My Interview - Exploring The Circle of Stories With Joy Harjo: The 23rd Poet Laureate of The US

Welcome to this very special episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast! In celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, Ishara was honored to interview acclaimed poet, writer, and musician Ms. Joy Harjo of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation who is the first ever Native American US Poet Laureate! And for this week’s book, Ishara reads aloud Ms. Joy’s moving poem, “Remember” which is now a children’s book, beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling artist Michaela Goade of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes.

In her interview with Ishara, Ms. Joy shares her wisdom and reflections on the symbolism of the circle in storytelling, deepening family bonds across generations, and helping to build a community of indigenous artists and writers to share their works with wider audiences. Ms. Joy discusses her soulful connection to of her oldest poem, “Remember” and celebrates her collaboration with Michaela in making it a children’s book that honors both the Mvskoke and Tlingit peoples. Ms. Joy also shares from her gifts as a musician and teaches Ishara a Mvskoke song of welcoming!

So gather around, super readers and listeners, as Ishara celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day and reads aloud Joy Harjo’s timeless poem “Remember”. Join Ishara in celebrating the power of storytelling to bring people together as she shares her reflections on an unforgettable journey through stories, song, and poetry with the incredible Joy Harjo!

Also check out the video of Ishara’s interview with Joy Harjo: https://youtu.be/Iru7kvji7Bc

Learn more about Joy Harjo & Michaela Goade’s work at the links below: 

Joy Harjo 

Website: https://www.joyharjo.com/ 

Book: https://www.joyharjo.com/books

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyHarjo

Masterclass: https://youtu.be/cPgbx_dsngU

Music: https://www.joyharjo.com/music

Michaela Goade

Website: https://www.michaelagoade.com/ 

Book: https://www.michaelagoade.com/books

Art: https://www.michaelagoade.com/purchase-art

And don’t miss the upcoming podcast episode of Ishara’s National Book Festival interview with beloved children’s book author Erica S. Perl!