Nelson is most famously known for being the daughter of Big Chief Donald Harrison Sr. and the current Maroon Queen of the Guardians of the Flame. She is also a former elementary school teacher, the Education Outreach Coordinator for the Guardians Institute, and the curator and co-founder of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame. She is, however, most proud of her role as a mother, or “Mommy Queen” as her babies call her.
Big Chief Donald Harrison, Jr., Cherice’s father with his nephew George Smith, Jr. in the 1950s. (Photo courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson)
Big Chief Donald Harrison’s parents, Thelma and Louis Harrison. (Photo courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson)
Donald Harrison, Sr. poses with his daughters. (Photo courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson)
Big Chief Donald Harrison, Sr. dressed in Mardi Gras Indian attire in the 1950s. (Photo courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson)
Donald Harrison, Sr. and his wife, Herreast Harrison. (Photo courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson)
Donald Harrison Sr. and his wife, Herreast Harrison celebrate their 40th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson)
Mardi Gras Indian beadwork tributes Cherice’s great-grandfather, Madison. (Photo courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson)
Cherice Harrison-Nelson in Guardians of the Flame attire and beading. (Photo courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson)
Beading work worn by Cherice Harrison-Nelson to tribute the West African roots of Guardians of the Flame culture. (Photo courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson)
Cherice Harrison-Nelson wearing typical Mardi Gras Indian attire and bead work. (Photo courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson)
Intricate bead work is worn by Guardians of the Flame members and tributes cultural values and traditions. (Photo courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson)
All photos are courtesy of Cherice Harrison-Nelson.
To view the next part of our three-part project on the Guardians of the Flame, featuring Mardi Gras morning 2017, click here.
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