Oklahoma Centennial Poet Laureate Dr. N. Scott Momaday will share his poetry at East Central University's Literary Arts Festival at noon Nov. 6 [THURSDAY] in the Dorothy Summers Theatre, followed by a book signing from 1 to 1:30 p.m. in the theatre lobby.
Because seating is limited, individuals wishing to attend must call 580-559-5456 and reserve tickets by Nov. 4 [TUESDAY]. Tickets are free and can be picked up at the door the day of the event from 10 to 11:45 a.m.
Momaday, a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma who was born in Lawton, is a poet, novelist, playwright, artist and storyteller. His first book, "House Made of Dawn," was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1969. He was named an Artist for Peace by UNESCO in 2003 and holds a doctoral degree from Stanford University.
He is the founder and chairman of The Buffalo Trust, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to supporting indigenous communities' efforts to preserve and perpetuate their cultural identity.
Momaday, a retired professor of English and American literature, writes in several genres, but his greatest love is poetry. He once said, "...poets are the people who really are the most insightful among us. They stand in the best position to enlighten us, and encourage, and inspire us. What better thing could you be than a poet?"
ECU's English Department and Center of Continuing Education and Community Services host the ECU Literary Arts Festival annually for area high school students. Momaday's presentation is one part of the day-long festival which is sponsored in part by the Scissortail Arts Series.
The Oklahoma Poet Laureate Program is facilitated by the Oklahoma Humanities Council on behalf of the governor. For more information, call Charlee Lanis at 580-559-5457 or Teresa Rothrock at 580-559-5439 or visit www.ecok.edu/scissortail.
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