Luci Tapahonso Papers
Collection
Identifier: MSS-580-BC
Scope and Content
The bulk of this collection consists of working papers, drafts, and typescripts of poems written by Luci Tapahonso. There are several manuscripts of poetry collections, including A Breeze Swept Through and One More Shiprock Night. Tapahonso's essays, short stories, and plays are also included in the collection, as well as a small component of class materials, correspondence, interviews, and event programs. Luci Tapahonso writes in English and Navajo.
The collection spans Luci Tapahonso's career from the time she was a student at the University of New Mexico (1976) until 1989. It is anticipated that there will be additions to the collection.
The collection spans Luci Tapahonso's career from the time she was a student at the University of New Mexico (1976) until 1989. It is anticipated that there will be additions to the collection.
Dates
- 1976- ongoing
Language of Materials
English Navajo or Navaho.
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publications or distribution.
Biographical Information
Photo by Cynthia Farah Haines. Part of Writers of the Southwest Collection, PICT 986-008
Luci Tapahonso was born on November 8, 1953 in Shiprock, New Mexico, a town located on the Navajo reservation. She spent most of her school years at the Navajo Methodist Mission School, a boarding school in Farmington, 30 miles from Shiprock. She graduated from Shiprock High School in 1971. Following a few semesters at Phoenix College studying accounting, Tapahonso enrolled at the University of New Mexico in 1976, earning her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Creative Writing in 1980 and 1983, respectively. Tapahonso held teaching positions at San Felipe Pueblo Day School, at the University of New Mexico. She currently teaches at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
Her interest in reading and writing was nurtured throughout her childhood; by the time she graduated high school, Luci was well on her way to becoming a writer. In the early to mid-1970's, Tapahonso wrote for newspapers including the Farmington Daily Times, the Navajo Times, Americans Before Columbus, and Akwesasne Notes. Her first short story was written for an English class taught by Leslie Silko at UNM. Silko told Tapahonso that she was a wonderful and gifted writer, and encouraged her to write more and consider writing for a living. Tapahonso took this advice seriously, changed her major to creative writing and began sending material out for publication.
Luci Tapahonso considers her poetry and writing an extension of her experience. Her sense of place is derived from her roots in Shiprock, N.M. Her point of view is that of a Navajo woman in contemporary times, with an americanized life, but rooted in an "un-american" tradition. Politics, social issues, racism, and economics permeate her writing. Luci Tapahonso's goal in relation to her writing is to keep Navajo culture intact and dynamic.
Luci Tapahonso was born on November 8, 1953 in Shiprock, New Mexico, a town located on the Navajo reservation. She spent most of her school years at the Navajo Methodist Mission School, a boarding school in Farmington, 30 miles from Shiprock. She graduated from Shiprock High School in 1971. Following a few semesters at Phoenix College studying accounting, Tapahonso enrolled at the University of New Mexico in 1976, earning her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Creative Writing in 1980 and 1983, respectively. Tapahonso held teaching positions at San Felipe Pueblo Day School, at the University of New Mexico. She currently teaches at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
Her interest in reading and writing was nurtured throughout her childhood; by the time she graduated high school, Luci was well on her way to becoming a writer. In the early to mid-1970's, Tapahonso wrote for newspapers including the Farmington Daily Times, the Navajo Times, Americans Before Columbus, and Akwesasne Notes. Her first short story was written for an English class taught by Leslie Silko at UNM. Silko told Tapahonso that she was a wonderful and gifted writer, and encouraged her to write more and consider writing for a living. Tapahonso took this advice seriously, changed her major to creative writing and began sending material out for publication.
Luci Tapahonso considers her poetry and writing an extension of her experience. Her sense of place is derived from her roots in Shiprock, N.M. Her point of view is that of a Navajo woman in contemporary times, with an americanized life, but rooted in an "un-american" tradition. Politics, social issues, racism, and economics permeate her writing. Luci Tapahonso's goal in relation to her writing is to keep Navajo culture intact and dynamic.
Extent
1 box (.35 cu. ft.)
General
Contact Information
- Center for Southwest Research
- Zimmerman Library
- University of New Mexico
- Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-1466
- Phone: 505-277-6451
- Fax: 505-277-0530
- Email: cswrref@unm.edu
- URL: http://eLibrary.unm.edu/cswr
General
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Luci Tapahonso Papers 1976-
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by B. Silbergleit
- Date
- ©2000
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 580 BC::Luci Tapahonso Papers)//EN" "nmu1mss580bc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451