ELORA – The Elora Centre for the Arts and Riverfest Elora are pleased to announce acclaimed Canadian musician, author and visual artist Tom Wilson as the 2025 recipient of the Creative Roots Artist of the Year award.
Presented annually to an artist performing at Riverfest Elora, the Creative Roots award celebrates artists who have built deep creative roots in their community while inspiring and blazing a trail for the next generation of artists. Previous recipients include Feist and OMBIIGIZI.
The award is also a nod to the creative roots of Riverfest Elora, which began in 2009 as a one-night fundraiser for the Elora Centre for the Arts. Since then, it has grown to become one of Ontario’s premier music festivals and continues to support the local arts community to this day.
About Tom Wilson
Wilson first made his mark as the lead singer of Junkhouse before co-founding Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and Lee Harvey Osmond. Over the course of his career, his songs have been recorded by celebrated artists including Sarah McLachlan, City and Colour, Lucinda Williams and Mavis Staples.
In recent years, Wilson’s creative journey has been profoundly shaped by the discovery of his Mohawk heritage — a story he shares in his bestselling memoir, Beautiful Scars. The memoir has since been adapted into both an acclaimed documentary and a groundbreaking stage musical.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Wilson has also invested in the future of Indigenous youth. In 2020, he established the Tom Wilson Indigenous Bursary at McMaster University to support and uplift the next generation of Indigenous voices.
“Tom’s journey as an artist and advocate is a powerful testament to resilience, creativity and community leadership,” said Lianne Carter, Executive Director of the Elora Centre for the Arts. “From discovering his Mohawk identity later in life to courageously sharing his story through music, visual art, writing and film, he’s created space for truth, reflection and healing — not only for himself but for others as well.”
“We’re thrilled to recognize Tom as the Creative Roots Artist of the Year,” said Spencer Shewen, Creative Director of Riverfest Elora. “His music, his stories and his generosity of spirit have left a lasting mark on Canada’s cultural landscape, and on the next generation of artists he’s mentored and inspired along the way.”
The Creative Roots Artist of the Year Award was officially presented to Wilson on Saturday, August 16, at Riverfest Elora, following his show stopping performance on the Koop Tent stage.
As part of the award, Wilson received a plaque featuring work by photographer Wayne Simpson, and had his name added to the Creative Roots paddle, which was created by a participant in the Elora Centre for the Arts’ Supportive Arts program for adults with (dis)abilities.
For more on Tom Wilson’s music, writing, artwork and upcoming performances, visit tomwilsononline.com.
