About

Wakaya Wells (they/them) is a Two-Spirit Choctaw and was raised in District 8 of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. 

 

Wakaya first found poetry growing up in a southern baptist church, trying to figure out what it meant to be Queer and Indigenous in the bible belt. Their work has always come from a place of healing, community, and growth. They have experience in community organizing, multicultural programs, and leading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in education and the public sector. 

 

Wakaya received their BA in Native American Studies from Dartmouth College, and their MFA in Creative Writing from the Institute of American Indian Arts. Wakaya currently works in city government leading DEI work in Minnesota.

 

They live in Minneapolis with their wife, Sara, and 3 year old son, Taloa. Outside of work, they are either spending time with family and friends, or working to complete their debut novel and poetry collection.