iDREAM Awards Finalists Announced: $5 million in media grants to be awarded at the VIP celebration at Sankofa Square
TORONTO – August 19, 2025 – The iDREAM Awards have announced finalists across all five award categories ahead of the inaugural event on August 23 at Sankofa Square where recipients will be announced in a powerful celebration. Honoured for their innovation and excellence in their respective fields, each recipient will receive a $1 million media campaign to propel their impact and support their growth and visibility. The $5 million in media has been generously donated by BELL, Rogers, Corus, Pattison and more than 30 media companies in Canada.
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● Nobellum
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● Voetry |
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Art |
Sport |
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● The Little Native Hockey League ● Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation
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The iDREAM Awards will spotlight inspiring stories and provide a night full of entertainment, celebrity appearances and community engagement in an effort to elevate pioneering individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing equity, diversity and cultural innovation across Canada. The event will follow the historic opening of Sankofa Day.
“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.”
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.
The celebration will include a red carpet, immersive experiences, signature cocktails, art installations and more.
Event Details:
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Location: Sankofa Square, Toronto
- Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM; event begins at 7:00 PM
Secure Your Tickets Today
VIP tickets are now available to the public, including access to the exclusive iDREAM Lounge with all-inclusive beverages sponsored by Steam Whistle Brewery, and Corby Spirits Limited. Take advantage of Early Bird pricing—available until August 21—to enjoy discounted rates. Purchase your tickets at idreamadream.ca and support iDREAM’s mission to uplift underrepresented communities across Canada.
Join us for an unforgettable evening dedicated to celebrating leadership, cultural innovation, and community empowerment. Be part of this historic event—your presence helps amplify voices that spark change.
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About iDREAM:
iDREAM is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to promoting racial equity and inclusivity within media and creative industries. iDREAMs Racial Equity Award in Media is a flagship program designed to address systemic barriers and create opportunities for BIPOC and underrepresented leaders to thrive. Through initiatives like the iDREAM Awards, the organization is working to build a more just, diverse, and representative media landscape.
Contact:
Carolin Taubensee
carolin.taubensee@idreamadream.com