Tunica-Biloxi Tribe keeps tradition alive at basketry summit

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe was keeping tradition alive this weekend.

The Language and Culture Revitalization Program held its annual Intertribal Basketry Summit. Different tribes gathered to show off the traditional art of basket weaving.

Early tribe members once used the baskets for carrying food and laundry, using sources like river cane, palmetto or pine needles. Today, it’s mainly used as a source of revenue for tribes but that doesn't mean they want the skill to die off.

So they invite the public down to see the weaving firsthand and even give them a chance to participate.

"Things start to fade and so there's people in these communities who preserve these different crafts like basket weaving,” explained John Barbry, Director of Development and Programming. ”In the Native American community it's very important that we preserve our traditions. It's something that we come together to support each other and to preserve something that is very important to our community and that's basket weaving."

The basket weaving was a one day event, but the tribe says its next event will be stickball in the spring. They hope to see you there.