Chickasaw Nation Celebrates National Aviation Month

This month, Americans honor the trailblazers of flight as part of National Aviation Month. Among the early courageous pilots was a Chickasaw woman named Pearl Carter Scott. She earned her pilot's license at the age of 13 in 1928. By age 14, she was flying her father to business appointments and performing aerobatic maneuvers at air shows all over Oklahoma.

The film "Pearl" produced by The Chickasaw Nation, chronicles those early years in her life. It has garnered many accolades from audiences and film industry insiders. "Pearl" was named the best overall film and best Native American film at the 2010 Trail Dance Film Festival, and was named a "Heartland Film Festival" official selection.

"Pearl" features several Chickasaw cast members including: Paden Brown, a Byng (Okla.) High School student, who plays Arnetta, Pearl's little sister; Pauline Brown, Chickasaw elder and culture preservationist, who portrays Widow Harjo; and Paulina Gee, daughter of Chickasaw Nation Deputy Attorney General Debra Gee.

In honor of National Aviation Month, The Chickasaw Nation is offering a free "Pearl" t-shirt with the purchase of the DVD or blu-ray through Nov. 30 at the Chickasaw Outpost located at 132 W. Main inside the McSwain Theater in Ada. FMI: Chickasaw Nation