Author: Katie Bourque

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana has announced the re-election of Vice-Chairman Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr., and Council Member-At-Large James Craig III, plus newly-elected Dr. Julie Zahn as a Tribal Council Member-At-Large in an election held last week.

Tunica-Biloxi Tribal elections are held every two years and elected officials on the Tribal Council serve four-year terms. Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite expressed his gratitude to past and newly-elected Council Members: “Last weekend’s election illustrates the ever-changing nature of government. As we bid farewell to Council Member Harold Pierite, we welcome the fresh perspective of Dr. Julie Zahn. In every transition, we recognize that as one chapter closes, new pathways emerge, offering avenues for growth and advancement. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the candidates for their courage to run, and I eagerly anticipate the remarkable achievements awaiting us in the future.”

“I am blessed to continue to serve the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and our Tribal citizens who reside across the country,” said Tunica-Biloxi Vice-Chairman Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. “Our citizens have placed great trust in me, and I look forward to continue working in tandem with Chairman Pierite and all Tribal leadership toward our collective goals.”

Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. has served on the Tribal Council as a Council Member-at-Large since the spring of 1997 and most recently, as Vice-Chairman. Over the years he has worked on budgeting, educational development, political development and community development and has experience in marketing, operations, budgeting, employee training, business development, community relations and expense control. Sampson has more than 27 years of experience in Tribal government operations, gaming operations, information systems, marketing and hospitality administration. An employee of the Paragon Casino Resort since 1995, Sampson now holds the position of General Manager.

“I am thankful that the Tunica-Biloxi citizens have chosen me to serve on their Tribal Council once again. We have plenty of work ahead of us, but I see a bright future in store of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana,” said Tribal Council Member-At-Large James Craig, III.

James Craig III, Tribal Councilman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, exemplifies profound dedication to tribal heritage and national service. Born and raised in Chicago, a city rich with his tribe’s traditions, Craig has become a pivotal figure in cultural preservation and community service. His election on April 5, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, marked the commencement of a leadership tenure characterized by resilience and a deep understanding of tribal sovereignty. He actively contributes to the Tunica-Biloxi Gaming Authority Board, the Tribal Gaming Protection Network Board of Directors, and the Administration for Children & Families Tribal Advisory Committee, vigorously upholding the tribe’s principle of “Cherishing our past and building for our future.”

Craig’s distinguished military career spans 21 years, beginning with his enlistment on January 8, 2003. After undergoing rigorous training at Ft. Benning, GA, he was stationed at Schofield Barracks, HI. His service in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom earned him the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, highlighting his valor and dedication. Following his active duty, which concluded in June 2009, Craig continued his service with the Air Force Reserves and the Illinois Army National Guard, focusing on security operations and intelligence analysis. Beyond his military career, he has applied his leadership skills at prominent companies such as Bank of America, MB Financial, Fifth Third Bank, and Harley Davidson. His extensive travels across more than twenty countries and attainment of over forty certifications in both military and tribal governance underscore his commitment to lifelong learning and leadership. Residing in Marksville, LA, on the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Reservation, Craig’s leadership and experiences continue to drive significant initiatives for reclaiming ancestral territories and strengthening the tribe’s future foundations.

Tribal Council Member-At-Large Julie Zahn added, “Although I am the newest member of the Tribal Council, I intend to leave a lasting legacy of success for this council and for generations to come. I am excited to see how we excel, together.”

Dr. Julie Zahn is the Education Program Counselor for the Tunica-Biloxi Education Department at the Houston, Texas, branch office. She previously worked as a teacher, coordinator, and interventionist. Zahn completed her doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction/Special Education and researched the educational system in underserved Native American communities. In addition to her doctorate, Zahn holds an Educational Specialist Degree, a Master of Education Degree, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Human Services with a certificate in Basic Chemical Dependency. In addition, she has completed a graduate-level Dyslexia program. She recently earned her Board Certification in Special Education and Certification as a Community Health Worker.

During her studies, Zahn completed a counseling internship at one of Texas’s largest substance-use treatment centers for women. She has volunteered at several agencies that help women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

For more information on the Tribal Council, click here.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana proudly announces Chairman Marshall Pierite has been named vice-chairman of the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) under the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the Committee on Monday, emphasizing the importance of the advisory panel as it provides guidance, expertise and recommendations to the FCC on telecommunications issues affecting local, county, state and Tribal governments. Chairman Pierite will serve on the IAC alongside other elected officials of municipal, county, state and Tribal governments.

