Rita Joe

Rita Joe
BornRita Bernard
(1932-03-15)March 15, 1932
Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia
DiedMarch 20, 2007(2007-03-20) (aged 75)
Sydney, Nova Scotia
OccupationPoetry
NationalityCanadian
GenrePoetry, Memoir
Notable awardsNational Aboriginal Achievement Award, 1987; Member of the Order of Canada, 1989; Queen's Privy Council for Canada, 1992; Poet Laureate of the Mi'kmaq people
SpouseFrank Joe
ChildrenEight children; adopted two boys

Rita Joe, PC CM (born Rita Bernard; March 15, 1932 – March 20, 2007) was a Mi'kmaq poet and songwriter, often referred to as the Poet Laureate of the Mi'kmaq people.