— Photo by Dan Fischer
Tom Wilson Named 2025 Creative Roots Artist of the Year at Riverfest Elora
August 22, 2025
The Elora Centre for the Arts and Riverfest Elora are pleased to announce acclaimed Canadian musician, author and visual artist as the 2025 recipient of the Creative Roots Artist of the Year award.
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, . 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 showstopping 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 .
Media contact:
Erinn Steringa
Marketing & Communications Manager
Elora Centre for the Arts
marketing@ecfta.ca
(416) 995-3865
About Riverfest Elora
Riverfest Elora is a three-day festival that takes place annually in August in Bissell Park. The festival was founded by Elora artist Marilyn Koop in 2009. Koop passed away in 2012 and, since then, the festival has continued in her memory.
Over the years, Riverfest Elora has brought an impressive array of musicians to the small town including City and Colour, The Flaming Lips, Carly Rae Jepsen, MGMT, Arkells, July Talk, Gogol Bordello, Chromeo, Metric, Blue Rodeo, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Reklaws, Walk Off The Earth, Talk, Charlotte Cardin, The Halluci Nation, Sam Roberts Band, The Glorious Sons, The Sheepdogs, Monster Truck, Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Bruce Cockburn, Hey Rosetta!, Feist, The Beaches and many more. riverfestelora.com
About The Elora Centre for the Arts
The Elora Centre for the Arts is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to igniting creativity, fostering connection and building community through the arts.
Whether it’s the making of art or appreciating the work of others, we believe that creativity is for everyone, and that participation in the arts is integral to the well-being of our communities.
As an arts and culture hub for Wellington County, the Arts Centre serves more than 50,000 people every year through exhibitions, performances, community events, summer camps, affordable office and studio space for local artists and arts groups, and a range of programs and services for all ages. eloracentreforthearts.ca