Scott Momaday, known by his Kiowa name, Tsoai-talee which means ‘Rock Tree Boy’ was an author, poet, painter, and lecturer, well-loved by the Native community for his works. Momaday often wrote about his experience as a Native American in modern times.
Shirley Sneve, a close friend, said he began to make waves in literature in the 70s with his first novel, "House Made of Dawn," which won him the Pulitzer prize. He was the first Native American to win the award.
Sneve, who worked with Momaday on several projects throughout the years, remembered his first book's impact.
“That was a game changer in history that he was able to tell this intimate story about the experience of a warrior in modern times and what that legacy left in that story left for the Kiowa Nation,” she said.
At the time of publishing ‘House Made of Dawn’, the understanding of PTSD for Veterans was slim to none. Sneve says that Momaday’s ability to write this story resonated with veterans coming home from war.
The way Momaday wrote was in a circular structure common in traditional Indigenous stories, which Sneve says is a compelling story structure.
She says Momoday's stories were also those Veterans at the time could relate to.
“To be able to hear a story and think to themselves ‘Oh my gosh that's my story, now I understand why I feel the way we do’,” Sneve said.
Momaday and Sneve met on a project called “American Masters”, where Momaday was the star of an episode.
Sneve said the beginning of their work together branched outward for positive impact.
“I always wanted to get some story from one of our famous people on that program because, after all, we are the original ‘American Masters," she said.
To make that happen, she began the work for the episode, including the search for an all-Kiowa production team. The episode has since aired.
Momaday's way of storytelling was in a circular motion, common in many Native American stories.
“His way of storytelling has just really honored the Kiowa legends," Sneve said. "I was just really grateful that we were able to put that documentary together with American Masters so we could honor the legacy of this great poet and writer.”
This episode sparked more projects for the two. Sneve remembers fondly a documentary Momaday's daughter Jill took part in called "The Return to Rainy Mountain,". The project based on Momoday's novel called "The Way to Rainy Mountain which focused on Kiowan landmarks and relationships.
Momaday also wrote children's stories and taught at various universities.
He was also an illustrator, who worked a lot in watercolor. He used his art in several of his poetry books.
He died on January 24th in his home at the age of 89.
Momaday is survived by his two daughters and their children.
