The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana’s Language and Culture Revitalization Program (LCRP) announced “Tunica-Biloxi Family Day,” Tunica language classes and a “Story Time” event will be held this fall. LCRP programs are intended to enrich the Tunica culture by educating its youth and providing opportunities for the Tunica-Biloxi community to come together. The LCRP fall programs and events will be free of charge and available to all Tunica-Biloxi family members.
Tunica-Biloxi Family Day will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, from 10 a.m. – noon in the Cultural and Educational Resource Center (CERC) located on the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana reservation (150 Melacon Road, Marksville, Louisiana 71351). The event will include brief lessons on the Tunica language and an exclusive preview of Tunica-Biloxi workshops and craft classes. The event will also provide Tunica-Biloxi community members the opportunity to present ideas for future activities and events to the Tunica-Biloxi LCRP for consideration. Refreshments and lunch will be served; space is limited. To RSVP for “Tunica-Biloxi Family Day,” contact Ryan Lopez of the Tunica-Biloxi LCRP at (318) 240-6433 or rlopez@tunica.org.
The Tunica-Biloxi LCRP will host its fall series of Tunica language classesbeginning Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, for tribal children ages five – 10 years old and Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, for ages 11 – 16 years old. The eight-week session takes place from 4 – 5 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday through Sept. 28, 2016 at the CERC building. During language classes, participants will learn the basics of the Tunica language, including conversational phrases and common vocabulary to more advanced syntax in cultural contexts.
The LCRP will conclude its fall programming with “Story Time” Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, from 11 a.m. – noon in the CERC Library. “Story Time” is open to the public for children ages seven and under; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. “Story Time” offers engaging activities highlighting the Tunica-Biloxi culture, including bilingual songs, popular children’s books, finger-play and free-play with puppets and props, rhymes, dances, games, crafts and more. “Story Time” is hosted by Donna Pierite and Elisabeth Mora, language and cultural lifeways instructors for the LCRP.
For more information about the Tunica-Biloxi’s Language & Culture Revitalization Program or how to participate in events and programs, contact Director of Development & Programming John Barbry at (318) 240-6412 or email jdbarbry@tunica.org.