“My greatest passion is and always has been boosting Tribal communities in every possible way,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “I am proud to serve as vice-chair on the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee and hopefully bring to light and find solutions to an array of broadband, connectivity and other telecommunication problems the Native American and historically rural communities face.”

“These local, county, state, and Tribal leaders offer the commission valuable perspectives on how we can work together to connect the American people,” Rosenworcel said in a news release. “I thank the Committee members for their willingness to serve, and I look forward to their input.”

The FCC recently announced the reauthorization of the IAC and sought nominations for membership to the committee, which will operate for two years. It is an official advisory committee made up of members appointed by Rosenworcel who, together as a body, make recommendations to the FCC on issues related to increasing deployment and adoption of broadband services and any other task necessary to help local, state, and Tribal government officials clarify or explain FCC rules and policies to their constituents and other members of the public.

The IAC will welcome 30 new and returning members, including Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II who will lead the IAC A list of all the members can be found in the FCC’s official public notice.

The first IAC meeting will be held on April 18, 2024.

The public is encouraged to participate in traditional arts, storytelling, music and dance competitions.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana will host its 26^th Annual Pow Wow on May 18 and 19, 2024, following a successful grand return in 2023 after the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the celebration in previous years. The annual public event, held on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in Marksville, welcomes various regional indigenous tribes to celebrate culture through vibrant craft displays, music performances, dance presentations and cultural exhibits. An assortment of interactive events and live performances throughout the weekend aim to highlight the history and traditions of the Tribe. Not only does this historic, cultural event celebrate the traditions of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, but neighboring tribes from across the region, who are invited to share their own culture and heritage alongside Tunica-Biloxi citizens.  

This year’s Pow Wow is also a celebration of continuous advancements by the Tribe. Just this past year, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe had great opportunities, including hosting U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary, to its reservation. The Tribe was also awarded a $6.4 million grant to provide new, affordable housing for tribal families. Additionally, members of Tribal leadership were selected to serve on numerous federally appointed boards and committees with the hopes of amplifying the Tunica-Biloxi mission and the goals of Indian Country nationwide.

“Last year’s return of the Pow Wow was such an overarching success that we anticipate this year’s 26^th annual Pow Wow to be bigger and better,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “We are eager to celebrate our accomplishments, not only for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, but for Indian Country as a whole. The success of one tribe is the success of all tribes to leave our mark in history and continue to pass down our culture and traditions.”

Featured performances and events include The Grayhawk Band, the Tunica-Biloxi Singers and Legend Keepers along with Native American dance and drum (singing) contests. Dancers can pre-register by Wednesday, May 15, 2024 by filling our the pre-registration form here. The Pow Wow features over 35 food and craft vendors. Vendors can contact Paulette Voiselle (pvoiselle@tunica.org) or Emelie Barbry (emelie.barbry@tunica.org) for more information.

Additionally, the Tribe will hold a free Education Day on Friday, May 17, ahead of the Pow Wow. The event is a free day of programming dedicated to educating students of all ages on Native American culture, and highlights the historical, social and symbolic significance of inter-tribal Pow Wows. There will be two (2) programs, approximately 75 minutes in length, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024. The Ottertrail Singers from Apache, Oklahoma, will accompany dance exhibitions during the programs, and attendees are encouraged to participate in inter-tribal dances, including Round Dance and Two-step. For more information, contact Elisabeth Pierite-Mora at (319) 240-6432. School groups may want to include a visit to the Tunica-Biloxi Museum as part of their outing. Call Melissa Barbin for museum group reservations at (800) 272-9767, ext. 5457.

Paragon Casino Resort is the host hotel for the Pow Wow celebration. Reservations are welcome by direct phone call to our special group reservations number, (800) 642-7777. Those looking to book reservations can use our special Pow Wow hotel rate code—POM16GR.

General Admission for the 2024 Pow Wow is $8.00 for adults and children over five years of age and $5.00 for children under the age of five. Registered drum and dancers will be admitted with assigned numbers.

