For over six decades, poet Joseph Bruchac has consistently signed his emails and letters with the word “Peace.” This theme of peace will serve as the underlying current in a new poetry program that Bruchac is developing for Saratoga Springs and Indigenous schools as part of his Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship.
Bruchac believes that literature has the power to bridge gaps and foster understanding and empathy among individuals. He emphasizes the need for patience, compassion, and genuine listening, qualities that poetry encourages. In a society that lacks sufficient listening, kindness, and respect, Bruchac sees poetry as a vehicle for change.
With ancestral roots in the Nulhegan Abenaki Nation, a Vermont state-recognized tribe involved in an ongoing genealogical dispute with the Odanak First Nation, Bruchac has a deep connection to Indigenous identity, culture, and history. Throughout his career, he has written over 180 books for both children and adults, often exploring these themes.
In January, Bruchac was inaugurated as Saratoga Springs’ first poet laureate, a role that enabled him to apply for the prestigious Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship. Established in 2019 by the academy in collaboration with the Mellon Foundation, this fellowship supports the civic work of poet laureates selected by various entities. The $50,000 award associated with the fellowship is one of the largest available to poets. Bruchac was among the 23 fellows chosen by the Academy of American Poets for 2023.
Through this fellowship, Bruchac plans to conduct workshops on Indigenous poetry and music in Saratoga Springs, the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation, and the Onondaga Nation schools during the upcoming academic year. These workshops build upon Bruchac’s three decades of work in reservation communities throughout the state. The program will culminate in an anthology featuring the students’ works and, if feasible, a public reading at Saratoga Arts.
Bruchac hopes that this program will serve as a reminder of the ongoing existence and diverse cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples, dispelling stereotypes and promoting awareness among local students of all backgrounds. To enrich the program, he will invite other Native poets and musicians, including Akwesasne singer-songwriter Theresa Bear Fox. Bruchac aims to highlight the connection between poetry and music during his tenure as poet laureate.
Bruchac draws inspiration from the recognition of Bob Dylan as a Nobel Prize laureate, as Dylan’s work blends poetry and music. He believes that poetry surrounds us in various forms, from popular music genres like Taylor Swift or hip hop to country ballads. By recognizing the poetic elements in these art forms, Bruchac hopes to expand people’s appreciation for and engagement with poetry.
When asked about his focus on younger audiences, Bruchac explains that they represent the future. He holds great faith in young people and advocates for listening to their voices. In fact, it aligns with traditional teachings that deem a wise elder as someone who listens to the young children.
In conclusion, Joseph Bruchac’s poetry program, developed as part of his Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship, aims to promote peace and understanding through literature. Through workshops, an anthology, and collaboration with Native poets and musicians, Bruchac hopes to foster appreciation for Indigenous culture and history while encouraging young people to explore the power of poetry.
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