Laurita Barras Dollis, Big Queen of the Wild Magnolias Black Indian Tribe for over twenty years, is the widow of legendary Big Chief Bo Dollis.  

 

Big Queen Laurita explains the process of making a suit: "You have to be focused, want it, love what you're doing from the heart, to even sit there and do that kind of sewing every day, to put something that beautiful together. It has to be a part of you."

 

Laurita is founder and president of the Queens of the Nation Indian Council. She has received numerous honors, including the "Crystal Feather" award from the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame.