American Girl Doll “Kaya” Captures Authentically Native Culture

American Girl Doll “Kaya” Captures Authentically Native Culture

Children’s toy teaches about a thriving community before European settlement.

The award-winning American Girl Doll line was created by Pleasant Company and features different characters from the history of the USA, including Felicity (a colonial girl from Williamsburg, VA in 1774), Josefina (a Hispanic girl from New Mexico in 1824) and Addy (an African-American girl who fights for freedom from slavery in 1864).

Kaya 2014 Mini Doll & Book (American Girl)
  • Product Type :Toys And Games
  • She Comes With A Mini Abridged Version Of Her First Book.
  • Country Of Origin :United States
  • Package Quantity :1
  • American Girl Editors (Author)

These dolls, with their accompanying books and accessories, offer an interesting and interactive way for children to learn about American history through imagination and play.

Kaya: The Journey Begins: American Girl: Historical Character (TM): Kaya, Book 1
  • Audible Audiobook
  • Janet Beeler Shaw (Author) - Kyla Garcia (Narrator)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 01/10/2023 (Publication Date) - Listening Library (Publisher)

Kaya (pronounced Ky-yah) was the eighth historical character released by the American Girl Doll franchise and she represents early Native American culture. She was originally released in 2002 and is part of the BeForever collection. Kaya also has a number of accessories, including a knit blanket sweater, a deerskin outfit, a teepee and bedroll, a saddle, and more. Kaya offers girls today a way of imagining what growing up would have been like as a native girl in the 1700s. By playing with the doll and reading the stories, young girls are able to understand and respect a life different than their own.

Kaya offers girls today a way of imagining what growing up would have been like as a native girl in the 1700s. By playing with the doll and reading the stories, young girls are able to understand and respect a life different than their own.

Meet Kaya

Nine-year-old Kaya is an independent, adventurous, energetic and curious young girl. She is active and loves to swim in the river every morning. She cares for the horses and she loves listening to her grandmother tell stories. She has a mare named Steps High and a foal named Sparks Flying. She also has a dog named Tatlo.



Her blind adopted sister’s name is Speaking Rain and they are very close, sharing many secrets with each other. She also has an older sister called Brown Deer and younger twin brothers named Sparrow and Wing Feather.

The stories about Kaya in the book series focus on important values such as compassion, responsibility, friendship, and family. The books are quite different than many of the other American Girl Doll stories – which follow common cultural templates such as school, holidays and birthdays. The Nimiipuu culture in the 1700s did not have these patterns, so the books follow the different rhythms of this culture.



Kaya is brave and adventurous in her stories. For example, In Kaya’s Escape, she faces up to a band of enemy raiders who invade her village and attempt to steal the horses. In the book Kaya’s Hero she learns from Swan Circling, a young warrior woman who teaches her how to be a good leader. The books are written by Janet Shaw, who captures the essence of the culture in her stories and also includes an epilogue with a historical lesson at the end of each book.

A Culture Before European Contact

The stories about Kaya take place prior to the permanent settlement of the region by European-Americans. She was marketed as the First American Girl, acknowledging that Native people were here long before any European contact. However, her time frame is post-Western contact, since the tribe has horses and her grandmother has been pockmarked by disease. The fact that the stories take place before the settlement of Europeans was requested by the advisory board consulted when researching the stories. The goal was to acquaint readers with the Nez Perce tribe at the height of their culture when it was flourishing and intact.

However, her time frame is post-Western contact, since the tribe has horses and her grandmother has been pockmarked by disease. The fact that the stories take place before the settlement of Europeans was requested by the advisory board consulted when researching the stories. The goal was to acquaint readers with the Nez Perce tribe at the height of their culture when it was flourishing and intact.

She belongs to the Nez Perce tribe, the Indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest region of the USA on the Columbia River Plateau. This tribe descended from the Old Cordilleran Culture, who moved in a southerly direction from the Rocky Mountains into the lands of the west. They lived in an area that covered modern-day Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Washington. The location in which Kaya’s books are set would eventually become part of the US under the Oregon Treaty of 1846.The name “Nez Perce” means “pierced nose” and was given to this tribe and the nearby Chinook people by the early French explorers and trappers – however, only the Chinook had their noses pierced. The name they call themselves is Nimiipuu, which means “The People”.


