November and December were months of reconnection, reflection, and impact at Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta. Following the resolution of the teacher strike, our team successfully returned to classrooms across the region, re-establishing consistent in-school programming and strengthening partnerships with educators and students.

Beyond the school day, our after-school and community programs continued to offer meaningful opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection. From hands-on STEM exploration and mentoring sessions to movement-based workshops and arts engagement, girls were supported in building confidence, skills, and relationships in pro-girl spaces.

These final months of 2025 also marked the close of our Fall programming season and the launch of our 16 Days of Activism initiatives. Through workshops, community partnerships, and public awareness efforts, we created space for youth to learn about safety, advocacy, and their power to create change, online and offline, as we moved into the new year with purpose.

 

Message from the Interim Executive Director

As we close out 2025, we are incredibly proud of the impact made by our participants, staff, volunteers, and partners throughout November and December. This year, 2,066 girls took part in Girls Inc. programs across Northern Alberta, supported by 126 programs delivered, 647.5 hours of programming, and the distribution of 444 program kits and 106 period kits across our communities. These numbers represent far more than participation — they reflect confidence built, skills strengthened, and voices empowered. Watch our Year in Review video here.

As we look ahead, there are many ways to stay connected and involved in the months to come. Winter program registration is now open, and we are preparing for upcoming opportunities like our Impact Filming Day, workshops, and continued after-school programming in early 2026.

We are also counting down to one of our most anticipated events of the year: the Women of Inspiration Celebration 2026, presented by Bouchier. Tickets are now on sale, with early bird pricing available for a limited time. In partnership with Athabasca Tribal Council, both the Mini-Gala and Celebration will feature an Indigenous Fashion Show curated and hosted by Cultural Storyteller Geraldine “Ger” Carriere — a powerful new addition to this year’s events.

Thank you to everyone who supported Girls Inc. throughout 2025. Your belief in girls, your generosity, and your continued engagement make this work possible. Together, we are building a future where every girl knows her voice matters and her leadership belongs.

In solidarity,

Our Champions 

Highlights

We’re proud to share that 3 incredible Fort McMurray teens have been selected to represent Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta as members of the inaugural Canadian Teen Advocacy Council (TAC), making up 1/3 of the cohort! Congratulations Shreyosi, Riley, and Nirva!

This girl-led council, with representation from across Canada, will spend the year building advocacy skills and knowledge, then putting those skills to use to speak up on issues impacting their communities. The Canada TAC and the U.S. TAC will also have the opportunity to get to know their fellow advocates from across the border and participate in cross-cultural collaboration!

Grade 11 student, Riley, says, “I’m excited to collaborate with others on the TAC to advocate for issues that matter to girls and communities nationwide.” We can’t wait to see what these Strong, Smart, and Bold teens accomplish!

We are also proud to share that Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is now a certified Rainbow Space through Wood Buffalo Pride! We are committed to building the new generation of leaders and an equitable society where all young people grow up knowing they are loved, they are valued, and they are accepted as they are. We are proud to offer a safe, welcoming, and inclusive pro-girl environment that recognizes and celebrates everyone!

On November 29th, we showed up strong, smart, and bold at Boston Pizza’s annual Chew For Charity event! Competing against 11 other local charities, our team walked away with second place and an incredible $4,800 raised for Girls Inc. programs in Wood Buffalo! From athletic challenges to word puzzles to a literal eating contest, our team put everything on the line! A huge thank-you to Boston Pizza for hosting such a fun, high-energy event that brings our community together and supports local charities. Because when girls see women step up, try hard, and have fun doing it — they learn that they can too!

On December 10th, we partnered with Mike Jones, Tipsy Trivia Fort Mac & Area, and Blackhorse Pub to host another Name That Tune fundraiser in support of Girls Inc.! From Shania Twain to Bing Crosby to Great Big Sea – we jammed to it all! Not only that – we raised $362.50 to help us continue to provide 100% cost-free programming, inspiring girls in the Wood Buffalo region to be strong, smart, and bold! Congratulations to the winner of the 50/50 – Darryl Charles! Big thanks to all the fantastic participants – your support truly makes a difference!

 

 

 

Upcoming Events 

Winter Program registration is now open!
Register today

Girls Inc. Impact Filming Day
Friday, January 16, 2026 | 10:00am – 2:00pm | Unifor Building

We’re celebrating the voices that make Girls Inc. what it is — and we want to hear from YOU. ❤️

Girls, parents, and youth volunteers are invited to join us for a special filming day with our videographer. Your stories will help inspire hundreds at the 2026 Women of Inspiration Gala. Drop in, enjoy snacks, and share your Girls Inc. experience. 

Please fill out this form to let us know you’re coming!

January Winter Ready Workshop
Friday, January 30, 2026 | 10 AM – 2 PM | Unifor Building

Girls will explore how science, technology, engineering, and math help us stay warm, safe, and prepared during winter in Northern Alberta. Through hands-on activities and problem-solving challenges, participants will build practical skills while having fun.

Register today!

 

Book Club
Monday, February 9, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM | RMWB Library

Girls will gather at the RMWB Library to read and discuss The Unteachables by Gordon Korman, exploring themes of teamwork, belonging, and resilience. The evening will also include games and activities designed to spark conversation and connection.

Register today!

 

 

Save the Date: Girls’ Empowerment Mini-Gala
Ages 9–15 | Friday, March 6, 2026 | SMS Equipment Place

Mark your calendars — our annual Girls’ Empowerment Mini-Gala returns as the kickoff to a powerful two-day celebration! This free event brings 150+ girls together for an evening of connection, leadership activities, dancing, creative stations, and confidence-building fun.

