Tunica-Biloxi Elder Council: The Wisdom Keepers | Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana

Purpose

Tribal Elders are considered to be the “Wisdom Keepers” of any Tribal Family. They are the footing of strength, exuding grace, wisdom, and gentleness in their actions and words. They are the essential portal to keeping our tradition and culture alive in a world that is ever-evolving with every generation; resembling a place where wisdom and intuition converges with modern-day intelligence and knowledge.

Tribal Elders, in their own right, are our teachers of life, respect, and values. They instill a sense of rightness, the importance of acceptance and understanding, kindness, love, and forgiveness. Most importantly, they teach us how to be good listeners which is chief to making wise decisions.

The Elders are the core of our existence.

Onayisɛma Tayoroni-Halayihku

Onayisɛma tarusa tahɛrasɛma sɛhɛli. Sɛma haluhuni rihki tipusa tarusa wista kana yanikata. Hal’ukini kichu hishtahahkihchi pirakatiman mishtihki nisara pirakatihch onayisɛma tishuhki sahkuhta inktetimilishtihki. Hal’ukininahku kata tarusa niy’ ɔma wantaha taniyulap’ɔma ashunisa atepihk’unta.

Onayisɛma inktaworunisɛma kashi. Amari lapuya inkworuhkanta. Amari lapuya inkworuhkantaman tarusa tipusa mahka sara tirishi hamishtihki inkworuhk’anta. Tirishi hamishtihki panuhch, tawini lapusɛma niyulapuyawan inkworuhkanta.

Onayisɛma intuhki atɛhkala kichu.

Mission Statement

The Tunica-Biloxi Elders’ Council will foster an atmosphere of respect, compassion and community teamwork as an example to every tribal generation. The Council will advocate and support internally and externally the promotion of indigenous peoples’ rights and quality healthcare for all tribal members. Most importantly, the Elders’ Council will work diligently to protect, preserve, and share cultural programming for the benefit of tribal members of all ages now and in the future. We will embody “Cherishing Our Past, Building For Our Future!”

Resources & Services

2025 Calendar of Events-Click Here

Highlights for 2025

Healing Tribal Strong Cancer Forum–See the flyer here
- Launched in 2024, a safe space for individuals impacted by cancer to share experiences and find a loving support group that understands. This year, the initiative has grown even stronger, expanding its focus to include health and nutritional strategies aimed at boosting immunity and reducing chronic inflammation that may lead to chronic illness.
- Join our host Janis Summerlin, on the first Sunday of each month from 4:00 to 4:30 PM for these empowering sessions- Click Here To Access Our Facebook Group
  - Group goals:
    - Help others feel better, more hopeful, and not so alone.
    - Increase social connections and feelings of connectedness.
    - Uplift and enhance the quality of life and well-being.
Healing Tribal Strong 5K Rez Run
- November 1, 2025 – Seeking Sponsors, Vendors, and Volunteers for a great cause.
Tunica-Biloxi Elders Facebook Page
- If you are a Tunica-Biloxi elder and are not yet a part of the elder Facebook page, click here to sign up!
Houston Lunch and Learn
- - Feb 8, to RSVP, email Elders@tunica.org or call Anna Farris at 281-630-3621
  - Click here to review the Houston Lunch & Learn flyer

Technology

Broadband Program
- The IT Department continues to provide computers to elders and students, but the grant ends soon—apply now! Free cellular broadband-based internet for those elders and students. For details, assistance, or applications, email: Helpdesk@tunica.org
- For more details and to access the Broadband Program application, click here

GCF – Free Online Learning – Technology, Career Planning, Core Skills and More
Get your Digital Skills Up to Speed
- How to Deposit a check, without going to the bank, using your mobile device or tablet: https://www.youtube.com/embed/q1jFg2XqCNY
- How to join a ZOOM chat or meeting: https://www.youtube.com/embed/HCuIrTxAZ7U
- How to detect a scam: https://www.youtube.com/embed/9l0dGwJyuao
- How to stay connected to friends, family, or favorite hobbies using social media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaIjJiOx6uc&t=1s
- How to find volunteer opportunities to stay active and engaged: https://www.youtube.com/embed/9vmygczVtd4