Secretary Haaland applauded Tribe’s work on behalf of its members and Central Louisiana as she wrapped up tour of federally recognized Louisiana Tribes

Click HERE for photos

Marksville, LA – (January 17, 2024) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana welcomed U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary, to its reservation for a meeting, tour, and lunch at tribal-owned Paragon Casino Resort’s Legends Steak House. During the visit, Chairman and CEO of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, Marshall Pierite hosted the Secretary on a tour through the reservation. Highlights of the tour included a visit to the Tunica Treasure Museum; a tour of the library where the tribe’s partnership with Tulane University was on display through Tunica language immersion workshops; and a visit to key reservation departments like housing development, the Tribe’s police department, and a new organic farm site, Tahch’i Farm.

The tour also stopped at an area of the reservation that has been cleared to build 19 new permanent homes, which was made possible by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant. The $6.4 million grant was awarded to support the Tribe’s priority of creating safe, reliable, and secure housing opportunities for tribal members. The HUD grant has been transformational for tribal members and underscores the Tribe’s ongoing commitment to work with the Biden Administration to create opportunities for all of Central Louisiana.

Another focus of Sec. Haaland’s visit was a stop at the Halimushali ancient burial mounds. The land is a site of important cultural significance, and its ownership was transferred back to the Tribe by the City of Marksville in 2022. This transfer was the byproduct of decades of work between the Tribe and multiple generations of state leadership, marking the first time the land had been in Tribal possession since the early 1800s. Work is currently underway to restore and improve the site and, during the visit, Chairman Pierite stressed the need for additional federal funding to help bolster the work currently underway.

Secretary Haaland spoke about the Biden-Harris Administration’s recent investments in Indian Country through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The two laws are the largest-ever federal investment in Indian country.

“It was an honor to host Secretary Haaland and thank her in person for the historic investments the Biden Administration has made in Indian country that have benefitted Indian country and the communities in which we live,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. “Tunica-Biloxi has been bringing opportunity to central Louisiana and with the additional resources we will continue to grow and thrive for years to come.”

The statue will feature water and fire displays to welcome guests in its 30^th year

Paragon Casino Resort is proud to unveil its most recent upgrade – a brand new bald eagle sculpture to greet and dazzle visitors when they enter the Casino Resort’s main entrance.

The eagle statue is 13 feet tall and is mounted on top of a 10-foot-tall structure, which is comprised of 23,000 pounds of boulders. The elaborate sculpture will feature live fire and waterfalls. The entire piece is constructed with high-density foam and covered in a durable fiberglass material, ensuring the statue will be resilient and steadfast – much like its inspiration.

Staying true to its mission to boost Central Louisiana residents and businesses, Paragon has commissioned GibKo Nursery in Bunkie, Louisiana for the sculpture’s design and execution.

“We are always seeking to improve and upgrade Paragon Casino Resort to be the absolute best we can be for our guests,” said Paragon Casino Resort General Manager Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. “Having this sculpture completed not only enhances the property for visitors but allows us to spotlight a local business’s expansive talent.”

The new sculpture is part of a property-wide renovation which will be completed in early 2024, and includes upgrades to 190 guest rooms, 24 suites and several common areas around the property.

As Paragon Casino Resort approaches its 30^th anniversary this summer, Casino Resort management has called on its roots to bring the past into the present. The bald eagle is significant to the Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, which owns and operates Paragon Casino Resort. The eagle is the primary feature in the tribe’s logo and represents the story of Eagle and The Sun.

According to Tunica-Biloxi, the eagle is a messenger of the tribe’s prayers to the sun, their Creator. The waterfall display of the sculpture represents the mighty Mississippi River, which historically connected the Tunica, Biloxi, Ofo, Avoyel and Choctaw people to tribes as far north as Minnesota and even into Canada. The Mississippi River was a major trade route for tribes and played a tangible role in the expansion of the United States. The live fire feature of the sculpture also has symbolic meaning for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. In Tunica-Biloxi stories, fire possessed the power to shapeshift into men, women and animals.

“This grand sculpture represents three powerful symbols for our tribe: fire, water and the great bald eagle,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “This display is now a testament of Tunica-Biloxi’s and Paragon’s efforts to keep relevant the history of our tribe and pass down the culture for generations of tribal members to come.”

