An American Sunrise

poetry by Harjo

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July 22, 2026

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An American Sunrise is a poetry collection by Joy Harjo, the first Native American U.S. poet laureate. Harjo's work often incorporates Native symbolism, history, and ideas within a broader context. The collection explores themes of displacement and the struggle for sovereignty, reflecting the experiences of Native Americans. Her poetry is also noted for its musicality, drawing on influences like jazz. Harjo's writing aims to give voice to Indigenous peoples and challenge damaging assumptions about their invisibility in American culture.12

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Joy Harjo
Poetry, tenure as U.S. poet laureate, and other writing
…for sovereignty are explored in An American Sunrise (2019). That same year, in an interview with Jenn Shapland published in Southwest Contemporary magazine, Harjo gave an intriguing response to Shapland’s question about the role of poetry in modern society:
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…for sovereignty are explored in An American Sunrise (2019). That same year, in an interview with Jenn Shapland published in Southwest Contemporary magazine, Harjo gave an intriguing response to Shapland’s question about the role of poetry in modern society:
Read More