The Honourable Rita Joe (born 1932) is a Mi'kmaq-Canadian poet and song writer, called the Poet Laureate of the Mi'kmaq people.

Born in Whycocomagh, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, she is the daughter of Josie and Annie Bernard.

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.

Works

• Poems of Rita Joe (1978)
• Song of Eskasoni (1988)
• Lnu And Indians We're Called (1991)
• Kelusultiek (1995)
• Song of Rita Joe - Autobiography of a Mi'kmaq Poet (1996, ISBN 0803275943)
• The Mi'kmaq Anthology (1997)

Honours

• In 1989 she was made a Member of the Order of Canada.
• In 1993 she was awarded an honourary Doctor of Laws from Dalhousie University.
• In 1997 she was awarded an honourary Doctorate of Letters from the University College of Cape Breton.
• In 1997 she received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award.
• In 1998 she was awarded an honourary Doctor of Humane Letters from Mount Saint Vincent University.

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."

References

• "Rita Joe." Canada's Digital Collections. Accessed on February 5, 2005.