Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to search

Biography & Autobiography General

Song of Rita Joe

Autobiography of a Mi'kmaw Poet

with Lynn Henry

by (author) Rita Joe

Publisher
Breton Books
Initial publish date
Oct 2011
Category
General
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780921556596
    Publish Date
    Jun 2004
    List Price
    $19.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781926908045
    Publish Date
    Oct 2011
    List Price
    $18.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

Song of Rita Joe 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, ignorance, and abuse, searched her inheritance for strength, and wrote poems of clarity and encouragement that continue to inspire not only her people but all people.

Finally, she was a humble woman, an honoured Mi’Kmaw elder, poet, and member of the Order of Canada.

About the authors

In this Canadian classic, Rita Joe leaves us her own story. Born in poverty on a reserve in Cape Breton, she survived on sheer guts and compassion.

Lynn Henry's profile page

Acclaimed poet Rita Joe (1932—2007) of Whycocomagh First Nation wrote seven books, won numerous awards, and continues to be an influence on poets and other artists across Canada. I Lost My Talk is perhaps Joe's most famous poem, and references her time at the Shubenacadie Residential School. The poem inspired an eponymous multimedia performance at the National Arts Centre in 2016 as well as songs written by Indigenous youth across the country. She is known today as the Poet Laureate of the Mi'kmaq.

Anne Joe, Estate of Rita Joe (Rita Joe's daughter), annmuin@gmail.com, 902-379-2263, 4962 Shore Rd., P. O. Box 7216, Eskasoni, NS, B1W 1B2

Rita Joe's profile page

Other titles by