The Second Annual Bikila Award was a great success!

>> Greetings from the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

October 15, 2015 -- The 2015 Bikila Award was held on Saturday, September 26th in Toronto. More than three hundred fifty people gathered from across Canada, USA and Ethiopia to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of twelve winners of the second annual Bikila Award.

Professor Haile Gerima gave the key note address, urging Ethiopians to re-examine their history and have a deeper understanding of the ultimate sacrifice paid by their forefathers.

Professor Michael Gervers, who was one of the Guests of Honour of the evening, challenged the Ethiopian Community to match his $50,000 donation to have the teaching of Ethiopian Studies at the graduate level, and in particular the introduction of a formal course on ge’ez language at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Senait Fisseha, the other G uest of Honour of this star-studded event, shared her story of excellence leaving the audience wanting to hear more. Award winners also shared their key to success and their greatest influence.

• For the award event photos click here. >>

The second Bikila Award ceremony has been getting rave reviews by audiences and the media. One a young guest of the evening commented "You have nicely brought all generations together from 17 to 90, and allowed us to share and learn from them."

The Bikila Award Board of Directors would like to extend a heart-felt thank you, to all who made this a sold-out event quite a success. Many thanks to all community members, guests of honour, award recipients, our sponsors and as well as our dedicated volunteers. Your generous contributions and support has helped make our dream a reality.

As we continue to grow as an organization serving the community, your continued support and partnership is vital to the success of our future generation.

Stay tuned for the next Bikila Award nominations, Youth Leadership Conference and other exciting initiatives in 2016.

Thanks again.
Board of Directors, Bikila Award