Katelyn Shearhart and Harlene Alford, representing the Eta Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, participated in a brown bag program presented at the Bartlesville Area History Museum, Monday, June 26. The program featured a Chickasaw Nation Heritage film, the first in the Chickasaw Heritage Series. The film, entitled "First Encounter," featured the history, culture, and traditions of the Chickasaw. The film chronicled the encounter of the Spanish explorer and conquistador, Henando DeSoto with the native Chickasaws who were known for being fierce warriors while preserving their heritage. DeSoto's encounter with the Chickasaw's strike and retreat type of warfare eventually lead to the end of DeSoto's search for gold. DeSoto died in 1542 and his body was drowned in the Mississippi; he and his expedition were seen as failures. It would be another 150 years before there would be another encounter to conquer the Chickasaws.
In addition to the Chickasaw film, Maria Gus, Executive Director of the Bartlesville Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented "Spider Brings Fire," an ancient Chickasaw account of how animals risked their lives to bring fire to humankind. The Coffeyvile Community College students viewed this film as part of their Honors in Action Project, "How Were Select Native Civilizations Shaped by Myths Affecting the Reality of Their Culture?" The Coffeyville students also had the opportunity to visit with Jo Crabtree, Bartlesville Area History Museum Coordinator.