Join us to celebrate the retirement of Big Chief Victor Harris after 59 years as a Black Masking Indian with a short film presentation, words of thanks from community leaders, and African drumming. This program is presented by the Retirement Committee to Honor Big Chief Victor Harris and the New Orleans Museum of Art.

The celebration begins at 6:00 pm in NOMA’s Lapis Center for the Arts. Doors open at 5:30 pm. 

Free and open to the public. When you arrive at NOMA, check in at the admissions desk for directions to the Lapis Center for the Arts.

About the Big Chief Victor Harris

Big Chief Victor Harris began his journey as a Black Masking Indian at the age of fifteen with the Yellow Pocahontas Tribe and Chief of Chiefs Tootie Montana. He later became chief of his own tribe, The Mandingo Warriors – Spirit of Fi Yi Yi. Today, Big Chief Fi-Yi-Yi is the longest continuously masking Indian in the history of New Orleans with 58 years of service to the Indigenous culture. Harris created his first suit with the color black and for 2024, Big Chief will close the chapter of this journey with another historic Black suit. Big Chief Fi-Yi-Yi is one of the most recognized chiefs in the city of New Orleans. In addition to being a Big Chief, Victor Harris is a community leader, proud husband, father, and grandfather—plus an inspiration to all!

NOMA’s Art Thrives programs are supported by E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.