Grade levels: Adult

Part 1 of 2: Linda Hogan (Chickasaw) is a poet and novelist of immense talent. She teaches at the University of Colorado and is an environmental activist. She is a major force in the development of written Native American poetry, a well-respected fiction writer, an environmental essayist, and an award winning dramatist. Topics covered include the many uses of fiction and non-fiction writing.

Ms. Ross is the direct descendent of Principle Chief John Ross, who was the leader of the Cherokee Nation at the time of the Removal (“Trail of Tears”). She is a very well-respected storyteller, an expert on oral tradition, and the author of several editions of Cherokee stories.

Part 1 of 2: Dr. Owens is of mixed-blood descent (Choctaw/ Cherokee/ Irish/ Welsh/ Cajon) and currently serves as Professor of Literature at the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque). Among his novels is Other Destinies, which is featured in one of the two tests for this course. In addition, he has penned numerous critical essays, articles and texts. Some of the topics covered in this class include the commoditization of Native American identity, the “erotics of desire” and the concept of mixed-blood identity.

Part 2 of 2: Dr. Owens is of mixed-blood descent (Choctaw/ Cherokee/ Irish/ Welsh/ Cajon) and currently serves as Professor of Literature at the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque). Among his novels is Other Destinies, which is featured in one of the two tests for this course. In addition, he has penned numerous critical essays, articles and texts. Some of the topics covered in this class include the commoditization of Native American identity, the “erotics of desire” and the concept of mixed-blood identity.

Part 1 of 2: Dr. Bell (Cherokee) is a professor at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). Intriguing topics covered in her interviews include “An Indian with a pen,” the “The lost generation”, and the power of oral storytelling and its relationship to Native American writing.

Part 2 of 2: Dr. Bell (Cherokee) is a professor at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). Intriguing topics covered in her interviews include “An Indian with a pen,” the “The lost generation”, and the power of oral storytelling and its relationship to Native American writing.

Joy Harjo (Muskogee Creek) is a poet, scriptwriter, editor, filmmaker, and musician. She also holds the position of Professor of Literature at the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque). Topics of discussion include the relationship between poetry and oral traditions, urban Indian poetry, and the art of teaching poetry.

Luci Tapahonso (Navajo) is a professor at the University of Kansas (Lawrence) and a very well-respected poet in her own right. Topics covered in this discussion include the matriarchal structure of Navajo culture, the nature of American Indian poetry, and the ways in which Navajo readers – both children and adults – can feel more empowered through literature targeted to them.

James Welch (Blackfoot/Gros Ventre) is an internationally respected poet and novelist. Topics covered in this class include the power of the word, the nature of the women in Winter in the Blood, and the importance of names and family history.