Allen, Paula Gunn (1939–)

American scholar, literary critic, poet, novelist and educator. Name variations: Paula Marie Francis. Born Paula Marie Francis, Oct 24, 1939, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, of Laguna Pueblo, Sioux, and Lebanese descent; grew up in the Laguna and Acoma Pueblo Indian communities in Cubero, NM; dau. of E. Lee Francis (Lt. Gov. of New Mexico, 1967–70) and Ethel Francis; sister of Carol Lee Sanchez (writer); cousin of Leslie Marmon Silko (writer); attended St. Vincent's Academy in Albuquerque, then Colorado Women's College; University of Oregon, BA, 1966, MFA, 1968; received doctorate in American studies from University of New Mexico; twice married, twice divorced; children: (1st m.) 1 son, 1 daughter; (2nd m.) twin sons.

Taught at several universities, including DeAnza Community College, San Francisco State University, University of New Mexico, Fort Lewis College, University of California at Berkeley, where she was professor of Native American/Ethnic Studies, and University of California at Los Angeles from which post (professor of English, Creative Writing and American Indian Studies) she retired (1999); was a feminist and antiwar activist; poetry includes The Blind Lion (1974), A Cannon between My Knees (1981), Shadow Country (1982), The Woman Who Owned the Shadows (1983), and Life is a Fatal Disease (1996); scholarly works include The Sacred Hoop (1986), Grandmothers of the Light (1991), Studies in American Indian Literature: Critical Essays and Course Designs (ed., 1983), Voice of the Turtle: American Indian Literature, 1900–1970 (ed., 1994), and Song of the Turtle: American Indian Literature, 1974–1995 (ed., 1996). Won Susan Koppelman Award (1990) and Native American Prize for Literature (1990).