Cherokee poet to speak at SEMO Wednesday night

Awiakta, a Cherokee poet, storyteller and essayist, will speak at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Southeast Missouri State University Museum.

"What sustains each of us in these difficult times" is one of the topics Awiakta plans to explore.

This will be Awiakta's fourth visit to Southeast, school officials said.

Her book, "Selu: Seeking the Corn Mother's Wisdom," has received national acclaim for its fusion of her Cherokee and Appalachian heritage.

Copies of Awiakta's books and audio cassettes will be for sale, and she will sign books after her speech.