Education
Films in the Chickasaw Heritage Series have curriculum for primary and secondary teachers to use in their classrooms. Each curriculum is aligned with the Oklahoma Academic Standards as outlined in the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s 2014 Social Studies guide. The following Oklahoma Academic Standards are to be used only as a basic guide. Other standards may be applicable that could be based on teacher’s own interpretation of the lesson material or ability/need to make a conceptual connection.
For other curricula provided by the Chickasaw Nation, visit Chickasaw.net/curriculum.
Born in small-town Oklahoma, Mary Thompson Fisher, later known as “Te Ata,” was determined to pursue her passion as a performer. Supported by her undeniable charisma and oratorical talent, Te Ata entertained and enlightened audiences across the world, including royalty and statesmen. Throughout her travels and performances, Te Ata kept her Chickasaw heritage close to heart and shared the unique story and spirit of the Chickasaw people. By studying and performing traditional First American stories, she overturned negative stereotypes and advocated the preservation of Indigenous American cultures. As Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby noted, “She is a shining example of the power of artistic expression to change hearts and minds.” In many ways, Te Ata Fisher paved the way for First Americans onstage and screen and remains a treasured voice for the Chickasaw people.
“First Encounter” explores the actions taken by Chickasaws in 1540 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, but perhaps the most important and set the standard by which the tribe remained for centuries, and still remains today - “unconquered and unconquerable.”
Step into the history, hardships and struggles Chickasaw cattleman Montford T. Johnson experienced living in Indian Territory, now present-day Oklahoma, from 1843-1896.
Self-made and determined, Johnson faced the hardships of the time head-on, eventually establishing a vast ranching empire during one of the most forbidding periods in Oklahoma history. The ranches he established ran along the famed Chisholm Trail and included parts of modern-day Oklahoma City.
This 48-minute documentary follows Johnson, his family and his associates as they build their cattle operations from the ground up.
“Montford Johnson: An Original Brand” offers a unique perspective into the life of one of Oklahoma’s great cattleman, known across the region as a fair and successful businessman and whose influence impacts the industry today.
Complementing the award-winning film Pearl, the On Top of the World documentary shares the life story of the late Pearl Carter Scott, focusing on more than her flying career. The daughter of a successful businessman in Marlow, Oklahoma, Pearl Carter Scott was a dedicated and proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. She aspired, until her passing in 2005, to do "whatever is necessary to help my fellow Chickasaws." The 30-minute documentary features interviews with Pearl Carter Scott and her family members, it is included with the Pearl DVD.