MARKSVILLE, LA – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana convened a roundtable event, “Preserving, Protecting, and Strengthening Tribal Sovereignty,” on their reservation in Marksville, LA. The gathering brought together over 30 tribal leaders and federal officials to foster new relationships, spur economic development, and reinforce tribal sovereignty across Indian Country.
Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Christine Serrano Glassner, and Senior Advisor for the Immediate Office of the Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Mark Cruz, represented the U.S. Government. Both highlighted the importance of federal-tribal collaboration in advancing shared priorities.
Diane Cullo, Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Native American Affairs, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to supporting Native American small businesses and addressing concerns about the SBA’s tribal 8(a) program. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Economic Development for the Office of Indian Affairs, Ken Bellmard, delivered video messages in support of the gathering.
Chairman Marshall Pierite of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe outlined his vision for a coalition between tribal nations and the federal government, underscoring the need to seize new opportunities for growth and self-determination. Under his leadership, Tunica-Biloxi Industries is spearheading initiatives such as a textile manufacturing enterprise to provide high-quality products for commercial and government sectors and public works projects across the country – part of a broader effort to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States and tribal reservations.
“This event symbolizes our resolve to transform obstacles into opportunities,” said Chairman Pierite. “Through collaboration and determination, we aim to shift the balance of power, ensure tribal communities are no longer overlooked, and secure our rightful place at the table of progress.”
The event, held at the tribal-owned Paragon Casino Resort, began with a guided tour of the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural and Educational Resources Center and Museum, showcasing the tribe’s rich heritage and ongoing efforts in cultural preservation. The day’s program commenced with a cocktail hour and a government-to-government meet-and-greet, setting the stage for candid discussions.
President Donald Trump’s longest-serving political advisor, Roger Stone, reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to tribal sovereignty and its eagerness to collaborate on economic development projects. Tribal leaders in attendance included Principal Chief Lora Ann Chaisson of the United Houma Nation, Chairman John Lowery of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, and Governor Thomas Moquino Jr. of Santo Domingo Pueblo, among others.
The roundtable marked the first of a series, with Chairman Pierite announcing plans for a follow-up event set for late July in Washington, D.C., which is expected to include House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).
