Definition
Mona Susan Power (born 1961) is an American author of Native American (Standing Rock Sioux) descent, known for her novels and short stories that explore Indigenous identity, spirituality, and contemporary life.
Overview
Power was raised on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Dartmouth College and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan. Her debut novel, The Grass Dancer (1994), received critical acclaim and won the 1995 American Book Award. She has published additional works, including the novel The Last Sun (2020) and numerous short stories appearing in literary journals. Power has taught creative writing at several institutions, notably the University of Washington and the University of Minnesota, and she frequently participates in conferences and workshops on Native literature.
Etymology/Origin
- Mona – A given name of uncertain origin in this context; it is used as a personal first name.
- Susan – A common English‑language middle name derived from the Hebrew name Shoshana meaning “lily.”
- Power – An English‑language surname adopted by some families of the Standing Rock Sioux. The surname is not derived from the Indigenous language but reflects historical processes of Anglicization of names among Native American communities.
Characteristics
- Literary Themes – Power’s work frequently addresses the intersection of traditional Lakota beliefs with modern challenges, explores intergenerational trauma, and emphasizes the significance of oral storytelling.
- Narrative Style – Her prose blends lyrical description with mythic elements, often employing multiple points of view and non‑linear timelines.
- Recognition – In addition to the American Book Award, The Grass Dancer was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award and was selected for the One Book, One Community program in Washington State. The Last Sun received praise for its portrayal of contemporary Indigenous youth.
- Academic Contributions – Power has contributed to the development of creative writing curricula that incorporate Indigenous perspectives and has mentored emerging Native writers.
Related Topics
- Native American literature
- Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
- American Book Award
- Contemporary Indigenous authors in the United States
- Oral tradition in modern fiction