CULTURAL PRESERVATION EXPERIENCES
At The Heart Of It All
GIVING RICH HISTORIES WORLDWIDE REACH
We take pride in our creative solutions, but true fulfillment comes with executing the visions of our diverse tribal partners and connecting tribal citizens, living around the world, to their culture, history and language.
We have found by sharing authentic depictions of First American culture with the world and personifying the tribes’ contributions is a frontline defense against the ongoing incursion on tribal sovereign rights.
At the heart of it all, we want to preserve your rich histories and share your stories how you want them told.
LANGUAGE
PRESERVATION
Indigenous languages are the glue that binds people to their cultures. The Chickasaw language, like most, is endangered, with fewer than 50 fluent, native speakers remaining.
That’s why we developed online video content to attract and engage new speakers and provide language learners with resources. Our most recent venture being a digital version of A Chickasaw Dictionary, a searchable English to Chickasaw and Chickasaw to English database of approximately 10,000 words and accompanying audio.
ROSETTA STONE CHICKASAW
As part of the Chickasaw’s commitment to language preservation, we helped facilitate a relationship between Rosetta Stone and the Chickasaw Nation. Through this, the Chickasaw Nation became one of the first indigenous communities to develop curriculum in Rosetta Stone’s newly reactivated endangered language program.
We worked collaboratively with the Chickasaw language preservation division to develop companion video content for a four-year, four-level Rosetta Stone curriculum. Each level included 40 lessons with videos depicting a Chickasaw-speaking family and their daily interactions, adding a fun and visual element to the program.
AWARD-WINNING SHORT STORIES
Despite making contributions in areas of science, business, education, public service, elders, arts, sports and youth, there was a disconnect between the public’s perception of the Chickasaw brand and the tribe’s efforts in 2004.
Under the signature brand “United We Thrive,” we launched the Chickasaw Nation’s first broadcast image campaign with paid media and short-form storytelling to put a human face on the tribe’s many contributions and tell the stories of accomplished Chickasaw citizens. This long-running, award-winning campaign set the tone and continued to reinforce the tribe’s brand, now approaching two decades.
TV CAMPAIGN REENFORCES FIRST AMERICAN CONTRIBUTIONS
The role First Americans played in the formation of the United States was inarguably pivotal, yet the country at large still had a limited perspective.
Aimed to raise awareness of First American Nations as vital contributors to American society, we developed an Oklahoma television campaign titled “Our History Is World History,” which saw great success. Presented by Chickasaw legislator Lisa Billy, the 60-second, 90-second and two-minute paid media spots were a powerful tool in educating Oklahomans about First American history.
OPENING ONE OF THE NATION'S LARGEST CULTURAL CENTERS
The visionary leadership of the Chickasaw Nation recognized the value of sharing the history and culture with the world, as well as the importance of diversifying the tribe’s business enterprises outside the realm of gaming.
After decades of research and planning, the Chickasaw Cultural Center opened in 2010. Today, the center offers unique opportunities to connect with First American history through interactive exhibit centers, fine art galleries, theatres, expansive traditional living village and comprehensive genealogy center. The story of the Chickasaw people unfolds before your eyes through powerful performances and demonstrations.
We developed the initial website, making many enhancements since its launch, and created broadcast spots, an orientation video, collateral material, print ads, outdoor and an extensive library of promotional footage and photography. These continue to be vital marketing services we offer our partners.
GROUNDBREAKING TRIBAL NETWORK GOES WORLDWIDE
Each tribe has a distinctive culture with centuries of stories and traditions, and our client wanted to go deeper into sharing and preserving these rich histories.
Capturing the essence of a tribal nation relies on our trusted relationships with those who have carried the traditions, history and cultural beliefs.
The Issue
How do you bring centuries of culture to the modern digital world?
The Solution
The Chickasaw Nation’s first digital network, Chickasaw.tv, launched in 2011 with an emphasis on community services, language, history and culture, targeting specific audiences including Chickasaw citizens, educators, history enthusiasts, media and the general public.
Since, this groundbreaking endeavor has evolved to include a variety of compelling monthly programming devoted to tribal history and cultural preservation with stories from traditional craftsmen, elders and historians. The network features personal stories of perseverance, current events and two documentary series that have earned three regional Emmys and eight total nominations.
The Results
The success of the Chickasaw.tv online video network solidifies the importance of historical integrity. It’s a testament to diligent research and strong relationships with our tribal partners.