2023 Retreat

A cohort of 25 fellows, faculty, and guests participated in workshops, inter-art activities, and panel discussions at Björklunden, Lawrence University's 441-acre North Campus in Baileys Harbor, WI, and at the new Write On, Door County facility in Fish Creek. The retreat embraced Indigenous values and aesthetics, encouraging participants to use Indigenous languages. The activities took place outdoors, and special workshops focused on printmaking, poetry performance with live music, and the creation of a short poetic film in collaboration with Milwaukee's Overpass Light Brigade.

The 2023 Fellows consist of writers from various locations across the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. They were selected from a highly competitive applicant pool. The poets represent diverse Indigenous Nations and bring a wide range of unique styles and interests. The 2023 cohort includes seven returning fellows and nine new fellows, with the returning fellows given the opportunity to participate in panels. The selected fellows and their Indigenous and Native Nations are as follows: Benjamin Burgess (Yankton Sioux), Emerald GoingSnake (Giduwa and Mvskoke), Aimee Inglis (Osage), Kalehua Kim (Hawaiian), Erin Marie Lynch (Standing Rock Sioux), Melanie Merle (Chickasaw), Tyler Mitchell (Diné), m.s. RedCherries (Northern Cheyenne), Kateri Menominee (Bay Mills Chippewa), Halee Kirkwood (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe), Kenzie Allen (Oneida), Amber McCrary (Diné), Mary Leauna Christensen (Eastern Band Cherokee), Max Early (Laguna Pueblo), Casandra Lopez (Tongva/Luiseño and Chicana), and Annie Wenstrup (Dena'ina).

Mission Statement

Founded in 2020, In-Na-Po—Indigenous Nations Poets—is a national Indigenous poetry community committed to mentoring emerging writers, nurturing the growth of Indigenous poetic practices, and raising the visibility of all Native Writers past, present, and future. In-Na-Po recognizes the role of poetry in sustaining tribal sovereign nations and Native languages.