Welcome to the official source for news, announcements, and events for the Bayou Lafourche Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha Indians. This page is dedicated to keeping our members and the public informed about the work of our government and the life of our community. We are committed to transparency and open communication, as mandated by our Constitution. 

Upcoming Events & Public Meetings

This calendar includes all official public meetings of the Tribal Council, community gatherings, and cultural events. In accordance with Article VI of our Constitution, all public meetings are announced at least five days in advance. 

News & Announcements 

May Update: Investing in Our Future – 2026 Scholarship Recipients 

INVESTING IN OUR GREATEST ASSET: OUR YOUTH  

We are proud to announce the first recipients of the BLBBCI Academic Excellence Scholarship. These awards represent our ongoing mission to uplift our community through education, as mandated by Article XV of our Constitution.

• Piper Theriot: Attending Fletcher Technical Community College (Medical Field). We are also thrilled to announce that Piper has been inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars, a prestigious honor recognizing her leadership and academic rigor.

• Ethan Jarreau: Attending Southeastern Louisiana University (Medical Field). We celebrate Ethan’s dedication to the health and wellness of our future community.

• Landin Dardar: Attending Huntingdon College in Alabama. Landin will be pursuing a degree in Sports Management while competing in collegiate athletics.

The Incentive: Each student received an initial award of $500, with an additional $250 to be granted upon maintaining a 3.5 GPA during their first term. We set the bar high because we know our students can reach it.

PRESERVING THE PAST, MAPPING THE FUTURE 

Our commitment to our ancestral lands remains unshakable. Members recently completed ArcGIS StoryMap training. This technology allows us to document our history, genealogy, and territory with modern precision, ensuring our "history, culture, and traditions" are preserved for generations to come. 

THE HARVARD INITIATIVE: JUNE 25 TOUR  

 In June, we are welcoming a group of interns from Harvard University. This collaboration provides high-level research support for our tribal projects.

• Grand Tour: On June 25, we will be hosting a tour of Port Fourchon and Grand Isle.

• Your Voice Matters: The interns are eager to meet with Tribal members to discuss where the Tribe needs help—be it environmental, archival, or administrative.

• RSVP: Tribal engagement is strongly encouraged! If you wish to attend the tour and meet the team, please contact Secretary Jimmy Billiot at jimmy.billiot@blbbci.com.

THE LONG GAME: FALL GATHERING & FPCC UNITY 

This year, we are taking a strategic approach to our autumn celebrations to strengthen our inter-tribal ties:

• BLBBCI Gathering: We will host a focused gathering at the One Day at a Time Club.

• FPCC Fall Gathering: Our primary effort will be full participation in the First People’s Conservation Council (FPCC) Fall Gathering.

• Call to Action: Tribal participation is not only encouraged but requested! We will join our friends from neighboring tribes to celebrate our shared heritage and show the strength of our unified voice.

WANTED: THE NEXT GREAT VOICE OF OUR TRIBE! 

Are you a storyteller, a social media whiz, or someone who always knows what’s happening in the community? Do you want to play a direct role in how our Tribe’s story is told to the world?

We are looking for a Tribal Communications Liaison (Newsletter Lead) to take the reins of our monthly bulletin!

This isn't just a "task", it’s a creative project where you get to:

• Be the Insider: Attend Council meetings and community events to get the first look at what’s coming next for the BLBBCI.

• Build Your Portfolio: Perfect for students or young professionals looking to show off their writing, interviewing, and design skills.

• Connect with Elders & Youth: Bridge the gap between our traditions and our future.

Make it Your Own: Want to add a "Member Spotlight"? A "History Corner"? A "Recipe of the Month"? You have the creative freedom to make the newsletter something everyone can’t wait to read.

Who we’re looking for: Someone energetic, reliable, and passionate about our tribal culture. If you’re tech-savvy and love staying "in the loop," we want to talk to you!

Interested? Email Secretary Jimmy Billiot at jimmy.billiot@blbbci.com to learn more about how you can become the official voice of our progress.