Accessories Available

 


The name “Nez Perce” means “pierced nose” and was given to this tribe and the nearby Chinook people by the early French explorers and trappers – however, only the Chinook had their noses pierced. The name they call themselves is Nimiipuu, which means “The People”.

The Quest for Authenticity

Kaya isn’t just a generic “Native American” doll, she is a truly authentic depiction of a particular culture. This project took around five years to complete and Pleasant Company researched extensively to find a tribe willing to work on the project.

They reached out to the Nez Perce tribe and made the effort to sincerely create a doll with books and accessories that were completely accurate. This very special doll was created with official permission from the Nez Perce tribe.An eight-member board was formed, including Ann McCormack – the cultural arts coordinator for the Nez Perce tribe. The board also consisted of tribal elders, educators, and historians. They worked closely with Janet Shaw, the author of the Kaya books so that she could accurately depict the Nimiipuu stories and traditions in a sincere and faithful way.

An eight-member board was formed, including Ann McCormack – the cultural arts coordinator for the Nez Perce tribe. The board also consisted of tribal elders, educators, and historians. They worked closely with Janet Shaw, the author of the Kaya books, so that she could accurately depict the Nimiipuu stories and traditions in a sincere and faithful way.

Kaya and Pow Wows

Kaya is keeping up with all the Pow Wow styles too!  She has several outfits available including Cloth, Fancy Shawl, and Jingle.

PowWows.com earns commission from Amazon.com

Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Paul G

About Paul G

Paul G is the founder PowWows.com, who wears many hats as a business coach, photographer, and collector of quirky shirts. Paul started PowWows.com in 1996 while pursuing his graduate degree. With a passion for travel, he and his family hav  traveled the world, capturing unforgettable memories and photos. When he's not coaching or clicking, he's indulging in the magic of Disney.


65 Comments on “American Girl Doll “Kaya” Captures Authentically Native Culture”

  • Avatar for Lisa Slicer

    Lisa Slicer

    says:

    I’m a pre school teacher at a Indian center. I’d love to have her to use in my teaching. Our curriculum it’s all based on different tribes . This doll would help in my teaching. Send her on her way to a classroom of children who will love and learn from her.

    • Avatar for Michelle

      Michelle

      says:

      Hi Lisa! If you have been unable to acquire one, I have a gently used Kaya doll that I would gladly pass along to you for educational purposes. She is missing one bootie, but she is beautiful. [email protected]

  • Avatar for Rebecca

    Rebecca

    says:

    My mother was on the board of Nez Perce ( Nimiipuu ) Women who actually advised American Girl on every aspect of this doll. This includes ensuring they told a story of Kaya pre-contact. The women on the board were all raised here on the NP reservation. They in fact, created every detail of her outfits and guided the stories, names etc. I had a lot of respect for a famous doll maker after the tremendous amount of respect they have shown the NP Tribe. Also they set yo a fund for the NPT to manage and benefit its future generations. I think as a grown woman, my dream would be to own this entire collection of Kaya, her outfits and all accessories in a beautiful glass case in my home as a major show case in my home.

  • Avatar for Kalisto

    Kalisto

    says:

    I grew up with Addy, Josefina and Kaya dolls. If I were to purchase for my own kids I’d prefer to support a First Nations artist through a store like Beyond Buckskin.

  • Avatar for Ellen bello

    Ellen bello

    says:

    Would love to own this beautiful doll.

  • Avatar for Lori toms

    Lori toms

    says:

    Osiyo ,would love to win this beutifull little sister ,we do

  • Avatar for Viktoriya Minnikh

    Viktoriya Minnikh

    says:

    Would love to win Kaya
    Thanks

    • Avatar for Robyn Ward

      Robyn Ward

      says:

      For she would go perfect with the dolls that I have now. For she’s beautiful & will be worth keeping with my others along with the rest of my collections.

