Native American Archives

Rex Lee Jim: Diné Poet, Playwright, and Indigenous Leader

Rex Lee Jim is a renowned Diné poet, playwright, and Medicine Man whose work bridges the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo Nation with contemporary literary expression. Born and raised in Rock Point, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation, Jim belongs to the Red House People (Kin Łichíi’nii) and was born for the Red Streak Running into Water People (Táchii’nii). His lineage is a tapestry of tradition—his maternal grandfather hails from the Towering House people (Kin Yaa’áanii) while his paternal roots connect him to the Mexican branch of the Diné (Naakaii Dine’é). As a leader and advocate, Rex Lee Jim has served as a former Vice President of the Navajo Nation and has represented indigenous perspectives at the United Nations. His lifelong commitment to his people is deeply interwoven with his creative output, making him one of the most influential voices in contemporary Native American literature.

A Journey Rooted in Tradition and Education

Growing up in Rock Point, Jim was immersed in the traditional teachings and ceremonies of the Navajo people. Raised by his grandparents, he learned the Blessing Way ceremonies—a cornerstone of Diné spirituality—and absorbed the wisdom, language, and storytelling traditions of his community from an early age. These formative experiences continue to resonate throughout his poetry, offering readers a profound glimpse into the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Navajo Nation.

Determined to build on his heritage and expand his intellectual horizons, Rex Lee Jim pursued a diverse and rigorous education. He attended Rock Point Community School and furthered his studies at the Newfound School in Asheville, North Carolina, before graduating from the Colorado Rocky Mountain School in Carbondale, Colorado. His academic journey then led him to prestigious institutions such as Princeton University, the Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, and its Oxford University campus in England. This blend of traditional Diné education and elite academic training uniquely positions Jim as a bridge between worlds—honoring his heritage while engaging with global literary and philosophical dialogues.

Literary Contributions and Multilingual Mastery

A prolific writer, Rex Lee Jim has authored several influential works that explore the intersections of language, identity, and the contemporary landscape. His notable works include the groundbreaking collections Áhí Ni’ Nikisheegiizh (1989) and Saad (1995), both of which reflect his mastery of Diné narrative and poetic expression. His most acclaimed work, Saad Lá Tah Hózhóón: A Collection of Diné Poetry, weaves together language and culture into a vibrant tapestry that speaks to the essence of his people, his land, and his enduring legacy. Written in Diné Bizaad (the Navajo language) and translated into English, this collection of 30 poems captures the imagination and hearts of those who share in the rhythms of the Southwest.

Fluent in Navajo, English, and Spanish, Jim’s literary work transcends linguistic boundaries, making his poetry accessible to a diverse audience. His writings serve as both a preservation of Diné language and a vehicle for contemporary expression, ensuring that the traditions of his ancestors continue to thrive in modern literature.

Leadership and Advocacy

Beyond his literary achievements, Rex Lee Jim is a dedicated leader and cultural advocate. His service as a former Vice President of the Navajo Nation underscores his commitment to the welfare of his people. Through his work as a Medicine Man, he has continued the ancient traditions of healing and spiritual guidance, offering support to his community during times of need.

Jim’s leadership extends into the international arena as well. He has represented indigenous peoples at the United Nations, advocating for their rights and cultural preservation on a global stage. His efforts in both political and cultural spheres have helped elevate the voices of the Diné people, ensuring that their stories and traditions are recognized and respected worldwide.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Today, Rex Lee Jim resides in his hometown of Rock Point, Arizona, where he remains an active and vital force in his community. His work as a poet, playwright, and cultural leader continues to inspire new generations of Native American writers and artists. Through his eloquent poetry and steadfast advocacy, Jim offers a window into the soul of the Navajo Nation—a blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary insight that speaks to both the past and the future.

For those interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Diné poetry and understanding the vibrant cultural heritage of the Navajo people, Rex Lee Jim’s work is an essential resource. His legacy is a testament to the power of storytelling as a means of preserving history, fostering community, and inspiring change.

Discover more about Rex Lee Jim’s journey, his influential works, and his ongoing impact on Native American literature on AZpoetry.com.

Amber McCrary: Diné Poet, Zine Creator, and Radical Publisher

Amber McCrary, a Diné (Navajo) poet, artist, and publisher, hails from Shonto, Arizona, and was raised in Flagstaff. She has become a significant voice in contemporary Indigenous literature, with a unique blend of punk-influenced aesthetics, intersectional feminism, and Diné identity. McCrary’s work traverses poetry, zines, collages, and radical publishing, with themes rooted in personal and collective history, activism, and empowerment.

