Book excerpt: Straight from the heart, Rita Joe tells the story of her remarkable life: her tumultuous childhood in foster homes, education in an Indian residential school, turbulent marriage and daily struggles with prejudice, sexism and poverty. Over time, these battles led her to discover her poetic voice which helped her reclaim her Aboriginal heritage. In the fascinating final part of her story, Rita Joe writes movingly about old age, her lifelong spiritual quest and the promise of renewed hope and healing. Song of Rita Joe reveals to us an eloquent and courageous Mi'kmaq woman whose timely message of "gentle persuasion" has enriched the life of a nation.