New online outreach offers Chickasaw information, interaction during public health crisis
This article appeared in the October 2020 edition of the Chickasaw Times
“Connecting our Community” offers a wealth of great information to Chickasaws across the country.
The web page is an online outreach that brings Chickasaws and our communities together. “Connecting our Community” provides information on Chickasaw history, culture, language, healthy recipes and much more.
During this time of responsible distancing, Chickasaw.net/COC offers a new way to connect and get informed.
“No matter where you are in the world, you can always stay connected with the Chickasaw Nation,” Gov. Bill Anoatubby expresses on the page.
“Chickasaws live in all 50 states and 10 different countries,” he said. “In this fast-paced world where technology is ever changing, there are many ways to stay informed. We are committed to providing the most up-to-date information regarding programs, services, events, news and more to keep Chickasaws informed and engaged.”
The “Connecting our Community” page has something for everyone. Most of the content is presented in a series of short videos.
Videos share information about a variety of topics from health and wellness to cultural and cooking resources. New videos are added weekly.
Fitness & wellness
The “fitness & wellness” videos offer conversations regarding physical and mental health.
The category features workout tips for all ages plus ways to stay mentally fit while at home. The videos in this section address mental health, grief, depression and general wellness.
A series of videos guides the viewer through working out at home. Another explores elder fitness. A handful of martial arts lessons are mixed in.
Home & community
Looking for new recipes and ways to spruce up your home? Healthy meals and treats for the whole family, tips for home maintenance, guides to crafting your own face masks and more are available with “home & community” videos. Recipes and lessons are offered through the GetFresh! Program. GetFresh! promotes healthy eating habits and versatile cooking techniques through recipe demonstrations, nutrition education and wellness tips.
Medical news
Health experts discuss the latest and most up-to-date medical news and updates in the “medical news” section of “Connecting our Community.” There you can view video interviews with Chickasaw Nation doctors, nurses and health employees on the continued efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This section features a survivor’s story, COVID-19 testing and safety tips for shopping.
Chickasaw culture
To watch videos with lessons about the Chickasaw Homeland and history, visit the “Chickasaw culture” section of “Connecting our Community.” Available videos explore topics including regalia, language, dance, art and music.
Much of the content here comes in the form of conversations with Chickasaw artists, musicians and citizens.
Youth & family
Videos ranging from stories to lessons and tips to keep youth and families engaged can be found in the “youth & family” section. You can listen to Chickasaw tales regarding the crayfish, red-headed woodpecker, the duck and coyote, and the creation story, among others. Conversations with students and professionals offer insight into what it’s like to attend college and enter the workforce today.