Tom Hill
Tom Hill – Governor General’s award in visual and media arts
Tom Hill has won the 2004 Governor General’s award in visual and media arts in the outstanding contribution category. Hill has held prominent positions in the arts in Canada for over 30 years. As a curator, writer, art historian, volunteer and artist, he has played an influential role in the development of Aboriginal visual arts. A Konadaha Seneca, Hill studied at the Ontario College of Art; he also has a certificate in museum studies from the Ontario Museums Association. From his involvement in the Indians of Canada Pavilion at Expo ’67, he went on to become the first Aboriginal art curator in Canada. A tireless contributor to countless committees and boards, he has lectured and written extensively. Among his many awards is an honorary doctorate from Wilfrid Laurier University. He has been museum director at the Woodland Cultural Centre near Brantford for over 20 years. Tom Hill lives in Ohsweken, Ontario.
The independent peer jury said the following about the award: “Tom Hill’s many contributions to the art of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples and to building bridges between Aboriginal artists and the broader Canadian community are without equal. As a curator, writer, lecturer, art historian, cultural policy-maker and volunteer, he has played a crucial role that has been insightful and visionary. Hill’s tireless devotion reflects a generous spirit. His determined quest to “find balance” has served the arts well and inspired untold numbers of artists in several fields.”