N. Scott Momaday reflects on how Native stories shaped his imagination

From the archives

A person in a hat poses next to their book
N. Scott Momaday is the author of "Earth Keeper" and a Pulitzer prize winner.
Courtesy of Jill Momaday.

N. Scott Momaday draws inspiration from his Native American heritage, the grandeur of the New Mexico landscape and his world travels.

Novelist Oscar Hokeah shares the sentiment. He calls on the collective wisdom and voices of his Kiowa and Cherokee community in Oklahoma to bring to life a multi-generational family drama in his new book, “Calling for a Blanket Dance.”

You’ll hear Hokeah’s conversation with Miller on this Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas show. In the meantime, enjoy Miller’s similarly themed discussion with Momaday, from the special 2021 Talking Volumes series that centered on race.

Guest:

  • N. Scott Momaday is an internationally renowned poet, novelist, artist, teacher, and storyteller whose works celebrate and preserve Native American heritage.

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Kerri Miller podcast on Apple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts or RSS.

Subscribe to the Thread newsletter for the latest book and author news and must-read recommendations. 

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.