Rita Joe

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Rita Joe, PC , CM , LL.D (March 15, 1932March 20, 2007) was a Mi'kmaq-Canadian poet and song writer, called the Poet Laureate of the Mi'kmaq people.

Born Rita Bernard in Whycocomagh, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, she was the daughter of Josie and Annie Bernard. In 1942, she was orphaned.

In 1978, her first book, The Poems of Rita Joe was published. Over her lifetime she had six more books published.

In 1992, she was called to the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, one of the few non-politicians ever appointed.

She married Frank Joe in 1954. They had eight children and adopted 2 boys. During her later years, Joe suffered from Parkinson's disease.

Contents

[edit] Works

[edit] Honours

[edit] Quotes

  • "Indians have in the past been portrayed the bad guys, I write the positive image of my people, the Mi'kmaq."
  • "When I started the first time writing, I was trying to inspire all minorities with my work. To make others happy with my work is what I wanted to do."

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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