Category: News

Native American Finance Officers Association selects Chairman Marshall Pierite as Tribal Leader of the Year

Click Here for photos from the ceremony

Marksville, La. – April XX, 2022 – The Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) has selected Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite as the 2022 Tribal Leader of the Year. This award recognizes tribal leaders for their outstanding work and dedication through foresight, resolve and considerable economic advancement of their tribe.

Chairman Pierite was nominated by Vice-Chairman Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. and selected by NAFOA’s Board of Directors for his accomplishments. NAFOA recognizes that to effectively lead a nation, tribal leaders are tasked with the responsibility of making major financial decisions and commends Chairman Pierite for his dedication to Tunica-Biloxi citizens, particularly in his quick and responsible reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a leader, the most important role we can fill is that of servant. To serve others is our highest calling,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite.  “I strive to instill this notion in all that I do for our citizens. It is for them that we continue on in the face of hardship, as our ancestors have done for decades, so that the Tribe of Many may continue to flourish.”

The NAFOA Leadership Awards honor the accomplishments of a tribal leader, tribal executive, and financial deals advancing tribal economies. 2021 was one of the most challenging times for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and all of Indian Country, yet Chairman Pierite’s long-term vision and planning turned this past year into one of his most impressive and impactful years as a Tribal leader. Chairman Pierite responded locally and regionally, supporting his citizens in the aftermath of hurricanes and amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through his leadership style and inclusive approach to solving complex problems, Chairman Pierite has opened many doors for the Tribe to ensure continued prosperity.

“2021 was one of the most challenging times for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. Throughout the pandemic and a rough tropical weather season, Chairman Pierite’s long-term vision and planning turned this past year into one of his most impressive and impactful as a Tribal leader,” said Tunica-Biloxi Vice Chairman Marshall Sampson, Sr. “Chairman Pierite’s leadership style and inclusive approach to solving complex problems, has opened many doors for the Tribe including increasing economic development initiatives and securing long-term community prosperity.”

Chairman Pierite received this award at the NAFOA’s 40^th Annual Conference, a fitting 40 years after the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe was officially recognized by the Federal Government. Due to Chairman Pierite’s leadership, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe has reached enormous financial success during his tenure, including the refinancing of Paragon Casino Resort’s debt and saving the Tribe nearly $141 million.

Marksville, La. – March 31, 2022 – The following is a statement from The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana’s Chairman Marshall Pierite regarding the actions of the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District and the controversial “Indianettes” Disney World performance last week:

“Our Tribe puts a great deal of effort into educating both our Tribal citizens and the public on our rich language, culture and traditions. Native Americans across the nation have fought for generations to prove our inherent sovereignty and revitalize aspects of our heritage that were lost due to western law and devastating events throughout history.

The use of Native American mascots and symbols in a caricatural and derogatory manner greatly undermines all that Native Americans have been through and our efforts to uncover and share our culture accurately and respectfully. Offensive depictions such as this harm our children, disrespect our history, and should not be tolerated, anywhere.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana stands with the Cherokee Nation, the Florida Indigenous Alliance (FIA) and others who are condemning these actions. We urge the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District to immediately cease the offensive and insulting imagery, chanting, and symbolism.

Marshall Pierite

Chairman, Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana is committed to protecting the health, peace, morals, education and general welfare of its citizens and all Native Americans. Education is a key pillar of the Tribe’s mission and purpose which is why member of Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Council and the Tribe’s Language and Culture Revitalization Program are available as a resource to educate the public on their history and culture as well as Indian Country as a whole. For more information on the Tribe’s culture, visit – https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/tribal-info/departments/language-culture-revitalization-program/.

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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 1,500 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.tunica.org and “like” us on Facebook.

Dr. Rebecca Moore’s addition to the LCRP will aid in the revitalization of the Tunica language

Marksville, LA. – (Mar. xx, 2022) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana’s Language and Cultural Revitalization Program (LCRP) is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Rebecca Moore as a linguist to their department. Dr. Moore comes to the team with a wealth of knowledge and experience in linguistics and education.

“I am honored to be part of such a unique and impactful organization with such an important mission,” said Dr. Moore, “I look forward to contributing to and expanding accessibility within the tribal community to the Tunica language as we continue efforts to reinvigorate the use of this historic spoken word.”

