Chickasaw-produced documentaries to air on Montana public broadcast television

ADA, Okla. – Two Chickasaw Nation Productions documentaries from the Chickasaw Heritage Series will air on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) state network for Montana, KUSM-TV on channel 9, June 4-5.

"Bearer of the Morning" is scheduled to air 2 p.m. MDT (3 p.m. CDT) June 4. "First Encounter" is slated for 2:30 p.m. MDT (3:30 CDT) June 5. Updated program scheduling can be found at MontanaPBS.org/schedule.

The Chickasaw Heritage Series is a video project initiative from Chickasaw Nation Productions designed to inform, educate and entertain audiences about the resilient and persevering spirit of the Chickasaw Nation.

To purchase online in DVD or Blu-Ray format, to find a local retailer, or for more information, please visit ChickasawFilms.com.

"First Encounter"

"First Encounter" explores the actions taken by Chickasaws in 1541 during their first contact with Europeans. The documentary highlights the encounters, struggles and perseverance of the Chickasaw people throughout Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto's attempted conquest.

It was the first European contact for the Chickasaw and helped establish the reputation for which the tribe would be recognized for centuries and still remains today – "unconquered and unconquerable."

"Bearer of the Morning"

The story follows the life of Mary "Te Ata" Thompson Fisher as she embraces the Chickasaw tradition of storytelling and transforms herself into the world-renowned performer, Te Ata.

By studying and performing traditional First American stories, Te Ata worked to help overturn negative stereotypes and advocate for the preservation of indigenous American cultures. Te Ata kept her Chickasaw heritage close to her heart and shared the unique story and spirit of the Chickasaw people.

In this one-hour documentary, discover how this dynamic Chickasaw woman successfully navigated the social, geographic and cultural distances to become one of the most successful First American performers in history.

Chickasaw curriculum

Both Chickasaw Heritage Series "First Encounter" and "Bearer of the Morning" documentaries have been incorporated into an online curriculum produced by the Chickasaw Nation for elementary and secondary school levels. These and other lessons are available to homeschool and public school educators by visiting Chickasaw.net/AtHome.

These lessons might also interest anyone looking to personally dig deeper into the history and culture of the Chickasaw people, with reference materials and photographs presented much like a textbook.

Every lesson of the Chickasaw Nation curriculum is aligned with Oklahoma Academic Standards as outlined by the Oklahoma State Department of Education social studies guide.

Areas of study include history, social studies, geography and government. Students who dive into these studies will develop skills including reading, writing, critical thinking, test taking and artistic creation.

Each lesson is complete with its own lesson plan, reading material, discussion questions, student activity and reference list for convenience. This material can be easily incorporated into any educational setting.