Author: Alex J.

Dear Tunica-Biloxi Citizens, 

This summer has seen a massive increase in the average power bill for citizens across Louisiana. To alleviate a portion of the financial burdens some may have been suffering, Entergy Louisiana has committed almost $4.4 million to United Way to assist qualified customers with paying their energy bills. 

I encourage all citizens who meet these qualifications to apply. Additional information may be found below. As always, I encourage those with questions or concerns to reach out to me or Chief of Staff Megan Guillot at mguillot@tunica.org or 381-427-7418. 

Sincerely,
Chairman Marshall Pierite

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United Way of Central Louisiana will accept applications for Entergy residential customers who reside in our service area: Avoyelles, Concordia, Grant, La Salle, and Winn. 

Entergy customers are encouraged to visit www.entergy.com/answers for the most up-to-date information on bill assistance. 

Customers with a household income of up to 250% of the federal poverty level will be qualified. This equates to:

• $33,975 for a household of 1
• $45,775 for a household of 2
• $57,575 for a household of 3
• $69,375 for a household of 4
• $81,175 for a household of 5
• $92,975 for a household of 6

DOCUMENTATION

(Applicants will be required to upload documents. These file types are accepted: .jpg .tif .png .pdf)

• Photo ID (driver’s license or state-issued ID, passport) 
• Income options (choose one)
  • First page of 2021 tax return for all income earners in household
  • 2021 W2 for all income earners in household
  • Last paystub for all income earners in household
  • Social Security Administration 1099 or 1042-S form

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

(Please have this information handy when you start your application)

• Entergy account number
• Account holder’s DOB
• Valid email address
• Working phone number
• Utility service address
• Number of people in household
• Total annual income of all earners in household
• Income earners over the age of 18 in the household

HOW IT WORKS

• Fill out the application online form and upload supporting documents.
• You will be contacted by a United Way of Central Louisiana Caseworker if your application is complete.
• United Way’s Caseworker will review your application and get back to you within 10 business days.
• Approved applications will receive a $150 credit on their Entergy Louisiana bill. 

United Way of Central Louisiana is working with local partners to ensure applications can be accessed online and paper applications are available.  We will update our website with the most current information.  

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La, has an opportunity for Native Americans to receive tuition exemption at their institution. Application deadlines are as follows:

Fall 22 Semester – September 30
Spring 23 Semester – February 28
Summer 23 Semester – July 15

Click here for the application.

Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, Paragon Casino Resort and United Way “Link-Up” to Help Low-Income Families

President of United Way of Central Louisiana and Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe join forces to raise funds to aid those in need

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND BROLL

Marksville, La. – (Jun. 27, 2022) – Today, Paragon Casino Resort and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana partnered with United Way of Central Louisiana to host the Hit for Hope Tunica-Biloxi Governors Cup, a fundraising golf tournament held at the Tamahka Trails Golf Course, Paragon’s premier 18-hole championship-level golf course. Tournament participants included United Way of Central Louisiana President and CEO Michelle Purl and Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Marshall Pierite.

“The Tunica Biloxi Tribe will always seek opportunities to aid not only Tribal citizens but all our friends, family and neighbors,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. “United Way of Central Louisiana is an outstanding partner, and we greatly appreciate the work they do to make a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable in Central Louisiana.”

Proceeds from the tournament were donated to the United Way of Central Louisiana programs that benefit the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. ALICE is a driver of innovation, research, and action to improve life across the country for families who may be unable to afford the basics of childcare, housing, food and healthcare.

“It is because of the generosity of our partner organizations and goodhearted people across central Louisiana that we can continue to advocate for the betterment of our communities and find solutions that uplift families in need,” said Michelle Purl, President and CEO of United Way of Central Louisiana. “We hope to continue our partnership with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and Paragon Casino Resort in our collective mission of serving the families of Central Louisiana.”

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and Paragon Casino Resort have a long history of investing in the communities that surround their tribal lands. In 2021, the Tribe donated over $1 million, their largest contribution ever, to organizations and causes that support the residents of Avoyelles Parish. The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe also participates in annual food drives and hosts events such as the Special Olympics Torch Run to support community engagement and unity within the parish.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, in partnership with the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) of Louisiana and the National Center American Indian PTAC, is proud to host the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe Procurement Conference.

