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61 Rita Joe (1932–2007) Perhaps the most beloved Mi’kmaq writer, Rita Joe received numerous awards in her lifetime, including honorary doctorates from Dalhousie University, Cape Breton University, and Mount Saint Vincent University; the National Aboriginal Achievement Award; and membership in the Order of Canada. In her autobiography , from which the selections below are taken, she describes her childhood in Whycocomagh, Cape Breton; her traumatic experiences at the Shubenacadie Residential School; and her marriage, writing, and family life on the Eskasoni Reserve. From Song of Rita Joe They say that I must live A white man’s way. This day and age Still being bent to what they say, My heart remains Tuned to native time. I lost my talk The talk you took away When I was a little girl At Shubenacadie school. You snatched it away; I speak like you I think like you I create like you The scrambled ballad, about my word. Two ways I talk Both ways I say, Your way is more powerful. 62 mi’kmaq So gently I offer my hand and ask, Let me find my talk So I can teach you about me. This is what it is like for the Native people of today. It is hard for you to see our face, and sometimes it is even hard for us to see ourselves. In the first poem in my first book, I wrote: I am the Indian, And the burden Lies yet with me. Twenty years later, I am thinking the same thing. The brave part is in taking on history and leaving your own story. Today I still say, “This is who I am. I want to share it with you.” Ta’ho’! (So be it.) I am just an Indian on this land I am sad, my culture you do not understand. I am just an Indian to you now You wrinkle your brow. Today you greet me with bagpipes Today you sing your song to me Today we shake hands and see How we keep good company. Today I will tell stories Today I will play the drum and dance Today I will say what is on my mind For being friends is our goal. Today I will show you I am just like you Today I will show what is true Today I will show we can be friends Together we agree. Today I will tell you about my race Today I will share what is mine Today I will give you my heart This is all we own Today I show. Hello everybody, my name is Rita Joe. ...

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