The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe Joins Native American Law Program Partnership with Southern University Law Center

Marskville, LA – (June 11, 2019) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana has announced its partnership with Southern University Law Center (SULC) through the Native American Law and Policy Institute (NALPI) in Louisiana and the Southeastern United States. The program provides Southern University students with resources needed to become Indian Law Professionals.

“The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe routinely works with attorneys to implement jurisdiction surrounding our business ventures as well as issues that affect our people, such as domestic violence,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. “There is a high demand for professionals who specialize in Indian Law which is why we decided to partner with one of Louisiana’s most prestigious law schools [Southern University] to implement this program.”

Through a 5-year partnership, the following educational opportunities have been established:

• 3-credit course on Federal Indian Law

• Externship/Internship Program

• Experiential Learning Opportunities related to Indian Affairs, Legislation and Regulation

• SULC Faculty Trained by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe

• Annual Indian Law and Policy Conference

“These kinds of programs and partnerships allow our students to see what the new world of law practice looks like.” said John K. Pierre, Chancellor of Southern University Law Center. “It’s another way to increase our competitiveness."

Other Tribes that have also partnered with SULC are the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, Chitimacha Tribe and MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians.

“This program is a game-changer for Indian Country. We are excited to lead the way in our commitment to those who choose to enter this profession in order to serve their communities” said Jeremy Zahn, Councilman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe.

Indian law is a highly-specialized field that is rooted in the unique sovereign status of Native American Tribes that has been reaffirmed in countless judicial decisions, statutes and executive orders. The field centers around jurisdictional disputes arising from Tribal sovereignty. Due to rapid Tribal economic growth since the advent of Indian gaming, Tribes have become major employers in the State of Louisiana. Tribal businesses include much more than gaming. Non-Indian private enterprises and state agencies routinely interact with Native American Tribes. For these reasons, the field of Indian law is in high demand.

Southern University Alum and attorney Adam Crepelle is currently leading this program. Crepelle is an expert in issues related to Indian Law and has published articles on several key Native American issues.

For more information on Southern University Law Center, visit http://www.sulc.edu.

For more information on the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, visit https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/.

About the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe

The Tunica-Biloxi people first appeared in the Mississippi Valley. In the late 1700s, they settled near Marksville, where they were skilled traders and entrepreneurs. Today, the Tribe has more than 1,200 members throughout the United States, primarily in Louisiana, Texas and Illinois.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe received federal recognition in 1981 for its reservation within the boundaries of Louisiana. The tribe owns and operates the Paragon Casino Resort, the largest employer in Central Louisiana. Through its compact, negotiated by the late Tribal Chairman Earl J. Barbry Sr. and the State of Louisiana, the Tribe has assisted local governments in the area with its quarterly distribution of funds, totaling more than $40 million over two decades. For more information about the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, visit http://www.tunica.org and “like” us on Facebook.

About Southern University Law Center

The mission and tradition of the Law Center is to provide access and opportunity to a diverse group of students from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups to obtain a high-quality legal education with special emphasis on the Louisiana civil law. Additionally, our mission is to train a cadre of lawyers equipped with the skills necessary for the practice of law and for positions of leadership in society.