New Horizons

Season 5 • Episode 2

Programs, Services and Resources to Help Chickasaw Citizens Thrive

The Chickasaw Nation believes that well-rounded youth become the most productive citizens, and in pursuit of that ideal it offers a wide variety of programs to assist in physical, intellectual and social development. One program that is central to Chickasaw identity is stickball. Traditionally played by warriors to resolve disputes without battle, the game has evolved into a modern sport that incorporates women and children. Through the youth stickball team, older kids learn to look after younger players, while coaches offer wellness advice and use the Chickasaw language on the field. Practices occur at least once a week in both Ada and Norman, and there are matches against other Native American stickball teams during the fall and winter months. The STEM Academy in Ada offers kids opportunities to master technology and engineering skills. The Junior FIRST LEGO League (for kids 6-8) and FIRST LEGO League (for kids 9-14) teach students to create LEGO constructions and then to program a LEGO robot to complete simple tasks. The FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition allow high school students to build on these robotics skills and to branch out into other areas like organization and marketing. Another initiative that cultivates scientific learning is the Native Explorers program, which helps students of all ages to approach modern science from the viewpoint of traditional culture. Participants learn the scientific method through classes and fossil digs, also exploring different science majors that they might want to study in college. College-aged students are able to join the program and apply their skills in active dig sites outside the borders of the Chickasaw Nation, in addition to receiving mentorship from scientific professionals. One expedition saw Native Explorers discovering the skeleton of a previously unknown carnivorous mammal in Nevada's Great Basin. For information about youth camp registration, visit www.Chickasaw.net.

New Horizons

EPISODES

Education Services

Tourism in Chickasaw Country

A Future in Science

Diabetes Awareness Month

Achieving Career Goals

Healthy You in the New Year

Youth Camps

Enjoy the Arts

Spring Gardening

National Foster Care Month

Summer Fresh Produce

Back to School Prep

Nation's New Technology

Annual Meeting & Festival

Native American Heritage Month

Honoring Our Veterans

Christmas Celebrations

Learning Cultural Traditions

Heart Month

Dynamic Women

Spring Reading

Plans for Summer Fun

Inspired Stories

Ready for School

Get Outside

Carrying the Fire

Self-Governance

Chickasaw Warriors

Holiday Spirit in Chickasaw Country

Making a Difference in the New Year

Love Your Heritage

Footsteps to Follow

Stress Awareness Month

Create Your Canvas

Caring Community

Discover Your Passion

Summer's Last Stand

Fall Into Wellness

Arts and Humanities Month

Beyond the Book

A Bright Future

New Year, New Goals

New Horizons

Get Back to Nature