Scott Momaday: 
I might have a hard time cataloguing all of the things that made a difference. I certainly can point to an understanding of the relationship between man and the landscape, for example. I grew up with that, and that’s such an important equation in the Indian world. That has been of great value to me all my life. The Indian world is full of aesthetic values, art. My father was an artist, a painter, and he taught painting to the children at Jemez Pueblo. They exhibited all over the world. They became famous for their art. He once said to me, “You know, Scott, I have never known an Indian child who couldn’t draw.” I believe that. I haven’t either. That seems intrinsic somehow. That’s a real part of the Indian world, this love of symmetry and composition. It’s a great thing. That has been important to me as well. Indian people have a strong sense of humor. It’s not easily understood by other people, but it’s there and I love that. That’s been a part of my life too.