TUNICA-BILOXI TRIBE’S LEE FINE APPOINTED TO THE NATIVE NATIONS COMMUNICATIONS TASK FORCE

The Task Force, established by the Federal Communications Commission, provides expert guidance on telecommunications issues affecting Tribal governments and communities.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana is proud to announce that Lee B. Fine has been appointed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s Native Nations Communications Task Force (NNCTF). FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel selected Fine as one of 21 Tribal members to serve on the advisory body, which addresses telecommunications challenges and opportunities in Native communities across the United States.

The NNCTF was reauthorized on December 2, 2024, and its members will serve three-year terms. Managed under the FCC’s Office of Native Affairs and Policy (ONAP), the Task Force provides guidance and recommendations on policies related to broadband deployment, telecommunications infrastructure, and other issues affecting Tribal lands. Its mission is to ensure that all Americans, particularly those in Tribal communities, have access to reliable, modern communications services.

“The Native Nations Communications Task Force is an important opportunity to contribute to the ongoing efforts to bridge and the digital divide in Native communities,” said Lee Fine. “As technology continues to play a central role in education, healthcare, and economic development, it’s essential that Tribal nations have a strong voice in shaping the future of broadband and telecommunications services.”

With over 20 years of experience in the IT field, Fine has a diverse background spanning healthcare IT, military IT and Tribal IT management. Prior to joining the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, he served as IT manager for the Jena Choctaw Pines Casino and worked as a consultant for several Tribal organizations, helping them build IT infrastructures. Fine holds an MBA in IT Management and a Masters of Science in Business and Leadership.

“The appointment of Lee Fine to the Native Nations Communications Task Force is a significant achievement for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and our community,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “Lee’s extensive experience in IT and his deep commitment to supporting Tribal organizations will be invaluable in advancing the Task Force’s important work.”

As a member of the NNCTF, Fine will collaborate with Tribal leaders and FCC staff to advocate for policies that address the unique telecommunications needs of Native communities, including expanding broadband access and supporting the development of critical infrastructure.

The NNCTF plays a central role in the federal government’s efforts to improve telecommunications in Tribal areas, working to ensure Native communities have access to high-quality broadband services essential for economic development, education, healthcare and public safety.

For more information on the Native Nations Communications Task Force and its work, please visit the Federal Communications Commission website.

Paragon Casino Resort’s 30th Anniversary Celebration! 

Join Paragon Casino Resort for two days of fun, memories and excitement! 

Join us Sunday, June 2,  for a special celebratory event for Tribal Citizens and
their families where guests will enjoy a variety of food, beverages,
door prizes, a live band, DJ, and other festivities.

Schedule of Festivities:

  • 5 p.m. – Doors Open & Band Starts
  • 5:30 p.m. – Welcome Address by Vice Chairman Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr.,  Blessing by Chairman Marshall Pierite and Dinner Opens
  • 6:30 p.m. – Program Begins
    • Welcome
    • Introduction of Current Council Members
    • Recognition of Honored Guests:
      • 1991 – 1993 Tribal Council
      • 1993 – 1995 Tribal Council
      • 1994 Economic Development Corporation Members
      • 1994 Gaming Commission
    • Paragon Casino Resort History Q&A Game
  • 7 p.m. – DJ takes the stage

8 p.m. – Event Concludes

Purse Swap

You are cordially invited to attend a Purse Swap – Tunica-Biloxi Style hosted by the Tunica-Biloxi Housing Department

Date: Thursday, March 30, 2023

Time: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Place: Tunica-Biloxi Gym Multi-Purpose Room

Bring a new or gently used purse for a chance to play our version of Dirty Santa and your chance to win a purse that fits into your lifestyle! Each participant will receive two (2) tickets upon entry (door prize and purse). Bring two (2) or more purses and receive an extra ticket. Limit 3 tickets per person.

Rules of the Game: Participants will draw numbers to see which order they will go in to pick a purse of their choice. Only one (1) steal per purse will be allowed. Participants can pick from the purses already chosen or from the purses still available. Any purse not picked at the end of the game will be donated to the Tunica-Biloxi Life Center.

Tribal employees, spouse and/or their significant other are invited to attend. For more information or to RSVP, contact Babette Bordelon via email at bbordelon@tunica.org by calling (318) 240-6485. Light evening dinner will be served. Come join us for a fun-filled evening!

LCRP Director Talks Tunica Language and Education on Louisiana Considered Podcast

The Language and Culture Revitalization Program (LCRP) Director of Programs and Development John Barbry was recently interviewed by Karl Lengel, host of the WWNO 89.9 podcast Louisiana Considered. During the interview, Barbry discussed how the Tunica-Biloxi tribe is expanding knowledge of the Tunica language and culture through education programs such as classes and summer camps for tribal children.

Louisiana Considered showcases South Louisiana’s biggest stories in partnership with WWNO and WKRF newsrooms. The podcast features interviews with journalists, cultural figures, and newsmakers that discuss what matters most in the region

To listen to the full interview, click here

Meeting Cancelation

Due to severe weather threats this weekend, we are canceling this month’s virtual Tribal Council Meeting which was scheduled for Saturday, June 19.

Save the date for our July meeting on Saturday, July 17.

For any questions or needs in the meantime, please contact the Tribe at (318) 253-9767 or info@tunica.org.

Public Notice: Transportation Program Control Schedule Available for Review

**PUBLIC NOTICE**

March 31, 2021

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) Control Schedule for FY2021 through FY2024 has been developed and is available for public review/comments.  The TTP Control Schedule can be reviewed or copies can be obtained at the Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Administrator’s office located in the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural and Educational Resources Center (CERC) at 150 Melacon Road, Marksville, Louisiana  71351.

Any comments/questions to the FY2021 through FY2024 Control Schedule may be forwarded to Ms. Babette Bordelon, Tunica-Biloxi Administrative Manager, at bbordelon@tunica.org until April 22, 2021.

This notice to be published/advertised at the following locations:

1.  Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana facebook page at Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana

2.  Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana website at www.tunicabiloxi.org

3.  All public bulletin boards located in the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural and Educational Resources Center (CERC)

Tunica-Biloxi Offers Flu Vaccines to Tribal Citizens, Employees, and More

Flu Vaccines will be available to tribal members, their families, Mobiloans and Tunica-Biloxi employees on Friday, October 23 and Monday, October 26 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Tunica-Biloxi Health Department.

Vaccines will be administered at the back of the Health Department building. No appointment necessary. 

For more information please call Tashina Pierite at (318) 240-6438 or 240-6435.