Author: Katie Bourque

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Paragon Casino Resort opens the most advanced golf and interactive gaming simulator available in Central Louisiana for fun, interactive social gatherings or private practice sessions

Marksville, LA – (March 31, 2023)– After beginning construction on earlier this year, Paragon Casino Resort celebrated the grand opening of Central Louisiana’s first Topgolf Swing Suite, housed in Paragon Casino Resort’s Draft Room, today with a ribbon cutting ceremony. In attendance were Paragon Casino Resort leadership and representatives from the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, which owns the Casino Resort, in addition to local elected officials.

In addition to this announcement, Paragon Casino Resort also announced the Draft Room is now able to welcome guests aged 18 – 21 until 10 p.m. for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

Furnished with comfortable lounge seating, HD TVs, food and beverage service, two simulator bays and a variety of virtual games – like Topgolf target game, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey Shots, Baseball Pitching Carnival Classic and more – the space is now available for interactive social gatherings or private practice sessions.

“With the addition of Topgolf Swing Suites to our Draft Room, we are able to further provide our guests a unique and entertaining experience. Visitors will now have access to interactive activities alongside the amenities Paragon Casino already offers like premium dining, gaming and entertainment,” said Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. General Manager of Paragon Casino Resort. “Part of remaining Central Louisiana’s premier entertainment destination is continuing to evolve and expand our amenities. Topgolf’s Swing Suite does exactly that.”

Patrons interested in business and social gatherings – including birthdays, bachelorette and bachelor parties, team-building events, corporate meetings and groups of up to eight people – are welcome to rent the area and enjoy a night of games, good food and fun. The Topgolf Swing Suite is now open at Paragon Casino Resort. For ways to book your next group gathering at the Topgolf Swing Suite, visit paragoncasinoresort.com.

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The Tunica Biloxi Tribal Government is taking bids on the following items. 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, February 17, 2023, before 4:30 pm.

10’ x 3’ Stainless Steel Sink        

Opening Bid: $500.00

Polaris 300cc 4×4 ATV

Opening Bid: $50.00

Does not run but will turn over

Powerboss Pressure Washer

Opening Bid: $10.00

Unit needs a new pump

Powerboss Portable Generator/8000 watts max

Opening Bid: $50.00

Unit does crank but may need some work

Georgia Buggy

Opening Bid: $25.00                    

Needs new motor and hydraulic lines.

Aluminum Steps w/ Deck

Opening Bid: $100.00

6 Ft Bush Hog

Opening Bid: $50.00

Will need repairs

Originally published on KALB.com

(KALB) – Our team at KALB, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, and the Food Bank of Central Louisiana are saying ‘thank you’ to some of the top-performing schools in this year’s Christmas Cheer Food Drive.

Some of the top-performing schools in Rapides and Grant parishes received checks for their participation in the Christmas Cheer Food Drive on Wednesday.

Here’s a breakdown of the amount of food collected in Rapides and Grant and the schools that received checks for their efforts:

• Rapides Parish schools collected a total of 42,225 pounds of food.
  • Phoenix Magnet Elementary School (10,003 pounds)
  • Pineville Junior High (5,589 pounds)
  • Tioga High School (2,752 pounds)
• Grant Parish schools collected a total of 10,669 pounds of food.
  • South Grant Elementary School (5,560 pounds)
  • Grant Junior High (362 pounds)
  • Georgetown High School (1,003 pounds)
• Natchitoches Parish schools collected a total of 5,268 pounds of food.
  • East Natchitoches Elementary (1,087)
  • Natchitoches Central Junior High School (875)
  • Natchitoches Central high School (696)
• Vernon Parish schools collected a total of 22,011 pounds of food.
  • Rosepine Elementary School (4,253)
  • Vernon Middle School (1,960)
  • Rosepine High School (8,186)

Congratulations to all of the participating schools!

Tunica-Biloxi Chief of Police Harold Pierite, Sr. recently sat down with Indian Country Today to discuss his recent appointment to the Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council and his induction into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame. During the interview, Chief Pierite discussed his accomplishments as Chief of Tribal Police and the progress the department has made under his leadership – including the addition of several new officers.

ICT News is a national news service that shares Native American facts, news, history and culture.  

To watch the interview, click here. (Interview begins at 14-minute mark)

Paragon Casino Resort will house the most advanced golf and interactive gaming simulator available to rent for fun, interactive social gatherings or private practice sessions

Marksville, LA – (January 3, 2023)– Paragon Casino Resort today announced it is opening central Louisiana’s first Topgolf Swing Suite in the Draft Room in early 2023. Construction kicks off on Jan. 4 and is expected to be complete by mid-March 2023.

