Joy Harjo

Joy Harjo: A Pioneer in Native American Literature

Joy Harjo, born in 1951, is a highly regarded writer and performer hailing from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She holds the prestigious title of being the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States, making history as the first Native American to receive this honor and the second poet to be appointed for a third term. With an impressive body of work including nine poetry collections, two memoirs, two children's books, and other works, Harjo has established herself as a prominent figure in the literary world.

Early Life and Family Influence

Born Joy Foster in 1951 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Harjo's parents, Allen W. Foster (a member of the Muscogee Nation) and Wynema Barker Foster (of Cherokee and European-American heritage), instilled a love for writing and performing in her at a young age. Harjo's father came from a long line of revered warriors in the Muscogee Nation, and she adopted her paternal grandmother's name. Her mother, a waitress and musician, as well as other family members who were artists, also played a significant role in shaping her creativity. Though she did not have any poets in her family, Harjo wrote her first poem in 8th grade.

Challenges and Early Influences

In contrast to the imaginative and exploratory tone of her work, Harjo's personal experience was tumultuous. In her autobiography, she reveals her father's violent behavior and struggles with alcoholism, leading to her parents' divorce. Later, her mother remarried an abusive man, which caused Harjo to become apprehensive about speaking. Instead, she turned to painting as an outlet for expression.

Artistic Education and Progression

At sixteen, Harjo attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she began to revolutionize the portrayal of Native American art in the US. After high school, she pursued a degree in creative writing at the University of New Mexico, where she was influenced by fellow Native American poets Leslie Marmon Silko and Simon J. Ortiz. Harjo published her first poetry collection, The Last Song, at the young age of 24. She then went on to earn her MFA from the prestigious Iowa Writer's Workshop and has since released numerous books, music albums, and plays.

Accomplishments and Family Life

Harjo's exceptional writings have earned her numerous awards and accolades. In 2019, she was appointed Poet Laureate of the United States, a position she still holds in 2022. As a single mother, she raised two children - son Phil Dayn and daughter Rainy Dawn. Though she did not marry their fathers, she is happily married to Owen Chopoksa Sapulpa and is a stepmother to his children. The family resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Harjo also serves as a chancellor for the Academy of American Poets, the first Artist-in-Residence for Tulsa's Bob Dylan Center, and the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation.

Pioneering Works

As a distinguished poet, Harjo has achieved tremendous success with her diverse range of works spanning various genres. Her debut poetry collection, The Last Song, is a chapbook (a short book consisting of 15-30 pages), a common format among emerging poets. Along with her nine poetry collections, Harjo has also written two children's books, two memoirs, music albums, and plays. Below is a quick overview of her works and their respective genres, showcasing her versatility and accomplishments in the literary and music world. This list includes some of the awards she has won, but it is not exhaustive.

Poetry Collections

• The Last Song (1975)
• What Moon Drove Me to This? (1979)
• In Mad Love and War (1990)
• She Had Some Horses (1983)
• The Woman Who Fell From the Sky (1994)
• A Map to the Next World (2000)
• How We BecameConnecting Author to Reader: The Power of Joy Harjo's Poetry
• Joy Harjo, a renowned Native American poet and artist from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, has a unique ability to create an intimate connection between her words and the reader. This makes her poetry relatable and widely recognized in popular culture.
• Famous Joy Harjo Quotes
• Apart from her impactful poems, Harjo is also known for her powerful quotes that touch upon the self and the universal nature of things. She often incorporates her indigenous heritage and is a vocal activist for indigenous populations in the United States, both past and present.
• "There is no poetry where there are no mistakes."
• This well-known quote by Joy Harjo reflects her perspective on writing. She believes that poetry cannot be flawless or perfect, making it more accessible to the everyday person. Harjo advocates for making poetry available to everyone, and this quote highlights her belief that poetry and its creation take place in a space where mistakes and learning happen.
• "It's possible to understand the world from studying a leaf. You can comprehend the laws of aerodynamics, mathematics, poetry and biology through the complex beauty of such a perfect structure. It's also possible to travel the whole globe and learn nothing."
• This poignant quote by Harjo showcases her beliefs about learning and spirituality. She holds the belief that one can gain all the necessary knowledge about the world simply by observing and existing in its natural state. She sees nature as a wellspring of intuitive and natural knowledge that can help us be our true selves and intelligent beings. However, if one is not open to such learning or chooses to close their eyes to it, they may travel the earth and learn nothing.
• "I could hear my abandoned dreams making a racket in my soul."
• This quote, taken from Harjo's memoir "Crazy Brave", delves into the feeling of unfulfillment that arises from leaving one's dreams unfulfilled. Harjo has always been determined to create art and express her creativity, refusing to let life circumstances or anyone hold her back. This quote gives us a glimpse into Harjo's core beliefs and values.
• Key Takeaways About Joy Harjo
• Joy Harjo is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in the United States.
• She has nine major poetry collections and is an active advocate for Indigenous peoples in the US.
• Her poems cover various themes, including ancestry, nature, love, loss, mysticism, and Indigenous rights and cultures.
• In 2019, she became the first Native American to hold the position of Poet Laureate of the United States, serving three consecutive terms.
• Further Reading
• The Sun, Joy Harjo (2004)
• The Woman Who Fell From the Sky: Poems, Joy Harjo (1994)
• Crazy Brave: A Memoir, Joy Harjo (2015)
• In Summary
• Who is Joy Harjo?
• Joy Harjo is a renowned Native American poet, artist, and musician from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in the United States.
• What is Joy Harjo's most famous poem?
• "An American Sunrise" is considered Joy Harjo's most famous poem.
• What themes does Joy Harjo write about?
• Harjo's poetry explores various themes, including ancestry, nature, love, loss, mysticism, and Indigenous rights and cultures.
• What does the poem "Remember" by Joy Harjo mean?
• "Remember" addresses the reader directly, reminding us to stay connected to our ancestry and the earth, and to slow down and reflect on our lives.
• How old is Joy Harjo?
• As of May 9, 2022, Joy Harjo is 71 years old.