Pulitzer Prize-Winning Native American Author N. Scott Momaday Passes Away at 89

Renowned storyteller, poet, and educator N. Scott Momaday, whose debut novel "House Made of Dawn" is credited with pioneering contemporary Native American literature, has died at the age of 89. Momaday passed away on Wednesday at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after battling declining health.

A publisher for HarperCollins announced Momaday's passing, expressing heartfelt admiration for his literary contributions. Editor Jennifer Civiletto described Momaday as an extraordinary individual and praised his profound impact on American literature. She also highlighted his deep connection to his Kiowa heritage and his lifelong dedication to celebrating and preserving Native American culture.

Published in 1968, "House Made of Dawn" tells the story of a World War II soldier struggling to fit back into his Native community in rural New Mexico. Drawing inspiration from his own childhood experiences in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico, Momaday's novel explored the conflicts between ancestral traditions and the challenges of the outside world. The book broke new ground for American Indian literary works, which had previously received limited recognition.

Momaday's novel struck a chord with a generation of readers protesting the Vietnam War, much like Joseph Heller's "Catch-22." In 1969, Momaday became the first Native American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. His novel served as a catalyst for a new wave of Native American authors, including Leslie Marmon Silko, James Welch, and Louise Erdrich. Momaday's literary influence encompassed a wide range of admirers, from renowned poet Joy Harjo, the first Native American poet laureate, to acclaimed actors Robert Redford and Jeff Bridges.

Throughout his career, Momaday taught at prestigious universities such as Stanford, Princeton, and Columbia. He authored over a dozen books, including poetry collections such as "Angle of Geese and Other Poems" and novels like "The Way to Rainy Mountain" and "The Ancient Child." Apart from his powerful literary voice, Momaday also advocated for the preservation and beauty of traditional Native life, emphasizing the Native American reverence for nature.

Momaday received numerous accolades for his contributions. In 2007, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush for his writing and efforts in celebrating Native American art and oral tradition. He also received an Academy of American Poets prize and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize in 2019.

Born Navarre Scott Mammedaty in Lawton, Oklahoma, Momaday was a member of the Kiowa Tribe. His talent extended beyond writing, as his father recognized his artistic abilities from an early age. Momaday's artwork, ranging from charcoal sketches to oil paintings, was featured in his books and showcased in museums across Arizona, New Mexico, and North Dakota. His deep, resonant voice even became a part of audio guides for tours of the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of the American Indian.

In reflecting on his life, Momaday expressed humility and surprise at the knowledge that his work has influenced fellow writers. He emphasized his belief in the power of language and storytelling, relying on the rich oral tradition of Native cultures. Momaday's lasting impact on American literature and his dedication to preserving Native American heritage leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

Former Associated Press writer Russell Contreras contributed to this report from Santa Fe, New Mexico.