MARKSVILLE, La., (March 29, 2012) – Students from Avoyelles, Rapides and surrounding parishes are invited to experience Pow Wow. The Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Committee will present a series of free programs on Native American culture for school children at the Chief Joseph “Alcide” Pierite Pow Wow Grounds on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in Marksville on Wednesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 17.



“We are excited to host this student outreach program again this year,” said John Barbry, Chairman of the Pow Wow Committee. “This opportunity gives students a rare and valuable opportunity for them to learn firsthand about Indian cultures from native people.”



The student presentation includes various components of an inter-tribal pow wow that highlights the historical, social, religious, and symbolic significance of its activities. Native dancers will demonstrate the Round Dance along with various other dance styles seen at pow wows throughout America. Students will be encouraged to participate in the Round Dance, Two-step, and other inter-tribal dances. The Alamoosic Lake Singers from the Penobscot Reservation at Indian Island, Maine, and the Otter Trail Singers from Ardmore, Oklahoma, will accompany dance demonstrations in northern and southern styles during the program.



The program will also include performances of Indian flute music, story-telling, and traditional dances. Indian flute maker and player, Hawk Henries, returns to participate in the Education Program again this year. The student program will also include a presentation of songs and stories by the Tunica-Biloxi Singers and Legend Keepers as well as an interactive presentation of Native American tools and toys set in a traditional southeastern home site. The Native American presenters will be displaying and selling handmade arts and crafts at the conclusion of the programs.



Space for the student program is limited so please make your reservations early. Groups may choose from one of four programs that are 90 minutes in length and will begin at the following times:



· Wednesday, May 16 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

· Thursday, May 17 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

School groups interested in scheduling a tour of the newly opened museum at the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural & Educational Resources Center should call 318-253-9767. To arrange reservations to attend Pow Wow please contact Sharon Reed at (800) 946-1946, Ext. 2523



In case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Tunica-Biloxi gymnasium across from the pow wow grounds.



Native American dancers and artisans from across the nation will gather for the 17th annual Pow Wow celebration at the Pow Wow Grounds May 18-20. The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and Paragon Casino Resort will host the cultural festivities, filled with authentic food, arts and crafts, dancing, singing and more.



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 $4,000,000 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.