Author: Alex J.

Dear Tribal Citizens, 

Due to the passing of one of our Tribe’s beloved elders, we have made the decision to postpone the Tunica-Biloxi Virtual Tribal Council Meeting, which was set to take place this Saturday, March 27, out of respect for this individual, their family and the rest of our Tribal community. 

We are working through logistics and will follow-up with the rescheduled date and time as soon as possible. 

Thank you to all who submitted questions through our public commend card. We will address those questions at a later date.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to meeting soon. If you have any immediate needs, please reach out to Beverly Rachal at Brachal@tunica.org.

Sincerely,
Chairman Marshall Pierite

The following is a message from Tunica-Biloxi Election Committee Chairman, Robert A. Johnson, Sr. regarding the results of the 2021 special election:

Dear Chairman Pierite,   

In accordance with Election Committee regulations, I hereby certify the following:

• There are 889 enrolled Tribal members who are eligible to vote in this election

• There were a total of 1,000 ballots printed

• All absentee ballot requests received up to and including March 7, 2021, were mailed ballots, along with a return envelope addressed to Teamwork Solutions Group

• All absentee ballot requests and in-person requests were verified that each voter received only 1(one) ballot

• Records were maintained of all absentee ballots and in-person ballots given

• There were a total of 302 absentee ballots sent, and 224 total received back by 4:00pm CST, 3/13/21

• There were a total of 67 ballots voted at the on-site polling location on 3/14/21

• There was 1 spoiled ballot

• There were 16 ballots received by mail AFTER 3/14/21 that were spoiled

• The final election count/results are as follows:
  Martin Joseph “Marty” Johnson – Total Votes: 28
  David Rivas Jr. – Total Votes: 127
  Rudolph Henry “Rudy” Wambsgans III – Total Votes: 135

• The Election Committee certifies that Rudolph “Rudy” Wambsgans is declared the winner of the 2021 Special Election to fill the vacated Council Member at Large position.

Donation used to buy four ventilators for CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital’s COVID-19 Unit

Marksville, LA. – (March 17, 2021) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and Paragon Casino Resort recently made a $10,000 donation to the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Foundation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation was used to purchase an additional four ventilators for those in critical care at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Rapides Parish.

Ventilators are life-saving pieces of equipment used to keep patients alive by supporting breathing. They have been vital throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in helping patients to survive. Due to the increased demand, many healthcare facilities around the world have run into shortages of this essential equipment.

“This donation from the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and Paragon Casino Resort couldn’t have come at a more perfect time as were still seeing a surge of COVID cases here in Central Louisiana at the beginning of the year,” said Ashley Walker, executive director of development for the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Foundation. “Our hospital was immediately able to order additional ventilators to meet the demand, ensuring that we continue to have the ability to serve any and every person in need of care in our area.”

This donation is just one of the ways that the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe has worked to assist the community and their tribal citizens amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely challenging, especially here in Avoyelles Parish and in order to do our part in this fight, we are honored to donate $10,000 to CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Health System to treat those in need of critical care,” said Marshall Ray Sampson Sr., vice-chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and assistant general manager of Paragon Casino Resort. “This donation has covered the cost of ventilators in order to treat those in need of critical care. We are grateful to be partners with Cabrini and hope this donation helps to save lives and continue the fight against COVID-19.”

In order to do their part in the fight against COVID-19, the Tribe provided free housing for tribal citizens who tested positive for COVID-19, personal protective equipment (PPE) and an Emergency COVID Assistance Program (E-COVID). The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe also offered a free testing site for the Avoyelles community in June and instituted regulations and safety protocol to keep patrons of Paragon Casino Resort safe.

For more information on the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, click here. For more information on CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Foundation, click here.

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

About Paragon Casino Resort:

Since opening its doors in 1994, Paragon Casino Resort has strived to become the most entertaining gaming destination in the South. Following its recent refresh, now is the time to take another look at the Paragon.

The facilities features an impressive lineup of luxury amenities and attractions, including 1,300 Las Vegas-style slot machines on a 64,000-square-foot gaming floor; hotel with more than 500 rooms; full-service spa and salon; 18-hole golf course with a fully stocked pro-shop and grillroom; indoor tropical pool with a swim-up bar; a soaring retail atrium with “living” bayou and alligator encounters; a three-screen cinema; Atrium Bar with an ice bar; seven restaurants; daiquiri bar; full-service RV resort with 205 slips and 30 cabins; Kids Quest child care activity center; Cyber Quest arcade; over 75,000 square feet of meeting space and three retail shops.

Over the years, Paragon facilities have made a significant economic impact on central Louisiana. Currently, the Paragon employs over 1,100 associates. In addition, six percent of its net gaming revenue is given to local municipalities. Since 2016, The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA), operator of Mohegan Sun properties throughout the United States, partnered with Paragon Casino Resort and now serves as gaming, hospitality and entertainment consultants for the Marksville, Louisiana casino and resort.

For more information, please visit https://www.paragoncasinoresort.com/ and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana’s 2021 Special Election will take place this Sunday, March 14, 2021, with polls open in the CERC building from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. CST. Due to COVID-19, and out of an abundance of caution, only one candidate or representative will be allowed in the room while ballots are being cast. 

