Dare to Dream Day

Dare to Dream Day is an annual event celebrating children and Indigenous culture.

In Anishinabek News

• April 2017: The inaugural event was scheduled for April 29, 2017, at the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay. Children are invited to dress as superheroes or princesses to participate in activities like a dance-a-thon, crafts, and a photo booth. Proceeds from the event provide funding for Indigenous children seeking leadership, cultural, and educational opportunities.
• May 2017: The event took place on April 29, 2017, and featured activity stations such as face-painting, crafts, and a photo booth. Volunteers dressed as superheroes and princesses met with children to encourage them to follow their dreams. The gathering included a dance party and musical performances to support the Mazinaajim Children's Foundation.
• May 2018: The second annual event took place on April 28, 2018, in Thunder Bay. The gathering featured activity stations such as slime making and cookie decorating alongside costumed characters. More than 400 tickets were sold for the 2018 event to support the Mazinaajim Children's Foundation.
• April 2019: The third annual event was scheduled for April 27, 2019, at St. Patrick High School in Thunder Bay. The 2019 event featured a variety show with local youth performers, including musicians, dancers, and cheerleaders. The event was emceed by Dave Jones and aimed to inspire children to dream big.
• May 2019: The 2019 event featured approximately 15 acts, including Jingle Dress and Fancy Shawl dancers, music, and athletic groups. The gathering took place at St. Patrick High School in Thunder Bay on April 27, 2019.
• May 2022: The fourth annual event took place on May 5, 2022, at the Da Vinci Centre in Thunder Bay. The gathering raised more than $15,000 to fund bursaries for youth education, sports, and cultural opportunities. Between 600 and 800 people attended the event, which featured pow wow dancing, superhero costumes, and a barbecue.
• May 2023: The fifth annual event was held on May 2, 2023, at the DaVinci Centre and expected to draw approximately 500 attendees. The gathering featured traditional dance demonstrations, face painting, and appearances by costumed characters to inspire children to pursue their aspirations. The event is designed to be barrier-free by providing food and activities at no cost to families.
• May 2024: The sixth annual gathering took place on May 8, 2024, at the CLE Coliseum in Thunder Bay. The event featured pow wow dance demonstrations by five young dancers to showcase cultural resilience and traditions. The initiative aims to make children feel special and important while connecting them to community resources and bursaries.