Les Hommes

Les Hommes is a culture committed to maintaining traditional Indigenous North American lifestyles. Adherents reside in rural tribal villages, primarily in the rural areas of the Principality of Darren. Les Hommes has been compared to the Amish community in its goals and approach.

The movement evolved in the 19th century, as industrial advances, alcohol, and immigration threatened INA tribal continuity. Adherents largely withdrew to more remote areas where they would be less impacted by European/American influenced society.

The movement dwindled in the 20th century, as new generations left the woods for the cities, but the movement retained a high level of respect and influence within Darren. Les Hommes popularity surged following the Alice Disaster. It is now common for young adults to spend several years or more living Les Hommes lifestyle, perhaps later returning to mainstream society.

Les Hommes movement has spread beyond the bounds of Darren, for example to members of the Yurok tribe in California, USA.

One facet of Les Hommes that has attracted attention outside Darren is the practice of Le Trajet (The Journey). Young men, and increasingly women, each build a canoe using traditional techniques and materials, and navigate it down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. If successful, the traveler's tribe pays his way home and welcomes him as a full member of adult society. The travelers meet mixed response on the river, where some residents complain of theft and vandalism, while others welcome the travelers with food and accommodations. Failure to complete the journey (and the subsequent self-direct trip home) is seen as a learning experience. A legendary 19th century traveler, Pierre Blackhawk, purportedly completed his journey on his 23rd attempt at age 49.

