Ghigau facts for kids

Ghigau (Cherokee: ᎩᎦᎤ) or Agigaue (Cherokee:ᎠᎩᎦᎤᎡ) is a special Cherokee title. It means "beloved woman" or "war woman." This title was a huge honor for women. It was given to those who made a big difference in their community. It also honored women who were very brave in battle. When a woman became a Ghigau, she received great respect and important duties. The role of Ghigau has changed over time in Cherokee culture. However, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians still has Beloved Women today.

Background of the Ghigau Title

The Ghigau title was given to amazing women by the Cherokee clans. It was a title of great honor and responsibility that lasted for life. The Cherokees believed that the Great Spirit often spoke through the Ghigau.

The Ghigau led the Council of Women. She also had a voting spot in the Council of Chiefs. She was in charge of prisoners and decided what would happen to them.

There are other similar words in Cherokee. For example, Adageyudi (Cherokee:ᎠᏓᎨᏳᏗ) means "beloved" or "beloved woman." A very high title was Chigau (Cherokee: ᏥᎦᎤ). This meant "greatly beloved woman."

Nancy Ward, a Famous Ghigau

Nancy Ward, whose Cherokee name was Nanyehi, was a very famous Ghigau. She was born in the Cherokee town of Chota. People believe her mother was a Cherokee woman named Tame Doe. Tame Doe was from the Wolf Clan. Tame Doe's brother was Attakullakulla.

In 1755, the Cherokee fought against the Muscogee Creeks. During this battle, Nanyehi's first husband, Kingfisher, was killed. Nanyehi was only 18 years old at the time. She bravely took charge and fought in the battle against the Creeks. Because of her courage and leadership, she was given the title of Ghigau.

Nanyehi later learned about a planned attack. Her cousin, Dragging Canoe, was planning to attack white colonists. This was during the Revolutionary War. Nanyehi warned the colonists about the upcoming battle. Because of this, she was seen as a supporter of the American cause. She is recognized by groups like the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Over time, the Cherokee government changed. On September 11, 1808, in Broom's town, the old law of blood revenge was stopped. The Cherokee people were moving towards a new form of government. This new government was more like a republic. Because of these changes, there was no longer a place for a Ghigau in the Cherokee government.

Programs Inspired by Ghigau

The spirit of the Ghigau still inspires people today.

• The "Ghigau Scholarship" is a yearly scholarship. It gives $500.00 to a Cherokee student. This student must be attending a college or university. The scholarship honors the Cherokee Tribe. It also celebrates the family of Dr. Lisa Byers and her children, Brady and Halle. They are all Cherokee tribal members. This scholarship helps support the education of Cherokee students.
• Camp Ghigau is a group home for young women. It has 28 beds and is located in the mountains of South Carolina. It helps female teenagers aged 13–18. These teens are referred from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Social Services of South Carolina.