Joy Harjo author page

Joy Harjo biography

Joy Harjo is an American poet, musician, and author, and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She is recognized for her contributions to contemporary Native American literature and poetry. Harjo earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Fine Arts from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.

Harjo’s poetry often explores themes of indigenous identity, history, and the natural world. Her first collection, The Last Song, was published in 1975. She has since published several poetry collections, including She Had Some Horses (1983), In Mad Love and War (1990), and An American Sunrise (2019). In addition to poetry, Harjo has written memoirs, such as Crazy Brave (2012) and Poet Warrior (2021).

Harjo is also a musician and has released several albums blending poetry and music. She has taught at various universities and participated in numerous literary and cultural organizations.

In 2019, Joy Harjo was appointed the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States by the Library of Congress, becoming the first Native American to hold this position.