  • Avatar for Tammie Burns

    Tammie Burns

    says:

    She’s absolutely beautiful a doll to be treasured for years and years…
    It would be handed down from generation to generation….

  • Avatar for Running Doe

    osiyo would love to get Kaya, she has such beauty, and she tells a story, with all things she does learing things from your elder when you are young is most important when growing up, and keeping the native ways,

    • Avatar for kemet j brooks

      I will buy her when i can she is a important part in history god bless american girl for creating such diverse dolls.But if anyone will buy her for me let me know at [email protected] thanks!

  • Avatar for Stephanie

    Stephanie

    says:

    Would Love to win this doll for my Granddaughter who shares the same name! Beautifully done!

  • Avatar for Natalie Lucas

    Natalie Lucas

    says:

    This would be a great doll to have in our early years program.

  • Avatar for Marg

    Marg

    says:

    Would love to win Kaya
    Thanks

  • Avatar for Cheryl Vermette

    Cheryl Vermette

    says:

    She is beautiful and her outfits are precise and reflect our native culture. Would be an assest to my granddaughter to have this.

  • Avatar for Lynne

    Lynne

    says:

    Kaya not Maya

  • Avatar for Lynne

    Lynne

    says:

    It would be a tremendous honour to win Kaya and have her share my home with me.
    Just reading about how the Nez Perce were included in this endeavour of details and accuracy shows respect for Native culture and is very much appreciate by myself a woman who has native blood proudly running through her veins.
    Maya brings joy to my soul to look at her.
    Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity and a job well done!
    Now to get my hands on the books.
    I look forward to reading the stories and sharing with my grandchildren.

  • Avatar for ralph christopher

    ralph christopher

    says:

    Love it ! Beautifully done!

  • Avatar for GWEN

    GWEN

    says:

    LOVE these dolls, as I have been Loving Native American Culture since 12 years old.
    Will get one! Or All!
    Would also like to see a doll in the likeness of Chief Joseph!!!
    My Favorite Chief ? Living in 2 Worlds

  • Avatar for Annette Kent

    Annette Kent

    says:

    Kaya is so cute

  • Avatar for Rusty Countryman

    Rusty Countryman

    says:

    I really like the looks of these dolls, I’d like to know how tall she is.

  • Avatar for Misty Gerlach

    Misty Gerlach

    says:

    What a beautiful doll. She would be a treasure to have. I have no American girl dolls. This is one that would I would truly love to have.

  • Avatar for Janet Houle

    Would love to win this, my favorite

  • Avatar for Janet Houle

    Would love to win for my daughter, she has read all the American Girl books and is Native American Ojibwe

    • Avatar for Sandy

      Sandy

      says:

      Would love to have this doll in our family, it would be cherished and passed on through generations ♥️♥️♥️

  • Avatar for Merry Bauman

    Merry Bauman

    says:

    I want to enter to win one. I have Native great grandchildren who would love this doll

  • Avatar for Annette Gerhart

    Annette Gerhart

    says:

    I love Kaya!

  • Avatar for MaryJo

    MaryJo

    says:

    Oh how I’d love Kaya for my Granddaughters. They are Native American and I’d love to have them play and replicate their heritage.

  • Avatar for Donna Melville

    Donna Melville

    says:

    I would love to win this. It is beautiful.

  • Avatar for Terrilyn

    Terrilyn

    says:

    Would love to have this doll, for myself. And to pass down later on.?

  • Avatar for Sherri

    Sherri

    says:

    Bought Samantha years ago for my daughter and I love Kaya.

  • Avatar for Tina Slattery

    Tina Slattery

    says:

    Such a stunning doll. I love visiting pow wows when i get the chance. I brought a drum which i play. Love kaya and her little drum.

  • Avatar for Lisa Schaffer-Harris

    Lisa Schaffer-Harris

    says:

    Beautiful doll that teaches important history.

  • Avatar for pennie diaz

    Really would be a great honor to win. This thank you in advance

    • Avatar for pennie diaz

      Thank you for this opportunity many blessings A’HO

  • Avatar for Sandra Robinson

    Sandra Robinson

    says:

    Love this doll!

  • Avatar for Wendy

    Wendy

    says:

    Like ro win this Kaya doll! I am a collector from the netherlands!

  • Avatar for Muriel Adams

    Muriel Adams

    says:

    Would love the doll

  • Avatar for Kimberly. Drouillard

    Being separated from my oldest granddaughter has been heartbreaking. She has one Native doll she loves. I would like to gift this to her as something sentimental and also to feel pride in her Native blood. Thank you

    • Avatar for Pam Lofton

      Pam Lofton

      says:

      This a great idea for girls

  • Avatar for Raymona

    Raymona

    says:

    I would love to win Kaya for my granddaughter ?She’s 5.

  • Avatar for Willene Freeman

    She is beautifil I would love love to give her a loving home.

  • Avatar for Lorrie Coleman

    Lorrie Coleman

    says:

    I love this doll and would love to win

  • Avatar for Koleen Guebara

    Koleen Guebara

    says:

    I would love to add this doll to our native american art, books, pictures, sage, prayer feathers, and my husbands medicine bag !!!

  • Avatar for gigi

    gigi

    says:

    would so much like to win this beautiful doll i know being on a strick budget i would never be able to afford a doll like this ,ty for the chance to win ..

  • Avatar for Kathleen Gilbert

    Kathleen Gilbert

    says:

    Gorgeous doll and such a rich heritage.

  • Avatar for Eric

    Eric

    says:

    Would love to win this doll for my daughter!

  • Avatar for Loretta Dominguez

    Loretta Dominguez

    says:

    Beautiful doll! Brings back memories! Would love to have her!

  • Avatar for Deb Perry

    Deb Perry

    says:

    My Granddaughter would love this doll

  • Avatar for Marie Murphy

    Marie Murphy

    says:

    I would love this for my granddaughter

  • Avatar for Georgia DuBois

    Georgia DuBois

    says:

    My baby really wants 1!!

  • Avatar for Valerie Bruno

    Valerie Bruno

    says:

    It’s about time that more Native People and their correct history are being told today through shows, books, dolls etc.

  • Avatar for Pabla

    Pabla

    says:

    Just discovered I am over 50% Native American, self actualization still in process stage, would cherish a Kaya in my life.

  • Avatar for Virginia Campbell

    When I was a small girl my grandmother left me three dolls, ha few squaw dresses that week authentic, some jewelry, concho belts , concho boots turquoise braclets & rings barets ect. I n 1972 our house burned down lost everything I was so heartbroken. Never have been able to replace any of them from time to time I will find beautiful dolls that I have throughout my house,this Kaya doll would be awesome addition,some day would love to pass down to my granddaughter if I don’t win it still would love to try to buy one thank you

  • Avatar for Running Doe

    osiyo, would love to have Kaya,for would keep for ever, she has such beauty, and i am cherokee, and she is so very pretty,

  • Avatar for Connie Durrant

    Connie Durrant

    says:

    This doll is gorgeous. I would love to have one for my granddaughter who lives in Oklahoma. It would be the perfect way to start teaching her about her heritage.

  • Avatar for Raven williams

    I would love to win this,before my Mom died she use to collect these dolls and I wanna continue, this is our heritage

  • Avatar for Mike Darlow

    Mike Darlow

    says:

    Would love to win this doll for my granddaughter

  • Avatar for Taylor

    Taylor

    says:

    Would love ❤️ to win this for my 2 year old daughter she’s just now getting into dolls lol.

    • Avatar for Anna

      Anna

      says:

      This is an American girl doll. You would be surprised to know I have 50 of them. I started collecting them at the age of 9 and now I’m 24. Funny world.

  • Avatar for Heather finch

    Heather finch

    says:

    I want the doll

    • Avatar for Liz Troyano

      Liz Troyano

      says:

      Love it ! Beautifully done!

    • Avatar for iris rosado

      i wish i had one for my Kiyomi

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