Author: Alex J.

Originally from Red Lake Nation News

MESA, AZ – The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (The National Center) announced the 2022 class of Native American 40 Under 40 award recipients. The Native American 40 Under 40 awards represent the best and brightest emerging Indian Country leaders. Every year, 40 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian leaders under the age of 40 are inducted in recognition of their leadership, initiative, and dedication, and for making significant contributions in their business and/or in their community. Award winners include leaders working in numerous fields including academia, government, non-profits, tourism, nature conservation, technology, and more.

This year, The National Center will resume the tradition of honoring Native American 40 Under 40 awardees during an in-person reception on Wednesday, May 25, 6:30PM—8:30PM PST, in Drai’s at The Cromwell Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. To learn more about attending the 2022 Native American 40 Under 40 reception, click here. Similar to the 2021 class, the 2022 class of Native American 40 Under 40 recipients have displayed resiliency and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Center looks forward to celebrating the 2022 class.

View a list of the 2022 Native American 40 Under 40 class below.

“Inductees into the 2022 Native American 40 Under 40 Awards showcase the hard work, perseverance, and dedication that have come to define this prestigious award,” said Chris James, President and CEO of the National Center. “The Native American 40 Under 40 represent leaders in tribal government, medicine, law, politics, activism, agriculture, Native cuisine, economic development, media, and many other areas. They are a reminder that Native American leaders are making a difference in every aspect of American life. I can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2022 40 Under 40 Award Winners to the Reservation Economic Summit 2022, and I hope you’ll join us to celebrate their achievements.”

2022 Native American 40 Under 40 Award Recipients (Alphabetical order by last name):

• Stephanie Allison, Navajo Nation, Owner/CEO, DreamCatcher Financial Strategies, LLC

• Peggy Barlett, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Senior Counsel Husch Blackwell LLP

• Pamela Boivin, Menominee, Executive Director, NiiJii Capital Partners, Inc.

• Jackson Brossy, Navajo Nation, Assistant Administrator, Small Business Administration Office of Native American Affairs

• Savannah Burwell, Chickasaw Nation, Content Manager, The Chickasaw Nation

• Jeanie Campbell, Aleut, CEO / Owner, Grid Electric Corporation

• Rachel Crawford, Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, CEO/President, Quivera Enterprises LLC

• Emily Edenshaw, Yup’ik/Inupiaq, President & CEO, Alaska Native Heritage Center

• Chelsea Fish, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Federal Project Officer, US Department of Labor

• Kathryn Gardner-Vandy, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Assistant Professor, Oklahoma State University

• Jessi Goldner, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi/Waseybek, Development Corporation, Director of Compliance, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi/ Waseybek Development Corporation

• Carly Griffith Hotvedt, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Associate Director, Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative

• Andrea Gusty, Yupik, Athabascan, Village of Aniak, President & CEO, The Kuskokwim Corporation

• Eva Harvey, Native Village of Kiana, Alaska, Co-Founder, First Alaskans First

• Kirby Hays, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, President & CEO, Hal Hays Constructions, Inc.

• Tim Hicks, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Chief Operating Officer – Hospital Services, Muscogee Nation

• Kandace Howell-Keahbone, Caddo, Tribal Government Relations Coordinator, Oklahoma Health Care Authority

• Thomas Ice, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Small Business Banking Relationship Management Manager (LO), Wells Fargo and Company

• Sasanehsaeh Jennings, Menominee, Tribal Liaison, University of Wisconsin System

• Billye Jimerson, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Public Health Administrator, Cherokee Nation Public Health

• Kelbie Kennedy, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Policy Manager and Policy Lead – National Security and Community Safety, National Congress of American Indians

• Allison Lampo, Seneca Nation of Indians, Founder & Director of Projects, AMJ Concepts

• Renee Linton, Organized Village of Grayling, Program Manager, Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation

• Johnathon Lopez, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, Atlanta Project Manager, Red Alligator LLC

• Wendy Merrill, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Assistant General Manager, Grand Casino Mille Lacs

• Cody Minyard, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Attorney at Law/CEO, Cody Minyard, Attorney at Law, PLLC

• Francine Moreno, Village of Alakanuk, Manager of Utility Operations, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

• Mary Kathryn Nagle, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Partner, Pipestem Law P. C.

• Melissa Peterson, Navajo, Director Tribal Relations, University of Kansas

• Bryan Polite, Shinnecock Nation, Chairman, Council of Trustees Shinnecock Indian Nation

• Joannie Suina Romero, Pueblo of Cochiti, Executive Director, Laguna Community Foundation, Inc.

• Brandi Ross, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Director of Business Development, The Akana Group, Inc.