Educational Background and Influences

McCrary’s artistic journey began with an early fascination for angsty art, foreign films, and classic punk music, which shaped much of her creative voice. She earned her BA in Political Science with a minor in American Indian Studies from Arizona State University, reflecting her strong engagement with social and political activism. Later, she pursued an MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Poetry at Mills College, where her formal writing education honed her ability to articulate her cultural identity and personal experiences through a poetic lens.

Her influences are wide-ranging, pulling from her experiences as a Diné woman, her love of punk subcultures, and her engagement with intersectional feminism. These diverse influences allow McCrary to offer a multi-dimensional perspective in her writing and art, one that challenges traditional narratives about Indigenous identity while also embracing and celebrating its complexities.

Radical Publishing and Zine Creation

McCrary is not only a poet but also a leading figure in radical publishing. She has been heavily involved in the zine-making movement, creating powerful works that blend her poetic voice with visual art and social commentary. Some of her notable zine projects include:

DANG! Zine (Daydreaming, Awkward, Native, Girl!) Vol. 1 and Vol. 2: In these zines, McCrary explores themes such as identity, adolescence, awkwardness, and the experience of growing up as a Native girl. These volumes offer a blend of personal stories, artwork, and poetry.
Angsty Asdzáá: Tales of an Angry Indigenous Womxn: This zine embodies McCrary’s anger and frustrations with societal structures of patriarchy, racism, and the misrepresentation of Indigenous women in mainstream media. “Asdzáá” is the Diné word for “woman,” and through this work, McCrary amplifies the power of Indigenous feminist voices.
The Asdzáá Beat: This zine continues her exploration of Native identity, with a particular focus on Diné matriarchy and the powerful role of Native women.

Her zine-making process is deeply personal and research-intensive, involving not only historical and contemporary sources but also visits home to speak with family, collect stories, and reflect on her cultural heritage. Her work aims to disrupt colonial narratives while offering new perspectives on Indigenous identity, kinship, and self-expression.

Poetry and Literary Accomplishments

Amber McCrary’s poetry is a powerful medium through which she delves into topics like K’é (Navajo kinship), land, language, love, trauma, and matriarchy. Her poems explore both personal and communal struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of adversity.

Her poetry has been featured in various prestigious outlets, including Yellow Medicine Review, POETRY Magazine, Room Magazine, and Poets & Writers Magazine. She has also contributed to The Navajo Times, offering both creative and journalistic insights into the state of Diné affairs and cultural preservation.

Abalone Mountain Press

Amber McCrary is also the founder of Abalone Mountain Press, an independent publishing house dedicated to uplifting Indigenous voices. The press reflects her ongoing commitment to community building and her desire to provide a platform for underrepresented writers and artists. Through Abalone Mountain Press, McCrary has helped foster a growing movement of Indigenous writers and thinkers who challenge dominant narratives and work to reshape the literary landscape.

Themes and Style

In all her work, McCrary engages deeply with themes of identity, loss, trauma, survival, and empowerment. She explores the tensions between traditional Diné values and contemporary life, as well as the impact of colonialism and patriarchy on Indigenous communities. Her poetry and zines often incorporate Diné language and cultural references, reflecting her commitment to cultural preservation and revitalization.

McCrary’s voice is bold, unapologetic, and full of energy. Whether in her poems or her zines, her style is direct, sharp, and often laced with humor, even as she tackles difficult subjects like violence, substance abuse, and systemic oppression.

Awards and Recognition

Amber McCrary has received several awards for her work, reflecting her growing influence in the literary and activist worlds. Some of her recent accolades include:

2021 Swarthout Award in Writing
2021 Center for Imagination in the Borderlands Creative Research Fellowship
2020 Mabelle A. Lyon Poetry Award

These honors underscore McCrary’s impact as a writer and her continued contributions to the field of Indigenous literature.

Conclusion

Amber McCrary is a dynamic force in the literary world, bringing together poetry, art, and activism in a way that amplifies Indigenous voices and addresses pressing cultural issues. Through her zines, poetry, and publishing efforts, she has carved out a unique space where Indigenous identity, intersectional feminism, and cultural resistance intersect.

With her chapbook Electric Deserts! and her growing body of work, McCrary continues to inspire new generations of writers and activists, particularly within Native communities. Her dedication to storytelling and cultural preservation ensures that her voice—and the voices of other Indigenous writers—will continue to resonate far beyond the borders of the Southwest.

For more information on Amber McCrary’s work, visit Abalone Mountain Press or explore her latest poems in POETRY Magazine and Yellow Medicine Review.

Tag: Native American