Tom Jackson
Recording artist to some, celebrated actor and author to others, philanthropist to most: Tom Jackson is extraordinarily passionate about creating change. A bass-baritone voice for food banks, the disenfranchised, the traumatized, and an Ambassador for the Canadian Red Cross, Jackson is a “minstrel with a mission” and renaissance man.
Born on One Arrow Reserve, SK, his career is unparalleled and abundantly decorated. As a folk-pop singer-songwriter he has released 16 albums, and is renowned for roles on hit TV series like North of 60, Shining Time Station, Red Earth Uncovered, and Sullivan’s Crossing, and guest appearances in Outlander, Cardinal, Supergirl, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Law & Order. He has also starred in feature films, notably Cold Pursuit opposite Liam Neeson, Deadfall, Mee-Shee: The Water Giant, and Grizzly Falls. Jackson is understandably proud of his artistic pursuits, yet it is his extensive charitable work that is arguably his crowning achievement. As founder of The Huron Carole Benefit Concert Series, now in its 36th year, he has raised over $250 million to date for charities and relief organizations. A Companion of the Order of Canada; a winner of JUNO and Gemini Humanitarian awards; a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award winner for Lifetime Artistic Achievement; holding honorary degrees from 11 Canadian universities as well as the Queen’s Gold, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals; Jackson is one of Canada’s most influential, distinguished, and revered sons.
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Speak Up! is curated by David McLeod (member of the Pine Creek First Nation, MB), Indigenous programming consultant.