2026 Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Will Honor John D. Barbry

MARKSVILLE, La. (press release) – 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 at Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana.

The Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow is an annual public event that brings together Indigenous tribes and visitors from across the region to celebrate Native American culture and heritage.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can experience vibrant dance competitions, powerful drum performances and cultural demonstrations that honor the traditions uniting 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. When we come together in song, dance and prayer, we reaffirm who we are as a people and ensure that our traditions continue to live on for future generations.”

Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Details

The 2026 Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow will be led by an outstanding lineup of host and invited drums, including Southern Host Drum Pawnee Yellow Horse and Northern Host Drum Meskwaki Nation, along with Southern Invited Drum Ottertrail and Northern Invited Drum Mato Pejuta.

Hokah Sound will provide sound for the weekend, helping set the rhythm for two days of celebration. Other highlights include:

• Dance competitions for participants ages six to 55+. Dancers can pre-register for the event by May 16.
• 30 food and craft vendors, offering traditional foods, indigenous arts, jewelry and handmade crafts. Vendors interested in participating are encouraged to contact Paulette Voiselle – pvoiselle@tunica.org or (800) 272-9767.
• The Tribe will host a free Education Day before the Pow Wow on Friday, May 15, at the Earl J. Barbry Sr. Convention Center at Paragon Casino Resort.
  • Two presentations, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., will provide local students and school groups with an interactive introduction to Native American culture.
  • The program will feature Pow Wow dance demonstrations, traditional storytelling and engaging cultural exhibits designed to deepen understanding and appreciation of Tribal heritage. For more information or to register a school group, contact Elisabeth Pierite at Elisabeth.pierite@tunica.org or (318) 240-6432.

General Admission for the 2026 Pow Wow is $8 for adults, $5 for children between 12 and five years of age, and free for children under the age of five.

Registered dancers will be admitted with assigned numbers.

The Pow Wow doors open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.