N E W S
2018
Heather Bishop retires from touring
After 45 years of touring Heather has left life on the road for the tranquility of her beautiful home in southern Manitoba. Her farewell US concert was in Apache Junction, Arizona while her Canadian farewell was at the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg. The Winnipeg show was videoed and recorded and Heather has just released a CD and DVD entitled The Last Tracks to celebrate and commemorate her career. You may see her pop up now and again, fulfilling previous commitments or playing a few songs at her favourite festivals. She leaves with a heart overflowing with gratitude for close to 5 decades of getting on stages and sharing her music, her voice and her vision.
"You have honoured me with your time and your attention and I am forever grateful….” Heather
Heather Bishop is appointed to the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
Two Manitobans To Help Choose Next Senators: Mike Deal / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
OTTAWA – Manitoba singer and songwriter Heather Bishop and former United Way Winnipeg President Susan Lewis will help choose Manitoba’s next senators, Democratic Reform Minister Maryam Monsef announced this morning….Prime Minister Justin Trudeau campaigned on a plan to create a non-partisan Senate by appointing senators who do not represent a political party…The committee is designed to ferret out senate nominees which will be submitted to Trudeau for approval.
2016
2014
Heather Bishop hangs out her shingle at Tour De Trance Meditation
An unrelenting quest for self-knowledge has led Heather Bishop down many a crooked mile and onto stages around the world. From sweat lodges in North America to conciliation circles in Aboriginal Australia, from the Flower of Life to the Enneagram, and finally to Hypnotherapy. The impact on her own life was so profound that she dedicated 6 years to becoming a Master Hypnotherapist. And from life’s alchemy was forged the metaphysical artist that Heather Bishop has become today.
Suspend disbelief and take a guided tour. You will be assisted with a deep meditative state that results in an expanded consciousness. The journey is yours to choose.
Click HERE for more info on Tour De Trance.
Heather Bishop is now a Marriage Commissioner
Heather is licensed by the Province of Manitoba to legally perform and solemnize marriages.
2012
2011
Heather Bishop is awarded a Doctorate of Laws (honoris causa)
In a Convocation Ceremony on June 4, 2011, Brandon University bestowed an Honourary Doctorate of Laws upon Heather Bishop in recognition of outstanding contributions to the world of music and for pioneering contributions to the equality of women and minorities, and the furtherance of social justice for all Canadians. Heather was thrilled to receive this award at the same time as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States – the Honourable Gary Doer, and Canada’s Ambassador to the World – the most wonderful, Buffy Sainte Marie.
Heather Bishop is awarded the Above and Beyond Award for the Arts
Roberta Christianson, President of the Manitoba Foundation for the Arts, awarded Heather the Artist Award for contributions Above and Beyond. The award recognizes Manitoba individuals who go above and beyond their daily professions to use art in ways that enhance the communities they live in and the overall quality of life in Manitoba.
2006
Heather Bishop is awarded the Industry Builder 2006 Award at the Western Canadian Music Awards
At the Western Canadian Music Awards, Heather was awarded the Western Canadian Music Award’s Industry Builder Award. This was in recognition by her peers for the contributions she has made throughout her career to the Canadian music industry. Her volunteer work as the President of MARIA and on the board of Manitoba Film and Sound were cited in particular. She was credited with playing an integral role in the phenomenal growth in the industry in Manitoba.
2006
Heather Bishop is awarded The Order of Canada
In a ceremony at Rideau Hall on November 18, 2005 Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Canada’s new Governor General, formally presented Heather with the Order of Canada. Few would argue that receiving the nations highest award in recognition of her work as an activist, volunteer and one of the country’s top selling independent artists would constitute a lifetime achievement, needing no encore. As an advocate for women’s rights, racial equality, same-sex rights, and environmental awareness and protection, combined with being a top-selling artist who pioneered independent distribution through the creation of the Mother of Pearl label, Heather Bishop should be able to slow down and enjoy the rewards for a life well-lived. Fortunately, Heather Bishop has never done what was expected of her.
Heather was decorated with the following synopsis of her contribution to this country:
“From her home in rural Manitoba, Heather Bishop has successfully cultivated a career of international scope as an independent artist. Since founding her own record company in 1976, this talented musician has released several acclaimed folk and children’s albums, and has toured extensively in many countries. Highly admired for her social activism, she has championed women’s rights and has spoken out against racism and homophobia. She also helped to develop and teach one of the country’s first pre-trades training for women courses at Red River College, in Winnipeg."
2005
Heather Bishop is awarded the Order of Manitoba
In a ceremony at the Legislative Buildings in July 2001, the Honourable Peter M. Liba, the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, invested Heather into this prestigious order.
Heather has dedicated her life to making a difference in the world. She has championed many causes, from fighting for the rights of women starting in the late 60′s to battling racism and homophobia. Heather is an experienced trades woman. She is a carpenter, electrician, plumber and auto mechanic. She initiated and taught the first Pre-Trades Training for Women course in Canada and was a founding member of the national Women in Trades organization.
Heather Bishop is best known for her work as a musician. She performs both for children and adults, and has received many awards including two JUNO nominations, a PMA nomination, two U.S. Parent’s Choice Gold Awards, and a NAPPA Gold Award. Heather has toured the world and performed with almost every major symphony orchestra in Canada.
2001
Heather Bishop received the YM-YWCA Woman of Distinction Award.