MARKSVILLE, La. (May 4, 2011) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe is pleased to host Hawk Henries for his 14th time at the annual Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow. Native American dancers and artisans from across the nation will gather for the 16th annual Pow Wow celebration at the Chief Joseph “Alcide” Pierite Pow Wow Grounds on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in Marksville, May 20-22. Henries will be performing on Friday, May 20 from 6:30-7:15 p.m. and Saturday, May 21 from 5:30-6:15 p.m.



As a young person, Henries was not aware of his native heritage. After meeting his father at age 17, he learned of his Nipmuc lineage, which helped give form and voice to his thoughts, feelings and relationship with the world around him. Exploring the lifeways of Nipmuc, Henries developed an interest in ceremonial and social traditions.



After years of listening to Native flute music, Henries decided he would try crafting his own and learning to play. As one of the relatively small number of Native flutemakers, who continue in the tradition of using only hand tools and fire, Henries’ work embodies his commitment to the revitalization and preservation of these skills. Henries released his first flute music CD in 1995. In the years since, Henries has been invited to present his music and share his words in places such as Harvard Divinity School, Brown University and the National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian Institution).



Open to the general public, daily admission to the Pow Wow is $5. The fee for children 5 and younger is $2 and $3 for seniors 65 and older. The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and Paragon Casino Resort will host the three day cultural festivities, filled with authentic food, arts and crafts, dancing, singing and more.



For more information about the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow or other upcoming events at Paragon Casino Resort, please visit www.tunicapowwow.org or call 1-800-946-1946.



About the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with a reservation within the boundaries of Louisiana. The tribe owns and operates the Paragon Casino Resort, the largest employer in Central Louisiana. Earl J. Barbry, Sr. was elected Tribal Chairman in 1978 and was appointed as Tribal Administrator the same year. He has implemented many positive changes within the tribe and the Marksville community.

The tribe also runs the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Political Action Committee (TBIPAC) that helps state and national legislators understand the importance of the tribe and the role it can play in the economic well-being of the state and its citizens.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe has donated over $3,000,000 since 1994 to various non-profit organizations on the local, regional and national level. In addition to monetary contributions, Paragon Casino Resort employees have also volunteered their time and talents to local community organizations.