Gadugi Corps: Local Citizen’s Volunteering Story

Siyo! My name is Amanda, and I am a Cherokee Nation citizen living in Sacramento, California.

This past March, I had the immense pleasure of volunteering with Gadugi Corps on the reservation for almost three weeks. I was eager to give back to my community and immerse myself into the culture, and it was the most rewarding experience.

Pictured here: Amanda receiving Outstanding Volunteer award from Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr and Gadugi Corps Director Shawn Crittenden at our April 27 Annual Event in Fairfield

As an ocean scientist and educator, I spent most of my time volunteering in K-12 classrooms talking about marine science career opportunities, showing pictures of my work adventures, and familiarizing students with my SCUBA gear.

Pictured here: Amanda and Gadugi Corps Supervisor Casey Twist talking ocean science in K-12 classrooms.

I also spent a week with the Natural Resources and Environmental Program departments, learning about the work they are doing to keep citizens and the wildlife healthy. This included going to ride around the Sequoyah Hunting Preserve- an amazing place if you ever get to visit! I also had the opportunity to ride along with the Cherokee Nation Marshall Service Special Applications Division on their new airboat.

Pictured here: Amanda riding along the Marshal Service airboat with the Special Applications Division

This Division undergoes special training to prepare for recovery diving and other high-risk situations, and it was an honor to spend a couple of days with them.

I also attended a community event in South Coffeyville with Chief, spent a day staining fences at a children’s Cherokee language school for Charlie Soap’s birthday (who is also extremely passionate about the ocean!), and put together toiletry bags for at-risk women and families. Of course, I also ate lots of great Oklahoma barbecue and made some amazing friends along the way.

Pictured here: Amanda, Charlie Soap, and Gadugi Corps members staining fences for a children’s Cherokee language school

I highly recommend volunteering with the Gadugi Corps in any way you can. As Cherokees, it is part of our way of life to give back to our community. Even Zooming into classrooms to talk about your career has been greatly appreciated! Feel free to reach out with any questions or just to connect- it’s always great meeting fellow Cherokees.

More about Gadugi Corps and how to get involved: https://gadugi-corps.cherokee.org/

Wado,

Amanda Nichole Croteau

amandacroteau@csus.edu