Joy Harjo was KNBA 90.3 FM’s (KNBA) artist-in-residence for the month of May, where she collaborated with station staff on radio projects. Harjo is nationally renowned and has published seven books of poetry and released four award-winning albums of original music.
For her poetry, she won the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers’ Circle of the Americas and the William Carlos Williams Award from the Poetry Society of America. In 2009, she won the Native American Music Award for best female artist. Harjo is a founding board member of the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation.
Harjo is active on the Alaska culture and arts scene. Harjo was a teaching artist for the Alaska Native Heritage Center’s 2010 Alaska Native Playwright’s Project. She has been a featured guest on KNBA’s “Native America Calling” and “Earthsongs” radio series. Her residency was made possible by the Rasmuson Foundation’s artist-in-residence program. Harjo was born in Tulsa, Okla., and is a member of the Muscogee Nation.
KNBA recently raised $93,000 during its spring membership drive, surpassing its goal of $92,500. To support KNBA, or become a member, visit www.knba.org.