Exploring Survival, Resilience, & Identity: Joy Harjo
- Shereá Denise
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A few weeks ago while discussing tattoos with one of my cousins, I was introduced to a quote by Joy Harjo. Having been unaware of her prior to this conversation and always looking for the opportunity to learn more about the women whose lives and words have the potential to inspire me, I began researching Joy Harjo, her work, and any similarities that we may have.
I quickly learned that Joy Harjo is a celebrated poet, musician, playwright, and author, best known for becoming the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate in 2019. A member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Harjo was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1951, and her work is deeply rooted in Indigenous history, storytelling, and spirituality. Her poetry is described as weaving together personal narrative, tribal memory, and the natural world, creating a voice that is both intimate and expansive.
Harjo explores themes of survival, resilience, identity, and the enduring presence of ancestral knowledge. Her writing frequently addresses the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Native peoples, while also celebrating cultural continuity and the power of reclaiming one’s voice. Harjo’s lyrical style is said to blend vivid imagery with musical rhythms, reflecting her belief in poetry as an extension of breath and song.
In addition to her literary achievements, Harjo is an accomplished saxophonist and vocalist who has released multiple albums that combine poetry, jazz, and Indigenous musical traditions. She has also taught at numerous universities and remains an influential advocate for Indigenous arts, languages, and sovereignty. Through her work as Poet Laureate, she launched projects that highlighted Native poets across the United States, ensuring that their stories would be recognized as essential parts of the nation’s literary landscape. Harjo’s legacy continues to reshape American poetry by centering Indigenous voices and illuminating the profound connections between land, memory, and imagination.
Additional information about Joy Harjo is available here:
Picture courtesy of www.joyharjo.com
