Category: News

The Tunica Biloxi Tribe is taking bids on the following items:

---

2007 Rockwood Travel Trailer
Model M-8315SS
Minimum Bid $5000.00

The tribe is not responsible for any taxes owed on the unit in order to obtain a title through DMV. It can be seen at the maintenance department on the reservation.

2006 Timberlodge Travel Trailer
VIN5C1TF322X6P009161
Minimum Bid $500.00

The trailer has never been titled with the Louisiana DMV so the sale will be executed with a Bill of Sale. The tribe is not responsible for any taxes owed on the unit in order to obtain a title through DMV. It can be seen at the maintenance department on the reservation.

Libby Corporation Generator Set on Trailer
Model# MEP 009B
Minimum Bid $500

All items are “as is” sales. There are no warranties, written or implied.

---

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, September 16, 2022, before 4:30 pm.

It’s come to the Tribal Council’s attention that a recent national report says the life expectancy rates for Americans is on the decline. Native American populations had the greatest decrease in that report, with our average life expectancy now standing at age 65, nine years less than those for the total American population. This is troubling news indeed, but unfortunately comes as no surprise.  

It is a well-established fact that Native Americans are marginalized in many aspects, especially when it comes to healthcare. Historically, Native Americans have long experienced a different healthcare reality and overall health outcomes when compared to other Americans. Typically, these outcomes are adversely impacted by system-wide inadequate access to comprehensive health management and preventative care services. Given the higher health status enjoyed by most Americans, the lingering health disparities experienced by Native Americans, including members of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, are troubling – especially those that impact our most vulnerable populations, our Tribal Elders and our Tribal Youth.

The health and wellbeing of our citizens has always been the top priority of Tunica-Biloxi leadership, especially as we continue to navigate the global pandemic. We have taken several steps to address immediate issues while building the foundation for long-term, permanent solutions. I want to encourage our Tribal citizens to remember that true health begins at home – with healthy living decisions and diet. Additionally, the importance of tending to our mental health cannot be overstated.

As you may know, Tribal leadership has compiled extensive programming to support our citizens and their families under the direction of the Indian Health Services, including behavioral healthcare services, immunizations, dental care, elder care and more. We have also established a full-service medical clinic that offers a wide range of clinical services such as physical examinations, laboratory testing, medical management, blood pressure and diabetic treatment. Our hope is to take a holistic approach to meet and exceed the healthcare needs of our tribal citizens and families.

Our population has long been exposed to trials and tribulations that can make it difficult to maintain a healthy and stress-free life. Still, I encourage our community to embrace smart decisions that return to Mother Earth and utilize her natural means for healthy living while developing coping mechanisms to help deal with day-to-day stresses. It’s important for Native Americans to continue to connect to the natural world and to embrace their true purpose in the Earthly Kingdom.

For more information on our healthcare services, contact Cameron Chase, Director of the Health Department, at cchase@tunica.org or at (318) 240-6437.

Tunica-Biloxi tribal citizens and brothers Chairman Marshall Pierite, and Tribal Chief of Police Harold Pierite, Sr. shared cultural insights and their paths to becoming pillars within the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe during an interview with Karl Lengal, host of the Louisiana Considered radio show on WWNO 89.9.

The brothers shared stories of their childhood and how their experiences transformed the brothers into the dedicated leaders they are today.

The interview comes as the brothers continue to receive regional and national attention for their accomplishments. Chairman Pierite was recognized by the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) this spring as their 2022 Tribal Leader of the Year, and Chief Harold Pierite was inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame during a public ceremony in June.

Click here to listen to the interview.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Transportation Program (TIP) Control Schedule for FY2022 through FY2025 has been developed and is available for public review/comment. The TTP Control Schedule can be reviewed or copies can be obtained at the Tunica-Biloxi Director of Land and Facilities’ office located in the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural and Educational Resources Center (CERC) at 150 Melacon Road, Marksville, Louisiana 71351.

Any comments/questions about the Control Schedule for FY2022 through FY2025 may be sent to Ron Bordelon, Director of Land and Facilities at rbordelon@tunica.org until September 9, 2022.

Marksville, La. – (August 25, 2022) Paragon Casino Resort is revving up for a high-volume fall season with 150 new gaming machines on the casino floor. This influx of new machines features the latest gaming technology, featured in both “bingo-style” and “Las Vegas-style” slot machines, in addition to a series of entertainment-focused enhancements Paragon Casino Resort has implemented over the last five years. Paragon Casino Resort is the only casino to offer its players both styles of gaming machines in the state of Louisiana.

