The Power of Words and Warriors: Honoring Jim Northrup

Some voices echo long after they are gone. Some words, once spoken, carry more than just meaning; they carry history, struggle, and resilience. The late Jim Northrup’s voice was one of those.

A proud Anishinaabe storyteller, poet, and Marine Corps veteran, Northrup’s words carried the weight of both war and wisdom, his poetry reflecting the brutal honesty of his experiences in Vietnam and the depth of his connection to his culture. His writing wasn’t just about the war abroad—it was about the war at home, the struggle of Native people to preserve their traditions, their dignity, and their sense of self in a world that often sought to erase them.

Tucker Smallwood, a veteran, actor, and fellow warrior-poet, once read a piece about Northrup that captured the essence of his life and legacy. That reading led me to discover a powerful video: Jim Northrup – A Poet and a Warrior. In it, we see how poetry and storytelling transcend the battlefield, becoming weapons of truth, healing, and remembrance.

For many, Northrup was more than a writer—he was a voice for those whose stories had been lost to time and indifference. His poetry spoke of the horrors of war, yes, but also of the beauty of the Anishinaabe way of life. He wrote with humor, with sorrow, and with an unbreakable connection to his roots. His book Walking the Rez Road remains a testament to that balance between survival and storytelling, resilience and remembrance.

In an era where we often overlook the voices of those who have lived through history’s most defining moments, revisiting the words of Jim Northrup is an act of courage itself. He reminded us that war doesn’t just happen on the battlefield; it lingers in the minds and spirits of those who return home. His poetry bridges that gap between past and present, between the warrior’s struggle and the poet’s reflection.

If you haven’t yet heard his words, take a moment to watch the video, read his poetry, and let his legacy remind us of the power of storytelling to both wound and heal.

Live Large. Be Bold. Have Faith. Fear Nothing.

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Louis Katz, keynote speaker and founder of The Courage Inside, works with organizations to build courageous companies and inspire transformative results. With a special focus on military and first responder communities, he understands the unique challenges of stepping into the arena when trust, resilience, and courage matter most.