Rita Joe

Rita Joe, PC, CM (March 15, 1932 – March 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 Joseph 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 two boys. During her later years, Joe suffered from Parkinson's disease.

Works

In 1989 she was made a Member of the Order of Canada.
In 1992 she was made a Member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada.
In 1993 she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from Dalhousie University.
In 1997 she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University College of Cape Breton (now Cape Breton University).
In 1997 she received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award.
In 1998 she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Mount Saint Vincent University.

"Indians have in the past been portrayed as 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."