Twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, and a recipient of the American Book Award for The Mama Poems in 1984, Maurice Kenny is one of the most innovative and influential poets to emerge from the renaissance of American Indian literature during the 1970s. Prolific and versatile, Kenny experiments with voice and verse structures to approximate Indian songs, dance, and nature philosophy, especially those of his Mohawk ancestors. In addition to being an innovative and award-winning poet, Kenny is a former editor of the influential journal Contact II and was the founder in 1976 of the Strawberry Press, which is dedicated to the publication of works by Indian authors. He frequently travels across the country, giving readings and enthusiastic encouragement to younger Indian poets. In both his personal and professional life Kenny has been a major contributor to the growth and health of the field of Native American literature.

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