Our History Would Be Different: A Celebration of Rita Joe

Our History Would Be Different: A Celebration of Rita Joe features a presentation of new commissioned works by Raymond Sewell. Tiffany Morris, and Danica Roache, inspired by the work of Rita Joe, this year's Heritage Day honoree. Hosted by Mercedes Peters. Rita Joe's daughters Frances Syliboy and Ann Joe will speak about their mother. Lusknikn and tea will be served.

Often called the Poet Laureate of the Mi'kmaq people, Rita Joe wrote with honesty and heart about her life and her experiences. Her work remains deeply relevant and deeply affecting. In her memoir Song of Rita Joe, she wrote: “My greatest wish is that there will be more writing from my people, and that our children will read it. I have said again and again that our history would be different if it had been expressed by us.”

This event is presented with support from Nova Scotia's Department of Culture, Communities, Tourism, and Heritage.