The kick-off event for the 2021 BIG READ celebrated the book An American Sunrise, with a special evening of poetry and music by United States Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo. Harjo was appointed the 23rd United States Poet Laureate in 2019, the first Native American to hold the position and only the second person to serve three terms in the role. Culture Bearer Kim Marcus (Cahuilla/Serrano) opened the evening with a traditional song and blessing. 

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During her four day visit to the Joshua Tree area, Joy Harjo toured culturally significant and sacred sites including the Oasis of Maa'ra and Coyote Hole, thanks to our partners at the Native American Land Conservancy, and met with Tribal representatives from the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians, Morongo Band of Mission Indians and Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. 

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The NEA Big Read is made possible through a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Arts along with matching local support. The NEA Big Read Morongo Basin continues to be presented by the San Bernardino County Arts Council.

 

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