Dr. Moore recently graduated from Tulane University’s Linguistics Doctoral Program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University and her master’s degree in Linguistics from Tulane as well. In her professional career, Dr. Moore has held various educator positions in the linguistics program at Tulane, ranging from teaching assistant to the adjunct lecturer. She also assisted as a linguistic co-teacher with Dr. Judith Maxwell, teaching fundamental topics in linguistics of the Tunica language.

Dr. Moore’s goals while working for the LCRP are to advance the team’s proficiency in the Tunica language while also facilitating a successful Tunica language teaching curriculum for the Tunica-Biloxi community.

Apart from her duties as a linguist, Dr. Moore will be responsible for Tunica language resource development, lesson planning, teaching, and activity development that promotes the learning of the Tunica-Biloxi language and culture for students in the program. She is also responsible for overseeing the development of published works on the Tunica language, assisting in the planning of language workshops and training programs, and coordinating the integration of the Tunica language with other tribal community programs.

“This position comes with many unique challenges and opportunities,” said John Barbry, the Director of Development and Programming for the LCRP and the Education Department for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. “We are confident that the experience and expertise that Dr. Moore brings with her will aid her in her duties with the LCRP.”

Originally from Maryland, Dr. Moore spent the past 10 years in New Orleans working to earn degrees in linguistics and psychology. Her academic and professional interests include studying and working to help maintain indigenous languages of the Americas, specifically the Kaqchikel language, one of many Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala, and the Tunica language of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana.

To learn more about the Language and Culture Revitalization Program, visit https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/tribal-info/departments/language-culture-revitalization-program/.

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

2006 Buick Terezza          

Approximately 140,000 miles

3.5 liter V6 Engine

Automatic Transmission

Minimum Bid is $500.00

1998 Dodge Ram Pickup

66,249 miles

3.9 Liter V6 Engine

5 Speed Manual Transmission

Minimum Bid is $1000.00

John Deere Walk Behind Mower

48” Deck

17hp K Series John Deere Motor

2 Wheeled Sulky Attachment

2002 Approximated Model Year

Minimum Bid is $150.00

All bids must be received by Friday, March 25^th, before 4:30 pm.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Committee has decided to cancel our Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow, previously scheduled for May 22-25, 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we are saddened that this celebration of our culture is on hold for another year, we will continue to celebrate our rich culture through our extensive virtual programming, including language classes, and Tribal craft workshops. The health and safety of Tunica-Biloxi citizens and guests is the highest priority to Tribal leadership, and we hope we are able to reconvene soon. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this ongoing pandemic. We look forward to gathering with you all very soon!

Marksville, LA. – (Jan. 21, 2022) – The Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame (LJHF) has announced that Tunica-Biloxi Police Chief Harold Pierite, Sr. will be inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame on June 3, 2022. Inductees are chosen based on their hard work, commitment and dedication to improving their communities and the lives of those they serve. This honor is LJHF’s greatest recognition and is given to inductees each year who serve above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of the public for justice, civil rights and the protection of the public.

“Our TribalPolice Department is a vital part of keeping our community safe and we have been grateful to have Chief Pierite at its helm,” says Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “He is an invaluable asset to the Tunica-Biloxi people, and we are honored that he is being recognized for his dedication to our citizens and as an outstanding figure in our parish and state’s criminal justice system.”

Chief Pierite has a long history of dedicated service of serving 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 as well as an Avoyelles Parish Police

Chief Pierite has worked diligently in the tribal community to ensure citizens are well cared for and safe. Under his direction, the Tunica-Biloxi Police Department offers community support events and programming to engage citizens of all ages and foster a sense of community among neighbors and relatives of the Tribe.

“I am honored and blessed to be recognized by the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame,” says Tunica-Biloxi Chief of Police, Honorable Harold Pierite, Sr. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in service to our community and have a deep passion for serving each and every tribal citizen in our jurisdiction. The Tribal Council and my fellow officers at the Tunica-Biloxi Police Department have been extremely supportive of me during my tenure, and I could not have accomplished this without them.”

John Barbry, Director of Development and Programming for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, honored for contributions to cultural preservation of Tunica-Biloxi legacy

Marksville, LA. – (Mar. 15, 2022) –John Barbry, the Director of Development and Programming for the Tunica-Biloxi Language & Culture Revitalization Program (LCRP) and Education Department for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, was recently honored by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities as their 2022 Champion of Culture as part of the organization’s 37^th Humanities Awards. The Champion of Culture award is bestowed to individuals or organizations that have made a lasting mark through their support and promotion of Louisiana’s cultural resources.

