Tribes Aim To Improve Public Image Through Ads

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A $750,000 media campaign budget approved last week by the Cherokee Nation's tribal judges is the latest in a series of big-money ad campaigns some Indian tribes are using to boost

Thursday, June 15th 2006, 6:06 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A $750,000 media campaign budget approved last week by the Cherokee Nation's tribal judges is the latest in a series of big-money ad campaigns some Indian tribes are using to boost their image in the state.

The Cherokee, Creek and the Chickasaw Nations all have funded public-relations projects to give non-Indians a better view of what tribes contribute to the state.

The Cherokee Nation started its two-year television advertising campaign in 2003 that wasn't specific to the Cherokee Nation, but promoted all Indian tribes in Oklahoma.

The ad titled ``Common Values, Common Ground'' featured information about Oklahoma's tribes being the fourth-largest employer in the state and how tribal money is spent.

The Cherokee Nation is in the process of developing a second round of the image campaign designed to present a positive image of the tribe. Tribal spokesman Mike Miller says the new campaign will use various media outlets to get the message out.