– Pulitzer Prize-winning Native American author
– Poet N. Scott Momaday.
Native American Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author and Poet N. Scott Momaday Passes Away at 89
Jan. 29 – Native American literature has lost one of its most influential voices as N. Scott Momaday, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, poet, and visual artist, passed away at the age of 89. According to his daughter, Jill Momaday, he died peacefully at his home in Santa Fe, N.M.
Born in Lawton, Okla., Momaday was primarily of Kiowa descent. His groundbreaking novel, House Made of Dawn, published in 1968 by Harper & Row, sparked a renaissance in Native American literature. Despite receiving little attention initially, the novel went on to win the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1969. This unexpected victory inspired a new wave of Native American authors, including Louise Erdrich, Joy Harjo, and Duane Niatum.
The novel, highly praised for its lyricism and mystical overtones, follows the story of Abel, a young Native American who returns from World War II and grapples with the alienation of being caught between two cultures. Abel struggles to reconcile the traditional world of his father, rich with ancient rituals and a deep connection to the elements, with the modern America that claims his allegiance.
Throughout the book, Abel’s conflict leads him down a self-destructive path of alcoholism and murder, forcing him to confront and heal himself in order to find his true identity.
In recognition of his immense contribution to the arts, President George W. Bush awarded Momaday the National Medal of Arts in 2007. This honor served as a testament to his profound impact on American literature and his ability to bridge cultural divides.
A Life Shaped by Cultural Influences
Momaday’s artistic journey was deeply influenced by his upbringing and exposure to various Southwestern cultures. Born in 1934, his parents moved the family to a reservation in Arizona shortly after his birth. There, they pursued teaching careers while immersing themselves in the traditions of the local communities.
In 1946, the family relocated to Jemez Pueblo, N.M., where Momaday completed much of his secondary education. Living in close proximity to the local population allowed him to further absorb the rich cultural influences of the area, including ceremonial running.
Aside from his notable success as a novelist, Momaday was also an accomplished poet and children’s literature author. He shared his expertise and passion for writing with students at various universities, including Stanford University, University of Arizona, University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Santa Barbara, Columbia University, Princeton University, and Moscow State University.
Momaday’s life was marked by personal challenges as well. He was married twice, and both marriages ended in divorce. He is survived by his two daughters from his first marriage, Jill Momaday and Brit Momaday-Leight, his daughter from his second marriage, Lore Denny, as well as grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
The legacy of N. Scott Momaday will continue to resonate through the pages of his groundbreaking works. His ability to capture the complexities of Native American life and explore the universal themes of identity and belonging has left an indelible mark on the literary world. As we bid farewell to this literary giant, we honor his contributions and celebrate his enduring influence on future generations of Native American authors.
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– Pulitzer Prize-winning Native American author
– N. Scott Momaday dies at 89.