“Paragon Casino Resort is continuously exploring new technology and revitalizing our offerings to enhance the gaming experience of our guests,” said Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr., General Manager of Paragon Casino Resort. “With the recent upgrades to our gaming floor and other areas of our campus, Paragon Casino Resort is ready to welcome both regular visitors and new guests this fall.”     

The acquisition of new gaming machines has been a long-term project for Paragon Casino Resort. From the onset, Paragon Casino Resort meticulously researched the latest in gaming technology and sought out highly popular slot machines such as the Cashnado and the Lantern of Destiny on Flex, a pair of video slot machines offering huge progressive jackpots. Additionally, Paragon Casino Resort is currently acquiring the newest bingo-style slots including some of the most popular games such as Crazy Cherry Jewel Hunt, Mr. Money Bags and the Polar High Roller Jewel Hunt, to add to the variety of its offerings.

The new gaming machines will replace 15 percent of the estimated 1,000 total machines currently on the casino floor. Players will be able to experience an assortment of gaming favorites, including the highly-anticipated Wealth of Coins Dancing Lion and Golden Blessings.

In addition to updating its sizeable selection of gaming offerings, Paragon Casino Resort became a forerunner in diversifying gaming offerings in Louisiana with the addition of in-person sports betting. In October 2021, Paragon Casino Resort in partnership with Betfred Sports was the first facility to allow on-site sports betting in Louisiana.

“In-person sports betting and our new machines have opened a new realm of opportunity for Paragon Casino Resort, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and players within Louisiana,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, which owns Paragon Casino Resort. “Paragon Casino Resort now offers a robust gaming experience with the latest gaming technology and hardware to all guests.”

In addition to sports betting, Paragon Casino Resort has seen several physical upgrades over the past year, including the opening of the Draft Room, a 600-square-foot sports bar boasting wall-to-wall sports and gaming options and a North Tower hotel renovation with a relaxed yet modern aesthetic to accommodate overnight guests.

###

About Paragon Casino Resort

Since opening its doors in 1994, The Paragon Casino Resort has strived to become the most entertaining gaming destination in the South. The facilities feature an impressive lineup of luxury amenities and attractions, including over 1,000 slot machines and over 35 tables on a 64,000-square-foot gaming floor; a hotel with more than 500 rooms; a full-service spa and salon; an 18-hole golf course with a fully stocked pro-shop and grillroom; indoor tropical pool; a soaring bayou themed atrium complete with a live alligator habitat; a three-screen cinema; restaurants; bars; full-service top rated RV resort; Kids Quest child care activity center; Cyber Quest arcade and over 75,000 square feet of meeting space including an expansive showroom hosting concerts and conventions. Over the years, the Paragon facilities have made a significant economic impact on central Louisiana. Currently, the Paragon employs over 700 associates. To learn more about how to participate in sports betting at the casino resort and to experience the rest of Paragon’s amenities, visit www.paragoncasinoresort.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To book a stay at the Paragon Resort or learn more, call (318) 253-1946 or 1-800-946-1946.

PURPOSE: To create lifelong learning that encourages continued brain health and stimulation for our elders. Research has shown that lifelong learning can result in less memory loss and fewer cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. So important for our elders to stay actively engaged, mentally, physically and socially. Continued health and wellness for our elders is our goal.

COURSE EXAMPLES: Baking, basket weaving, cooking, creative writing, gardening, interior design and staging, drawing, jewelry making/beading, music instrument, nutrition, painting, photography, poetry, pottery, quilting, sewing, woodworking, writing

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a tribal member
• Must be 55+
• Have not applied for the program within the current year

MAXIMUM REIMBURSEMENT: $500 per year (Course/materials) – must provide the following:

• Course registration/documentation
• Receipts
• Certification of completion

*The Elders Enrichment Learning is a pilot program and will be determined on a first come, first serve basis, due to limited funds. And therefore, applications will be approved, so long as funds are available. If the program is successful, we will seek additional resources that may help fund this program for future years to come.

Any member who willfully violates the rules of the program, could be prevented from participating in future programs.

Click here for the application.

The Inter-Tribal Council of Louisiana is a workforce development organization designed to develop the academic and occupational needs of American Indian people living in Louisiana. The ITCLA provides comprehensive employment and training activities in order to make individuals more competitive in the workforce; and promote economic and social development in accordance with the goals and values of consortium member tribes, including the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana.

Some of the many services and training that the ITCLA offer include:

• Online local tribal job listings
• Job counseling, job placement assistance and referrals
• Job readiness skills courses
• Adult basic education, literacy, math skills and GED preparation
• Youth employment programs
• Financial aid and planning
• Food and nutrition services

To learn more about what the ITCLA has to offer, click here.

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

---

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.