N. Scott Momaday is a highly acclaimed Native American writer, best known for his remarkable contributions to literature and his intricate portrayal of the Native American culture. Born on February 27, 1934, in Lawton, Oklahoma, Momaday belongs to the Kiowa tribe. He is not just an author but also a poet, artist, and educator. He made his literary debut with his novel, "House Made of Dawn", which earned him undeniable acclaim in the form of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, making him the first Native American to be awarded this honor.
Educated with a Doctorate in English Literature from Stanford University, Momaday has effortlessly utilized literature as a platform to express his profound love for the American landscape and to preserve Native American oral traditions. Throughout his career, he held numerous teaching positions, one of the most notable being at the University of Arizona where he founded the American Indian Literature and American Indian Studies programs. His other celebrated literary works include "The Way to Rainy Mountain" and "In the Bear's House", elucidating his dedication to preserving his culture's rich history.
Momaday's influence extends beyond the realm of literature. His exceptional contributions to literature and commitment to Native American culture were recognized in 2007 when he received the National Medal of Arts. Acknowledged as a storyteller, scholar, and artist, his comprehensive body of work continues to captivate audiences, preserving and promoting understanding of Native American heritage for generations to come.