Evelina Zuni Lucero facts for kids

Evelina Zuni Lucero (born October 10, 1953) is a talented Native American writer. She is from the Isleta Pueblo and Ohkay Owingeh tribes. Evelina is known for writing novels, poems, and news articles. Her novel Night Sky, Morning Star won the First Book Award in 1999. This award came from the Native Writers' Circle of the Americas.

About Evelina Zuni Lucero

Evelina Zuni Lucero was born on October 10, 1953. She spent her early childhood in Isleta Pueblo. When she was eight, her family moved to Colorado and Nevada.

Education and Early Career

Evelina later attended Stanford University. She joined the first-ever program for Native American Studies there. After college, she became a journalist. She worked with different Native American groups.

During this time, she met Pueblo poet Simon Ortiz. He became a big inspiration for her writing. Evelina said he showed her that their lives were important. He wrote about people and places she knew well.

Life at Isleta Pueblo

Today, Evelina lives back at Isleta Pueblo. She teaches creative writing at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has also helped organize community programs in Isleta. These programs include Headstart and other educational and art activities. She is currently the Chair of Creative Writing at the Institute of American Indian Arts.

Evelina Lucero's Books and Stories

Evelina Zuni Lucero is most famous for her novel, Night Sky, Morning Star, published in 1999.

Night Sky, Morning Star Novel

The book tells the story of a Pueblo artist named Cecelia Bluespruce. It also follows her family, especially her son, Jude. The story also includes chapters told by Julian Morningstar James. He is Jude's father and the "Morning Star" in the book's title. Julian was unfairly put in prison. He was accused of crimes when he was an activist for the American Indian Movement.

Evelina has said that a Native prisoner was a good way to show the Native American experience. The story of Julian has some similarities to real-life activists who were imprisoned. The novel gives readers a good look into modern Pueblo life.

Other Writings

Besides her novel, Evelina has also written short stories. She has worked as a journalist since the 1970s.

Awards and Recognitions

Evelina Zuni Lucero has received several awards for her writing.

• First Book Award from the Native Writers’ Circle of the Americas (1999).
• Civitella Ranieri Fellow (Civitella Ranieri International Artist Center, 1999).