Lee Francis facts for kids

Elias Lee Francis III (born May 21, 1945 – died July 7, 2003) was an important Native American poet and teacher. He also started the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. This group helps Native American writers and storytellers share their work.

Who Was Lee Francis?

Lee Francis was a respected leader and writer. He dedicated his life to education and supporting Native American communities. His work helped many people learn and grow.

Early Life and Family

Lee Francis was born on May 21, 1945, in Cubero, New Mexico. He was one of five children. His father, Elias Lee Francis II, was the Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico from 1967 to 1971. Lee's older sister, Paula Gunn Allen, was also a famous writer and professor. She taught English and Native American studies.

A Career Helping Others

Lee Francis had a long career focused on education and community service. He worked in many different areas. His goal was always to support Native American people.

Working in Education

Lee Francis studied at San Francisco State University. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees there. Later, he received his Ph.D. from the Western Institute for Social Research. He taught at several universities, including the University of New Mexico. He also directed special programs for Native students. These programs helped students prepare for college and careers.

Supporting Native Writers

In 1992, Lee Francis became the National Director of the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. This organization helps Native American writers. It gives them a place to share their stories and poems. He also worked with other groups like the National Coalition for Indian Education.

Serving in Government

Lee Francis also worked in the United States government. He served as a special assistant to U.S. Senators. He helped with programs for Native American youth. He also worked for the United States Department of Education. There, he helped review programs that supported Native American students in college.

Researching Important Issues

Lee Francis was also a researcher. He studied how big events affect cultural groups. He also looked into problems like homelessness. He worked on ways to reduce unfair treatment in cities. His research aimed to improve life for many people.

Later Life and Awards

Lee Francis passed away from cancer on July 7, 2003, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was 58 years old.

He received several awards for his important work. In 2004, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award came from the Native Writers' Circle of the Americas. In 2003, he also won the Bravos Award for Excellence in Literature. This award recognized his great writing.

Lee Francis was a trustee for the Laguna Pueblo Educational Foundation. He also served on the board of directors for several organizations. These included the Albuquerque Indian Center. He was a member of the National Psychiatric Association.

His Published Works

Lee Francis wrote and edited several books. His works often focused on Native American experiences and history.

Books

• On the Good Red Interstate: Truck Stop Tellings and Other Poems, Taurean Horn Press.
• When the Rain Sings: Poems by Young Native Americans, (Editor), Simon & Schuster.
• Native Time: A Historical Time Line of Native America, St. Martin's Press.
• Reclaiming The Vision - Past, Present and Future: Native Voices for the Eighth Generation, Edited with James Bruchac, Greenfield Review Press.

Anthologies

• Genocide of the Mind, Marijo Moore (Editor), Thunder's Mouth Press.
• English Studies/Culture Studies: Institutionalizing Dissent, Isaiah Smithson & Nancy Ruff (Editors), University of Illinois Press.
• The Telling of the World: Native American Stories and Art, W. S. Penn (Editor), Stewart, Tabori & Chang.
• Columbus & Beyond: Views from Native Americans, Southwest Parks & Monuments.
• Blue Dawn, Red Earth: New Native American Storytellers, Clifford E. Trafzer (Editor), Anchor Books
• Callaloo: Native Literatures Special Issue, 17, 1994, Johns Hopkins University Press.