Tunica-Biloxi's Intertribal Basketry Summit

The incredibly unique and intricate indigenous art form of basketry is spotlighted at the fourth annual Basketry Summit, hosted by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana's Language and Culture Revitalization Program (LCRP) in an effort to share the culture with the surrounding community, as well as to keep the ancient art alive. 

Tunica-Biloxi Tribal members and weavers from other regional American Indian communities will all come together at the Paragon Casino Resort to demonstrate the specific traditions of the Southeastern United States, using long leaf pine needle, river cane, and palmetto. In an informal, forum setting, visitors will get opportunities to interact closely with the weavers, discussing technique and cultural elements of the craft. 

This year, organizers have made an effort to demonstrate an elevated authenticity to the weaving process by implementing a harvest day on Thursday, October 24, in which Tribal members will go out and harvest pine needle, cane, and other materials. On Friday, October 25, they'll strip the cane, dye the pine needles, and dry out other materials to be used. 

9 am–4 pm. $20, with opportunities available for participants to learn pine needle basketry. Lunch provided. Contact Jessica Barbry at jabarbry@tunica.org.