Paula Gunn Allen (1939–2008) was a poet, novelist, and scholar whose work combined the influences of feminism and her Native American heritage. Allen received both a BA in English literature and an MFA in creative writing from the University of Oregon. She received a PhD in Native American studies from the University of New Mexico. One of the foremost scholars of Native American literature, Allen has edited several books on the topic in addition to publishing her own works of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