The conference is open to tribal and non-tribal small businesses who want to learn about the governmental procurement process and how to win contracts with the government. The conference also brings government buyers from all levels of government, as well as Prime Contractors and Corporations, for participants to meet one-on-one for networking and matchmaking opportunities. 

For more information, click here.

The Tunica Biloxi Tribal Government is taking bids on the following item(s). Sealed bids can be dropped off Monday thru Friday by calling Byron Rachal at (318) 264-1362.

Sealed bids can also be mailed to:
Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
Attn: Byron Rachal
P.O. Box 1589
Marksville, LA 71351

All bids must be received by Friday, July 1st, before 4:30 pm.

2008 Dodge Durango
93036 miles
Minimum Bid is $200.00

The vehicle is sold as-is with no warranty of condition.
It is reported that there are problems with this vehicle’s motor & transmission. Also, water leaks into the vehicle.

The buyer is responsible for payment and pickup within 2 weeks after purchase.

Brothers Marshall and Harold Pierite have caught the eye of national and state organizations.

Marshall Pierite has been named the Native American Finance Officers Association national 2022 Tribal Leader of the Year and Harold is one of the newest inductees to the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame Both are being honored for their outstanding work with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe.

The two are members of the Pierite family which has a long history of service to the Tunica. They are the sons of Herman and Celina Ford Pierite. The brothers were raised in Moreauville by their siblings Inez and Larry Sampson after their parents died when the boys were young.

MARSHALL PIERITE
The Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) has selected Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite as the 2022 Tribal Leader of the Year of the nation.
This award recognizes tribal leaders for their outstanding work and dedication through foresight, resolve and considerable economic advancement of their tribe.
Chairman Pierite was nominated by Vice-Chairman Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. and selected by NAFOA’s Board of Directors for his accomplishments. NAFOA recognizes that to effectively lead a nation, tribal leaders are tasked with the responsibility of making major financial decisions and commends Chairman Pierite for his dedication to Tunica-Biloxi citizens, particularly in his quick and responsible reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a leader, the most important role we can fill is that of servant. To serve others is our highest calling,” said Pierite. “I strive to instill this notion in all that I do for our citizens. It is for them that we continue on in the face of hardship, as our ancestors have done for decades, so that the Tribe of Many may continue to flourish.”

The NAFOA Leadership Awards honor the accomplishments of a tribal leader, tribal executive, and financial deals advancing tribal economies. Chairman Pierite responded locally and regionally, supporting his citizens in the aftermath of hurricanes and amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“2021 was one of the most challenging times for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. Throughout the pandemic and a rough tropical weather season, Chairman Pierite’s long-term vision and planning turned this past year into one of his most impressive and impactful as a Tribal leader,” said Tunica-Biloxi Vice Chairman Marshall Sampson, Sr. “Chairman Pierite’s leadership style and inclusive approach to solving complex problems, has opened many doors for the Tribe including increasing economic development initiatives and securing long-term community prosperity.”

Chairman Pierite received this award at the NAFOA’s 40th Annual Conference, a fitting 40 years after the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe was officially recognized by the Federal Government.
Due to Chairman Pierite’s leadership, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe has reached enormous financial success during his tenure, including the refinancing of Paragon Casino Resort’s debt and saving the Tribe nearly $141 million.

HAROLD PIERITE
Tunica-Biloxi Councilman and Tribal Chief of Police Harold Pierite, Sr., brother of Marshall, will be inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame. The Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation, Louisiana State Penitentiary Warden Tim Hooper and Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary James M. Le Blanc, made the announcement on Friday (May 13).

During his law enforcement career, Harold has served with the Mansura Police Department and Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office. He is also credited with being one of the driving forces in the establishment and day-to-day operations of the Tunica-Biloxi Police Department.
According to representatives at the Justice Hall of Fame, Pierite was appointed to the Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District State Police Commission in 2017 and has served as a Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Councilman for over 15 years.

