The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana’s Education Department and Proctor and Gamble sponsored a kite flying activity for Tribal youth and a tree planting ceremony in honor of Earth Day.
The trees were planted by Tunica-Biloxi Youth representatives, Tribal Council members and representatives from Proctor and Gamble. The ceremony included remarks by the Director of the Tunica-Biloxi Education Department, John Barbry, regarding the Tribe’s commitment to honoring Mother Earth and their commitment to bettering the community, in partnership with Proctor and Gamble.
“Because of the commitments from the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and Proctor and Gamble, our neighborhood is a little greener today,” said John Barbry. “The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana is committed to honoring our past and preserving our future. We must take care of the area that has provided for our ancestors for generations and protect it for our future leaders and citizens.”
Ceremony attendees also heard the poem “Remembrance” from Leslie Carmouche, Tunica-Biloxi Education Department Academic Counselor, and remarks from Proctor and Gamble representatives. The newly planted trees will stand as the Tribe’s promise to preserve and protect their ancestral homelands in Marksville, LA while promoting a shared goal of improving green spaces around their Reservation with the help and support of community partnerships.
Marksville, La. – (April 10, 2023) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana has obtained 8(a) certification status through Tunica-Biloxi Industries, an economic development programthat focuses its efforts on small business development by providing various forms of management, technical, financial, and procurement assistance.
8(a) programs allow firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals – such as tribal and native entities, small businesses and community development corporations– access to resources and opportunities that will help them effectively compete within the economy. With this certification status, Tunica-Biloxi Industries will be able to formulate a competitive advantage that will allow them to enter industries such as cut and sew, textile manufacturing, rare earth recycling and more.
“This has been a goal for over thirty years in the making, which makes this a significant milestone for the Tunica-Biloxi citizens,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. “This 8(a)-certification milestone will allow the tribe to position itself to be a solution to many nationwide obstacles and create resiliency for the tribe and its surrounding communities.”
The 8(a) program is particularly beneficial for tribes in remote locations because it allows for access to new markets without the need for a large workforce. Additionally, when the economy experiences hardship, those under the 8(a) program may be eligible to receive contract awards or protective measures in the event of a disaster that may impact a business– such as a pandemic shutdown.
After 3-year hiatus, Tribe encourages public to participate in this free, educational event held before annual Pow Wow
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana will host a free Education Day following a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Friday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This annual public event, held on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in Marksville, is a free day of programming dedicated to educating students of all ages on Native American culture and highlights the historical, social and symbolic significance of inter-tribal Pow Wows.
The 2023 Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Education Day will consist of Pow Wow dance demonstrations, Tunica-Biloxi storytelling, arts and crafts vendors and displays, flute music and an interactive traditional home. The Ottertrail Singers from Apache, Oklahoma, will accompany dance exhibitions during the programs, and attendees are encouraged to participate in inter-tribal dances, including Round Dance and Two-step. The Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Committee is excited to welcome back Native flutist and master flute maker Hawk Henries to Education Day.
“The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana prides itself on the robust educational programming we have developed over the last several decades,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “This is an opportunity to share Native traditions with students of all ages so they may better understand our rich history and culture, and I encourage all who are able to participate in this wonderful experience.”
Students of all ages and backgrounds are welcome, and group reservations are encouraged. There will be two (2) programs, approximately 75 minutes in length, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023. For reservations, contact Elisabeth Pierite at (318) 240-6432 or emora@tunica.org. Education Day is a free preview to help audiences understand what they will see at the 25th Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow held on May 20 & 21.
Paragon Casino Resort opens the most advanced golf and interactive gaming simulator available in Central Louisiana for fun, interactive social gatherings or private practice sessions
Marksville, LA – (March 31, 2023)– After beginning construction on earlier this year, Paragon Casino Resort celebrated the grand opening of Central Louisiana’s first Topgolf Swing Suite, housed in Paragon Casino Resort’s Draft Room, today with a ribbon cutting ceremony. In attendance were Paragon Casino Resort leadership and representatives from the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, which owns the Casino Resort, in addition to local elected officials.
