Horace Pierite
Horace Pierite Sr. (1883 – May 15, 1955) was an American farmer, trapper, and leader of the Tunica-Biloxi people in Louisiana. He grew up on the Tunica-Biloxi reservation in Marksville, Louisiana, and spent most of his life there. He was elected Chief of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and led the group from 1943 until his death. Earlier, he served as sub-chief under Chief Eli Barbry.
In 1938, Horace and other Native leaders went to Washington to raise concerns about alleged illegal land claims tied to Spanish land grants in Avoyelles Parish. Officials dismissed the claims, with a report suggesting the Tunica and Avoyel people were nearly extinct. The Bureau of Indian Affairs did not meet with the Tunicas again until 1949.
In February 1949, Horace and sub-chief Joseph Pierite discussed possible federal help with A. H. McMullen of the Choctaw Agency, but McMullen declined. As a result, much of the Tunica-Biloxi land was taken by white farmers, and Avoyelles Parish deeds were given to non-Indians. The Tunicas received little attention or services at the time. The push for recognition would not pick up again until the 1970s.
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Indians of Louisiana was incorporated on October 26, 1974. Organizers included Joseph Pierite Jr., Horace Pierite Jr., Sam Barbry Jr., and Rose Marie Gallardo. The articles and by‑laws were approved that day, and Joseph Pierite became chairman and registered agent. Louisiana granted state recognition in 1975, and the tribe received federal recognition in 1981.
Horace Pierite and his wife had three children: Carry Pierite Barbry, Finelin Pierite, and Horace Pierite Jr.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 00:58 (CET).