CEDC Tourism Development Fund Provides $50,000 to Wake the Giant 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) and Tourism Thunder Bay are excited to announce $50,000 in funding support from the Tourism Development Fund for Wake the Giant 2025.

The 6th annual event will be occurring between September 4th to 6th, beginning with an orientation week for Indigenous youth and concluding with a music festival to showcase Indigenous culture and an appreciation of music.

“Wake the Giant is a fantastic event for Thunder Bay,” says Jamie Taylor, CEO of the Thunder Bay CEDC. “Welcoming DFC students in such a meaningful way reflects our strong commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for everyone.”

The 2025 festival will see the first Indigenous headlining artist, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas. The event’s lineup will also include the Black Eyed Peas, Prozzäk, Neon Dreams, Crystal Shawanda, The Poets Tragically Hip Tribute Band, Wyatt C. Louis and G DUBZ taking the stage at Prince Arthur’s Landing.

The event will celebrate inclusivity and Indigenous culture, through live art installations, cultural experiences, local food, and an Indigenous craft market.

“Wake the Giant is grateful to receive this funding— it helps us keep growing something so special.” states Sean Spenrath, Co-Founder and Organizer of Wake the Giant “This support means we can continue to welcome hundreds of Indigenous youths to Thunder Bay, while giving festival goers an unforgettable cultural experience through music, art and community. Wake the Giant is more than just a festival, it brings people together and puts a spotlight on Indigenous culture in a way that’s exciting. It has also become a huge draw for visitors, creating a world-class event in our city.”

The music festival was created as a community-driven event to welcome hundreds of Indigenous youths to Thunder Bay from Northern remote communities.

NT4