MARKSVILLE, La. (WNTZ) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana is inviting the public to take part in a day celebrating Indigenous art, heritage and cultural exchange during the 9th Annual Intertribal Basketry Summit, set for Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tunica-Biloxi Gymnasium in Marksville.

Hosted by the tribe’s Language & Culture Revitalization Program (LCRP), the annual summit brings together Native American basket weavers, artists and cultural advocates from across the region to share traditional weaving methods, materials and stories that connect generations.

“The Basketry Summit continues to celebrate and preserve a vital piece of our tribal identity and connection to the land,” said John Barbry, Director of Development & Programming for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. “It’s a space where weavers pass on knowledge, honor shared traditions and remind us that our cultural expressions remain living, evolving and essential.”

This year’s featured speaker is Velicia Bergstrom, representing Gulf Shores Tribal Relations with the U.S. Forest Service. Bergstrom will discuss the Forest Service’s process for protecting cultural sites within national forests and its continuing efforts to strengthen partnerships with tribal nations.

Tribal Chairman Marshall Pierite emphasized the importance of those collaborations, noting that “events like the Intertribal Basketry Summit give us the opportunity to listen, learn and collaborate as we strengthen partnerships rooted in mutual respect and shared stewardship of our cultural heritage.”

The summit is free for observers and open to the public. A $30 participation fee applies for those wishing to join weaving workshops or display their own baskets, while Tunica-Biloxi citizens and their family members may participate free of charge.

For registration or additional information, email Babette Bordelon at babette.bordelon@tunica.org.

Event Details:

When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Tunica-Biloxi Gymnasium, 171 Melacon Road, Marksville, Louisiana
Hosted by: Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana’s Language & Culture Revitalization Program