Tunica-Biloxi Tribe releases new children’s book in Tunica language

MARKSVILLE, La. (WNTZ) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, in collaboration with That Painted Horse Press (TPHP), announces the release of Arhilani Wirani Luhchi Yoroni (Tunica Language Story Time): Traditional Tunica Stories as told by Sesostrie Youchigant to Mary Haas. This beautifully illustrated children’s storybook brings traditional Tunica tales to a new generation, furthering the Tribe’s ongoing efforts to preserve its language and honor its ancestors.

Building upon the success of the 2022 Tunica language coloring book and the 2024 Biloxi language coloring book, this latest project is another step in the Tribe’s broader mission to preserve its cultural heritage. By transforming oral storytelling traditions into a modern, interactive format, Arhilani Wirani Luhchi Yoroni ensures that the Tunica language will continue to thrive and introduce new generations of citizens.

“Our language is central to who we are as a people,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. In order to move our people forward, we must remember our past while charting our own course into the future. By finding new ways to familiarize the public with our culture, we elevate our status toward a brighter tomorrow.”

Based on stories originally told by former Tunica-Biloxi Chief Sesostrie Youchigant and recorded by renowned linguist Dr. Mary R. Haas in the 1930s, the book presents modern adaptations developed by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s Language and Culture Revitalization Program (LCRP) and the Tunica Language Project. With illustrations by Tunica artist Lauren Bansbach, Arhilani Wirani Luhchi Yoroni is both a learning tool and a beautifully crafted tribute to Tunica storytelling.

“We want to make learning the Tunica language as engaging and accessible as possible,” said John Barbry, Director of Development & Programming for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. “With this book, we’re sharing our traditional stories and providing a valuable resource that connects our people, both young and old, to the language in a meaningful way.”

The book includes three stories:

• Tawishi Hariya Yakatihch Taparu Rɔhpant (When the Water Got Nearly as High as the Sky) – A Tunica flood myth explaining how the red-headed woodpecker got its markings.
• Tahch’i Nuhchi Tihkarhilani (The Sun Woman’s Story) – The tale of how a Tunica girl became the sun and the significance of kingfishers in Tunica culture.
• Kaya Tayoroniku Tahalayihkuku Onti Ya’unihki (Why the Tunica and the Biloxi Became Friends) – A story recounting the origins of the friendship between the Tunica and Biloxi tribes.

To enhance the reader’s experience, Arhilani Wirani Luhchi Yoroni includes a QR code that provides access to audio recordings of the stories vocalized in the Tunica language, along with a glossary.

The storybook is now available for purchase online at Amazon. The books are available locally in the Tunica-Biloxi Museum Gift Shop located inside the Cultural & Educational Resource Center (CERC) in Marksville, Louisiana. Hours of operation and directions can be found online at tunicabiloxi.org/cerc.

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