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Regular Session, 2013 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 109
BY SENATOR LAFLEUR
A RESOLUTION
To commend the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana for its many contributions to the citizens
of the state of Louisiana.
WHEREAS, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana is a federally recognized Indian
tribe with which the state of Louisiana has enjoyed a productive, amicable, and mutually
beneficial relationship; and
WHEREAS, since time immemorial, the ancestors of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of
Louisiana have been residents of the territory now known as the state of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana currently resides on a reservation
located in Avoyelles Parish that was assigned to the tribe by the King of Spain in 1778; and
WHEREAS, members of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe fought alongside and were allies
with Don Bernardo de Galvez, Spanish governor of Louisiana, in a victory over British
military forces in the Battle of Baton Rouge on September 21, 1779, the only battle of the
American Revolution fought outside the territory of the original thirteen colonies; and
WHEREAS, the arts and crafts of members of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
have greatly enriched the artistic, cultural, and spiritual life of the state of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the state and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana were co-parties in
the litigation known as the "Tunica Treasure Case", which resulted in the recovery of the
largest discovery of archaeological artifacts ever found in the United States, and ultimately
the items were deposited in a museum located on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation to be
enjoyed by visitors from all over the world; and
WHEREAS, the economic development projects of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe have
helped rejuvenate central Louisiana, bringing jobs and prosperity to citizens and residents
of the state and resulting in marked economic progress throughout Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Paragon Casino and Resort, operated by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, is a
vital business partner in the community of central Louisiana; and SR NO. 109 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, the political leadership shown by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
has consistently exhibited great honor, integrity, foresight, honesty, and solicitude for its
people, constituting a major force for progress in the state and providing a role model for the
members of the tribe and other Louisiana citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana has cooperated and worked with
the state of Louisiana, the parish of Avoyelles, and the municipalities surrounding its
reservation to the benefit of all and to the exclusion of wasteful conflict and strife; and
WHEREAS, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana merits a sincere and heartfelt
measure of commendation.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana for its many contributions to the
citizens of Louisiana and does hereby extend enduring appreciation for the tremendous pride
and honor that the tribe brings to Avoyelles Parish and the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Honorable Earl J. Barbry Sr., chairman of the Tribal Council of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of
Louisiana.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE