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).
- Product Type :Toys And Games
- She Comes With A Mini Abridged Version Of Her First Book.
- Country Of Origin :United States
- Package Quantity :1
- English (Publication Language)
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.
- 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
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.
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]
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.
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.
Ellen bello
says:Would love to own this beautiful doll.
Lori toms
says:Osiyo ,would love to win this beutifull little sister ,we do
Viktoriya Minnikh
says:Would love to win Kaya
Thanks
Deborah Lockhart
says:8m Cherokee. .Would love to win this doll!
Darrel L. Wilkerson
says:Beautiful doll, I would love to win it for my granddaughter
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.
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….
Running Doe
says: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,
kemet j brooks
says: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!
Stephanie
says:Would Love to win this doll for my Granddaughter who shares the same name! Beautifully done!
Natalie Lucas
says:This would be a great doll to have in our early years program.
Marg
says:Would love to win Kaya
Thanks
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.
Lynne
says:Kaya not Maya
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.
ralph christopher
says:Love it ! Beautifully done!
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
Annette Kent
says:Kaya is so cute
Rusty Countryman
says:I really like the looks of these dolls, I’d like to know how tall she is.
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.
Janet Houle
says:Would love to win this, my favorite
Janet Houle
says:Would love to win for my daughter, she has read all the American Girl books and is Native American Ojibwe
Sandy
says:Would love to have this doll in our family, it would be cherished and passed on through generations ♥️♥️♥️
Merry Bauman
says:I want to enter to win one. I have Native great grandchildren who would love this doll
Annette Gerhart
says:I love Kaya!
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.
Donna Melville
says:I would love to win this. It is beautiful.
Terrilyn
says:Would love to have this doll, for myself. And to pass down later on.?
Sherri
says:Bought Samantha years ago for my daughter and I love Kaya.
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.
Lisa Schaffer-Harris
says:Beautiful doll that teaches important history.
pennie diaz
says:Really would be a great honor to win. This thank you in advance
pennie diaz
says:Thank you for this opportunity many blessings A’HO
Sandra Robinson
says:Love this doll!
Wendy
says:Like ro win this Kaya doll! I am a collector from the netherlands!
Muriel Adams
says:Would love the doll
Kimberly. Drouillard
says: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
Pam Lofton
says:This a great idea for girls
Raymona
says:I would love to win Kaya for my granddaughter ?She’s 5.
Willene Freeman
says:She is beautifil I would love love to give her a loving home.
Lorrie Coleman
says:I love this doll and would love to win
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 !!!
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 ..
Kathleen Gilbert
says:Gorgeous doll and such a rich heritage.
Eric
says:Would love to win this doll for my daughter!
Loretta Dominguez
says:Beautiful doll! Brings back memories! Would love to have her!
Deb Perry
says:My Granddaughter would love this doll
Marie Murphy
says:I would love this for my granddaughter
Georgia DuBois
says:My baby really wants 1!!
Valerie Bruno
says:It’s about time that more Native People and their correct history are being told today through shows, books, dolls etc.
Pabla
says:Just discovered I am over 50% Native American, self actualization still in process stage, would cherish a Kaya in my life.
Virginia Campbell
says: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
Running Doe
says: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,
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.
Raven williams
says:I would love to win this,before my Mom died she use to collect these dolls and I wanna continue, this is our heritage
Mike Darlow
says:Would love to win this doll for my granddaughter
Taylor
says:Would love ❤️ to win this for my 2 year old daughter she’s just now getting into dolls lol.
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.
Heather finch
says:I want the doll
Liz Troyano
says:Love it ! Beautifully done!
iris rosado
says:i wish i had one for my Kiyomi