It's my pleasure to next introduce Luci Tapahanso.
She's from Shiprock in New Mexico, part of the Navajo
Nation where she grew up with 11 sisters and brothers
and began her writing in her own language
when she was only about eight.
She later obtained her degrees in English
at the University of New Mexico and is the author
of 10 books, stories, poems, and children's books, in which she
combines immersion in the natural world of her homeland
with stories of her people, her family, and her own life
as a mother and grandmother.
And there are besides many individual publications
of stories and poems, interviews,
and works in other media.
Her newest book, A Radiant Curve,
even includes a CD of readings, a wonderful addition
for complete appreciation of her work.
Many of Luci's published writings
are translated into English, being first written
in language of her people, leading
to some unusual cadences and structures.
Her writing has been internationally acclaimed
and translated into French, Italian, and German.
She too won many awards and serves the community
in so many ways that I can't list them all here,
but I have to say this, her yearning for her people back
in her childhood home her evocation and interpretation
of the high desert environment, and the deep meaning
of her specific union with her land and people are
totally compelling and provide lessons for us all.
So listen for the voice of woman, the gentle humor,
the prayers, the rhythmic song-like structures,
the signatures of her culture.
Listen to Luci, the voice of a unique and engaging storyteller
and poet.
Listen to one of the best Native American voices you will ever
hear.
Luci.
[APPLAUSE]