In addition to this announcement, Paragon Casino Resort also announced the Draft Room is now able to welcome guests aged 18 – 21 until 10 p.m. for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
Furnished with comfortable lounge seating, HD TVs, food and beverage service, two simulator bays and a variety of virtual games – like Topgolf target game, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey Shots, Baseball Pitching Carnival Classic and more – the space is now available for interactive social gatherings or private practice sessions.
“With the addition of Topgolf Swing Suites to our Draft Room, we are able to further provide our guests a unique and entertaining experience. Visitors will now have access to interactive activities alongside the amenities Paragon Casino already offers like premium dining, gaming and entertainment,” said Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. General Manager of Paragon Casino Resort. “Part of remaining Central Louisiana’s premier entertainment destination is continuing to evolve and expand our amenities. Topgolf’s Swing Suite does exactly that.”
Patrons interested in business and social gatherings – including birthdays, bachelorette and bachelor parties, team-building events, corporate meetings and groups of up to eight people – are welcome to rent the area and enjoy a night of games, good food and fun. The Topgolf Swing Suite is now open at Paragon Casino Resort. For ways to book your next group gathering at the Topgolf Swing Suite, visit paragoncasinoresort.com.
The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) is hosting its 2023 History Symposium, which explores how the democratic system has functioned in Louisiana and how key events have influenced our current political environment.
Since becoming a state in 1812, Louisiana has participated in America’s bold experiment with democracy. Moderator Dr. Pearson Cross and a vibrant slate of speakers, including Tunica-Biloxi Language and Culture Revitalization Program Director John Barbry will address topics ranging from the drafting of the first constitution and the politics of enslavement to the women’s suffrage movement in New Orleans and how Louisiana’s environment impacts public policy.
Symposium participants include Dr. Pearson Cross (moderator), Dr. Brian Klopotek, John Barbry, Dr. Steven Procopio, Dr. Laura Roseanne Adderley, Dr. Theodore R. Foster III, Dr. Libby Neidenbach, Dr. Albert L. Samuels, Rebecca Mowbray, Lamar Gardere, Dr. Andy Horowitz
General admission, $75. Students, teachers, and active military with a valid ID, $20.
After 3-year hiatus, Tribe encourages public to participate in traditional arts, storytelling, music and dance competitions
Marksville, LA – (March 3, 2023) –This May, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana will host its 25th Annual Pow Wow following a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This annual public event, held on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in Marksville, welcomes various regional indigenous tribes to celebrate culture through vibrant craft displays, music performances, dance presentations and cultural exhibits. An assortment of interactive events and live performances throughout the weekend aims to highlight the history and traditions of the Tribe. Not only does this historic, cultural event celebrate the traditions of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, but neighboring tribes from across the region, who are invited to share their own culture and heritage as well.
This year’s Pow Wow is also a celebration of community resilience in times of difficulty brought on by the recent pandemic and the perseverance of the Tribe. Native Americans were one of the hardest-hit groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. They faced a long road of protecting their citizens, often living in rural areas far from healthcare access and rebounding in the aftermath. Despite these setbacks, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s reach is as large as ever and only continues to grow while still honoring its culture. Just this past year, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe saw great victories, including reclaiming ancestral burial grounds in central Louisiana and expanding internet and broadband access within the reservation. Additionally, members of Tribal leadership were selected to serve on numerous federally-appointed boards and committees with the hopes of amplifying the Tunica-Biloxi mission, and the goals of Indian Country nationwide.
“While the annual Pow Wow serves as a much-needed homecoming for Tunica-Biloxi citizens throughout the nation, the upcoming 25th-anniversary celebration is especially important after being separated by time and pandemic for the past three years,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “The year’s celebration is a reminder of our fellowship with other Native American Tribes and the importance of honoring our native cultures while our reach continues to grow nationwide.”
Featured performances and events include the Tunica-Biloxi Singers and Legend Keepers, Native American dance and drum (singing) contests and special performances by Swamp Water and native flutist, Hawk Henries. The event will also feature food and craft vendors.
