You must speak in the language of justice. - Joy Harjo

My children were slick otters of joy in these rough waters of living

I've come to realize that what has motivated my art-making is really a strong need for justice, for "people" to be treated [with respect.] And then when I say people, I also mean animals and insects and the birds and the earth and the earth person that we are all part of — that there's a key element and that's respect. And my work has always been motivated by that need for respect.

One of the most important things is to honor your story. Every origin story is so particular. It’s about finding the particulars. Every origin story has a place and a place that it shines. So it’s important as you move through memory to realize when you're making memories, and how are you making them. Writing poetry is part of making them with attention, but everybody has a story. You know, honor it. Honor it, even the hard parts. I think that was one of the first things that poetry taught me was that I went to poetry to try to, I think, in the beginning, try to find a place of refuge, and then poetry taught me that all parts matter.