The Topgolf Swing Suite will feature 2 simulator bays and a variety of virtual games – including the popular Topgolf target game, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey Shots, Baseball Pitching Carnival Classic and more – paired with comfortable lounge seating, HDTVs and food and beverage service.

“The Draft Room already offers guests a premium betting, dining and entertainment experience for locals and visitors alike. With the addition of the Topgolf Swing Suites, the Draft Room will enter a brand new world of interactive activities for Paragon Casino Resort guests,” said Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr., General Manager of Paragon Casino Resort. “Despite setbacks including the COVID-19 pandemic and catastrophic weather events, Paragon Casino Resort remains central Louisiana’s premier entertainment destination, and this addition only solidifies that title.”

Up to eight people can play, eat, drink and hang out in each bay. The space will be available to rent for business and social gatherings, including birthday and bachelorette/bachelor parties, team-building events, corporate meetings and more.

“We are proud to team with Paragon Casino Resort to provide a new kind of interactive social experience that will entertain visitors of all ages and skill levels in central Louisiana,” said Topgolf Swing Suite President Ron Powers. “Powered by industry-leading Full Swing simulators, games are designed for both non-golfers and golfers alike, so everyone can have a great time.”

The Topgolf Swing Suite will open at Paragon Casino Resort in Spring 2023. For updates, visit paragoncasinoresort.com.

Marksville, LA (Dec. 13, 2022) – Harold Pierite, Sr. Chief of the Tunica-Biloxi Police Department was appointed by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas to the Department’s first-ever Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council. Harold Pierite, Sr. joins 14 other new members on the Council, an external advisory body providing advice to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to serve my community on a national stage,” said Tunica-Biloxi Police Chief Harold Pierite, Sr. “Service to others, including each and every Tribal citizen, has always been part of my purpose. Through this appointment, I have a duty to every member of Indian Country as I continue my mission of service. The Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Council and my fellow officers have been a wonderful support system, and I owe them great thanks for this opportunity.”

Chief Pierite has a long history of dedicated service to his community. He has been a member of the Tunica-Biloxi Police Department for more than 30 years and has served as a member of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Council for more than 20 years. Prior to his current role as the Tunica-Biloxi Chief of Police, Pierite served as a police officer for both the Tunica-Biloxi Police Department as well as the Avoyelles Parish Police Department.

“I am deeply proud to appoint the inaugural members of the Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council, and I applaud their commitment to help build and strengthen the integral partnership between indigenous communities and our Department of Homeland Security,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Importantly, their counsel will better enable our Department to uphold its responsibilities to Tribal Nations, as we work hand-in-hand to address key areas of the homeland security mission relating to Indian Country.”

Council members will advise the Secretary on homeland security policies and practices that affect Indian Country, including emergency management, law enforcement, cybersecurity, domestic terrorism and targeted violence, and border security. The members announced today represent more than 564,000 registered tribal members, 178 villages and village corporations, and collectively embody an extensive knowledge base of homeland security subject matter expertise.

The establishment of this Council —first announced by Secretary Mayorkas in September— and appointment of its inaugural members are part of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) goal to uphold treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian Country.

Secretary Mayorkas has appointed the following individuals to the Council:

• Peter Yucupicio, Chairman, Pascua Yaqui Tribe (Chair)
• Kimberly Hampton, Board of Directors, Unit 4, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians (Vice Chair)
• Antonio Cesar Gonzalez Jr., Director of Security, Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino
• DeCota Thompson, Lieutenant, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department
• Dustin Newport, Executive Officer of Protective Services, Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce
• Emmalene Sitting Bear, Director, MHA Nation Emergency Operations Center, Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation
• Floyd Velasquez, Administrator, Morongo Band of Mission Indians Emergency Services
• Harold Pierite Sr., Chief of Police, Tunica-Biloxi Police Department
• Jeff Hansen, Director, Community Protection, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
• Julie Kitka, President, Alaska Federation of Natives
• Lee Edberg, Cybersecurity Manager, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
• Lynda Zambrano, Founder and Executive Director, National Tribal Emergency Management Council and the Northwest Tribal Emergency Management Council
• Ned Norris, Jr., Chairman, Tohono O’odham Nation
• Renita DiStefano, Former Chief Information Officer, Seneca Gaming Corporation, Seneca Nation of Indians
• Vivian Korthuis, CEO, Association of Village Council Presidents, Native Village of Emmonak

To learn more about the Council, please visit: https://www.dhs.gov/tribal-advisory-council.

