I don't like this romanticization of Indian people in which Indian people are looked at as spiritual saviors, as people who have always taken care of the land. We're human beings. But I think different cultures have developed different aspects of humanness. Joy Harjo aspectbeingcare share on social
I never fit in. Everyone knew my dad was Indian. I was half-Indian. Joy Harjo dadfithalf Change image and share on social
When you play a sax, that saxophone is irreverent. It's noisy; it's a trickster... you cannot hide the saxophone in your hands, so it's a good teacher. Joy Harjo goodhandhide Change image and share on social
My ancestors include Monahwee, who was one of the leaders in the Red Stick War, which was the largest Indian uprising in history, and Osceola, who refused to sign a treaty with the United States. Joy Harjo ancestorhistoryinclude Change image and share on social
I come from a long line of revolutionaries. Joy Harjo linelongrevolutionary Change image and share on social
I am a member of the Muskogee people. I'm a poet, a musician, a dreamer of sorts, a questioner. Like everyone else, I'm looking for answers of some sort or the other. Joy Harjo answerdreamermember Change image and share on social
I believe in the sun. In the tangle of human failures of fear, greed and forgetfulness, the sun gives me clarity. Joy Harjo clarityfailurefear Change image and share on social
Sometimes, I think, in order to get to something that we really want or we really love or something that needs to be realized, that we're tested. Joy Harjo loveorderrealize Change image and share on social
I've always loved the desert. I've spent most of my life in the Southwest. It's certainly influenced my work. I used to dream about it when I was young. Joy Harjo desertdreamhave Change image and share on social