The current U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo will join Montana State University’s celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday.
Harjo, the first Native American to hold the national title, will read and discuss her work during a virtual event at noon. Her memoir “Crazy Brave” won the PEN USA Literacy Award for creative nonfiction and the American Book Award.
“That day is historically been designated as Columbus day, but there’s been a movement, especially here in Bozeman towards a more inclusive narrative,” said Nick Ross-Dick, program manager for the American Indian and Alaska Native student success at MSU. “While Columbus represents a certain narrative of history, like colonization, we thought a more inclusive narrative would be better.”