- Details
- By Jenna Kunze
“Poetry can make someone fall in love with you,” Joy Harjo (Muscogee Nation) says into the camera. “Poetry can make you fall in love with yourself.”
Last week, the famous Indigenous poet—the very first Native to be named a Poet Laureate of the United States—began sharing her skills with MasterClass subscribers.
MasterClass is a subscription-based streaming service that gained popularity during the early days of the pandemic that gives access to videos of top professionals across a variety of fields explaining how they have “mastered” their art.
Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.
Harjo’s new class, Poetic Thinking, covers: overcoming creative blocks, navigating big questions and difficult topics, and breaking out of traditional writing forms. The class is split up into ten video lessons, totaling about two hours worth of content.
Harjo is known for her work that investigates a history of colonization, human behavior and Indigenous connection to the land. She’s authored nine books of poetry, and taught at as many universities throughout her career.
“Poetry became my activism, my own way of processing and dealing with the Native rights movements,” Harjo explains in a sneak peak trailer to her MasterClass. “It goes where words cannot go, speaks what words cannot speak.”
Harjo encourages interested participants of any level to join her online for pre-recorded classes.
“Poetry could open doors,” she said. “Poetry could open eyes. It can take our grief and turn it into the depth, the muscle, the toughness you need to be able to climb.”
More Stories Like This
Native Student Fights to Walk in Regalia at Her High School GraduationTCJ Student Announces Tribal College Student Art & Film Contest Winners
Navajo Nation Council Rejects School Voucher Executive Order, Citing Threats to Sovereignty and Tribal Education Systems
Zuni Youth Enrichment Project Provides “Rooted in Healthy Traditions” Curriculum for 430 Elementary Students
Shił Nahólne’: Literary Arts and Oral Stories Symposium 2025 Announces New Navajo Nation Poet Laureate
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