The vote count and announcement will be livestreamed via Zoom from 2- 5 p.m. CST. To join, click here.

COVID-19 vaccines are now available for all enrolled Tribal Citizens and their spouses at the Tunica Health Center in Marksville. If you are interested in receiving the vaccine, you can schedule an appointment by calling (318) 240-6438 or emailing hfontenot@tunica.org.

Off-territory, enrolled citizens and their spouses are eligible as well, but need to follow the quarantine and/or travel protocol in order to get vaccinated.

Travel and quarantine protocols:

• Travel must be by personal vehicle; No air or other public travel allowed
• Quarantine for 14 days and arrive to the appointment with a negative COVID-19 test dated within the previous two (2) days

-OR-

• Arrive on territory and get a negative COVID1-9 test at the Tunica Health Center and quarantine for three (3) days prior to receiving the vaccine

As supplies become available, vaccine availability will be opened to household members, so documenting their interest is important.

Dear Tribal Members,

Due to the unusual weather situation in the Marksville area and the Committee’s concern that all potential candidates will have ample time to file, the Elections Committee has voted to extend the filing deadline to 4:00pm CST, 02/22/2021.

Additionally, the deadline for absentee ballots to be received has been extended to 4:00pm CST, 03/13/2021.

This Notice supersedes the filing dates and Absentee ballot receipt dates in any prior Notice of Elections .

Please contact any Elections Committee member if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Robert Johnson, Chairman,  Election Committee 2021

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Click here to read the full letter to Tribal Citizens regarding this election and how to participate.

Marksville, LA. – (Jan. 19, 2021) – Paragon Casino Resort, which is owned by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, recently appointed Emma Ford as the new Vice President of Hospitality. Ford assumes the role with seasoned tenure and has been employed at Paragon for 24 years.

Ford assumes role after two decades working in the gaming industry at Paragon Casino Resort

For a high-resolution photo of Emma Ford, click here.

“Emma Ford has been an excellent team member and instrumental in Paragon’s success over the past two decades,” said Jody Madigan, general manager of the Paragon Casino Resort. “She has worked in several different capacities over the years. We are lucky to have such a dedicated member on our team to help us continue to reach our goals.”

As the Vice President of Hospitality, Ford will be responsible for the management and operation of the hotel and sales, the RV park, and implementing inbound strategies that help increase awareness, generate leads and acquire new customers to Paragon Casino Resort.

“I have experienced tremendous growth during my time at Paragon and look forward to the opportunity to lead the hospitality efforts in this new role,” said Emma Ford. “I am eager to continue my work, and on a personal note, am honored to serve as the first female African American Vice President at Paragon.” 

Ford began her career in 1995 at the Grand Casino Avoyelles, now known as Paragon Casino Resort, and since that time has been promoted frequently. She entered her career as a supervisor at Paragon’s Kids Quest, a childcare and kids arcade area, then later transferred to the hotel as a front desk representative. The following year she was promoted to Senior Guest Representative and a year and a half later to Guest Service Supervisor. During her time at Paragon Casino Resort, Ford has also served as Assistant Front Desk Manager, Front Desk Manager, Hotel Manager and Hotel Director.

“We are thrilled to welcome Emma Ford into her new role here at the Paragon,” said Marshall Sampson, assistant general manager of Paragon Casino Resort and vice-chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. “We are certain that she will do an outstanding job overseeing the operations of our hotel’s sales team and leading Paragon through our continued success.”

Guest service and hospitality have always been Ford’s strongest skills and she has taught many classes regarding this subject, as well as Lodging Management System (LMS) computer classes and other hotel classes. Ford holds two degrees from Louisiana State University of Alexandria – Business Administration and Clinical Laboratory Science.

“We have no doubt that Ms. Ford will flourish as Vice President of Hospitality at Paragon,” said Marshall Pierite, chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. “The Tribe is grateful knowing that Paragon is in good hands under her leadership. We are very proud of her for her hard work and dedication to her career at Paragon.”

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About Paragon Casino Resort:

Since opening its doors in 1994, Paragon Casino Resort has strived to become the most entertaining gaming destination in the South. Following its recent refresh, now is the time to take another look at the Paragon.

The facilities features an impressive lineup of luxury amenities and attractions, including 1,300 Las Vegas-style slot machines on a 64,000-square-foot gaming floor; hotel with more than 500 rooms; full-service spa and salon; 18-hole golf course with a fully stocked pro-shop and grillroom; indoor tropical pool with a swim-up bar; a soaring retail atrium with “living” bayou and alligator encounters; a three-screen cinema; Atrium Bar with an ice bar; seven restaurants; daiquiri bar; full-service RV resort with 205 slips and 30 cabins; Kids Quest child care activity center; Cyber Quest arcade; over 75,000 square feet of meeting space and three retail shops.

Over the years, Paragon facilities have made a significant economic impact on central Louisiana. Currently, the Paragon employs over 1,100 associates. In addition, six percent of its net gaming revenue is given to local municipalities. Since 2016, The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA), operator of Mohegan Sun properties throughout the United States, partnered with Paragon Casino Resort and now serves as gaming, hospitality and entertainment consultants for the Marksville, Louisiana casino and resort.

For more information, please visit https://www.paragoncasinoresort.com/ and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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.