Tom Jackson has had many years of success and acclaim as an actor and musician, but its the role of Peter Kenidi, the feisty chief in the fictional town of Lynx River on the television show North of 60 that most people remember him for; a role that garnered him three Gemini award nominations. This year Jackson is again being recognized by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, not for any of his performances on-screen, but for his tireless work off-screen on behalf of Canadians in need. Jackson is the recipient of the 2007 Gemini Humanitarian Award.
Born on the One Arrow reserve in Saskatchewan and raised in Winnipeg, Tom Jackson struggled early-on to survive his own battle with addictions; and while pride and his instinct for self-preservation eventually helped him straighten himself out, it is this personal experience that provides him with a unique connection to many of his fans.
For three decades, Jackson has devoted an extraordinary amount of his personal time and energy to raising money and awareness about poverty and the people who rely on soup kitchens. He still drops into the local shelter in every community he visits, where people want to meet him, not because he’s on television, but because he understands; his stories, acting, music and lyrics are infused with his own experiences on the street.
“What I see when people look at me on the street and at the food bank is a need for somebody to tell ’em I love ’em,” says Jackson. “I’m not afraid to do that, not because it’s so good for them, but because it’s really good for me.”
Over the years Jackson’s concerts have raised nearly $10-million for Canadians in need. Next month he will embark on his fourth Singing for Supper tour, raising money and awareness about poverty in 22 cities.
When a fellow cast member on North of 60 committed suicide, it spurred Jackson to create The Dreamcatcher Tour. For eleven years Jackson’s workshops have brough messages of empowerment to Canadian aboriginal communities struggling with the loss of young lives to suicide.
“It’s such a rewarding experience to help others,” says Jackson, “its got magic.”
Created and sponsored by Global Television in 2001, the Gemini Humanitarian Award honours significant contributions to community and public service outside the television industry by members of the industry. Accompanying the award is a $10-thousand financial contribution to the recipient’s charities of choice.
Jackson’s previous accolades include his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2000 and the Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in recognition of his contributions to the social landscape of Canada at the 2007 Juno Awards.
A personal journey from street to stardom — and back — makes Tom Jackson this week’s Everyday Hero.
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