The Navajo Nation Announces Its First Poet Laureate

Luci Tapahonso has been named the Navajo Nation’s first-ever Poet Laureate, and will be officially introduced to the public on May 17. Tapahonso has written five books of poetry and stories, as well as a children’s book. Saánii Dahataal (1993) and Blue Horses Rush In (1997) are two of her better-known collections, both published by the University of Arizona Press. She also holds the distinction of being named Storyteller of the Year by the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers in 1999, a year after being recognized with the Region Book Award from the Mountains & Plains Booksellers Association.