Layli Long Soldier is an award-winning poet, writer, and artist whose work explores the complexities of identity, language, and history. Her writing is deeply personal, yet speaks to larger issues of cultural erasure and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights. In this article, we will delve into Long Soldier’s life and work, exploring the themes and techniques that make her one of the most exciting voices in contemporary poetry.
Early Life and Education
Layli Long Soldier was born in 1979 in Rapid City, South Dakota, and grew up on the Oglala Sioux Reservation. Her parents were both members of the Oglala Lakota Nation, and her father was a Vietnam War veteran. Long Soldier attended Oglala Lakota College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and American Indian Studies. She later went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Bard College in New York. Long Soldier’s upbringing on the reservation and her education in both Native American and Western literary traditions have greatly influenced her work as a poet and writer.
Discovering Poetry
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a way for people to express their thoughts and emotions in a creative and meaningful way. For many, poetry can be a way to connect with others and to explore the world around them. In the case of Layli Long Soldier, poetry has been a way for her to explore her identity as a Native American woman and to share her experiences with others. Through her poetry, Long Soldier has been able to shed light on the struggles and injustices faced by Native Americans, while also celebrating their rich culture and history. Her work is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to inspire change and bring people together.
The Influence of Native American Culture
Native American culture has had a profound influence on the life and work of Layli Long Soldier. As a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, Long Soldier draws on her cultural heritage to inform her poetry and prose. She explores themes of identity, language, and history, often weaving in traditional Lakota stories and teachings. In her acclaimed collection “Whereas,” Long Soldier grapples with the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for Native American rights. Through her writing, she seeks to honor her ancestors and preserve their stories for future generations. Long Soldier’s work is a testament to the enduring power of Native American culture and its ability to inspire and inform contemporary art.
Themes in Layli Long Soldier’s Work
Layli Long Soldier’s work is characterized by a deep exploration of themes related to identity, language, and history. Her poetry often grapples with the complexities of being a Native American woman in contemporary society, and the ways in which language can both empower and marginalize individuals and communities. Long Soldier’s work also frequently engages with the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Through her writing, she seeks to challenge dominant narratives and to give voice to those who have been silenced or marginalized. Overall, Long Soldier’s work is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of Indigenous peoples, and a call to action for all those who seek to build a more just and equitable world.
The Impact of Historical Trauma
The impact of historical trauma is a recurring theme in the work of Layli Long Soldier. As a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, she has experienced firsthand the intergenerational effects of colonization and forced assimilation. In her poetry, Long Soldier explores the ways in which historical trauma can manifest in the present, affecting not only individuals but entire communities. She also highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing this trauma in order to heal and move forward. Through her powerful words, Long Soldier invites readers to confront the difficult truths of the past and work towards a more just and equitable future.
Writing as Resistance
Layli Long Soldier’s writing is a form of resistance. As a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, she uses her words to challenge the dominant narratives that have been imposed on Indigenous people for centuries. Her poetry is a way of reclaiming her identity and asserting her sovereignty. In her book “Whereas,” she addresses the United States government’s apology to Native Americans in 2009, and critiques the language used in the apology. She writes, “Whereas I heard a noise, / the noise came from the land / I looked and could not see / the noise came again / closer now, louder / I looked and still could not see / (Whereas) I felt it beneath my feet / I felt it in my ancestor bones.” Long Soldier’s writing is a powerful reminder that language is not neutral, and that words have the power to both harm and heal.
Recognition and Awards
Layli Long Soldier’s literary achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for her work. In 2015, she was awarded a National Artist Fellowship from the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. The following year, she received a Lannan Literary Fellowship for Poetry. In 2017, her debut collection of poetry, “Whereas,” was a finalist for the National Book Award and won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry. Long Soldier’s work has also been featured in various literary journals and anthologies, further cementing her place as a prominent voice in contemporary poetry.
Teaching and Mentoring
Layli Long Soldier is not only a talented writer, but also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught creative writing at various universities and institutions, including the Institute of American Indian Arts and Naropa University. Long Soldier is known for her ability to inspire and guide her students to find their own unique voices and perspectives. She has also mentored emerging writers through programs such as Kundiman and the Lannan Foundation. Long Soldier’s commitment to teaching and mentoring is a testament to her belief in the power of words to connect and empower individuals and communities.
Collaborative Projects
Layli Long Soldier is a poet who is known for her collaborative projects. She has worked with artists, musicians, and other poets to create works that explore themes of identity, history, and language. One of her most notable collaborations was with the artist and filmmaker Sharon Lockhart. Together, they created a multimedia project called “Pine Flat,” which was inspired by the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The project included photographs, videos, and poetry, and it was exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. Long Soldier’s collaborative work is a testament to the power of art to bring people together and to create meaningful connections across cultures and disciplines.
