SHORT BIO
Lyla June is poet, musician, educator, anthropologist, activist and community servant of Diné (Navajo), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne) and European lineages. She holds a degree in Environmental Anthropology with honors from Stanford University and a degree in American Indian Education with distinction from the University of New Mexico.
LONGER BIO
Lyla June is a poet, singer-songwriter, hip-hop artist, human ecologist, public speaker and community organizer of Diné (Navajo), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne) and European lineages. Her dynamic, multi-genre performance and speech style has invigorated and inspired audiences across the globe towards personal, collective and ecological healing. Her messages focus on Indigenous rights, supporting youth, inter-cultural healing, historical trauma and traditional land stewardship practices. She blends her undergraduate studies in human ecology at Stanford University, her graduate work in Native American Pedagogy at the University of New Mexico, and the indigenous worldview she grew up with to inform her perspectives and solutions. Her internationally acclaimed performances and speeches are conveyed through the medium of prayer, hip-hop, poetry, acoustic music and speech. Her personal goal is to grow closer to Creator by learning how to love deeper.
photos
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quotes & press
MUSIC
video
Lyla June on Al Jazeera (AJ+):
"[Lyla] works with Indigenous elders around the country to uncover the genius of the continents original cultivators."
-Yes Magazine, on Lyla June's PhD Research with Indigenous Food Systems
"...in our language Sodizin means both “song” and “prayer.” So in my upbringing, music was all about deep intention to make the world a better place. Music was seen as a healer and singers were viewed as doctors."
-The Navajo Times, Arizona, 2018
"A 27-year-old woman who has traveled the world bringing activism and love to humanity."
-Winona Daily Times, Minnesota, 2016
"Lyla June spoke about the importance of including indigenous voices and performed her song 'All Nations Rise,' to a standing ovation."
-The Tech, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2017
awards
Recipient. PEO Scholar Award. PEO International. 2019.
Recipient. Lives of Commitment Award. Auburn Seminary. 2017.
Recipient. AAUW Graduate Women Scholarship. University of New Mexico. May 2016.
Winner. 15th Annual John Milton Oskison Writing Competition. Stanford University. March 2010.
Winner. Best Poet. Taos People’s Choice Awards. 2007.
Winner. Do Something National Poetry Slam Champion. New York, NY. 2006.