In partnership with Athabasca Tribal Council, the 2026 Mini-Gala will feature an Indigenous Fashion Show curated and hosted by Cultural Storyteller Geraldine “Ger” Carriere. Community members of all ages will model both traditional and contemporary designs by local Indigenous artists.
Registration opens early February 2026, through the parent portal.

 

Women of Inspiration Celebration 2026
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | SMS Equipment Place

Mark your calendars — our annual Women of Inspiration Celebration returns with the theme “Innovators and Pioneers.” We will honour five remarkable women in our community whose innovation and courage are creating waves of change in STEM, entrepreneurship, the creative industries, and beyond! Three women have been announced so far: Hanna Fridhed-Campbell, Tayla Malott, and Kassondra Meyer. Two more will be announced between now and February 2025!

In partnership with Athabasca Tribal Council, the 2026 Celebration will feature an Indigenous Fashion Show curated and hosted by Cultural Storyteller Geraldine “Ger” Carriere. Community members of all ages will model both traditional and contemporary designs by local Indigenous artists.

Tickets are now available (Early bird sales end on January 15, 2026).

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Organizations wishing to support this year’s celebration are encouraged to connect with our team to explore partnership levels and benefits. For more information, contact Devon Sereda Goldie, Communications & Development Lead at devon@girlsincofnorthernalberta.org.

DONATE & GIVE GIRLS

Your Support Makes Her Growth Possible

Because of you, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta continues to create safe, empowering spaces where girls can explore their interests, build confidence, and challenge stereotypes. Your generosity directly supports programs that introduce girls to new skills, leadership opportunities, and future pathways.

Every donation strengthens our ability to deliver cost-free programming that equips girls with the tools they need to thrive — today and into the future.

 

November & December Programming Recap

In-School Programs: Back in Classrooms

Following the resolution of the teacher strike, November marked the return of in-school programming across the region. Our team resumed delivery in partner schools, reconnecting with educators and students and re-establishing consistent learning spaces. As we moved into December, programs continued to stabilize, setting the stage for a strong winter term of learning, leadership, and connection.

Out-Of-School Programming: Learning, Leadership, and Belonging

December marked the conclusion of our Fall 2025 after-school programs, including Mentoring and Operation SMART. This season was especially impactful thanks to our partnership with BrainSTEM Alliance, which brought professional women working in STEM careers across the RMWB directly into program spaces. Through hands-on activities and guest speakers, girls were able to explore future pathways, ask questions, and see what’s possible.

 

Operation SMART (Ages 9–15)
November featured four Operation SMART sessions focused on exploration, problem-solving, and creativity. Participants learned about horticulture, mining engineering, and ecology, and wrapped up the month with a review and celebration session. Activities ranged from lifecycle-of-plants crafts and dam-building challenges to creating sugar crystals and designing “chimera” animals based on adaptive traits. The final session included certificate presentations and swag bags, celebrating the girls’ curiosity and growth throughout the season.

A big thank-you to our Guest speakers: Janis from RMWB Public Works, Tasneem, and Mackenzie and Nancy from the Wildlife Research Institute.

 

 

 

 

Staying Strong Mentoring (Ages 5–8)
In November, two mentoring sessions focused on creativity and play. Participants designed custom picture frames and experimented with slime, one of the group’s most requested activities. While facilitators addressed occasional behaviour reminders, the sessions continued to foster growing friendships, confidence, and comfort within the group.

The final mentoring session of the year took place in early December, where participants created stickers and worked with air-dry clay. This marked the end of a strong season, with the highest registration numbers the program has seen in some time.

 

Staying Strong Mentoring (Ages 9-15)
November mentoring sessions encouraged creativity and calm connection through paper crafts, origami, and watercolour painting. While attendance dipped slightly with colder weather, participants remained enthusiastic and engaged throughout each session.

December wrapped up with a “choose your own adventure” mentoring celebration, allowing participants to revisit favourite activities such as clay, loom bands, colouring, and board games. This flexible format encouraged feedback, movement between stations, and a joyful close to the mentoring season.

Workshops & Events

Girls in Motion (Ages 5–8)
Despite icy road conditions limiting attendance, the November Girls in Motion workshop created a safe and energetic space for movement and teamwork. Participants engaged in group stretches, flag tag, dodgeball, and cooperative games, consistently demonstrating inclusion and encouragement for one another.

Girls in Motion (Ages 9–15)
Older participants also navigated weather challenges but made the most of the day through active games such as badminton, flag tag, capture the football, and dodgeball. Facilitators joined in alongside participants, boosting motivation and energy throughout the workshop.

 

 

 

 

 

Walk A Mile in My Shoes (Ages 9–15)
Girls Inc. collaborated earlier in the year with artist Liana Wheeldon to support the creation of this Art for Social Change exhibition by gathering anonymous reflections from youth through #GirlsToo programming.

In December, a participant and their family attended the gallery walkthrough, engaging deeply with the exhibit and its themes. The one-on-one experience allowed for meaningful conversation, reflection, and extended exploration of the artwork.

 

 

 

 

 

Digital Detectives (Ages 9–15)
Part of the 16 Days of Activism, this December workshop focused on digital literacy and ending digital violence. Participants explored fake news, online safety, and gender-specific digital harm through group discussions and hands-on activities. The workshop concluded with participants creating their own social media posts in Canva (pictured below) to share key learnings with other youth. The girls took great pride in their work, making this a standout activity that will be incorporated into future programming.

Thanks To Our Partners

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our program partners — RMWB, Government of Canada, Government of Alberta, Syncrude operated by Suncor, TC Energy, Finning Canada, Pembina, TD, BizKids, Canada Post Foundation, Ted Rogers Foundation and Imperial. Your unwavering support is essential to delivering these impactful programs, ensuring our girls are empowered to be strong, smart, and bold.