Author Mona Susan Power discusses the complexities of cultural trauma, family history, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Mona discusses why many of us struggle with ancestral trauma and deep-seated personal shame without realizing these burdens aren’t entirely theirs to carry, how witnessing the “unspoken” stories of our ancestors can lead to profound personal growth, and so much more.
About Mona Susan Power
Mona Susan Power is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and an award-winning author whose work serves as "powerful good medicine." A graduate of Harvard Law School and the Iowa Writers' Workshop, she has received numerous prestigious honors, including the PEN/Hemingway Prize and the Minnesota Book Award. Her most recent novel, A Council of Dolls, was longlisted for the National Book Award. Mona’s writing is celebrated for its vulnerability and ability to explore the deep intersections of Indigenous history, resilience, and healing.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn
Resources Mentioned
Connect with Mona Susan Power
Both of Mona's grandmas are pictured in the episode art. They were both born in 1888. On the left is Mona's father's mother, Marjorie. She graduated from Smith College in 1909. On the right is Mona's Dakhóta grandmother, Josephine, upon graduating from Carlisle Indian School in 1909 (she made her own graduation dress).
Theme music written and performed by Carter Penny.
Connect with Just Like Nana's Website.
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