Future Projects and Goals
Looking towards the future, Layli Long Soldier has several exciting projects and goals in mind. One of her main focuses is on continuing to explore the intersections of language, culture, and identity in her writing. She is currently working on a new collection of poetry that delves deeper into her experiences as a Lakota woman and the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities.
In addition to her writing, Long Soldier is also committed to using her platform to advocate for Indigenous rights and representation in the literary world. She hopes to collaborate with other Indigenous writers and artists to create more opportunities for Indigenous voices to be heard and celebrated.
Long Soldier is also interested in exploring new mediums for her work, such as film and visual art. She sees these as powerful tools for storytelling and hopes to experiment with different forms of expression in the future.
Overall, Long Soldier’s future projects and goals reflect her ongoing commitment to using her voice and her art to challenge stereotypes, amplify marginalized voices, and create a more just and equitable world.
Publishing Career
Layli Long Soldier’s publishing career began with her debut collection of poetry, “Whereas,” which was published in 2017. The book was a critical success, earning numerous awards and accolades, including the National Book Critics Circle Award and the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. In “Whereas,” Long Soldier explores the complexities of Native American identity and the impact of historical trauma on contemporary Native communities. Her writing is both lyrical and political, blending personal experience with a deep understanding of the cultural and political forces that shape Native American life. Since the publication of “Whereas,” Long Soldier has continued to write and publish poetry, essays, and other works that explore the intersections of language, identity, and power. Her work has been widely anthologized and has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, The Nation, and Poetry Magazine. As a writer and a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, Long Soldier is committed to using her voice to challenge dominant narratives and to create space for Native American perspectives in the literary world.
Personal Life and Family
Layli Long Soldier is a poet, mother, and wife who has been able to balance her personal life and family with her successful career as a writer. She is married to a fellow artist and they have a son together. Long Soldier has spoken about the importance of her family in her life and how they have influenced her work. She often draws inspiration from her experiences as a mother and wife, and her poetry reflects the complexities of these relationships. Despite the demands of her career, Long Soldier makes time for her family and values their support and love. Her personal life and family are an integral part of who she is as a writer and a person.
Political Activism
Layli Long Soldier is not only a poet but also a political activist. Her work often addresses issues of identity, history, and the ongoing struggles of Native American communities. She has been involved in various political movements, including the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. In an interview with The Guardian, Long Soldier stated, “I think it’s important for artists to be politically engaged. We have a responsibility to use our voices to speak out against injustice and to advocate for change.” Long Soldier’s activism is not limited to her poetry, as she has also participated in protests and community organizing efforts. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of political engagement and the role that artists can play in effecting change.
Translating and Transcribing
Translating and transcribing are essential skills for any writer, but for Layli Long Soldier, they are particularly important. As a poet who often incorporates her Lakota heritage into her work, Long Soldier frequently works with translations and transcriptions of Lakota language and culture. In her book “WHEREAS,” for example, she includes a section of the Treaty of Fort Laramie in both its original English and a Lakota translation. This allows readers to see the stark differences between the two versions and to understand the ways in which language can be used to obscure or manipulate meaning. Long Soldier’s work is a powerful reminder of the importance of translation and transcription in preserving and honoring diverse cultures and languages.
Challenges and Criticisms
One of the main challenges and criticisms faced by Layli Long Soldier is the accusation of being too political in her poetry. Some critics argue that her work is too focused on issues of identity and politics, and that it lacks the universal appeal that great poetry should have. Others have criticized her for being too didactic in her approach, and for not leaving enough room for ambiguity and interpretation in her work. Despite these criticisms, however, Long Soldier has continued to write poetry that is both politically engaged and deeply personal, and her work has resonated with many readers who appreciate her honesty and her willingness to tackle difficult subjects.
The Importance of Indigenous Voices in Literature
Indigenous voices have been historically silenced and marginalized in literature, but their perspectives and experiences are crucial to understanding the complexities of the world we live in. Layli Long Soldier, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, is a prime example of the importance of Indigenous voices in literature. Her poetry explores the intersection of language, identity, and history, shedding light on the ongoing effects of colonization and the resilience of Indigenous communities. By centering Indigenous voices in literature, we can challenge dominant narratives and create a more inclusive and accurate representation of our world.
The Legacy of Layli Long Soldier
Layli Long Soldier’s legacy is one that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for years to come. Her work, which often explores the complexities of identity and language, has been praised for its honesty and depth. Long Soldier’s ability to blend personal experience with larger societal issues has made her a powerful voice in contemporary poetry. Her debut collection, “Whereas,” was a finalist for the National Book Award and won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry. Long Soldier’s impact on the literary world is undeniable, and her work will undoubtedly continue to shape and influence future generations of writers.