Edmonton SAIA Nominations

SAIA encourages nominations that celebrate individuals, organizations, and businesses who are driving positive and meaningful change and are promoting gender equity. We are looking for people, groups, organization, and businesses with South Asian roots who have gone above and beyond to serve and make a positive impact in the South Asian community, or in the greater Edmonton community.

See the list of Edmonton South Asian Inspiration Awards here.

NOMINATIONS WILL OPEN MAY 15, 2025

SAIA Nominee Eligibility

To be eligible for a SAIA award, all nominees must:

  • reside in Edmonton or surrounding areas;
  • be eighteen (18) years of age or older, except,
    • the Rising Star Award is for those individuals aged 14 to 19 during this calendar year;
  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or have valid legal status in Canada;
  • not be an elected official or currently running for elected office;
  • have no criminal conviction for which a pardon has not been received;
  • consent to the nomination and publication of their name, photo, and related information,
    • for Rising Star nominees under the age of 18, this consent must also be provided by their parent or legal guardian.

SAIA Nominee Consent

All nominees must provide confirmation of their understanding and consent to the collection and use of their personal information by SAIA.

As nominator, you must contact the nominee and ask for consent. You must then ensure to tick off the box on the nomination form that this step has been completed and that the nominee has given consent.

For Rising Star nominees under the age of 18, you must contact their parent or legal guardian and receive consent.

Selection Committee

  1. The Awards Selection Committee consists of two SAIA board members and three local community representatives.
  2. Each member of the Selection Committee has signed a Confidentiality Agreement.
  3. The Awards Selection Committee reviews all nominations for overall eligibility and completeness.
  4. Awards Selection Committee members use a common ranking system (rubric). 
  5. Nominations are evaluated and ranked based solely on the content of the Nomination form and the references.
  6. The Awards Selection Committee may select a nominee for an award in a category other than the category for which they were nominated.
  7. The SAIA Awards Selection Committee will notify each award winner prior to the Awards Gala.
  8. The Awards Selection Committee reserves the right to withhold an award in any category for any reason. The SAIA Board reserves the right to revoke an award if subsequent circumstances regarding the recipient’s character or conduct are deemed to contradict the values of the agency or negatively impact its reputation.
  9. The award categories are intended to cover the major areas of contribution. However, we recognize that not everything will be represented and invite suggestions for subsequent years.