Saturday, October 5 • 8 PM
The Historic Market Hall
Tom Wilson: the Canadian Renaissance man! This musician, author, and visual artist has penned a memoir, “Beautiful Scars,” that not only became a national bestseller but also transformed into a TVO Original documentary directed by Shane Belcourt. And if that wasn’t enough, Hamilton’s Theatre Aquarius turned it into a successful musical, teaming up with actor/writer Shaun Smyth. Wilson’s life story is like a plot twist in a movie, revealing incredible truths about his biological family and Indigenous heritage, and chronicling his journey to discover his true identity as a Mohawk man.
“On my path to finding out who I really am, I aim to bridge the gap between my Indigenous roots and colonial history, fostering a more patient and loving community.” – Tom Wilson
Wilson’s career is a trophy case of accolades, from Hamilton Music Awards to Polaris Prize nominations, Juno Awards, and gold and platinum records. His songwriting skills have attracted stars like Sarah McLachlan, City and Colour, Jason Isbell, and Mavis Staples. He’s rocked out with Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, and Lee Harvey Osmond, the latter of which snagged a 2020 Juno for the album “Mohawk.”
After his exhibit at the Art Gallery of Burlington, “Beautiful Scars: Mohawk Warriors, Hunters and Chiefs,” his paintings now grace galleries across Canada, including Toronto’s Cultural Goods Gallery and Tom Beckett Fine Art in Hamilton. His installation “Fading Memories of Home” poignantly explores the erasure of Indigenous culture in residential schools, featuring nine reconstructed school desks with photos of children’s families that fade as you move back, symbolizing the loss of identity and heritage.
In January 2024, Goose Lane Editions published “Mohawk Warriors, Hunters and Chiefs: The Art Of Tom Wilson Tehoháhake.”
Tom also established the Tom Wilson Indigenous Bursary in Honour of Bunny Wilson at McMaster University, aiding first-year Indigenous students from Ontario secondary schools in any undergraduate program.
In June 2023, Wilson was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada for his artistic contributions and advocacy for Indigenous communities.
Through his music, art, and writing, Wilson channels ancestral wisdom while tackling today’s issues, creating a dialogue about Indigenous identity and resilience.
Born June 9, 1959, in Hamilton, Ontario, Tom was raised by his adoptive parents, Bunny and George Wilson. In December 2021, he was officially added to the Kahnawà:ke Kanien’kehá:ka Registry as per Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke law.
Be the first to comment