[2][3] Through the eighth grade, Thomas attended the reservation elementary school, where she also learned the Chitimacha basket weaving techniques from elders Christine Navarro Paul and her sister-in-law Pauline.

[13] After graduating from the reservation school, Vilcan moved to New Orleans, where she worked in an aircraft plant dedicated to the war effort.

[1][14] Upon completing her schooling, she traveled the country, working at various jobs in Washington, D. C., New York City and Miami, Florida.

[16] The poverty which had plagued the tribe during the Great Depression when she left the area had been replaced by prosperity with the growth in the oil industry.

Determined to save their unique basket-weaving techniques, Thomas partnered with Stephen Richmond of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to prepare a show held at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.