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Earl J. Barbry, Sr.
Tribal Chairman
Tenure - 1978 - Present
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Chairman Barbry, a native of Avoyelles Parish, Chairman Barbry was reared on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in Marksville, LA. Earl Joseph Barbry, Sr., learned early that he was part of a clan unique to the area. Under his leadership that seemingly endless quest of his father, grandfathers, past tribal leaders, and tribal members to bring the Tunica-Biloxi people to a point of federal recognition as a Native American tribe was realized in September of 1981 when the tribe was federally recognized.
Chairman Barbry was elected Tribal Chairman in 1978 and was appointed as Tribal Administrator that same year. Barbry serves in those capacities to this day and under his leadership, and that of Council members, tribal members have seen some amazing changes take place.
Where once was barren fields and wooded areas with a few shanties scattered about, can now be seen a unique and modern housing development, a Tribal Administrative Office, a Health Department and Social Services Office, Gaming Board and Gaming Commission Office, and Tribal Police and Court Building. Tribal landholdings have also signifiantly increased during Barbry's tenure as Chairman.
