Native American poetry is steeped in oral tradition, which is the legacy of passing down cultural stories from older generations to younger generations through speech. In fact, within Native American culture, poems are often referred to as “songs” because they were traditionally sung not written. Historically, Native American poetry has focused on many themes, including reverence of spirituality, oral tradition and seeking balance in life, that are unique to the Native culture but still have a universal appeal.
The influence of Native American poetry reaches throughout the Americas and many authors have made significant contributions to the genre, including:
Jane Johnston Schoolcraft, Ojibwa Tribe
Born in 1800 in what is today Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Jane Johnston Schoolcraft is known for setting several precedents in the world of poetry. She’s the first known poet to write in a Native American language – Ojibwa, the first indigenous woman to publish literary works in the United States and Canada and the first known American Indian to write out traditional Native American stories. During her 2008 induction into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, it was noted that, “as a poet, essayist, storyteller and translator, she was dedicated to preserving her people’s cultural contributions by committing them to the written word.”
Emily Pauline Johnson, Mohawk Tribe
The daughter of a Mohawk chief and English mother, Emily Pauline Johnson began her journey as a poet in 1884 to support her family after her father’s death. After a successful poetry reading for the Young Men’s Liberal Club of Toronto in 1892, she began a series of performances across Canada where she developed a dual onstage persona. During the first half of her performance she wore the costume of Native princess and for the second half, an English drawing-room gown. Johnson would go on to release three collections of poetry and fiction and ultimately attain international recognition after 17 years of touring.
And the list goes on! Head over to the Poetry Foundation for a curated selection of Native American poets and articles that explore the Native American experience.
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