The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and Proctor & Gamble Company presented this year’s Earth Day Celebration,
Tree Planting Ceremony and educational art projects
In honor of Earth Day, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana’s Education Department and Proctor and Gamble presented a day full of activities, learning opportunities and community initiatives. Tunica-Biloxi students began the day with recycled art projects and an introduction to agriculture, presented by the Tunica-Biloxi Agriculture Department. The day wrapped up outdoors, with a kite-flying activity and ceremonial tree planting.
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.
“Thanks to the dedication of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and Proctor and Gamble, our community sees a brighter shade of green today,” said Tunica-Biloxi Director of Programming Development and John Barbry. “Our pledge to respect our heritage and safeguard our legacy underscores our duty to nurture the land that sustained our ancestors for ages, ensuring its vitality for generations to come.” Mr. Barbry also announced a partnership with the Louisiana National Guard to service plastic recycling bins that will be placed throughout the Tunica-Biloxi reservation.
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s commitment to “Hali,” or Earth, extends well beyond Earth Day. The Tunica-Biloxi tribe has cared for their ancestral lands for centuries and does so with pride and care. The Tribe recently introduced Tahch’i Farms, to propel food sovereignty, farming and educational initiatives forward for the next generation of students. The Tunica-Biloxi agriculture team plans to construct a greenhouse, barn and community garden to further their mission of preparing the next generation for success. Tahch’i Farms regularly hosts food giveaways for tribal citizens and their families in Marksville.
“As stewards of our land and our destiny, we choose to honor our sacred duty to safeguard Mother Earth for future generations,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “We share this covenant with our ancestors – their dedication carries us here, and now we plant the seeds of tradition to chart a new course and a vibrant, sustainable future for all.”