Rita Joe (born Rita Bernard) was a well-known Mi'kmaq poet and songwriter. We invite you to learn more about this remarkable Nova Scotian and celebrate Rita Joe's contributions to Nova Scotia's storied past and diverse culture.
"On the eve of the 500th Anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the Americas, Rita Joe once again extends her hand to us in friendship, and reminds us of the native culture that was here long before the Europeans. These new poems compel us to listen." -Amazon
"A collection by Mi'kmaq poet Rita Joe from Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia. Topics include the oppression of her people and spirituality." -WorldCat
"This is a book of exceptional courage and insight, the words of a gentle woman who fought for her family, justice, and her own independent voice. She faced intolerance and ignorance, searched her inheritance for strength, and wrote poems that continue to inspire." -Amazon
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With over 100 of her best poems plus George Elliott Clarke’s essay on the achievement of Rita Joe, The Blind Man’s Eyes confirms Joe’s place in Canadian literature. -Summary
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"A varied and spiritual collection of work by the Mi'kmaq writers of Atlantic Canada. Both young and old stories and storytellers combine talents to produce short stories, poetry, and personal essays." -Amazon
"We Are the Dreamers is really two books: Rita Joe`s recent poetry and her rare, long-out-of print first book, called Poems of Rita Joe. Together, these poems offer evidence of her continuing journey to understand and to share the unique combination of native spirituality and Christianity that is her daily life." -Jacket
Gentle Warrior, a song in tribute to Mi’kmaq poet Rita Joe