Singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer is an inspiring and respected Canadian artist who has used her powerful voice to go beyond music and engage her audiences and peers in important environmental and human rights issues. Alongside her work as an organizer and activist, she has released six solo albums and performed for audiences across North America, sharing her one-of-a-kind voice and lyrical storytelling. Sarah has received two JUNO awards, eight JUNO nominations, and two Polaris Prize shortlist recognitions.
Sarah Harmer has been passionately involved in environmental and community initiatives for over twenty-five years, primarily around water and species protection in her home province of Ontario. She has also supported land defence across Canada, particularly in response to extractive oil, gas and aggregate mining industries. In 2005, Harmer co-founded Protecting Escarpment Rural Land (PERL), to stop a massive crushed rock quarry on Mount Nemo, part of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Sarah organized, produced and performed at numerous PERL fundraisers, and her 2006 JUNO award-winning documentary, Escarpment Blues, followed her band as they performed along the escarpment’s Bruce Trail to raise funds and awareness. In 2012, PERL played a key role at the Ontario Joint Board hearing, stopping Lafarge/Nelson Aggregates from destroying endangered species habitats, significant headwater wetlands, and safe and abundant drinking water
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About The Humanitarian Award
The Humanitarian Award recognizes an outstanding Canadian artist or industry leader whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada and/or whose impact can be felt worldwide. Formally known as the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award, recipients must show exemplary dedication to social, environmental and humanitarian causes. This can be done in a single noted action or a life-long commitment.