MARKSVILLE, La. (press release) — The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana announced the re-election of Chairman Marshall Pierite to serve as Chairman of both the Inter-Tribal Council of Louisiana (ITCLA) Board of Directors and the Institute for Indian Development (IID) Board of Directors. These re-elections affirm Chairman Pierite’s ongoing commitment to collaborative leadership and his steadfast dedication to advancing the needs of tribal nations across the state and country.
Chairman Pierite’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping coordinated efforts among Louisiana’s tribal communities in areas such as cultural preservation, economic growth, community development and government-to-government advocacy. His continued service in these roles ensures that critical progress and momentum will be sustained well into the future, especially significant as ITCLA marks its 50th anniversary in 2025.
“I am deeply honored to continue serving our tribal nations through these vital organizations,” said Chairman Marshall Pierite. “Our work is rooted in tradition but focused on the future. We are investing in our people, protecting our sovereignty and building stronger communities that reflect our values, resilience and vision for generations to come.”
The Institute for Indian Development, established in 1981, serves as a forward-thinking extension of the ITCLA’s foundational mission. Focused on long-term, community-driven growth, the IID provides support in areas such as workforce training, entrepreneurship, leadership development and strategic planning that aligns with each tribe’s unique heritage and goals.
The IID’s consortium includes both federally and state-recognized tribes.
Federally Recognized Tribes
- Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana
- Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana
- Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
- Jena Band of Choctaw Indians
State Recognized Tribes
- United Houma Nation
- Choctaw Apache Tribe of Louisiana
- Clifton Choctaw Tribe of Louisiana
Together, the Inter-Tribal Council of Louisiana and the Institute for Indian Development serve as key platforms for uniting these tribes in shared advocacy and empowerment. Their joint mission is to deliver meaningful resources directly to communities ranging from education and employment initiatives to social services, infrastructure support, and cultural revitalization efforts. As ITCLA celebrates five decades of service this year, both organizations remain deeply committed to ensuring tribal nations only preserve their identities and thrive in modern society through self-determination and strategic investments.
“Our collective mission is to bring lasting impact to Native communities in Louisiana and beyond,” said John Silver, Executive Director of ITCLA and IID. “As we celebrate the Inter-Tribal Council’s 50th anniversary, it’s especially meaningful to have Chairman Pierite’s steady leadership guiding us into the future. His ability to unify diverse voices and drive meaningful action continues to inspire progress and partnerships that benefit every tribe we serve.”
In addition to Chairman Pierite’s leadership, the Boards of ITCLA and IID are composed of respected tribal leaders from across the state, each bringing invaluable experience and dedication to the table.
The current elected officers include:
- Hon. Marshall Pierite, Chairman
Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Chairman & CEO - Hon. Melissa Darden, Vice Chairman
Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana Chairman - Hon. Lora Ann Chaisson, 2nd Vice Chairman
United Houma Nation Principal Chief
Together, these leaders will continue building on the legacy of progress established through decades of intertribal collaboration, advocacy and innovation.
For more information on the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, visit their website online at www.tunicabiloxi.org.
About the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
The Tunica-Biloxi people first appeared in the Mississippi Valley. In the late 1700s, they settled near south of Marksville in east-central Louisiana. Today, the Tribe has more than 1,600 members throughout the United States, primarily in Louisiana, Texas, and Illinois. The modern Tunica-Biloxi Tribe is composed of Tunica, Biloxi (a Siouan-speaking people from the Gulf coast), Ofo (also a Siouan people), Avoyel (a Natchezan people), and Choctaw. Although ancestry is typically intermixed through marriages, tribal members typically identify either as Tunica, Biloxi or Biloxi-Choctaw. The tribe owns and operates the Paragon Casino Resort, the largest employer in Central Louisiana. For more information about the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, visit https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/ and “like” us on Facebook.
