Marie Wilson (journalist)

Marie Wilson
CM ONWT MSC
Wilson in 2015
Born
Petrolia, Ontario, Canada
Alma materUniversity of Western Ontario
Occupations
  • Journalist
  • public administrator
OfficeTruth and Reconciliation Commissioner (2009–2015)
SpouseStephen Kakfwi
Signature

Marie Wilson CM ONWT MSC is a journalist and public administrator who served as one of three commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). Born in Petrolia, Ontario,[1] Wilson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French language and literature and a Master of Arts degree in journalism, both from the University of Western Ontario.[2] She spent over 35 years working in journalism for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, including as regional director for CBC North and as adviser to the South African Broadcasting Corporation. In 2015, she served as a professor of practice at McGill University. Prior to her appointment to the TRC, she was employed by the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories as vice president for operations.

The sole non-Indigenous TRC commissioner,[3] she worked for over six years documenting the history and lasting impacts of the Canadian Indian residential school system.[4] Wilson has received multiple awards and recognition for her work. She was appointed to the Order of Canada and the Order of the Northwest Territories in 2017.[5][6] In addition, she is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Cross, a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the CBC North Award for Lifetime Achievement, a Northerner of the Year Award, the Calgary Peace Prize,[7] and honorary doctorates from St. Thomas University, the Atlantic School of Theology, and the University of Manitoba.[8]

Wilson has three children with her husband Stephen Kakfwi, former Dene Nation Chief and Premier of the Northwest Territories.[9]

  1. ^ Morden, Paul (30 September 2015). "Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner to Speak at Aamjiwnaang". The Sarnia Observer. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  2. ^ Winders, Jason (Winter 2017). "Finding Her Place" (PDF). Alumni Gazette. London, Ontario: Western University. p. 28. ISSN 1189-6272. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  3. ^ MacDonald, David B. (2019). The Sleeping Giant Awakens: Genocide, Indian Residential Schools, and the Challenge of Conciliation. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. p. 117. ISBN 978-1-4875-2269-8.
  4. ^ "Meet the Commissioners". Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
  5. ^ Mosher, Alyssa (3 July 2017). "More education, change to come: TRC commissioner Marie Wilson on 2nd anniversary of calls to action". CBC News. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
  6. ^ "Marie Wilson". Secretary to the Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
  7. ^ Lo, Tricia (7 April 2016). "Truth and Reconciliation Commission honoured with Calgary Peace Prize". CBC News. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  8. ^ "Marie Wilson". Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
  9. ^ "Dr. Marie Wilson Journey Participant". Students on Ice. Retrieved 17 May 2019.