The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe celebrated the first post-COVID Pow Wow last weekend as Native Americans from around the country traveled to Marksville for fellowship, education and celebration.

John Barbry, Chairman of the Pow Wow Committee and Director of Development and Programming for the tribe, said that the event was a way to not only celebrate Native culture with each other, but to also share it with his fellow Louisianans.

“We’ve invited tribes from all over the place to join us in celebration of Native culture, their culture and our culture,” Barbry said. “We also get to open it up to our friends in the community. We want them involved and we want to educated them about who we are as native people and how we exist.”

Barbry explained that Pow Wows are a way to reconnect with members of tribes from across South Louisiana.

“It’s a practice throughout Indian Country and when I say that, I mean everywhere,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to dance, sing and display our craftsmanship. Events like this are a way to educate the public so we’re happy to see old friends and make new friends.”

The event, which spanned two days, featured traditional dancing, singing and drumming. Artisans and craftsmen were on hand to sell everything from books to baby toys.