The Krewe of the Natchez Indians celebrates its inaugural season during the upcoming Mardi Gras festivities.

The krewe received its charter in March and has experienced great success in a short time, thanks to member teamwork and dedication, a spokesman said.

The krewe plans to be active throughout the year, not just during Mardi Gras season.

The krewe announced its 2007 Grand Order on Nov. 17 at the Big Chief and Majestic Queen coming out party. “We are a fun krewe that will be active and visible to the community, a spokesman said.

Anyone interested in joining may contact any member or send inquiries to Krewe of the Natchez Indians, 1234A Martin Luther King Jr. St., Natchez 39120. Contact information, including a phone number, should be included.

Big Chief Celestin White has been married to Yolanda White for 11 years. They have three children, Brandon, Brandis and C.J. he has been employed with Mcdonald’s for 19 years and is the supervisor for the Natchez and Vidalia stores. He is a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church and the Male Chorus. He coaches Little League basketball at Martin gym and Little League bseball with the T.M. Jennings League. He enjoys sports and spending time with his family.

Majestic Queen Yolanda B. White, wife of Celestin and mother of Brandon, Brandis and C.J., is the owner of Allstate Insurance Agency in Magnolia Mall. She is a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, where she is a member of the choir, women’s ministry and the missionary society. She is a member of the Natchez Business and Civic League, Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers. She enjoys singing, reading and spending time with family.

Witch Doctor Medicine Man Clarence Robson is a retired educator, having served 30 years in the Chicago Public School System before retiring in Natchez. He received a bachelor of science degree from Chicago State University, masters degree from Governor’s State University and a mortuary science degree from Worsham College, all in Illinois. He completed further studies at National College of Education in Evanston, Ill. He is a member of Rho Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Prince Hall Mason, Knight Templar, Shriner and is a founder of the krewe and serves as vice president. His hobbies include fishing, oil painting, photography, collecting and refinishing antiques, gourmet cooking and traveling. He and his wife, Willa, have two sons, Clarence Jr. and Marcus Robson.

Dance Man Robert L. McNeely is the husband of Jacqueline McNeely. They have two daughters, Mercedes Jones and Jacqueline Jones. He also is the grandfather of Cambria Unique Chatman. He is a graduate of Cathedral High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is employed by Isle of Capri Casino as security/transportation manager. He is a member of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon. He also is a mason and and Eastern Star. He is a graduate of Leadership Natchez and serves on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club. He is a founder of the krewe and serves as president. He enjoys spending time with his wife and family and is looking forward to helping the krewe grow to become a positive influence in the community.

Squaw No. 1 Jacqueline McNeely is the daughter of Walter Johnson and Gail Johnson and has five siblings, Margaret, Yvonne, Walter, Luella and Shirley. She is the wife of Robert McNeely. They have two daughters, Mercedes Jones and Jacqueline Jones and granddaughter Cambria Unique Chatman. She graduated from Eve’s Beauty College in Harvey, La., and is self-employed as owner of Artistic Hair Designs. She is a member of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church and a founder of the krewe, where she serves as treasurer. She enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, traveling and shopping.

Squaw No. 2 Willa R. Robson is a retired educator, having served 36 years in the Chicago Public School System before retiring in Natchez. She received a bachelor of science degree from Alcorn State University and an masters degree from Governor’s State University in Illinois. She has done further work at National College of Education in Evanston, Ill. She is a member of Zeta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Order of the Eastern Star and the Catherine Williams Homemakers Volunteers. Her interests include reading, shopping, bird and deer watching and spending time with family, friends and pets. She and her husband Clarence have two sons, Clarence Jr. and Marcus Robson.

Squaw No. 3 Duchess Andrea Hudson is the daughter of Adrian Lewis and Gladys Madison. She is the mother of two children, Adrian D’Ontae Madison and Deja Monae Hudson. She is employed by First Natchez Radio as a receptionist. She is a member o Forest Aid Baptist Church. She enjoys shoping and spending time with family and friends.

Squaw No. 4 YaMika Shante Madison Thomas is a native of Natchez and the daughter of Willard J. Madison and Martha Madison. She has two brothers, K. Alexander and D. Woods. She is married to Reginald Thomas and they have two children, Raheem and Anfernee. She is a graduate of Natchez High School and Copiah-Lincoln Community College. She is currently working toward her bachelor of science degree in database administration. YaMika is employed with the Natchez-Adams School District and is a member of Antioch Baptist Church.

Squaw No. 5 Kizzy S. Knight is a graduate of Alcorn State University School of Nursing. She is currently a registered nurse employed by Natchez Community Hospital. She is the mother of two children. She enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends. She plans to attend ASU School of Nursing in the fall to further her career in nursing.