Fort McMurray (July 30, 2021) — Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Bouchier are pleased to announce the second nominee of the Women of Inspiration 2021-2022 Series.

Lina Gallup, a residential school survivor, has been selected by the Women of Inspiration committee not only for her resiliency, but also for her efforts in creating a safe space for more than 2000 Indigenous youth to learn their culture.

Lina is a mother of three, an elder and a community leader in Fort McKay. Her voice will educate and help communities for years to come. Her story, which can be heard here, makes Lina, together with her daughter Holly, a voice for those who were impacted by residential schools and their legacy.

In the video, Lina speaks of her time at the Grouard residential school, which she was taken to at the age of six. She spent over a decade there, until she was given a bus ticket to Edmonton at the age of 18. 

“I have come full circle in my life. I will be 90 pretty soon and I am very grateful and fortunate to have survived all these years.”

Lina has taken her lived-experiences to create change in our region and beyond. Lina is a leader who shares her stories to inspire all girls and women to be strong, smart and bold.

“Because of my experience I wanted to make a better life for native kids that were in care. There are so many of them.”

When asked what message she’d like to pass on to other women and girls Lina says to “be proud of who you are and believe in yourself.”

Lina will join four other Women of Inspiration nominees to be honoured in March 2022.