Health

- Healthy Steps is back! Join the renewed program for a healthier, more active you in 2025. To register, email Brent. Barbre at babarbre@tunica.org
- Brain Health – Staying Sharp
  - Five food choices to support brain health: https://stayingsharp.aarp.org/articles/food-fixes-brain/
  - Games: https://www.aarp.org/games/
  - Bookclubs: Another great way to keep the brain active and stimulated
  - Flower arranging cannot just brighten your day or a special occasion, it can keep your brain active and creative. https://stayingsharp.aarp.org/articles/flower-arranging/
  1. - - Just being near flowers can brighten your mood
  1. - - The touch, sight, and smell can trigger memories
  1. - - Nature is known to improve mental health

Services

- AARP (sponsored by Mobiloans)- Click Here To Access Website
  - AARP Form-Click Here
- Advantek Benefits- Elder Health Reimbursement Plan
  
  Check out the new Mobile App for easier claim submissions.
  
  Contact Brent Barbre at babarbre@tunica.org or 318-359-0511, or Joanie Arteta at Elders@tunica.org for any questions.
  1. - Advantek Benefit Administrator MobileAPP for submitting claims is now available
  - - Advantek User Guide is now available click here
- Colonial Life – Life Policy for adults 18+ and takes the place of the tribe’s earlier burial program. Use the following attachments:
- Memorial Program – Presented to the family of a deceased loved one. Includes a Memorial Flag and Medallion.
- Elderly Meal Plan-Details To Come
- Enrichment Learning Program-Elders can submit completion documents and receipts for any educational classes taken for reimbursement
- Sunshine Program – The Sunshine Committee will mail a birthday card, get well, or sympathy well wishes for any elder celebrating a birthday, suffering a loss, or just in need of some encouragement. Contact Andrea Espinoza at elders@tunica.org
  - - Sunshine Committee Brochure-Request Form

- Transportation – TB-Nets – Transportation Services for Elders

Additional Resources

- Personal Planning & Wellbeing Classes
  - Credit Counselling/Budget
  - Life Skills
  - Estate and Retirement Planning
  - For more details, contact Stephanie Stiles, Housing Director, by emailing SStiles@tunica.org
- ROSS Program is an initiative that empowers individuals and fosters growth and independence through tailored support and guidance
  - Financial Literacy
  - Career Development
  - Health and Wellness
  - Community Engagement
  - For more details, email Julia Berry, ROSS Coordinator, at jberry@tunica.org
- Cemonia StrotherWilliams Library
  - Don’t forget to visit the Library located at the CERC building, 9 AM – 4 PM, Monday through Friday
  - Full Computer Available for tribal use
  - Expanding book collection available for check-out
  - For assistance, email Julia Barry, JBarry@tunica.org

Elder Resource Library

2025 At A Glance – Click Here To View

Medicare 2025: https://www.medicare.gov/publications/10050-medicare-and-you.pdf

Social Security 2025: https://oer.ny.gov/2025-social-security-presentation

Protecting Our Elders from Scammers: Click Here For More

Elder Partnerships And Resources

Avoyelles Council on Aging – Louisiana: https://www.avoycoa.com/

ITCLA – Louisiana: https://inter-tribal-louisiana.nativeworkforcesolutions.org/employer

Agency on Aging – Texas: https://www.houstonhealth.org/services/aging

Baker Ripley – Texas: https://bakerripley.org/programs-and-services/

Elders’ Council

- Joanie Arteta, Elder Chairwoman
- Anna Farris, Vice-Chairwoman
- Beryl Holmes, Treasurer
- Louis Medina, Elder Council Member
- Michelle Richardson, Elder Council Member
- Andrea Espinoza, Elder Council Member
- Dorothy Jackson, Elder Council Member
- Michael Farias, Elder Council Member
  
  Elders@tunica.org
  
  www.tunicabiloxi@tunica.org/elder-council/