The Spirit of Christmas and the Cherokee Heart of Giving

The holiday season is a time of joy, generosity, and reflection. For the Cherokee people, this season resonates deeply with the spirit of ᎦᏚᎩ gadugi — a cherished tradition of working together and giving selflessly for the betterment of the community. This year, a beautiful act of kindness brought the spirit of ᎦᏚᎩ gadugi to life in a way that touched hearts and bridged generations.

Kathleen Westbrook, a cherished member of our Cherokee community, was recently announced as the winner of our drawing for the Chief Wilma Mankiller Barbie doll. For many, this doll symbolizes not just a toy, but a tribute to the trailblazing leadership and legacy of Chief Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Her leadership embodied resilience, compassion, and the very essence of ᎦᏚᎩ gadugi. Winning this special doll was profoundly moving for Kathleen because it carried a significance rooted in her own story.

Kathleen shared that as a child, she was never allowed to have a Barbie doll. This absence wasn’t just about a toy; it symbolized a lack of access to the small joys many take for granted. Winning the Chief Mankiller Barbie was more than receiving a prize — it was a moment of healing, a restoration of something long missed. But Kathleen’s response to this personal triumph was an extraordinary act of generosity.

In the true spirit of ᎦᏚᎩ gadugi, Kathleen chose to redonate the Chief Mankiller Barbie doll. She decided that it should belong not to her, but to someone who could connect even more profoundly to its significance: Chief Wilma Mankiller’s own grandchildren. Kathleen’s selfless decision ensured that the doll would not just be a cherished item, but a bridge connecting the legacy of Chief Mankiller to her own family.

Her decision exemplifies what the Cherokee spirit of giving is all about. ᎦᏚᎩ Gadugi teaches us that our greatest joy comes not from what we receive, but from what we share. This act of passing on the doll to Chief Mankiller’s grandchildren transcends a simple gesture; it is a powerful statement about honor, legacy, and the strength of our community bonds.

As we celebrate the Christmas season, let Kathleen’s story remind us of the profound impact of giving. Whether it’s a toy, a kind word, or a helping hand, the spirit of ᎦᏚᎩ gadugi calls us to uplift one another and ensure that the gifts of joy, hope, and love are shared widely.

Kathleen’s generosity reflects the true meaning of Christmas and the heart of Cherokee values. By redonating the Chief Mankiller Barbie, she not only honored the legacy of an extraordinary leader but also ensured that her spirit continues to inspire the next generation.

This Christmas, may we all strive to embody the spirit of ᎦᏚᎩ gadugi, giving freely and selflessly to those around us. For it is in giving that we truly receive the greatest gift of all: connection, community, and love.

ᏩᏙ Wado, Kathleen, for reminding us what it means to give from the heart.

📹✨ Discover the Heart of Giving! ✨📹
Watch Kathleen Westbrook's inspiring story and her incredible act of gadugi honoring Chief Wilma Mankiller’s legacy.

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