• Tessa Sayers, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Director of Marketing, American Indigenous Business Leaders; Owner/Designer/Artist, Soul Curiosity

• Corey Still, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Director of Student Programming and Research, American Indian Graduate Center

• Marley Tanner, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, Clinical Pharmacist, Indian Health Service, Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital

• Concetta Tsosie de Haro, Navajo Nation, Democratic Counsel, U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

• Shea Vassar Gomez, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Journalist/Critic/Filmmaker, Freelance

• Brian Weeden, Mashpee Wampanoag, Chairman/President, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

• Alex Wesaw, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians , Tribal Council Member At-Large & Director, American Indian Relations Division, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians & Ohio History Connection

• Carrie Whitlow, Cheyenne & Arapaho/Kiowa/Creek, Executive Director, Cheyenne & Arapaho Department of Education, Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribe

About the National Center: The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With over 50 years of assisting American Indian Tribes and their enterprises with business and economic development, the National Center has evolved into the largest national Indian specific business organization in the nation serving over 500 clients and providing over $4 billion in contracts to its clients. The National Center has nine offices throughout the nation with its home office located in Mesa, Arizona. The National Center is actively engaged in helping Tribal Nations and Native business people realize their business goals and are dedicated to putting the whole of Indian Country to work to better the lives of American Indian people – both now…and for generations to come.

Tunica Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite will begin a second term as Tunica-Biloxi Chairman, new Tribal Council Members welcomed in latest election

Marksville, La. – April 13, 2022 – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana has announced the re-election of Marshall Pierite as Chairman, Beverly Rachal as Secretary-Treasurer and Bobby Pierite Sr. as a Tribal Council member in an election held last week. Additionally, the tribe voted to replace Rudolph Wambsgans III with Paulette Voiselle as the newest Tribal Council member.

“I am very honored that the citizens of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe have once again entrusted me with the honored position of Chairman,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite, “I look forward to continuing to working in tandem with our Tribal Council, Tribal elders and the Seventh Generation Youth Council to lead our community as a Tribe of Many.” 

A native Louisianan, Chairman Pierite has held several elected positions within the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe over more than 20 years of service, including Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-Chairman and Chairman. He has worked on government operations, budgeting, infrastructure development, economic development, community development and tax policy development for the Tribe. Recently, Pierite was selected by the Native American Finance Officers Association as their 2022 Tribal Leader of the Year award recipient in recognition of his leadership and dedication to the Tunica-Biloxi citizens, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paulette Voiselle has served the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe in several different capacities since 1994. Beginning her career in the Human Resources Department of Paragon Casino Resort, she held multiple positions in the organization, such as Benefits Manager, Human Resources Manager and Director of Human Resources in her 24 years working at Paragon, which is owned by the Tribe. In 2018, she began working directly for the Tribe as an Administrative Assistant to the Tribal Council. In 2022, Voiselle moved into her current position as an Administrative Coordinator for the Education Department.

“I am thankful that the Tunica-Biloxi citizens have chosen me to serve on their Tribal Council,” said newly-elected Tribal Council Member Paulette Voiselle. “I intend to utilize my experiences to help our Tribe grow and prosper.”

For more information on the Tribal Council, click here.

To learn more about the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, visit –  https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/.

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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 1,200 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.

Native American Finance Officers Association selects Chairman Marshall Pierite as Tribal Leader of the Year

Click Here for photos from the ceremony

Marksville, La. – April XX, 2022 – The Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) has selected Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite as the 2022 Tribal Leader of the Year. 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 Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall 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. 2021 was one of the most challenging times for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and all of Indian Country, yet Chairman Pierite’s long-term vision and planning turned this past year into one of his most impressive and impactful years as a Tribal leader. Chairman Pierite responded locally and regionally, supporting his citizens in the aftermath of hurricanes and amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through his leadership style and inclusive approach to solving complex problems, Chairman Pierite has opened many doors for the Tribe to ensure continued prosperity.

“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 40^th 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.

Marksville, La. – March 31, 2022 – The following is a statement from The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana’s Chairman Marshall Pierite regarding the actions of the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District and the controversial “Indianettes” Disney World performance last week:

“Our Tribe puts a great deal of effort into educating both our Tribal citizens and the public on our rich language, culture and traditions. Native Americans across the nation have fought for generations to prove our inherent sovereignty and revitalize aspects of our heritage that were lost due to western law and devastating events throughout history.

The use of Native American mascots and symbols in a caricatural and derogatory manner greatly undermines all that Native Americans have been through and our efforts to uncover and share our culture accurately and respectfully. Offensive depictions such as this harm our children, disrespect our history, and should not be tolerated, anywhere.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana stands with the Cherokee Nation, the Florida Indigenous Alliance (FIA) and others who are condemning these actions. We urge the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District to immediately cease the offensive and insulting imagery, chanting, and symbolism.

