Author: Alex J.

Once completed, the housing development will establish 19 new homes for Tribal citizens in need.

For images from the event, click here.

MARKSVILLE, La. – [October 3, 2024] – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana broke ground on a multimillion-dollar affordable housing project during a special ceremony with Tribal Council members
and citizens.

Chairman Marshall Pierite was joined by the Tribal Council, the Tunica-Biloxi Housing Department and project team members for the first turn of the shovels, marking the first phase of construction on 19 new, affordable housing units. Once completed, the homes will be three bedrooms and have mixed uses including elderly housing, emergency housing, and housing for dislocated Tribal citizens and low-income Tribal citizens, while being ADA accessible.

“For hundreds of years, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe has worked tirelessly to build each other up, support our friends and neighbors and find a solution to any inequities our citizens may face,” said Chairman Pierite. “Inadequate housing can negatively impact child development, threaten family stability and affect one’s mental health and well-being. These new homes will lift that burden off 19 families and provide them with a stable environment so they can grow and prosper.”

The new homes will be afforded to Tribal citizen households who need them most. The development will address a housing shortage and instability that has come as a result of poor economic conditions or natural disasters. A dedicated team will see the project to completion, including Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and Project Director Earl Barbry, Jr., Director of Land and Facilities Ron Bordelon, Housing Director Stephanie Stiles, and Tribal Employment Rights Officer, Terryl Pierite.

“We are committed to providing a solution to a growing problem that affects tribes across Indian Country,” said Earl Barbry, Jr. “Soon, over a dozen deserving Tunica-Biloxi families will get to call this land their new home, which is why we are putting every bit of hard work we can into making this project beyond the best it can be.”

Funding for the project comes from a $6.4 million U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) grant through its Indian Housing Block Grant Program. The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe is one of 22 communities awarded funding from the $128 million Indian Housing Block Grant, an effort by HUD to fund affordable housing assistance to Native American tribes for construction, rehabilitation, and other housing services.

Through HUD, Chairman Pierite serves on the first-ever Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (TIAC). The TIAC is comprised of dozens of tribal leaders who are committed to strengthening the nation-to-nation relationship between HUD and Tribal communities, coordinating policy across all HUD
programs and advising HUD regarding the housing priorities of the American Indian and Alaska Native
peoples.

The 19 new units, which are being built along Birch Street on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation, will be
completed by September 2028. More information about the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and the
new housing development can be found online at https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/.

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.tunicabiloxi.org and “like” us on Facebook.

Community members and local leaders walked and ran to raise money for the American Indian Cancer Foundation.

For images from the event, click here.

MARKSVILLE, La. – [October 1, 2024] – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana is proud to announce the first ever Healing Tribal Strong 5k Rez Run raised $10,000 for cancer awareness and support through the American Indian Cancer Foundation.

Over 100 members of the Marksville and Avoyelles Parish communities participated in the walk/run to generate awareness and encouragement for those who may be supporting a loved one with cancer, those journeying through cancer, and those we have lost to cancer.

“This was so much bigger than a race. This day was all about showing our community and our neighbors that we care for them and that we are wholeheartedly devoted to their well-being,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman and CEO of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. “The support shown from the Healing Tribal Strong 5k demonstrated that our mission is shared not only by the citizens of Tunica-Biloxi but also by people across Central Louisiana. We are overjoyed to give $10,000 to the American Indian Cancer Foundation and continue our united fight against all types of cancer.”

The American Indian Cancer Foundation’s primary mission is to afford the best cancer prevention and treatment strategies for Native people through hard work, community-based programs and policy change. The foundation also addresses the needs of Native cancer survivors, caregivers and their families through its Survivorship Program which is funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP).

The Healing Tribal Strong 5k Rez Run took place at Tunica-Biloxi’s Chief Joseph Alcide Pierite Pow Wow Grounds. Participants ended the race with an awards ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments and came together to share in a successful day of fun and fitness.

Tunica-Biloxi’s Healing Tribal Strong support group is held by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s Elder’s Council. The group provides a forum for all Tribal families and friends to share experiences, offer support and foster a sense of unity in the face of any challenges that cancer may bring. The Healing Tribal Strong support group meets weekly to connect, uplift and inspire impacted Tribal citizens and their families. Tribal citizens who want to be a part of Healing Tribal Strong can request access to the support group’s Facebook page.

For more information about the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and future events, please visit https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/.

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.tunicabiloxi.org and “like” us on Facebook.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana reached an agreement with the City of Marksville to regain control of ancient burial grounds and surrounding lands.

For more high-res images, click here.

