Tunica-Biloxi Cultural & Educational Resources Center

The Tunica-Biloxi Indian Reservation is located just South of Marksville, Louisiana. The tribal lands sit on approximately 1,717 acres of Trust and Fee Property in Avoyelles and Rapides Parishes. There are an estimated 1,226 enrolled Tunica-Biloxi tribal citizens. Roughly 42% of their citizens live on or in close proximity to the Reservation or designated tribal lands located in Central Louisiana. The Tunica-Biloxi are one of four federally recognized Native American tribes in Louisiana. They gained federal recognition in 1981. The Tunica-Biloxi are governed by their own laws that are inscribed in its tribal constitution, wherein they are given inherent sovereign powers recognized by the United States Constitution, the United States Supreme Court, and Congress.

The modern traditional Tunica-Biloxi Powwow began in the 19th century as tribes began to move closer together in the American West. Dancers wear colorful dresses and move gracefully around a ring to a steady drumbeat that guides their movements. These traditions are passed down through generations. Today’s powwows feature competitions in various categories such as traditional, dance, grass, shawl, and jingle-dress dancing. Prizes are awarded for the individual categories. Religious dances and ceremonies are kept separate from those presented during a powwow competition. The Tunica-Biloxi Powwow is usually open to the public. It is a great chance for those outside to learn more about Native American culture. Powwows can usually last between several hours to several days.

The Tunica-Biloxi tribe has partnered with Tulane University’s Linguistic Department to collaborate on the revitalization of the Tunica language. The Tunica Language Working Group (Kuhponi Yoyani Luhchi Yoroni- KYLY) are nearing completion of a new Tunica Language textbook. The Language and Cultural Revitalization Program (LCRP) features Tunica language instruction, teaching materials, research and scholarship opportunities, and cultural workshops. There is also the Tunica-Biloxi Museum. It houses the “Tunica Treasure”. It is a vast collection of Native American European trade items and artifacts that were deposited as grave goods by the Tunica from 1731-1764. The repatriation of the collection was the result of a landmark state appeals court decision that provided a precedent for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990.

Tunica-Biloxi Powwow, http://tunicapowwow.org/. Accessed November 21st 2020. http://tunicapowwow.org/.

Pow Wow History, Tunica-Biloxi Powwow. Accessed November 21st 2020. http://tunicapowwow.org/pastyears.html.

Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. Accessed November 21st 2020. https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/faq/.

Language and Culture Revitalization, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. Accessed November 21st 2020. https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/tribal-info/departments/language-culture-revitalization-program/.