Additionally, the Tribe will hold an Education Day on Friday, May 19, ahead of the Pow Wow. The event will include two sessions at the Chief Joseph Alcide Pierite Pow Wow Grounds at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Area children and school groups are invited to attend and discover the diverse and vibrant traditions of Native Americans from across the U.S. The event will include dance demonstrations, and attendees are invited to join in. The Tribe also encourages those attending to try their hand at using traditional tools and toys, as well as learn about basketry, clothing and jewelry of tribes of various regions. The Tunica Biloxi Singers and Legend Keepers will also share tribal folklore, language and songs with participants. Admission is free. For more information, contact Elisabeth Pierite-Mora (emora@tunica.org).
For lodging or general information, call 800-272-9767 or visit tunicabiloxi.org. Vendors must apply in advance. Contact Paulette Voiselle (pvoiselle@tunica.org) or Leslie Bonnette (lbonnette@tunica.org) for information on becoming a vendor.
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and Oklahoma Indigenous Theatre Company presents a staged reading of the story of three Tunica-Biloxi sisters written by playwright with Tunica roots.
Marksville, LA – (February 23, 2023) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Indigenous Theatre Company, presents a stage reading of Three Sisters at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25, at Paragon Casino Resort. Written by playwright Carolyn Dunn, a descendant of the Tunica-Biloxi and other Native American tribes, Three Sisters shares the story of estranged sisters who return home to Avoyelles Parish in Louisiana at the request of their dying aunt. The performance explores familial ties, hidden secrets and death when they meet at the intersection of love, loss, tradition and culture.
Dunn’s Native American heritage gives her a deep, innate understanding of what motivates her characters and the connection between culture and relationships. Three Sisters give credence to the struggles of the Native American community and the plight tribal citizens face to preserve their culture and traditions when faced with the challenges and pressures of today’s society.
“It is important for not only the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, but all of Indian Country to share pieces of our culture with those unfamiliar with our history and traditions,” said John Barbry, Director of the Tunica-Biloxi Language and Culture Revitalization Program. “Our hope is to continue spreading our culture across the country, and with the help of Three Sisters and Carolyn Dunn, we are well on our way. I encourage all audiences to partake in this wonderful story that transcends cultural divides.”
Three Sisters will be read at Paragon Casino Resort on March 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. The performances are free and open to the public. For additional ticketing information, contact Paulette Voiselle at pvoiselle@tunica.org or (318) 240-6400. The performance sponsors include The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, the Tunica-Biloxi Education Department, the Tunica-Biloxi Language and Culture Revitalization Program and the Oklahoma Indigenous Theatre Company.
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, February 17, 2023, before 4:30 pm.
(KALB) – Our team at KALB, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, and the Food Bank of Central Louisiana are saying ‘thank you’ to some of the top-performing schools in this year’s Christmas Cheer Food Drive.
Some of the top-performing schools in Rapides and Grant parishes received checks for their participation in the Christmas Cheer Food Drive on Wednesday.
Here’s a breakdown of the amount of food collected in Rapides and Grant and the schools that received checks for their efforts:
Rapides Parish schools collected a total of 42,225 pounds of food.
Phoenix Magnet Elementary School (10,003 pounds)
Pineville Junior High (5,589 pounds)
Tioga High School (2,752 pounds)
Grant Parish schools collected a total of 10,669 pounds of food.
South Grant Elementary School (5,560 pounds)
Grant Junior High (362 pounds)
Georgetown High School (1,003 pounds)
Natchitoches Parish schools collected a total of 5,268 pounds of food.
East Natchitoches Elementary (1,087)
Natchitoches Central Junior High School (875)
Natchitoches Central high School (696)
Vernon Parish schools collected a total of 22,011 pounds of food.
Rosepine Elementary School (4,253)
Vernon Middle School (1,960)
Rosepine High School (8,186)
Congratulations to all of the participating schools!
Tunica-Biloxi Chief of Police Harold Pierite, Sr. recently sat down with Indian Country Today to discuss his recent appointment to the Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council and his induction into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame. During the interview, Chief Pierite discussed his accomplishments as Chief of Tribal Police and the progress the department has made under his leadership – including the addition of several new officers.
ICT News is a national news service that shares Native American facts, news, history and culture.
To watch the interview, click here. (Interview begins at 14-minute mark)
