June 4 voted to be Tom Longboat Day by Ontario Assembly

St. Lawrence Neighbourhood has a street bearing his name

By Bulletin Staff –

Tom Longboat Day Resolution
That, in the opinion of this House, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario should proclaim June 4th of each year Tom Longboat Day in the Province of Ontario. Born on June 4th, 1887, in the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario, Tom Longboat was one of the most celebrated and accomplished athletes in Canadian history, and one of the world’s greatest long distance runners. He served as a dispatch carrier with the 107th Pioneer Battalion in France, delivering messages around the most treacherous battlegrounds, Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. Tom Longboat was a brave Ontarian, who demonstrated strength and poise in the face of discrimination and ridicule, inspiring Ontarians and fans across the world to strive for greatness. Proclaiming June 4th as Tom Longboat Day in Ontario will provide our children, and all Ontarians, the opportunity to learn about and be inspired by Tom Longboat’s story, allowing his legacy, and a piece of Ontario’s history, to live on.