Laura Tohe, Arizona’s poet laureate, delivered a powerful lecture on ancestry and the significance of language during the 2026 Jonathan and Maxine Marshall Distinguished Lecture at Arizona State University on October 27. Her presentation was part of ASU Humanities Week and included a discussion with Professor Alberto Ríos, who is the director of the university’s Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing.
Connection to Ancestry
Tohe began her remarks by addressing the audience in Navajo, sharing her lineage and the traditions that shape her identity. She described her connection to the Sleepy Rock People Clan and the Bitter Water Clan, explaining the meaning behind her name, which signifies a deep relationship with water and ancestral stories. Tohe emphasized the importance of her roots, recounting her family’s history linked to Walnut Canyon near Flagstaff, Arizona, where ancient cliff dwellings stand.
Reflecting on her heritage, Tohe expressed wonder about her ancestors who inhabited the canyon, pondering their choices and survival strategies. She painted a vivid picture of the land’s natural beauty and its significance to her community, emphasizing the historical narratives that intertwine with the landscape.
The Power of Language
Throughout her lecture, Tohe underscored the impact of language on her life and work, sharing experiences from her time in an Indian boarding school. She recalled a traumatic incident involving a teacher and highlighted her role as a translator for her classmates. Tohe’s grandmother’s wisdom echoed in her mind, stressing that multilingualism is a source of strength and identity.
Tohe’s literary contributions include “Code Talker Stories,” a bilingual oral history book featuring interviews with Navajo Code Talkers and their descendants. She noted that stories from her community have been a continuous source of inspiration, reinforcing cultural connections and the importance of preserving languages without shame.
Reflections on Community and Environment
In her closing remarks, Tohe shared a personal anecdote about a hummingbird family that took residence in her backyard, drawing parallels between the cycles of nature and the human experience. She expressed concerns for future generations amid climate change, urging a collective effort to create a community that honors and respects the environment.
Following her lecture, Tohe and Ríos engaged in a discussion about storytelling and poetry. Ríos raised questions about the significance of water in cultural narratives, while Tohe explored her journey into poetry and the importance of her dual-language heritage in her writing.
Tohe’s address resonated with themes of identity, resilience, and the transformative power of language, highlighting her commitment to sharing the stories of her community and the legacies of her ancestors.
Source: Arizona State University
