N. Scott Momaday, a renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning storyteller, poet, educator, and folklorist, has passed away at the age of 89. Momaday, whose debut novel 'House Made of Dawn' is often regarded as the catalyst for contemporary Native American literature, died on Wednesday at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Throughout his life, Momaday was dedicated to celebrating and preserving Native American culture, particularly the oral tradition. His Kiowa heritage held great significance for him and influenced much of his work. 'House Made of Dawn,' published in 1968, drew inspiration from Momaday's own upbringing in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. The novel follows the journey of a World War II veteran as he grapples with trying to reintegrate into his Native community after the war.
At the time of its release, novels written by American Indians were not widely recognized. However, 'House Made of Dawn' broke new ground and garnered critical acclaim. In 1969, Momaday became the first Native American to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, paving the way for a new generation of Native authors, including Leslie Marmon Silko, James Welch, and Louise Erdrich.
Momaday's impact extended beyond the literary world. His works resonated with a generation grappling with the Vietnam War, just like Joseph Heller's 'Catch-22.' His powerful storytelling, rooted in his Native American heritage, captivated readers from all walks of life. From poet Joy Harjo, the first Native to be named poet laureate, to film stars like Robert Redford and Jeff Bridges, Momaday's influence was far-reaching.
In addition to his writing, Momaday was an esteemed educator. He taught at prestigious institutions such as Stanford, Princeton, and Columbia universities. His lectures and commentaries on National Public Radio (NPR) showcased his deep knowledge and love for Native American culture. Momaday published over a dozen books, including poetry collections like 'Angle of Geese and Other Poems,' as well as novels such as 'The Way to Rainy Mountain' and 'The Ancient Child.'
Momaday firmly believed in the significance of oral culture and storytelling. He emphasized the Native American reverence for nature, describing it as the essence of their existence. For Momaday, the origins of American literature could be traced back not only to early English settlers, but also to ancient times reflected in the rock art of Utah's Barrier Canyon.
Recognitions for Momaday's impactful contributions to the arts and Native American heritage were numerous. In 2007, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush. His accolades also include an Academy of American Poets prize and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize in 2019.
Momaday's artistic talents extended beyond writing. His artwork, ranging from charcoal sketches to oil paintings, adorned his books and were exhibited in several museums in Arizona, New Mexico, and North Dakota. Additionally, his voice became a part of the audio guides for tours at the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of the American Indian.
Born Navarre Scott Mammedaty in Lawton, Oklahoma, Momaday was a member of the Kiowa Tribe. His father, an artist, recognized his son's creativity from a young age, and Momaday's artwork reinforced his literary endeavors.
The loss of Momaday leaves a void in the literary world and Native American culture. His unique voice and dedication to storytelling bridged ancient traditions with contemporary concerns, influencing countless writers and captivating readers across generations. Momaday's profound legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of literature and cultural preservation.
