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Open Minds Series: Conversations with Tom Wilson

Presented by the Friends of the Guelph Public Library

Join Canadian music legend, famed storyteller and visual artist, Tom Wilson, as he shares incredible truths about his Indigenous heritage and artistry, Tehoh’ahake. For adults. Please register.

Join us for a special evening with Tom Wilson, an iconic Canadian musician, famed storyteller and visual artist.

Wilson’s memoir, "Beautiful Scars" published by Penguin/Random House has become a national bestseller. The memoir has been adapted into a TVO Original documentary (directed by Shane Belcourt). Exposing incredible truths about Wilson’s biological family and Indigenous heritage, the documentary delves into the singer-songwriter’s lifetime quest to find himself and ultimately, uncover his true identity as a Mohawk man.

Tom Wilson's extensive career and tireless efforts as a musician have bestowed upon him numerous nominations and awards from the Hamilton Music Awards to the Polaris Prize to the Juno Awards, including certified gold and platinum records. His song writing has seen his works recorded by and with artists such as: Sarah McLachlan, City and Colour, Jason Isbell, Colin James, Lucinda Williams, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mavis Staples, The Rankin Family, as well as his own bands Lee Harvey Osmond, Junkhouse, and Canadian treasure, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. Lee Harvey Osmond was awarded a 2020 Juno Award for the album “Mohawk”.

After the success of his "Beautiful Scars: Mohawk Warriors, Hunters and Chiefs" art show at the Art Gallery of Burlington, Tom’s paintings are now on display in various galleries across Canada. In 2020, Tom established the Bunny Wilson Indigenous Scholarship fund at McMaster University, supporting year one Indigenous students from Ontario secondary schools completing an undergraduate program in any faculty.

In June 2023, Wilson was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Canada for his multifaceted contributions to the arts in Canada, notably as an iconic musician, as well as for his advocacy of Indigenous communities in Canada.

Don't miss Conversations with Tom Wilson on Wednesday, May 29, at 7 p.m. in the Guelph Public Library's Main Library. This is the final event in the Friends of the Guelph Public Library Open Minds spring speaker series which features one of Canada's most prolific musician, artist and author!

Health and Safety Protocols:

• Do not attend this program if you currently have or recently had a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or are feeling unwell.
• Keep your hands clean. Hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the library and should be used upon entry to this program.

By participating in this program, you acknowledge that you accept and agree to Guelph Public Library's Code of Conduct.

If you have any questions, please contact Meg Forestell-Page at mforestell@guelphpl.ca.

Alternative formats are available as per the Accessibility per Ontarians Act by contacting Library Communications at 519-824-6220 extension 239.

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