In WHEREAS, Layli Long Soldier manifests a rich tapestry of lyrical prowess that weaves together the complexities of her identity as both a citizen of the United States and a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. This collection of short lyrics, prose poems, and narrative sequences serves as a reflective mirror held up against the language of the U.S. government in historical and contemporary interactions with Native American tribes. Long Soldier examines the themes of motherhood, friendship, and citizenship, all while delving into the nuances of belonging to a nation within a nation. The poems become a chorus of multiple musics, where language acts as a tool of protest and a medium for profound self-inquiry. As paths cross between personal experience and collective history, WHEREAS emerges as a powerful exploration of identity, language, and the lived reality of indigenous existence within the tapestry of American society.