Wake the Giant is getting international recognition.
Thunder Bay’s annual music festival has been nominated for a Music Cities Award for Music Community Impact, thanks to its role in connecting the city with its Indigenous community. Wake the Giant is meant to welcome Indigenous youth coming to the city from remote communities for schooling.
“Wake the Giant has always been so much more than a music festival,” said Sean Spenrath, co-founder & organizer of the festival. “It’s brought communities and people together, put a spotlight on Indigenous culture, and has created opportunities to help inspire Indigenous youth to see what’s possible for themselves.”
The Music Cities Awards Ceremony will be held in Kingston upon Hull, UK on June 11. The award show was created to spotlight the organizations, public bodies, cultural leaders, and artists who are redefining how music can drive social, economic, and cultural impact around the world.
“Being recognized by the Music Cities Awards is such an incredible moment for Northern Nishnawbe Education Council and Wake the Giant. To be celebrated on a global stage for something that started as a grassroots idea and has grown into such a huge movement and event, is so meaningful,” Spenrath said.
Wake the Giant’s 2026 lineup will be announced on Friday. The festival will be held in September.