Marshall Pierite

Chairman, Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana is committed to protecting the health, peace, morals, education and general welfare of its citizens and all Native Americans. Education is a key pillar of the Tribe’s mission and purpose which is why member of Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Council and the Tribe’s Language and Culture Revitalization Program are available as a resource to educate the public on their history and culture as well as Indian Country as a whole. For more information on the Tribe’s culture, visit – https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/tribal-info/departments/language-culture-revitalization-program/.

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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.

Dr. Rebecca Moore’s addition to the LCRP will aid in the revitalization of the Tunica language

Marksville, LA. – (Mar. xx, 2022) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana’s Language and Cultural Revitalization Program (LCRP) is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Rebecca Moore as a linguist to their department. Dr. Moore comes to the team with a wealth of knowledge and experience in linguistics and education.

“I am honored to be part of such a unique and impactful organization with such an important mission,” said Dr. Moore, “I look forward to contributing to and expanding accessibility within the tribal community to the Tunica language as we continue efforts to reinvigorate the use of this historic spoken word.”

Dr. Moore recently graduated from Tulane University’s Linguistics Doctoral Program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University and her master’s degree in Linguistics from Tulane as well. In her professional career, Dr. Moore has held various educator positions in the linguistics program at Tulane, ranging from teaching assistant to the adjunct lecturer. She also assisted as a linguistic co-teacher with Dr. Judith Maxwell, teaching fundamental topics in linguistics of the Tunica language.

Dr. Moore’s goals while working for the LCRP are to advance the team’s proficiency in the Tunica language while also facilitating a successful Tunica language teaching curriculum for the Tunica-Biloxi community.

Apart from her duties as a linguist, Dr. Moore will be responsible for Tunica language resource development, lesson planning, teaching, and activity development that promotes the learning of the Tunica-Biloxi language and culture for students in the program. She is also responsible for overseeing the development of published works on the Tunica language, assisting in the planning of language workshops and training programs, and coordinating the integration of the Tunica language with other tribal community programs.

“This position comes with many unique challenges and opportunities,” said John Barbry, the Director of Development and Programming for the LCRP and the Education Department for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. “We are confident that the experience and expertise that Dr. Moore brings with her will aid her in her duties with the LCRP.”

Originally from Maryland, Dr. Moore spent the past 10 years in New Orleans working to earn degrees in linguistics and psychology. Her academic and professional interests include studying and working to help maintain indigenous languages of the Americas, specifically the Kaqchikel language, one of many Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala, and the Tunica language of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana.

To learn more about the Language and Culture Revitalization Program, visit https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/tribal-info/departments/language-culture-revitalization-program/.

The Tunica Biloxi Tribal Government is taking bids on the following items. Sealed bids can be dropped off Monday thru Friday by calling Byron Rachal @ (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, March 25^th, before 4:30 pm.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Committee has decided to cancel our Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow, previously scheduled for May 22-25, 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we are saddened that this celebration of our culture is on hold for another year, we will continue to celebrate our rich culture through our extensive virtual programming, including language classes, and Tribal craft workshops. The health and safety of Tunica-Biloxi citizens and guests is the highest priority to Tribal leadership, and we hope we are able to reconvene soon. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this ongoing pandemic. We look forward to gathering with you all very soon!

Marksville, LA. – (Jan. 21, 2022) – The Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame (LJHF) has announced that Tunica-Biloxi Police Chief Harold Pierite, Sr. will be inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame on June 3, 2022. Inductees are chosen based on their hard work, commitment and dedication to improving their communities and the lives of those they serve. This honor is LJHF’s greatest recognition and is given to inductees each year who serve above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of the public for justice, civil rights and the protection of the public.

“Our TribalPolice Department is a vital part of keeping our community safe and we have been grateful to have Chief Pierite at its helm,” says Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “He is an invaluable asset to the Tunica-Biloxi people, and we are honored that he is being recognized for his dedication to our citizens and as an outstanding figure in our parish and state’s criminal justice system.”

Chief Pierite has a long history of dedicated service of serving his community. He has been a member of the Tunica-Biloxi Police Department for more than 30 years and has served as a member of the Tunica Biloxi Tribal Council for more than 20 years. Prior to his current role as the Tunica-Biloxi Chief of Police, Pierite served as a police officer for both the Tunica-Biloxi Police as well as an Avoyelles Parish Police

Chief Pierite has worked diligently in the tribal community to ensure citizens are well cared for and safe. Under his direction, the Tunica-Biloxi Police Department offers community support events and programming to engage citizens of all ages and foster a sense of community among neighbors and relatives of the Tribe.

“I am honored and blessed to be recognized by the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame,” says Tunica-Biloxi Chief of Police, Honorable Harold Pierite, Sr. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in service to our community and have a deep passion for serving each and every tribal citizen in our jurisdiction. The Tribal Council and my fellow officers at the Tunica-Biloxi Police Department have been extremely supportive of me during my tenure, and I could not have accomplished this without them.”