Originally published in Avoyelles Today

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana is pleased to announce that the Tunica-Biloxi Young Adult Summer Internship Program is accepting applications for the summer of 2022. Through the program, students will be able to apply for summer internships within one of the many departments of the Tribe. Internships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students and all positions are paid. Applications must be submitted by close of business on June 24, 2022. Positions are limited and applicants may be interviewed.

To apply for the Young Adult Summer Internship program, interested candidates must submit their completed application, cover letter and resume to the following address or email at HR@tunica.org:

Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
Attn: Human Resources
150 Melacon Rd.
P.O. Box 1589
Marksville, LA 71351

Click here for the application.

Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana receives grant for Tribal internet expansion

Grant will be used to expand access to internet services and increase digital literacy amongst Tribal citizens

Marksville, LA. – (May. 23, 2022) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana received a $2,499,947 grant through the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to expand access to internet services and increase Tribal citizens’ digital literacy.

As part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, NTIA is distributing 19 grants, totaling nearly $77 million, across 10 states. According to NTIA, “the implementation of this project is expected to enable internet adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, affordable internet programs and digital inclusion efforts.”

“The Tribe has designed a three-prong approach to address the disproportionate challenges that prevent Tribal citizens from accessing and utilizing broadband services,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. “With this grant, Tribal seniors can receive telehealth and social services virtually, Tribal youth can attend classes remotely and Tribal citizens can apply for jobs and participate in other workforce development opportunities online. We believe better internet access is imperative to the continued development and success of our Tribe.”

“For far too long, Tribal Communities have been cut off from the benefits of high-speed internet, as well as the associated economic benefits that come with it. From running a business to taking online classes to scheduling a doctor’s appointment, the internet is a necessary tool for participating in our modern economy, and it’s an absolute injustice that this resource has been deprived from so many Native Americans across our country,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. 

To learn more about the allocation of funds to Native American Tribes for internet access expansion, visit –  https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2022/biden-administration-awards-nearly-77-million-expand-internet-access-dozens.

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About the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana:
The Tunica-Biloxi people first appeared in the Mississippi Valley. In the late 1700s, they settled near Marksville, where they were skilled traders and entrepreneurs. Today, the Tribe has more than 1,500 members throughout the United States, primarily in Louisiana, Texas and Illinois.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe received federal recognition in 1981 for its reservation within the boundaries of Louisiana. The tribe owns and operates the Paragon Casino Resort, the largest employer in Central Louisiana. Through its compact, negotiated by the late Tribal Chairman Earl J. Barbry Sr. and the State of Louisiana, the Tribe has assisted local governments in the area with its quarterly distribution of funds, totaling more than $40 million over two decades. For more information about the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, visit www.tunica.org and “like” us on Facebook. 

Donation highlights the continued investment of Paragon Casino Resort in surrounding community

Marksville, La. – (Apr. 26, 2022) –Paragon Casino Resort recently made a $5,000 contribution to the annual July 4th Avoyelles Art and Music Festival. This donation will help support the Arts Council of Avoyelles in its mission of “Improving Our Community Through Arts Education, Resources and Educational Events” and will help fund the 10th anniversary of the festival after being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We take pride in the ability to provide these funds to such an important community program,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, which owns Paragon Casino Resort. “We thank Avoyelles Parish and the Avoyelles Art and Music Festival for inviting Paragon and our Tribe to participate, and we encourage all Avoyelles residents and those in the surrounding region to participate in this wonderful celebration of local art and culture.”

Since its grand opening in 1994, Paragon Casino Resort remains a driver of positive economic impact on Avoyelles Parish and the surrounding communities. The casino and entertainment destination is the number one employer in the region, with over 700 associates currently on staff, and is a source of pride for all Central Louisianians.

“Paragon Casino Resort was the very first sponsor to say yes to the July 4th Avoyelles Art and Music Festival in Marksville 10 years ago and have been with us ever since,” said festival Co-Chair Van Roy. “Thank you for being a proud community partner and supporter – we couldn’t do this without you.”

For more information on the annual Avoyelles Arts and Music Festival, click here.