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Mi’kmaq poet Rebecca Thomas named Halifax’s first aboriginal poet laureate

RebeccaThomasbyMattMadden

(photo: Matt Madden via Halifax.ca).

Mi’kmaq poet, spoken word performer, and slam master Rebecca Thomas has been named Halifax’s new poet laureate.

“Poetry can give a voice to the voiceless. Poetry can make a powerless person feel powerful. This is why I speak,” says Thomas in a press release.

Mayor Michael Savage adds: “We’re very pleased to appoint Ms. Thomas as our next Poet Laureate, a position which will empower her to enhance our understanding of our region’s unique cultural tapestry through her work.”

Thomas, who currently works as coordinator of aboriginal student services at Nova Scotia Community College, will start her two-year term at the beginning of National Poetry Month on April 1. She takes over for former laureate El Jones.