“The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe is honored to have such an incredible culture bearer among us,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. “In his many years of service to our people and our heritage, Mr. Barbry has been pivotal in fostering the preservation of the Tunica language and culture of our ancestors and allowing tribal citizens to learn from for generations to come.”

One highlight of Barbry’s storied career is assisting in the cataloging of the “Tunica Treasure,” a then-lost trove of tribal artifacts dating back to the early 18^th century, prior to its transfer from storage from the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans. In 1993, he was the first Native American archivist appointed at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.

“This was a chance to preserve who we were for future generations,” said Barbry, “I am grateful that I was able to take part in such an important endeavor that will have a lasting impact on Tribal citizens.”

As director of the LCRP, Barbry oversaw the language apprenticeship program, which allows tribal members to become fluent speakers and instructors of the Tunica language. This program was funded by a $748,200 grant from the Administration for Native Americans, which was procured thanks to the efforts of Barbry and the leadership of the Tunica-Biloxi tribe.

In pursuit of cultural preservation, Barbry led the LCRP in forming a partnership with the American Philosophical Society to work on the Indigenous Language Manuscript Interface project. This project created an archives-based, open-source platform to allow researchers to navigate and view digitized original pages of manuscripts written in endangered languages, focusing on Tunica language notebooks from the 1930s.

As an advocate for presenting the history of his tribe to others, Barbry is responsible for the creation of the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow, an annual cultural gathering that brings together Native American tribes from across the United States to share in tribal comradery and celebrate their tribes’ customs and practices.

Programs under his purview include the Tunica-Biloxi Language and Culture Summer Camp, an immersive program that teaches tribal youth the Tunica language using traditional songs, stories and activities that reinforce the usage of Tunica words. The LCRP also hosts cultural workshops on the traditions and crafts of the Tunica-Biloxi tribe.

Barbry has worked diligently to ensure that the education of the Tribes’ youth is supported in all facets. He has secured multiple education grants to continue and expand services, such as in-person and online tutoring, education counseling and other services to support tribal youths. He also worked to ensure that students had the necessary resources to learn from home through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“John’s achievement is a reflection of his passion and love of our tribal heritage,” said Tribal Council Member Bobby Pierite. “It is a great honor that we have John to rely on to preserve the legacy of the Tunica-Biloxi tribe for the next generation of tribal citizens.”

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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 1,500 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.tunica.org and “like” us on Facebook. 

Tunica-Biloxi Tribe announces the new Tunica-Biloxi COVID Economic Rescue Program for Tribal-Member Businesses. Qualifying applicants may be eligible for economic support and/or reimbursement of costs in connection with the COVID-19 public health emergency. Because funding is limited, a qualifying applicant will receive no more than $15,000 (amount has to be justified) related to this program. Applicants must complete the COVID Economic Rescue Program for Tribal-Member Businesses application.

Eligibility for Tribal Member-Owned Businesses

• Businesses must be owned by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Member and spouse.
• The tribal-member business has to be a measurable source of income for the tribal member household (at least 25% of income has to be derived from the business entity).
• Must have less than 50 part-time or full-time employees prior to March 11, 2021 and in operation prior to March 11, 2021.
• Must be able to demonstrate they have faced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Required Documents

• Tunica-Biloxi COVID Economic Rescue Program for Tribal-Member Businesses Application (Within the application, a detailed narrative of how the business was negatively impacted due to COVID-19 will be required. A business requesting future expenditures shall provide a detailed justification of those expenditures and how those expenditures will assist the business to recover).
• Business License or Certificate of Formation.
• Copies of invoices and checks issued pertaining to reimbursement requests associated with qualified expenses due to COVID-19.
• Most recent tax filing (preferably 2020 tax filing).
• IRS W-9 form.

Certificate of Preference Eligibility (TERO Office) is not required but encouraged.

For examples of business licenses or certificates of formation, click here.

Filing of Application

A tribal member shall request an application from Jessica Barbry, the employee assigned to coordinate this program. Application submissions may be either emailed, hand-delivered, or mailed to Jessica Barbry. For email submissions, please send the application to jabarbry@tunica.org. For mail submissions, please submit the application to the following address:

Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
Attn: Jessica Barbry, Budget & Data Analyst
150 Melacon Road
Marksville, LA 71351

Only applications that are fully completed and include all required documents will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. If the application and required documents are received by mail, the date of receipt will be the postmarked date.

Questions regarding this application may be submitted in writing to Jessica Barbry at the above address or by email jabarbry@tunica.org.