$5 million in media grants to be awarded at the VIP celebration featuring a special DJ performance by Kardinal Offishall
TORONTO – July 31 2025 – As part of the official Sankofa Day celebration on August 23, Sankofa Square will host the highly anticipated inaugural iDREAM Awards, a powerful celebration recognizing and elevating pioneering individuals and organizations advancing equity, diversity, and cultural innovation across Canada. The event will spotlight inspiring stories, award transformative awards to selected winners in five categories, and provide a night full of entertainment, celebrity appearances, and community engagement, marking a key moment in the historic opening of Sankofa Square.
“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.”
An Unmissable Night of Recognition and Impact
The evening will kick off with early 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, mingle with changemakers, and share in this historic celebration.
Major performances from celebrated artists and exclusive celebrity appearances will entertain guests, while the event’s live broadcast will stream across Sankofa Square and beyond, extending its reach to wider audiences across 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.
Celebrating Leaders and Breaking Barriers
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 game-changing $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.
Distinguished Judges Selecting Recipients
The event’s judging panel include a growing list of notable Canadians:
- Amanda Brugel – Award-winning actress (The Handmaid’s Tale, Kim’s Convenience)
- Anthony Farell – BAFTA-winning, Emmy-nominated writer/producer who has worked in Canada, the US, and the UK
- Chief R. Stacey LaForme – Elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
- Creeson Agecoutay – Host and producer for APTN National News in Winnipeg
- Damar Walker – AirBus 320 Captain
- Esmaa Mohamoud: Critically Acclaimed Sculptor and Installation artist
- Jermain Franklin – Anchor, TSN SPORTSCENTRE
- Jo Dolo – Actor, hip-hop artist and former NHL player
- Kelly Langgard – Director and CEO, Toronto Arts Council
- Kevin Johnson – Chief Executive Officer, WPP Media Canada and President, WPP Canada
- Kim Sullivan – Host and Producer of Nouvelles Nationales d’APTN
- MC Bonde – Award-winning MC, TV and radio host
- Pauline Christian – Award Winning Author, Speaker, Philanthropist
- Rasta Phil – A renowned artist and activist whose music fuels cultural dialogue.
- Tim Coldwell – President & CEO, Enska Advisors
Event Details:
- Date: August 23rd
- Location: Sankofa Square, Toronto
- Time: Doors open at 6:30 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 and all-inclusive beverages sponsored by Steam Whistle Brewery. Take advantage of the Super Early Bird pricing—available until August 7—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.
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:
Morgan Cates
Carolin Taubensee