PHOTOS: Tunica-Biloxi Tribe celebrates at annual powwow

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Dancers at the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe 26th Annual Powwow, hosted May 18-19, 2024, in Marksville, Louisiana. Photo courtesy Tunica-Biloxi Tribe

Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Celebrates the Success of 26th Annual Pow Wow

The Tribe welcomed the community, inviting them to take part in dance competitions, storytelling, music, and traditional arts.

Monday, May 20, 2024

Indianz.Com

The following is the text of a May 19, 2024, press release from the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana.

MARKSVILLE, Louisiana — The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana proudly announces the successful conclusion of the 26th Annual Pow Wow, held on May 18 and 19, 2024, on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in Marksville.

The Tribe warmly welcomed neighboring tribes and the Avoyelles Parish community to join in the celebration of its 26th Annual Pow Wow. Following last year’s return after a three-year pause due to the pandemic, this year’s event continued to spotlight the rich heritage of Native American culture through traditional arts, music, dance, and storytelling.

This year’s event, building on the overwhelming success of the previous year, featured an array of craft displays, music performances, dance presentations, and cultural exhibits. Dozens of local food and craft vendors participated, and the event included interactive events and live performances aimed at highlighting the rich history and traditions of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and their neighboring tribes.

“Each year, Pow Wow strengthens the bonds within our community and among our guests from afar,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “This year, we witnessed an overwhelming spirit of unity and a shared passion for preserving and promoting our culture. It’s an honor to host such a gathering that not only showcases our traditions but also educates and inspires all who attend.”

A dancer at the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe 26th Annual Powwow, hosted May 18-19, 2024, in Marksville, Louisiana. Photo courtesy Tunica-Biloxi Tribe

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Tunica-Biloxi Tribe 26th Annual Powwow

The Tribe also reflected on those who brought them to this point, including Paragon Casino Resort, which honored Tribal Elder and traditional basket weaver Mrs. Lula Cryer in its Tunica-Biloxi museum. The Tribe recognized the perseverance of their ancestors and celebrated the annual Pow Wow’s tribute to prosperity, now shared with every visitor. This year’s festivities marked a milestone for Paragon, who celebrated 30 years of gaming and community engagement, acknowledging the crucial role of dedicated associates, many of whom are Tribal citizens themselves.

In addition to the main Pow Wow events, the Tribe hosted a free Education Day on Friday, May 17, dedicated to educating students of all ages about Native American culture. The weekend featured exhibitions by The Grayhawk Band and Larry Yazzie (native flute) and encouraged participation in inter-tribal dances.

The Pow Wow also highlighted the Tribe’s recent advancements, including a visit from U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and the awarding of a $6.4 million grant for affordable housing for tribal families.

For more information on the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, visit tunicabiloxi.org.

About the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
The Tunica-Biloxi people first appeared in the Mississippi Valley. In the late 1700s, they settled near south of Marksville in east-central Louisiana. Today, the Tribe has more than 1,600 members throughout the United States, primarily in Louisiana, Texas, and Illinois. The modern Tunica-Biloxi Tribe is composed of Tunica, Biloxi (a Siouan-speaking people from the Gulf coast), Ofo (also a Siouan people), Avoyel (a Natchezan people), and Choctaw. Although ancestry is typically intermixed through marriages, tribal members typically identify either as Tunica, Biloxi or Biloxi-Choctaw. The tribe owns and operates the Paragon Casino Resort, the largest employer in Central Louisiana. For more information about the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, visit tunicabiloxi.org and “like” us on Facebook.