If you google 'new poet laureate Joy Harjo', pretty much every result has the words 'first Native American' in the headline. So clearly this is seen as an important aspect of the announcement. If, in fact, she isn't (and it seems she might not be) then yes, slightly embarrassing as it may be for the Library of Congress, they should probably amend their announcement. It takes away nothing from Joy Harjo's qualities as a poet or her suitability for the role.
And that will be an end of it. A simple factual error amended and everyone will be happy. Because when it comes to questions of accuracy around notions of culture, race and identity, people are generally very reasonable. Ahem.
Edit: I liked the linked poem. And that's interesting, Ralph, I'll seek them out.
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