To begin this episode of CNTV News, Brad and Quin visit the Artesian Gallery & Studios in Sulphur, OK. Following months of rebuilding after devastating storms in April 2024, the Artesian Gallery is once again showcasing original works of art by First American artists, with studio spaces and a retail shop open for business as well.
Discover more First American art at the Chickasaw Nation's annual Artesian Arts Festival on June 7 in downtown Sulphur. This signature event is a celebration of art, culture and community, with thousands of visitors in attendance. Learn more about the festival at ArtesianArtsFestival.com.
Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management (CNEM) supports local law enforcement, responds to weather disasters and works daily to meet the needs of the community. Established in 2017, CNEM has gradually expanded its operations and is instrumental in times of crisis. "We're trying to create a culture of preparedness within the Chickasaw Nation," says CNEM executive officer Steve Cash. With high-tech tools and resources, CNEM works alongside local, state, tribal and other organizations to prepare and protect citizens.
Five outstanding Chickasaw citizens are inducted into the 2025 Chickasaw Hall of Fame. This year's inductees have served in government, law, education and the military, working to positively impact the tribe, other people and the community. "The Chickasaw Hall of Fame inductees are inspirations through their hard work, dedication and acts of service," says Governor Anoatubby. Visit Chickasaw.net to learn more about the exceptional work of this year's inductees: Wilson Brown, Michael Crossley, Rena Bell Duncan, Jessie Moore and Tobi Young.
In honor of Mother's Day, meet Chickasaw citizen, fitness leader, nutrition coach and mom of four, Madi Pontikes. She is the founder of Move by Madi, teaching workout classes and encouraging her community and family to be healthy and stay active. "How you feel and how you operate on a daily basis matter because if we can't care for ourselves, we can't care for others," Madi says. She takes on many roles in her day-to-day, and Madi says her proudest role is that of being a mother to her four young daughters. "Those girls are the light of my life," she says. "They bring out the best in me. I want to be my best for them." Head to MovebyMadi.com to learn more about Madi and her fitness journey.