A Tribute to Elizabeth Cook-Lynn

Abstract

Abstract: Elizabeth Cook-Lynn was a professor and writer of English literature and Native American Indian studies. Her writings contribute significantly to a growing body of Native American literature that addresses controversial issues pertaining to tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, but also to mindfully responsibilities of sovereign nations. She strengthened the Native voice when she helped to found the Wicazo Sa Review , a scholarly journal to inform subscribers nationally and internationally of the state of Native American affairs in the United States, especially those of the Oceti Sakowin Oyate, heretofore known people of the Great Sioux Nation. Always an engaging intellectual and thinker, she founded and co-chartered the Oak Lake Writers' Society, a one-of-a-kind tribal writers model, to assist aspiring writers to continue the revitalization of the Oceti Sakowin oral and written literary tradition. Dr. Cook-Lynn wrote curriculum and pedagogical strategies to help scaffold the emerging discipline of American Indian Studies. To raise awareness and respect for contributions of notable Oceti Sakowin leaders, activists, and writers, she helped to create the First Nations Sculpture Garden in Rapid City, South Dakota. In summary, Dr. Cook-Lynn lived and practiced her cultural values for which she received numerous prestigious awards and national recognition.