Inaugural iDREAM Awards to celebrate emerging Canadian changemakers at Sankofa Day event
On August 23. Toronto’s Sankofa Square will host the inaugural iDREAM Awards, celebrating individuals and organizations advancing equity, diversity, and cultural innovation across Canada, with awards given to selected winners in five categories.
iDREAM is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to promoting racial equity and inclusivity within media and creative industries.
The iDREAM Awards will honour emerging voices who are shaping the future of Canadian culture, arts, entrepreneurship, and social justice. Award recipients in five categories including art, entrepreneurship, film, music and sport will receive a $1 million media campaign to propel their impact and support their growth and visibility. Five million in media has been donated by Bell, Rogers, Corus, Pattison and more than 30 media companies in Canada.
“Our goal is to elevate voices that often go unrecognized and to invest in the future of equity in Canada,” said Jamie Thompson, founder of iDREAM. “By shining a spotlight on changemakers, we hope to inspire meaningful progress and support those leading the way in their communities.”
Like all award ceremonies, the iDREAM Awards will feature red carpet photos for media and VIP guests, followed by immersive experiences featuring curated background music, signature cocktails, and illuminated installations lighting up Sankofa Square. Attendees will have opportunities to explore engaging displays and mingle with changemakers, along with performances by celebrated artists and celebrity appearances. The event's live broadcast will stream across Sankofa Square and Canada.
The event will be co-hosted by Jermain Franklin (TSN) and Kim Sullivan (APTN) and feature a performance by alt pop-rock Indigenous artist Natasha Fisher. Rapper and producer Kardinal Offishall will also perform a DJ set as a part of the Sankofa Day celebration during the award ceremony.
VIP tickets are now available to the public, including access to the iDREAM Lounge and all-inclusive beverages sponsored by Steam Whistle Brewery.
