David Treuer

Prof. David Treuer is a Professor of English at the University of Southern Carolina. He divides his time between Los Angeles and Minnesota’s Leech Lake Reservation (Gaa-zagaskwaajimekaag in Ojibwe), where he grew up. His work challenges the tragic historical narrative of Native Americans, emphasizing ongoing Indigenous resilience and contributions. He holds a BA in Creative Writing and Anthropology from Princeton University and a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Michigan.

Research interests include redefining Native American/Indigenous histories, cultural preservation, and interdisciplinary storytelling. His publications blend fiction, nonfiction, and critical analysis, appearing in Granta, Harper’s, and Esquire. He recently delivered a guest lecture at Freie Universität Berlin, organized with the American Academy in Berlin.

• Awards: Pushcart Prize, Minnesota Book Awards (2×), California Book Award Gold Medal, NEH and Guggenheim Fellowships
• Key Works: The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee (National Book Award finalist), The Translation of Dr Apelles

His work bridges anthropology and literature, advocating for Indigenous voices in academic and public discourse. Current projects include exploring futures of Native American/Indigenous communities beyond colonial narratives.