On her birthday, we honor the life of Dorthy McKinnon. A longtime member of the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribal Council, she helped guide the Tribe with wisdom, dedication, and care.
Of Tolowa heritage, Dorothy’s life spanned nearly a century, enriched by love, creativity, and service. At age 50, she began learning traditional Yurok basket weaving from her mother-in-law, Nettie McKinnon. She built upon the techniques she learned, creating unique designs with pine needles and other materials. She embraced the art with dedication, weaving into her 90s and keeping cultural traditions alive through her hands and heart.
Dorothy was happiest when her home was full — preparing meals from her garden, canning, sewing, crocheting, and laughing with family and friends. She never sat idle; instead, she continually sought new skills and filled her days with purpose.
In her mid-70s, Dorothy began a new chapter of service, joining the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribal Council in 1999. For more than 20 years, she served faithfully, embracing the work with joy and a deep sense of responsibility. She took great pride in serving her people and cherished the bonds she built with her colleagues.
Dorothy lived with grace, strength, and humor. Her baskets, meals, and stories remain treasures, but her greatest legacy is the example she set: to live fully, to learn endlessly, and to serve wholeheartedly.
Today we remember Dorothy for her remarkable life and the light she shared with all who knew her.
Originally Published: 9/1/2025