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EPAGK 12 / Thursday, May 30, 1985NAVAJO TIMES TODAY7 unica Biloxi tribe attempts to preserve dignityBv Brenda Norrell KahnSpenal I.' T'OPA'rMARKSVILLE, La. - Tunica Biloxi Tribal Chairman Earl Bar-brv ix soft spoken, but determined in his efforts to preserve the dignity of the central Louisiana tribe here1 he protection of ancient tribal burial mounds from scavengers, working toward tribal self-sufficiency through the purchase of industry, and seeking a settlement from the state for 17,000 acres of land are the focus of his endeavors during his fourth term as chairman.Although traditional ceremonies are no longer held, Mr. Bar-bry. 34, plans to help bring back the Blue Corn Festival. When Mr. Barbry's uncle. Nathan Barbry, died tour years ago, the spoken language of the people died with him Nathan Barbry was also the last of his people who knew the prayers for the religious ceremonies, Mr. Barbry said.The tribe's right to protect Tunica Biloxi burial mounds received an important boost in state court in March when the court ruled that ownership of two and one-half tons of artifacts belonged to the tribe. The artifacts were taken from two hundred Tunica Biloxi graves which were dug up by an amateur anthropologist/ which Mr. Barbry said, ‘is just a scavenger.'If they want to dig up the dead let them dig up their families. If we were to dig up other peoples graves they would put us in jail, he said.The tribe may be facing another court battle if the tribe's negotia tions with the state of Louisiana do not soon prove fruitful. Mr. Barbry said the tribe has made every effort to settle a land settlement for 17,000 acres of land out of court, but it appears the issue will have to be resolved bythe courtsIn order to prevent displacing land owners, Mr. Barbry said, the tribe is asking for payment of the 17.000 acres' and will use the funds to purchase other land.. In their efforts toward economic self-sufficiency, the tribe is negotiating the purchase of a plant that could provide about 110 jobs for the tribe and the community of Marksville, he said. Since the labor force within the tribe is fairly small the plant could provide jobs for all the tribal members seeking employment, he said.Today about 120 of the tribe's 230 members live on or near the tribe s 132 acres at MarksvilleThe state operates a historical site commemorating Indian history in Marksville, a few miles from the Tunica Biloxi community. But Indians are not among the employees at the historical site museum. Mr. Barbery said hevisited the site recently and (after being told not to walk on the grass) asked why the Indian historical site employed no Indians.The worker replied, 'We don't have any Indians here.''Many people expect Indians to wear beads and feathers, but it's not what you wear that makes you an Indian.' he said.Mr. Barbery said his parents taught him to be proud of his heritage and to work hard for what he wanted. 'If everything is given to you, it takes your pride away ana eventually you just expect more and more,' he said. If you realy want something and work hard for it, you take pride in your accomplishments, he added.Tribally operated bingo operations are not appealing to the Tunica Biloxi chairman Bingo is too controversial and invites trouble. Mr. Barbry said Wednesday.If a tribe can get revenue without turning to bingo, it is better to go with something else, he said.Mr. Barbry said he had been approached by four managerial firms offering to begin bingo operations. He said he recently read in a Tennessee new'spa per that two of the men were implicated in organized crime.Although the language and ceremonies of the people have vanished, the Blue Com Festival is one of the ceremonies that the Tunica Biloxi people are trying to bring back. The festival begins at the time of the first corn harvest. The people do not eat the corn before time for the festival to begin.The cemeteries are cleaned in preparation for the festival similar to All Saints Day, he said.DETERMINED CHAIRMAN Tunica Biloxi Chairman Earl Barbry. standing before the newly constructed tribal center in Marksville, La., said he is determined to preserve the dignity df the central Louisiana tribeThe men rise before daylight and offer corn at each burial site Then the chief leads the group to the traditional swimming place and the men dive facing the rising sun three times.The chief makes a cross on the forehead of each individual with a kernel of com and then places the kernel in the mouths of the men.he said.The Tunica-Biloxi peopli best described as peat etui. Barbry saidareMrThe 'I unit a Biloxi Iribe was recognized by the federal gov ernment in 1^81 after years of struggle by the tribe tor recognitionMicro tptcuil I or TODA V
Newspaper Details
Navajo Times Today
Window Rock, Arizona, US
Thu, May 30, 1985
Page 7
Full Page
Clipped by
Wikimedia F.
California, DZ 16 Dec 2024
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