Gadugi isn’t just a principle of community…
Gadugi isn’t just a principle of community—it’s a guiding vision for how we can treat each other across differences. It reminds us that helping one another, rooted in reciprocity, is essential for creating a society where everyone thrives—not just survives. When we prioritize the well-being of all, we build a stronger, more inclusive community grounded in mutual respect and understanding.
Our CNCV board member and doctoral candidate, Paul David Terry, recently published an article inspired by gadugi and Chief Chuck Hoskin’s proclamation during Pride Month: that when any group’s dignity and equality are threatened, we all suffer.
His piece, Literacies of the Rainbow Corn Mother: A Queer Indigenous Eye for DEI, explores how Indigenous and queer communities have long faced dismissal and adversity while creating space to dance and change the world.
By shifting our perspectives to recognize the dignity in all of us—and acknowledging that our world continues to experience conflict and disregard for some—we can embrace ᏕᏣᏓᎵᎨᏅᏗᏍᎨᏍᏗ (detsadaligenvdisgesdi)—where we take responsibility for one another’s well-being.
This article emphasizes that addressing adversity and finding healing are complex processes, especially when there are hidden issues that continue to impact people. The work encourages us to challenge systems like settler colonialism, recognizing that our collective strength lies in understanding and unity. As Chief Hoskin reminds us, “During the most challenging times in our history, what we’ve done as Cherokee people is have each other’s backs, to band together, to understand that we have something in common, we are a people who wouldn’t be here if we didn't have each other’s backs.”
Learn more about how we can foster authentic approaches to creating an inclusive community—promoting genuine belonging for all individuals and laying the foundation for a more just future.
