Tom Wilson has been invested into the Order of Canada
Photo by Sean Sisk
Renowned for his work with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Lee Harvey Osmond and the rock band Junkhouse that launched his career, Tom Wilson is now a member of the Order of Canada.
Governor General Mary Simon announced the new investitures on the eve of Canada Day.
“I received an email from the Governor General letting me know they had a matter to discuss with me,” Tom told us by email.
“I usually get these kinds of formal requests from bill collectors so this note came as a bit of a surprise.”
The GG’s office called him later that morning to discuss the true reason for the note: the afforementioned investiture for, to quote the official citation, Tom’s “multifaceted contributions to the arts in Canada, notably as an iconic musician, as well as for his advocacy of Indigenous communities in Canada.”
“I was overcome with emotion,” Tom said. “I thought immediately about Bunny and George Wilson, the people who raised me and gave me a fighting chance and how proud they would be. I thought about my Mohawk ancestors, their battles for land, identity and sovereignty.”
He added that he hopes the appointment will support his positive intentions as he helps to promote a deeper awareness of the true history of the country – and also of the power and beauty of Indigenous people – through his art, writing and music.
Congratulations, Tom!
