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Regular Session, 2013
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 109
BY SENATOR LAFLEUR
COMMENDATIONS. Commends the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana for its many
contributions to the state.
A RESOLUTION1
To commend the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana for its many contributions to the citizens2
of the state of Louisiana.3
WHEREAS, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana is a federally recognized Indian4
tribe with which the state of Louisiana has enjoyed a productive, amicable, and mutually5
beneficial relationship; and6
WHEREAS, since time immemorial, the ancestors of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of7
Louisiana have been residents of the territory now known as the state of Louisiana; and8
WHEREAS, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana currently resides on a reservation9
located in Avoyelles Parish that was assigned to the tribe by the King of Spain in 1778; and10
WHEREAS, members of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe fought alongside and were allies11
with Don Bernardo de Galvez, Spanish governor of Louisiana, in a victory over British12
military forces in the Battle of Baton Rouge on September 21, 1779, the only battle of the13
American Revolution fought outside the territory of the original thirteen colonies; and14
WHEREAS, the arts and crafts of members of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana15
have greatly enriched the artistic, cultural, and spiritual life of the state of Louisiana; and16
WHEREAS, the state and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana were co-parties in17
the litigation known as the "Tunica Treasure Case", which resulted in the recovery of the18 SR NO. 109
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largest discovery of archaeological artifacts ever found in the United States, and ultimately1
the items were deposited in a museum located on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation to be2
enjoyed by visitors from all over the world; and3
WHEREAS, the economic development projects of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe have4
helped rejuvenate central Louisiana, bringing jobs and prosperity to citizens and residents5
of the state and resulting in marked economic progress throughout Louisiana; and6
WHEREAS, Paragon Casino and Resort, operated by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, is a7
vital business partner in the community of central Louisiana; and8
WHEREAS, the political leadership shown by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana9
has consistently exhibited great honor, integrity, foresight, honesty, and solicitude for its10
people, constituting a major force for progress in the state and providing a role model for the11
members of the tribe and other Louisiana citizens; and12
WHEREAS, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana has cooperated and worked with13
the state of Louisiana, the parish of Avoyelles, and the municipalities surrounding its14
reservation to the benefit of all and to the exclusion of wasteful conflict and strife; and15
WHEREAS, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana merits a sincere and heartfelt16
measure of commendation.17
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana18
does hereby commend the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana for its many contributions to the19
citizens of Louisiana and does hereby extend enduring appreciation for the tremendous pride20
and honor that the tribe brings to Avoyelles Parish and the state of Louisiana.21
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the22
Honorable Earl J. Barbry Sr., chairman of the Tribal Council of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of23
Louisiana.24
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Thomas L. Tyler.
DIGEST
LaFleur SR No. 109
Commends the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana for its many contributions to the state.