Interview: Claire Campo

In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with Claire Campo, the executive director of Words of the People, a nonprofit that empowers Indigenous communities to normalize Indigenous language creative production as both an artistic practice and a movement that supports rematriation—bridging art, literature, and Indigenous language preservation.

Claire opens up about their journey to reclaim their Kanienʼkehá:ka (Mohawk) language and how it informs their poetry. They share the power of oral tradition in both their life and work, discussing the Rematriation Retreat—a space that brings Indigenous people together to reconnect with their land, language, and traditions. From Claire's experiences mentoring youth in Tulsa to founding Poetic Justice, Claire reveals how they have used the arts to empower others, especially those caught in the criminal justice system.

Claire’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Whether you're a poet, educator, or someone interested in the intersection of language and activism, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep telling your own story.

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