The new bald eagle sculpture is now on display in the main driveway of Paragon Casino Resort. Paragon and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe encourage all visitors to stop by and enjoy the live visual performance and learn more about the symbolism of Tunica-Biloxi’s heritage.

Paragon Casino Resort was honored with the Louey Award for Accommodation of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA). The Louey Awards highlight organizations across Louisiana that make outstanding contributions to the state’s tourism industry. The ceremony was held during the LTA’s Annual Meeting at Harrah’s New Orleans.

Accommodation of the Year is presented to a hotel, resort, campground, RV park or bed & breakfast that delivers exceptional levels of service and understands the importance of tourism in Louisiana and the boost it brings to local economies. Paragon Casino Resort won the Louey for Accommodation of the Year for its unwavering dedication to making the resort a first-class, Louisiana-centric experience for visitors.

“Nothing is more important to Paragon Casino Resort than the happiness and satisfaction of our guests,” said Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr., General Manager of Paragon Casino Resort. “We have always strived to put Central Louisiana and Avoyelles Parish on the map for tourism, and this Louey Award is the result of 30 years in carrying out and succeeding in that mission. We dedicate this award to all of our team members, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and each person that walks through our doors. Thank you.”

The Louey Award for Accommodation of the Year highlights Paragon’s recent renovation and upgrade of its hotel and casino amenities such as modernizing rooms, suites and elevators. Paragon Casino Resort recently added new machines on the gaming floor, now offering more than 1,000 slot machines and 30 game tables, plus live poker and sports betting. As of October 2022, Paragon Casino was the first casino in Louisiana to offer live, in-person sports betting in its 600 square foot Draft Room sports bar, complete with a TopGolf Swing Suite virtual reality simulator. Other offerings from Paragon Casino Resort include the championship golf course Tamahka Trails, a perfectly-rated RV Park Resort, and three luxurious pools.

The award also commends Paragon Casino Resort for its dedication to providing authentic and exciting Louisiana experiences for visitors, from the ice-cold daiquiris to the Cajun cuisine in the award-winning Market Buffet. Gator Bayou inside Paragon’s atrium was also praised for its commitment to teach visitors about Louisiana’s favorite swamp creatures while also sharing stories and folk songs from the Tunica-Biloxi-Tribe of Louisiana, which owns the casino resort.

In 2024, Paragon Casino Resort celebrates its 30^th year of service to the Avoyelles Parish community. To ensure its team members can live and work in the area, Paragon recently instituted property-wide pay increases, bringing its minimum wage to $11.00 – above the state’s mandated $7.25.

To plan a visit or book a stay, guests can go online to Paragon Casino Resort’s website or call 800-946-1946.

The pay increase is especially significant as Paragon Casino Resort is one of the largest employers in Avoyelles Parish.

Paragon Casino Resort and General Manager Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. are proud to announce pay raises have been approved for associates across the property.

The property-wide rise in wages is an important part of ongoing efforts to put Paragon associates first and provide them with a livable wage in today’s economy. All non-tip positions will be raised from $8.50 an hour to $11.00 an hour—well above Louisiana’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. All positions that receive tips will be boosted by $0.75 an hour. All other non-tip hourly positions will receive rate adjustments of 5% while salaried positions will receive a 3% adjustment.

“We hear it day after day—our visitors love our associates because they put Paragon Casino Resort and its guests first,” said Paragon Casino Resort General Manager Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. “We want our associates to know just how much we appreciate them, and that all their hard work does not go unnoticed. Paragon hopes this pay increase will show our appreciation and give our associates a well-deserved financial boost.”

Currently, Paragon Casino Resort is hiring for several positions including, but not limited to: bartenders, security guards, plumbers, electricians, bellhops, cage cashiers, slot floor persons, dealers, hotel room attendants, risk manager, training manager and senior VIP services supervisor. Paragon Casino Resort is an Equal Opportunity Employer that provides opportunities for people with a variety of different educational backgrounds and experience levels in both full-time and part-time positions while providing competitive benefits including medical, dental, 401(k) and life insurance.

For a complete list of open positions and their job responsibilities, you can visit Paragon Casino Resort’s website by clicking here.