On the Mysterious Power of Language
“In languages, we encapsulate the individual and communal mental and spiritual contemplative efforts of a people—each unique.”
Creative Nonfiction
Nonfiction
Student 2020
Writing Contest Honorable Mentions
a field of insect-i-cides
“beneath umbrellas of drooping purple petals, sticks with triangular heads hold curved handles, thin membranes stretch for tiny legs to back—stroke . . .”
Díí ’Óólyé, This Is What It Means
“Shí’ee’ ’éí łeezh bee łíbá sílį́į́’ lá. My clothes became adorned with dust and dirt. ’Áko t’óó nízhónígo shí ’éé’ bík’ídíídláád. The Sun ribbons beautifully adorned my clothes.”
Finite Sunshine for a Forgetful Mind
Untitled by Erik Sanchez of the Institute of American Indian Arts
Every morning started out the same in the Lumbee’s home. The familiar sound of bacon sizzling on the stove as the comforting aroma of freshly brewed hazelnut coffee lingered throughout the house. Mrs. L, always ahead of the early bird, …
Forgotten Gender
Self Reflection by Casandra Artichoker of Sinte Gleska University
Gender comes and goes in different forms. Don’t feel lost or bad because this is what you are. To the ones that tried to force us out or forget us; you thought wrong. We are here to stay, together we …
Not Your TV Indian
Cansasa Wakan, Keep Tobacco Sacred by Marissa Irizarry of the Institute of American Indian Arts
Why are we the only ones who have to prove we exist? So many of us equate our Indianness with our blood quantum Our self-worth hanging on the edge of that number Like show horses or breeding dogs An imaginary …
Computer Struggles
Introduction to Scribblism by Mars Sandoval of Salish Kootenai College
Error 404 Page is not available Checking connection Shut down computer Computer software update Program is working Memory space low Searching for a new hard drive Price is expensive Simple crash ruins Calling tech support for help Looking to upgrade …
Stuck
Welcome to the Void by Tyrone Bass of Little Priest Tribal College
Stuck, in the middle of two generations. One battled to save us. The other turning the corner of Democracy and Independence. Recovering from betrayal and demanding progress, We live more fortunate than before. Unappreciative of our prolific life, nonchalantly disregarding …
You, Wynter Adalyne Lulamae Shepherd
Wilhemena of the Summit by Deborah Teller-Tsosie of Diné College
You were the biggest surprise. You survived a full term plus two weeks without me knowing. I found out about You on Your birthday, February 7, 2017. I was scared and confused and not sure what to do. But when …