Marksville, La. – Sept 23, 2022 – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and the City of Marksville signed an agreement transferring ownership of the Marksville Historic State Park back to the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. The park is the location of sacred Native American burial grounds containing ancestral remains from Tunica-Biloxi citizens that once inhabited the area. The Tribe plans to update and restore the property while also maintaining the grounds and educating the public on the cultural significance of the park.

“Regaining ownership of this land and expanding public access to Tunica-Biloxi citizens is integral to the continued mission of Tribal leadership,” said Earl Barbry, Jr., Tunica-Biloxi Director of Community Planning “This land has significant cultural value for our community, and we are pleased to continue preserving our rich culture and heritage on this site.”

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana will restore The Historic State Park and generate continued awareness of the storied history of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. The site’s cultural significance is a driving force for the revitalization and beautification of this park. This project will also benefit the Tribe’s museum-focused tourism campaign and generate employment opportunities for tribal citizens and the surrounding community while bringing awareness to the Tribe’s history. 

“This site is of significant value to the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe as part of our storied history here in Louisiana,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “Prior Tribal leadership worked for many years to restore this sacred place to the Tribe, and we are pleased to once again be caretakers of our native lands.”

“The City of Marksville has long been a partner with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana,” said Marksville Mayor John H. Lemoine. “This alliance reflects just another chapter in the Tribe’s ancestral history here in Marksville and their work to support this community.”

The 42-acre Marksville State Historic Site is located on a bluff overlooking the Old River, adjacent to the town of Marksville. Archaeologists consider this prehistoric Native American ceremonial center to be of unique significance. The Marksville culture, a southeastern variant of the Hopewell culture centered in Ohio and Illinois, was characterized by elaborate mortuary ceremonialism, the construction of conical burial mounds, complex trade networks, decorative pottery and the importation of certain raw materials. It is also possible that this is the site of agriculture of a limited nature, such as the horticulture of native plants.

Although archaeological sites had been recognized throughout this area for many years, it was not until 1926 that the importance of the Marksville site was established. In that year, Gerald Fowke of the Smithsonian Institute conducted the first scientific investigation of the area and produced a detailed map of the Marksville site. In 1933, James A. Ford, an undergraduate student at Louisiana State University, and F. M. Setzler, also of the Smithsonian Institute, uncovered evidence that connected Marksville to the development of the Hopewell culture, which was then known to be based primarily in Ohio.

The Indian Mound, which is the main portion of the Marksville site, is surrounded by semi-circular earthwork which is 3,300 feet long and ranges from 3 to 7 feet in height. The open side of the enclosure is the edge of a bluff along the Old River. Openings in the earthwork, one on the western side and two on the southern end, suggest that its purpose was ceremonial rather than defensive. This enclosure probably was built to delineate a special area where the dead were buried, and formal affairs were conducted. Six mounds of various sizes and shapes are located within the main enclosure, and others are built outside of it. The Marksville State Historic Site was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1964, and thus joined a select group of properties that have since been recognized for their importance in American history.

It is estimated that this land has not been in the possession of a Native American nation since the early 1800s. The late Earl Barbry Sr was the first tribal chairman to try to regain possession of this land. However, the only terms Chairman Barbry was able to obtain involved the city of Marksville leasing said land back to the Tunica-Biloxi nation. This did not satisfy the chairman’s desire. So, after decades and multiple generations of tribal chairmen and state governors, both sides finally came together to execute this transfer of land ownership.

Yoroniku-Halayihku Riyaka

(Tunica-Biloxi Homecoming)

Saturday, September 24, 2022 ~ 11AM-7PM

Tunica-Biloxi Gym and Chief Joseph Alcide Pierite Pow Wow Grounds

Agenda

• 10:30 AM Gym Doors & Registration Open
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Welcome Ceremony
  • General Welcome – John Barbry
  • Prayer and Welcome Song (Gym)
  • Greetings & Remarks – Chairman Pierite & Tunica-Biloxi Council
  • 41st Anniversary of Federal Acknowledgement
  • Victory Song
• 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM Acknowledgment of 2022 High School, College, & Kindergarten Graduates (Gym) – Joanie & Katie Arteta
• 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch (Gym)
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Pow Wow Dance Exhibition & Round Dance (Gym)
• 3:15 PM – 5:00 PM Youth Amusement – Water slides and Bounce Houses (Pow Wow Grounds)
• 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM Youth Stickball& Cornhole Games (Pow Wow Grounds)
• 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM Talking Circle and Mixer with Elders & Adults (Multi-purpose Room @ Gym)
• 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Dessert Contest (Multi-purpose Room @ Gym)
  • Categories include Cobbler, Cake and Pie.
  • Participants must bring two of their entry.
  • Youth category ages 10-16 and Adult category 17+
• 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Bingo (Gym)
• 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM Dinner (Gym) 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM

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.

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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.