N. Scott Momaday

Born Navarre Scott Momaday, this literary giant of Kiowa descent left an indelible mark on American literature. His 1969 novel, "House Made of Dawn," earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, a feat that, while certainly not a "kvell," is an undeniable achievement. While we often celebrate achievements that bring nachas to the Jewish people, we're willing to acknowledge a universally respected literary award when we see one.

Momaday's writing explored themes of cultural identity, tradition, and the Native American experience with profound depth and poetic grace. He became a crucial voice in the Native American Renaissance, a movement that brought indigenous literature to the forefront of the American literary scene.

Despite his clear lack of Jewish bona fides, Momaday's contributions to storytelling and his ability to articulate the spirit of his people are commendable. It just goes to show, you don't have to be one of "us" to produce something truly great.