Category: News

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana commits to their community through $1 million donation for the development of a multi-sport complex in Avoyelles Parish

Marksville, La. – June 29, 2022 – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana contributed to the development of Avoyelles Parish’s newest multi-sport complex by making a $1 million commitment over the next ten years, including $300,000 for this year.

“The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe has always taken the stance that we must continue to invest in our communities and our younger generations so that we as a people, and our neighbors, may continue to thrive,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “This sports complex will bring much needed opportunities for recreation to the youth of Avoyelles Parish. I extend my sincere thanks to all who have participated in bringing this very worthy cause to fruition including the local community, Representative Deshotel, Senator Heather Cloud, the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury as well as the Vice-Chairman Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. and the entire Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Council.”

Members of the community recognized the need for a sports complex with the ability to host a wide range of sporting events and activities and approached Tunica-Biloxi Tribal leadership for assistance. Tribal leadership, with the support of a committee devoted to making this dream a reality, approached Louisiana State Representative Daryl Deshotel and Louisiana State Senator Heather Cloud.

During the recent legislative session, Rep. Deshotel and Sen. Cloud, armed with the support of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, collaborated to secure $350,000 in state funds as well as donations from other private donors that will be used to bring this sports complex to Avoyelles Parish. It is envisioned that the complex will house baseball, softball, soccer and football fields – for use by the local community.

“I work with ARC,” said Sen. Cloud. “I have an intellectually disabled adopted son, and they compete in the Special Olympics across the state. The Muscular Dystrophy Association also has events in different places across the state, and I am excited about being able to host these things in time in Avoyelles Parish.”

Lawmakers and community leaders are eager to commence building over the next few months and are working with the Avoyelles Recreation Board in their search for property near the center of the parish that can accommodate the new facilities.

 

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.

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.