Rubble & Crew Adds a Rezzy Twist with Heroics and Fun with Fire Captain Catáwi

Nickelodeon’s Rubble & Crew just debuted Fire Captain Catáwi, a brand-new Native character inspired by the Cowlitz Tribe. Catáwi, whose name means “cedar” in the Cowlitz language, is Builder Cove’s new fire captain. He makes his first appearance in the episode “Rubble Builds a Fire Fighter Training Center!” where he helps Rubble and the Crew build their training center in a fun, action-packed adventure.

Catáwi was created in collaboration with Cowlitz culture keeper Suzanne Donaldson and writer Joey Clift to ensure that his personality and role authentically and playfully reflect the culture, which he does the moment you hear him say, “ayyyye!”. You feel that “ayyyye!” deep in your bones, and it’s a good feeling.

For creator Joey Clift, the debut is especially meaningful. He said, “Watching Nickelodeon as a kid is a huge reason I’m a writer today. To now help develop Fire Captain Catáwi with the Rubble team and Suzanne Donaldson is surreal and so neat.”

The debut of Catáwi is part of a growing movement of Native representation in kids’ media. Shows like Spirit Rangers and Molly of Denali have already been paving the way, giving Native kids characters who look like them and stories that celebrate Indigenous knowledge, language, and traditions. Having characters like Catáwi in hit shows like Rubble & Crew gives kids stories where Native voices, humor, and culture are part of the world they grow up in. And honestly, it’s just really cool to see our Native humor and culture celebrated on a major kids’ network.