Layli Long Soldier
- Born:
- 1972, Gallup, New Mexico
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Writer, Educator
Early Life and Education
- Enrolled in Navajo Nation Head Start programs.
- Attended Crystal Boarding School in New Mexico.
- Earned a BFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts.
- Received an MFA from Columbia University.
Career and Major Achievements
- Her poems have been published in numerous journals and anthologies.
- Recipient of the 2015 Lannan Literary Fellowship.
- Received a National Book Critics Circle Award for her collection Whereas.
- Served as a visiting faculty member at various universities.
- Her work explores themes of Lakota identity, history, and language.
Notable Works
Poetry Collection
- Whereas (Graywolf Press, 2017)
Legacy and Impact
Layli Long Soldier's work has significantly impacted contemporary American poetry, particularly in its exploration of Native American identity, historical trauma, and the power of language. Her collection Whereas has been widely recognized for its innovative form and its engagement with the U.S. government's apologies to Native Americans.