In this episode of CNTV News, Brad Clonch and Quin Tran visit with Chickasaw Author Michelle Cooke, to discuss her book Protecting Our People: Chickasaw Law Enforcement in Indian Territory. Written over five years of research for the Chickasaw Press, Cooke's book chronicles the important history of Chickasaw Law Enforcement in Indian Territory. "It goes all the way back to Homelands, our Homelands," says Cooke "It speaks to our sovereignty as well. We were sovereign back in the homeland even. We never lost that despite our removal."

The pair then highlight how the National Park Services awarded the Nation $50,000 to fund a tribal project that seeks to rediscover the 17th and 18th century site of a Chickasaw town. This project is important in the tribe's efforts to rediscover, interrupt and preserve historic Chickasaw Lands.

Lastly, Quin Tran interviews participants in the LifeRx program, a yearlong healthy initiative to prevent and delay the onset of Type II diabetes. "I've learned to make small changes in everyday activities like cooking at home just to make things healthier," says Brianna Stick a Chickasaw citizen and participant in the program.

All that and more in this first episode for the New Year.