Arizona’s literary scene is experiencing a significant revival with the appointment of Laura Tohe as the state’s poet laureate. After a seven-year hiatus, Arizona welcomes Tohe, a distinguished writer and member of the Navajo Nation, as its 10th Indigenous poet laureate. Her recent work, “Code Talker Stories,” highlights the oral history of Navajo Code Talkers, emphasizing her commitment to cultural preservation.
New Beginnings for Arizona’s Literary Arts
Laura Tohe, recently appointed as Arizona’s poet laureate, views her role as an opportunity to become a “word warrior” for the state’s literary arts. Tohe expressed her excitement about advocating for poetry across Arizona, especially in rural areas. She plans to demystify poetry by sharing her work and that of other poets, conducting workshops, and celebrating the state’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.
The Role of Poetry in Cultural Reclamation
Tohe emphasizes the crucial role poetry plays in reclaiming Indigenous languages and cultural identity. “Saving our languages is a part of reclaiming who we are,” she notes, reflecting on the historical challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Poetry, she asserts, has always been integral to Native tribes, serving as a medium for healing and expression, much like the songs and ceremonies of medicine people.
Addressing Critical Issues Through Poetry
Poetry, according to Tohe, serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about critical issues such as the missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) crisis. She believes poetry can alert the public to these ongoing injustices, fostering healing and potentially influencing societal behavior. “We just want to be heard,” Tohe remarks, underscoring the importance of these narratives in understanding community and personal choices.
The Musicality of Poetry
Music holds a significant place in Tohe’s poetry, a realization she came to over the years. She likens poetry to music, noting, “It has a rhythm. It has line length. It has a form.” Her experience writing librettos for opera deepened her understanding of poetry’s musical aspects, leading her to read her work aloud to ensure its harmony and flow, much like a musician refining their composition.
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