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- By Levi Rickert
MARKSVILLE, La. — Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite wants to see Indian Country play a role in future economic development over the next four years, with opportunities being presented by the Trump administration.
Last Friday, at the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s Paragon Casino Resort, the tribe hosted a roundtable discussion as a means to develop working relationships with members of the Trump administration. The roundtable included tribal leaders, Trump administration officials, and corporate leaders. Also, in attendance was President's Donald Trump's longest serving political advisor Roger Stone.
Among the tribal leaders were Principal Chief Lora Ann Chaisson of the United Houma Nation; Chairman John Lowery of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina; Governor Thomas Moquino Jr. of Santo Domingo Pueblo; Chairman Jack Potter Jr. of the Redding Rancheria; and Sherry Treppa, former Chairperson of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake and current president of Habemco.
In all, some 30 tribal leaders were officially present, according to the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe.
Pierite hopes to accomplish his vision through the establishment of a coalition between tribal leaders and members of the Trump administration, working together to promote economic development throughout Indian Country.
Under Pierite’s leadership, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s economic arm, Tunica-Biloxi Industries, is developing a textile manufacturing company that specializes in high-quality textile products for the commercial, government, and hospitality sectors.
“We have to turn our ideas and obstacles into opportunities. These opportunities will allow us to shift the balance of power, to transform concern into conviction, and to take what is meant to stop us—and catapult us into the next destination,” Pierite said.
“I believe President Trump’s vision during this administration emphasizes strong economic growth, deregulation, and the revitalization of communities that have long been forgotten. That vision resonates with many of us because tribal communities have known what it feels like to be overlooked. We are no longer asking for a seat at the table—we are taking our place at the table,” Pierite added.
Also speaking at the roundtable was Diane Cullo, assistant administrator for the Office of Native American Affairs at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Cullo provided an overview of the Trump administration’s goal of helping more Native American small businesses succeed.
Cullo acknowledged concerns about the future of the SBA’s Tribal 8(a) program, noting that it is currently being analyzed for efficiency and effectiveness.
Earlier in the day, the tribe provided a guided tour of Tunica-Biloxi tribal lands.
In attendance at both roundtable discussions was Roger Stone, a consultant and lobbyist. He told attendees that President Trump supports tribal sovereignty and is eager to work with tribes on economic development projects.
Pierite announced that he will host another roundtable in Washington, D.C., in late July. He indicated that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) are expected to attend.
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