Lakota Poet Layli Long Soldier Publishes New Book We (Wé)
··2 min read
Lakota poet Layli Long Soldier has published her new book We (Wé), a collection of poetry and visual art that explores themes of identity, history, and humanity. The book, released in 2026 by Graywolf Press, is a visual experience that combines text, photographs, and visual art to create a unique literary and artistic journey.
We (Wé) is a multifaceted work that incorporates poetry, storytelling, and visual art. The title itself has two meanings: the English 'we' and the Lakota 'wé,' meaning 'blood,' signifying a shared lineage and life source. The book is a call to action, a motivator for deep critical thinking, and a binding of history and the present. It advocates for truth-telling, education, and inquiry through a lens of lived experience, compassion, and love.
Long Soldier's work is rooted in Lakota values and philosophy, connecting to humanity at large. The book features a variety of forms, including essays, short stories, photographs, and visual art. Long Soldier utilizes text placement, formatting, omission, symbols, color, rhythm, pauses, reader choices, and instructional language to create rich visuals in each section.
Long Soldier's unique literary style was first recognized in her 2017 poetry collection Whereas. We (Wé) builds on this style while exploring new terrain. The book is a life-affirming and motivating work that encourages readers to engage with deep critical thinking and connect with their own humanity.
Layli Long Soldier is a poet and artist who has been recognized for her unique literary style. She attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she bonded with fellow Lakota artist Dyani White Hawk. The two have supported each other throughout their careers as friends and colleagues.
We (Wé) is a testament to Long Soldier's artistic vision and her commitment to using her work to advocate for truth-telling, education, and inquiry. The book is a call to action for readers to engage with deep critical thinking and connect with their own humanity.
