Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Set for May 16-17!

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana will host its 28th Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow honoring John D. Barbry on May 16 and 17, at the Earl J. Barbry Sr. Convention Center, Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville.

This annual public event brings together Indigenous tribes and visitors from across the region to celebrate Native American culture and heritage. Throughout the weekend, attendees will experience

• dance competitions
• drum performances
• cultural demonstrations

that highlight the traditions shared among Tribal communities.

"The Pow Wow is a sacred time for our Tribe, a time to gather in unity, reflect on the strength and resilience of our people, and celebrate the spirit that connects Native communities across generations," said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. "As we host the John Barbry Memorial Pow Wow, we do so with gratitude and remembrance, honoring John’s legacy and all those we have lost who helped shape our path forward."

This year’s Pow Wow will feature an impressive lineup of host and invited drums, including:

• Southern Host Drum: Pawnee Yellow Horse
• Northern Host Drum: Meskwaki Nation
• Southern Invited Drum: Ottertrail
• Northern Invited Drum: Mato Pejuta

Hokah Sound will provide sound throughout the weekend.

Dance competitions will include categories for participants ages six through 55 and older, and dancers may pre-register through May 16. The event will also feature more than 30 food and craft vendors, offering:

• traditional foods
• Indigenous artwork
• jewelry
• handmade crafts

In addition to the weekend festivities, the Tribe will host a free Education Day on Friday, May 15, at the convention center. Two presentations will be offered at 9 and 11 a.m., providing local students and school groups with an interactive introduction to Native American culture through:

• dance demonstrations
• storytelling
• cultural exhibits

General admission for the Pow Wow is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 5–12, and free for children under five. Registered dancers will be admitted with assigned numbers.

Doors open at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

For vendor information, contact Paulette Voiselle at pvoiselle@tunica.org or call (800) 272-9767.

School groups interested in Education Day can contact Elisabeth Pierite at elisabeth.pierite@tunica.org or (318) 240-6432.

More information about the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana is available at tunicabiloxi.org.