Announcing the Winners of the 2026 Saad Prize
I have always said the best storytellers are my parents, aunts, and uncles. When we gather, they spend so much time telling and re-telling stories to us. It was the best part of my childhood and I know this is not anything unique to me. Storytelling is something rooted in all of us. We grow up hearing stories, and then we begin to tell our own. This is why writing is one of our most powerful tools.
I launched the Saad Prize and partnered with Navajo Technical University to honor the talent and impact of Diné writers, both emerging and established alike. Through my project Hootso, I hope to find diverse ways to recognize and support Diné artists, writers, poets, filmmakers, weavers, photographers, dancers, singers, musicians, silversmiths, etc. Through a careful consideration of the past, Diné arts are a way we map the present and walk into the future.
I’m honored to share the writers and storytellers selected for this year’s Saad Prize, selected by the 2026 Saad Prize judges Sherwin Bitsui and Esther Belin. This year’s theme, Verbs: Land / Language / Futures, asked writers to explore how poetry can illuminate the ongoing work of belonging, cultural continuity, and sovereignty.
Saad Prize in Diné Poetics
Kirbie Bennett for the poem “the i that grows unseen in the desert”
Honorable Mention: Kentaro Herder for the poem “Jiní”
Incubator Awards
College Award
Cymbre Laurig for the poem “Niłchitsosí”
Honorable Mention: Frederika Thomas for the poem “Shima Yazhi at the Basketball Game”
Youth Award
Eshyla Begay for the poem “Language in Motion”
Storyteller Award
Rowie Shebala for the poem “Origins Over Coffee” and its performance
Finalists
Chris Hoshnic
Shaniya Smith
Sam Slater
Reed Bobroff
Danielle Manygoats
We will feature the poets and their work over the coming months so please stay tuned as we celebrate their art.
I want to thank all the writers who submitted work for this year’s contest. I have plans to return next year for another prize cycle as I finish out my work as Navajo Nation Poet Laureate.
In Beauty,
Jake