Arkansas has a deep-rooted history of Native American people. The Arkansas PBS original production “Arkansas’s First People” explores that history, taking viewers on a journey of the past, present and future, featuring unique perspectives on American Indian cultural legacy, archeological data and interviews with modern tribal representatives of those who had and still have an impact on Arkansas. “Arkansas’s First People,” produced by Stephanie Lewis, will air Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. as part of our “From the Archives” series.
Originally broadcast in 2009 when Arkansas PBS was known as the Arkansas Educational Television Network, “Arkansas’s First People” was broken into five segments, airing after “American Experience: We Shall Remain,” a five-part, six-hour documentary series about the history of Native Americans in the United States from the 17th century into the 20th century.
With help from the WGH American Experience We Shall Remain Native History Grant, Lewis, a former education producer at Arkansas PBS and her team began fleshing out what subject areas would best serve as Arkansas-focused episodes. The resulting five episodes focus on the ancestors of Native Americans, the nations or tribes, removal from their land, the role of warriors and the preservation of their history.
Lewis reached out to several state and national agencies for the documentary, including the National Park Service, Arkansas Archeological Survey, Arkansas State Parks, Historic Arkansas Museum, Arkansas State Library, American Indian Center of Arkansas and the National Sequoyah Research Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for interviews and referencing, calling them “very rich resources.” However, she said much of the script came from interviews with tribal members.
The Impact of Filming
While filming, Lewis said everything they recorded impacted her and the crew.
“For some of the crew, it was new territory,” she said. “They hadn’t had much exposure to tribes or tribal history. From what I was told, each of the AETN crew who went on production shoots had stories to take back to Arkansas. One of our crew ultimately became friends with some of the Caddo Nation members we worked with.”
Though she had some archeological knowledge of prehistoric/historic regional tribes and modern tribal issues and laws because of past work and travel experiences, Lewis said the opportunity to speak with tribal members and visit their headquarters was a privilege.
Lewis said she had many favorite scenes including Caddo Nation member Jereldine Redcorn and her brother Phil Cross crafting items from their ancestry.
“Listening to Jeri Redcorn discover her connection to her Caddo culture through making pottery and traveling to ancestral lands was fascinating, as was watching her brother Phil Cross make a bow from Bois d’arc wood. As a military kid, it was a treat to watch a production crew member carry an American flag during the Caddo veterans flag raising. It was a privilege learning tribal language and origin with Osage Congressman Eddy Red Eagle Jr. The emotional Trail of Tears claymation of Cherokee artist Roy Boney Jr. was arresting.”
“Everyone we met during the production of ‘Arkansas’s First People’ was sincere, generous and lovely. They gave us their time. That is a gift.”
Memorable Moments
Lewis shared a couple of memorable behind-the-scenes moments from the film.
“After members of the Caddo Nation found out it was my birthday, they invited me to dance with them during their annual conference. Then, a few gentlemen from the Choctaw Nation insisted they take us to lunch. A Caddo woman came up to the station van and told me she was happy that someone was interested in helping them tell their story.
“There are so many other nuggets that make me thankful for having the opportunity to meet and work with such good people. Everyone we met during the production of ‘Arkansas’s First People’ was sincere, generous and lovely. They gave us their time. That is a gift.”
“Each tribe has their own identity, and each person has their unique manner. None have ever been the stereotype we are led to believe. They are people, not characters. They care deeply about their culture and their history. They want and deserve respect just like anyone else.”
People, Not Characters
And while the gripping episode focused on the removal from their homes on the Trail of Tears to what was known as “Indian Territory” showcases a dark history, there is a sense of hope as the story progresses. In the last episode titled “Preservation,” we learn how Native Americans are continuing their ancestors' legacy through newspapers, events, and recovering ancestors’ remains and reburying them in their homeland.
“Most Native Americans I have met have an enviable sense of humor and optimism,” Lewis said. “Each tribe has their own identity, and each person has their unique manner. None have ever been the stereotype we are led to believe. They are people, not characters. They care deeply about their culture and their history. They want and deserve respect just like anyone else.
“My Keetoowah and Choctaw writer friends, who I knew before this production, would tease me so much that I didn’t know if they were serious or not. They knew I was nervous about producing this project. I learned that they were the funniest and most sincere people I have ever met.”
How to Watch
“Arkansas’s First People” airs Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. as part of the “From the Archives” series.”
How to Watch on Demand
“Arkansas’s First People” is available on demand at myarpbs.org/youtube.