Joy Harjo

Joy Harjo is a celebrated American poet, musician, and playwright, best known for being the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States. Born on May 9, 1951, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Harjo is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and her works deeply reflect her Native American heritage, exploring themes of identity, culture, history, and resilience.

Key highlights of her life and career include:

• Poet Laureate of the United States: Harjo was appointed the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate in 2019, making history as the first Native American woman to hold the prestigious position. During her tenure, she focused on the importance of poetry in healing and unity, and she advocated for the inclusion of Native American voices in mainstream literature.

• Literary Career: Harjo has published several poetry collections, with some of her most famous works including:

  • "She Had Some Horses" (1983): This collection is one of her earliest and is renowned for its exploration of Native American women’s lives, blending myth, storytelling, and personal experiences.

  • "The Woman Who Fell from the Sky" (1994): Another significant work that won numerous awards and further established her as a leading figure in contemporary American poetry.

  • "An American Sunrise" (2019): This collection reflects on the forced relocation of Native American tribes and the painful impact of colonization, while also celebrating Native resilience and cultural survival.

• Themes in Her Work: Harjo's poetry often explores the intersection of personal and cultural identity, the complexities of Native American experiences, and the natural world. Her work incorporates elements of Native American oral traditions and spirituality, as well as her background as a woman of Native heritage.

• Music and Art: In addition to her poetry, Harjo is also a talented musician and has released several albums. Her musical work often features a blend of Native American, jazz, and folk music, creating a unique and resonant sound that complements her written work.

• Other Accomplishments: Harjo has been a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and women's empowerment, using her platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing Native American communities. She has also written plays, essays, and memoirs, further establishing her as a multi-faceted and influential voice in American literature and culture.

Joy Harjo's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, the Wallace Stevens Award, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. She remains a significant figure in American poetry and is celebrated for her powerful contributions to literature, as well as for her role in advocating for Native American rights and cultural preservation.