Marie Wilson

Commissioner, Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Marie Wilson is a fluently bilingual, university educated professional who has lived and worked in cross-cultural environments for almost forty years, both internationally, and in several parts of Canada, including the North. Throughout that time, Ms Wilson has dealt effectively with Aboriginal, church and political organizations at the operational, executive and political levels.

For 25 years she worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in radio and television as regional and national reporter, television program host, and Regional Director for northern Quebec and the northern Territories. As an independent contractor, Ms Wilson has developed and led complex, national profile, community development initiatives. Before becoming a Commissioner, she served as a senior manager (Vice President of Operations) in a public crown corporation, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Ms Wilson holds a Bachelors degree with Honours in French Language and Literature and a Masters degree in Journalism from the University of Western Ontario.

She is a recipient of the 1999 “Northerner of the Year” award from the prominent northern/national newsmagazine “Up Here”, and a “Lifetime Achievement” CBC North award from a jury of CBC staff and colleagues in 1999, in addition to various awards for documentary and writing excellence.

With a broad and deep understanding of the issues that will face The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Ms Wilson brings a wealth of specific skills and relevant experience that will serve the Commission in its important work.

She is married to Stephen Kakfwi, and is the proud mother of three children: Kyla, Daylyn and Keenan.