in 1976 she founded mother of pearl records. she recorded her first children's album, "belly button: a collection of songs for children" in 1982, and has 15 albums to her credit, including juno nominations for her 1987 a taste of the blues and her 1997 "chickee's on the run". bishop is also a prominent social activist, championing such causes as social justice, labour unions, environmentalism, lgbt rights, animal rights, and children's safety. she was made a member of the order of canada in 2005, the order of manitoba (2001), an honorary doctor of laws degree from brandon university (2011), and her majesty the queen's diamond jubilee medal (2012).