The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) is hosting its 2023 History Symposium, which explores how the democratic system has functioned in Louisiana and how key events have influenced our current political environment.
Since becoming a state in 1812, Louisiana has participated in America’s bold experiment with democracy. Moderator Dr. Pearson Cross and a vibrant slate of speakers, including Tunica-Biloxi Language and Culture Revitalization Program Director John Barbry will address topics ranging from the drafting of the first constitution and the politics of enslavement to the women’s suffrage movement in New Orleans and how Louisiana’s environment impacts public policy.
Symposium participants include Dr. Pearson Cross (moderator), Dr. Brian Klopotek, John Barbry, Dr. Steven Procopio, Dr. Laura Roseanne Adderley, Dr. Theodore R. Foster III, Dr. Libby Neidenbach, Dr. Albert L. Samuels, Rebecca Mowbray, Lamar Gardere, Dr. Andy Horowitz
General admission, $75. Students, teachers, and active military with a valid ID, $20.
After 3-year hiatus, Tribe encourages public to participate in traditional arts, storytelling, music and dance competitions
Marksville, LA – (March 3, 2023) –This May, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana will host its 25th Annual Pow Wow following a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This 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 aims 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 as well.
This year’s Pow Wow is also a celebration of community resilience in times of difficulty brought on by the recent pandemic and the perseverance of the Tribe. Native Americans were one of the hardest-hit groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. They faced a long road of protecting their citizens, often living in rural areas far from healthcare access and rebounding in the aftermath. Despite these setbacks, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s reach is as large as ever and only continues to grow while still honoring its culture. Just this past year, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe saw great victories, including reclaiming ancestral burial grounds in central Louisiana and expanding internet and broadband access within the reservation. 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.
“While the annual Pow Wow serves as a much-needed homecoming for Tunica-Biloxi citizens throughout the nation, the upcoming 25th-anniversary celebration is especially important after being separated by time and pandemic for the past three years,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “The year’s celebration is a reminder of our fellowship with other Native American Tribes and the importance of honoring our native cultures while our reach continues to grow nationwide.”
Featured performances and events include the Tunica-Biloxi Singers and Legend Keepers, Native American dance and drum (singing) contests and special performances by Swamp Water and native flutist, Hawk Henries. The event will also feature food and craft vendors.
Additionally, the Tribe will hold an Education Day on Friday, May 19, ahead of the Pow Wow. The event will include two sessions at the Chief Joseph Alcide Pierite Pow Wow Grounds at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Area children and school groups are invited to attend and discover the diverse and vibrant traditions of Native Americans from across the U.S. The event will include dance demonstrations, and attendees are invited to join in. The Tribe also encourages those attending to try their hand at using traditional tools and toys, as well as learn about basketry, clothing and jewelry of tribes of various regions. The Tunica Biloxi Singers and Legend Keepers will also share tribal folklore, language and songs with participants. Admission is free. For more information, contact Elisabeth Pierite-Mora (emora@tunica.org).
For lodging or general information, call 800-272-9767 or visit tunicabiloxi.org. Vendors must apply in advance. Contact Paulette Voiselle (pvoiselle@tunica.org) or Leslie Bonnette (lbonnette@tunica.org) for information on becoming a vendor.
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and Oklahoma Indigenous Theatre Company presents a staged reading of the story of three Tunica-Biloxi sisters written by playwright with Tunica roots.
Marksville, LA – (February 23, 2023) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Indigenous Theatre Company, presents a stage reading of Three Sisters at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25, at Paragon Casino Resort. Written by playwright Carolyn Dunn, a descendant of the Tunica-Biloxi and other Native American tribes, Three Sisters shares the story of estranged sisters who return home to Avoyelles Parish in Louisiana at the request of their dying aunt. The performance explores familial ties, hidden secrets and death when they meet at the intersection of love, loss, tradition and culture.
Dunn’s Native American heritage gives her a deep, innate understanding of what motivates her characters and the connection between culture and relationships. Three Sisters give credence to the struggles of the Native American community and the plight tribal citizens face to preserve their culture and traditions when faced with the challenges and pressures of today’s society.
“It is important for not only the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, but all of Indian Country to share pieces of our culture with those unfamiliar with our history and traditions,” said John Barbry, Director of the Tunica-Biloxi Language and Culture Revitalization Program. “Our hope is to continue spreading our culture across the country, and with the help of Three Sisters and Carolyn Dunn, we are well on our way. I encourage all audiences to partake in this wonderful story that transcends cultural divides.”
Three Sisters will be read at Paragon Casino Resort on March 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. The performances are free and open to the public. For additional ticketing information, contact Paulette Voiselle at pvoiselle@tunica.org or (318) 240-6400. The performance sponsors include The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, the Tunica-Biloxi Education Department, the Tunica-Biloxi Language and Culture Revitalization Program and the Oklahoma Indigenous Theatre Company.
The Tunica-Biloxi Language & Culture Revitalization Program extends an open invitation to basket weavers for a day of weaving. Weavers from regional Native American communities will be demonstrating southeast basket traditions using long leaf pine needle, river cane, and palmetto.
The Summit will be an informal forum allowing weavers to talk about their own technique and elements of their culture represented in the craft. Beginners and observers are encouraged to attend.
The Summit is open to the public. Registration fee is $25. Lunch will be served. Space is limited. Participants must register in advance by contacting Julia Barry at jbarry@tunica.org or (318) 240-6431.
The New Orleans Center for the Gulf South at Tulane University (NOCGS) is hosting the 4th Annual Tulane Gulf South Indigenous Studies Symposium at their uptown campus on March 18 and 19.
This event brings together scholars, artists, and practitioners from thirteen regional Tribes and several universities and organizations to address the myriad ways Indigenous culture is expressed, practiced, and endangered, through topics such as Indigenous sports, foodways, and storytelling.
Community Tunica language classes are open for the spring!
Free and open to the public – please register at https://tinyurl.com/LearnTunica or email one of the instructors on the flyer if you have any questions!
Out of an abundance of caution, the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Committee has decided to postpone our 25th Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow until May 21-22, 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pow Wow is an opportunity for our Tribe as well as other Native Americans to come together as a community and celebrate our heritage, and out of concern for the health and well being of our members we believe it is best to reschedule for a time when we feel it is safe to reconvene as a tribe of many.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward to gathering with you next year!
About: Dr. George Williams will conduct a series of STE(A)M sessions to familiarize participants with the technology and skills necessary for motion and movement in Deep HoriXon (Virtual 3D environment). Explore various career opportunities in the field of Information Technology and Computer Science. Discover the basics of programming and apply these concepts to creating an algorithm for a dance performance. Learn how to use mathematical x, y, z coordinates to build a trophy for the dance performance in the virtual 3D world. Participate as a team to plan and present a dance performance.
Session dates:
Thursday, November 5th 6:00pm – Orientation Saturday, November 7th 10:00am – Deep HoriXon Thursday, December 10th 6:00pm – Project Trouble Shooting Saturday, November 14th 10:00am – Deep HoriXon Saturday, December 7th 10:00am – Deep HoriXon Saturday, December 12th 10:00am – Deep HoriXon (Dance Off Competition and Trophy)
A series of virtual painting sessions to promote project-based learning and family-building opportunities in which students gain an introduction to the fine arts pathway. Art supplies will be provided. Join in for this fun and creative activity…
Session dates:
Saturday, November 21, 2020 10:00am – 11:00am Saturday, December 19, 2020 10:00am – 11:00am Saturday, January 9, 2020 10:00am – 11:00am