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The announcement precedes the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit on the progress made to strengthen Nation-to-Nation relationships and invest record levels of resources in Tribal communities

Marksville, La (Dec. 12, 2022). – Chairman Marshall Pierite of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana was selected to serve on the first-ever Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (TIAC) created by the office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge launched the committee to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship between HUD and Tribal communities, coordinate policy across all HUD programs and advise on the housing priorities of the American Indian and Alaska Native peoples.

“The creation of this committee demonstrates President Biden’s ongoing commitment to Indian County, and I commend his administration and Secretary Fudge for working to promote and preserve a high quality of living as it relates to housing standards and conditions throughout Indian Country,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “I am humbled and honored to be selected to participate in these efforts alongside other dedicated and talented tribal leaders. I pray for guidance and protection as we continue to make strides within this highly important committee.” 

Announced during Native American Heritage Month and preceding the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit, the committee is born out of a 2021 Presidential memorandum that directed all federal agencies to take actions to strengthen their policies and practices on Tribal consultation. That same year, HUD Secretary Fudge announced her intention to establish the first HUD Tribal advisory committee. Public comment was taken into consideration regarding both the structure of the committee and the nomination of its members. HUD’s goal in selecting the committee members was to reflect appropriate representation across the federally recognized tribes. Several HUD representatives will serve on the committee as well.

“With the creation of the first-ever Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, HUD continues to answer the President’s call to strengthen our relationships with our Tribal partners,” said HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, “As we commemorate Native American Heritage Month, I’m proud to move forward alongside this new Committee with such esteemed members, who will help us to address the unique concerns of Indian Country.”

“During Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the many contributions of American Indians and the influence they have had on our country,” said Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman. “I’m thrilled to work hand-in-hand with our new Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee in creating increased opportunities for Tribes and Tribal communities.” 

Below is the complete list of committee members:

TIAC Members

Gary Batton, Chief, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Durant, Oklahoma.

Darren Brinegar, Tribal Legislator, Ho-Chunk Nation, Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

Glenn Ellis, Jr., Council Member, Makah Indian Tribe, Neah Bay, Washington.

Tina Glory-Jordan, Secretary of State, Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, Oklahoma (at-large).

Denise Harvey, Council Member, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Grand Ronde, Oregon.

Victoria Hobbs, Legislative Council Representative, Tohono O’odham Nation, Sells, Arizona.

Patricia MacDonald, Council President, Healy Lake Village, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Jacqueline Pata, 1st Vice President, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Juneau, Alaska.

Marshall Pierite, Chairman, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, Marksville, Louisiana.

Bridgett Sorenson, Board of Director, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Kincheloe, Michigan.

Lee Spoonhunter, Council Member, Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming, Fort Washakie, Wyoming.

Arch Super, Council Member, Karuk Tribe, Happy Camp, California

Scott Herman, Chairman, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Rosebud, South Dakota

Teri Nutter, Elected Official, Gulkana Village, Gakona, Alaska

Tyler Yellow Boy, Council Member, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Oglala, South Dakota
 

HUD Representatives

Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Indian Housing.

Assistant Secretary, Office of Policy, Development, and Research.

Assistant Secretary, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

Assistant Secretary, Office of Field Policy Management.

Assistant Secretary, Office of Housing.

Assistant Secretary, Government National Mortgage Association.

Assistant Secretary, Office of Community Planning and Development.

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HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.

More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov and https://espanol.hud.gov.

Greetings Tribal Families,

The Tribe is quite excited to announce the Museum Project Uplift for 2022-23.  It is a positive indication that we are ready to place the last three years of the pandemic in our rearview mirror for good, as we look to the future and moving the tribe forward.  The facelift will include:

·       Updates to the “Memorial Wall” and “Tribal Council Wall” exhibits. 

·       Two new exhibits, featuring “Our Tribal Base Roll” and the “Native American Warrior Wall” will create a beacon of light.  The exhibits recognized those that were instrumental in gaining federal recognition, as well as honoring our native warriors for their unwavering service, as exemplary members and representatives for Indian Country and to all Americans. 

We are aiming for an early 2023 unveiling.  The new exhibits will add an innovative touch and a much-needed improvement, with an emphasis on our Native American culture, leaders and our people.  The museum gift shop is scheduling to open simultaneously and will feature a new online store option.

We are asking our families to help us identify our military warriors, by completing the attached form and submit by November 28th.  List name, military branch, whether active, retired, or deceased, and the time served.  The names and information will appear under the appropriate branch.  For any questions, please email Elder Council Chairwoman, Joanie Arteta, at jarteta@tunica.org.

Many thanks,

Elders Council and Museum Committee

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