As Cindy mentioned earlier, my name is Londie Martin,
and I'm the editorial assistant for Feminist Formations.
And I'm honored here today to introduce Natalie Diaz.
As a poet, her work often reflects, connects,
and emerges from the communities in which she
has lived, and from her experiences
as a member of the Mojave and Pima tribes.
The commitment and passion that she brings to her poetry
is also evident, and the important preservation
work she is currently pursuing with the Fort Mojave language
recovery program--
work that speaks to the sustaining relationships that
exist among language, people, and community.
Diaz received her MFA in Poetry and Fiction
from Old Dominion University in 2007.
She was recently featured on PBS' NewsHour.
And her work has appeared in many publications including
Narrative Magazine, Prairie Schooner, Iowa Review, Nimrod,
and we are happy to say it is also
forthcoming in our December issue of Feminist Formations.
Her book, When My Brother Was an Aztec,
was published this year by Copper Canyon Press,
and was honored as a Lennon Literary Selection.
We have copies of the book on hand for you
to buy after the panel, if you'd like to experience more.
And we're very grateful that Diaz made the drive from Fort
Mojave to be here with us today, and to share her fire with us.
So please join me in welcoming Natalie Diaz.
[APPLAUSE]