August was a month to remember — filled with camps, creativity, and confidence-building moments across our region. From financial literacy lessons and fitness sessions to art exploration and rural programming in Fort McKay, girls had countless opportunities to grow strong, smart, and bold. We also capped the summer with our 31st Annual Golf Tournament, where the community came together in superhero style to raise vital funds for free programming. 

As we turn the page to September, we’re ready to return to schools, launch fall programs, and continue celebrating the bold voices of girls in our community.

 

Message from the Interim Executive Director

As we welcome September, I’m reflecting with gratitude on the incredible energy of this past month. Our August programs gave girls the chance to learn, play, and grow through financial literacy, movement, art, and empowerment sessions. The enthusiasm and courage we witnessed remind us why this work matters — every moment helps build stronger, smarter, bolder futures.

As we look ahead, I invite you to get involved. There are some really amazing opportunities coming up: 

• Teen Advocacy Council (TAC) Applications Open! Girls Inc. is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 Canada Teen Advocacy Council. Open to high school students ages 15–18 who have participated in Girls Inc. programming, this national leadership group is a chance to build advocacy skills, connect with peers, and represent the voices of girls across the country. Applications are due September 28th. Learn more here!
• Girls Inc. Impact Day: Filming Event On Friday, September 26th at Unifor Hall (10:00 am–2:00 pm), program participants ages 6–18 are invited to take part in interviews sharing what Girls Inc. means to them. Parents are also welcome to share their testimonials. These stories will be showcased at the 2026 Women of Inspiration Gala. Interviews will only take 5–10 minutes. Please let us know you’ll be attending by filling out this form.
  

• Nominate a Woman of Inspiration by October 30th. Our 2025–2026 series, presented by Bouchier, celebrates Innovators & Pioneers leading in STEM, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries. Know someone remarkable? Help us tell her story. Nominate today!

Thank you to everyone who has supported us through summer — from sponsors and volunteers to parents and community partners. Your continued investment makes it possible for us to start this new season strong. Together, we’re building a future where every girl knows her voice, her worth, and her power.

In solidarity,

Our Champions 

Highlights/Upcoming Events

Fall program registration is officially open!
Register today

 

Girls Inc. Impact Day: Filming Event
Ages 6–18 (parents welcome!) | Friday, September 26 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Unifor Hall

Join us for a special filming day with Matt Lorenz Productions to share what Girls Inc. means to you! Participants will answer a few guided questions on camera, and parents are also invited to share their stories. Interviews will be featured at the 2026 Women of Inspiration Gala. Filming takes 5–10 minutes and no time slot is required.
RSVP here.

 

 

Canada Teen Advocacy Council (TAC) Applications
Ages 15–18 | Apply by Sunday, September 28, 2025

The Girls Inc. Canada Teen Advocacy Council (TAC) is a national leadership group where youth share their voices on issues impacting girls in their communities. Members will develop advocacy and leadership skills while connecting with peers across the country. The program runs November 2025–June 2026, with a commitment of ~5 hours/month. Interested? Send your application to PD@girlsincofnothernalberta.org.
Read the full details here.

 

 

Orange Shirt Day Workshop
Ages 5–15 | Tuesday, September 30 | 5:00–6:30 PM

Join Girls Inc. as we recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day through meaningful discussions and hands-on activities. Together, participants will learn about the significance of Orange Shirt Day and reflect on the importance of honouring survivors, their families, and their communities.
Register here.

 

 

Women of Inspiration 2025–2026: Third Nomination Deadline August 30, 2025
The search is on for our next incredible Women of Inspiration! For the 2025–2026 series, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Bouchier are thrilled to explore the theme “Innovators & Pioneers.” This year, we proudly shine a spotlight on local women who are making remarkable contributions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), entrepreneurship, and the creative industries.

We are seeking nominations across five exciting categories:

• Brilliance in STEM – Celebrating a woman who embodies curiosity, intellect, and transformative innovation.
• Innovator in Enterprise – Celebrating a fearless woman who is turning bold visions into thriving ventures.
• Creative Luminary – Celebrating a woman who paves new paths through imagination and artistic expression.
• Renaissance Pioneer – Celebrating a woman whose work bridges science, business, and creativity.
• Rising Star – Celebrating an emerging leader in STEM, entrepreneurship, or the creative arts.

For more information and to access the application form, visit: Women of Inspiration Series. Help us honour the women whose innovation and resilience inspire the next generation of girls to be strong, smart, and bold!

 

DONATE & GIVE GIRLS

Your Support Creates Confidence That Lasts

Because of you, Girls Inc. continues to provide spaces where girls feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated. One parent shared, “Girls Inc. makes my daughter feel special and confident in a way that she’s no longer scared of who she is. She’s more outgoing than ever, and she loves every game and activity.”

Your generosity helps girls discover their voices, embrace their strengths, and step boldly into the world. Together, we’re building a community where every girl knows she matters.

 

August Programming Recap

In-School Programs: On Pause for Summer

Our in-school programming takes a summer break each August, with sessions set to resume in September. While school may be out, our commitment to empowering girls continues through hands-on learning that keeps confidence, creativity, and connection growing strong all season long.

Summer Programming: Movement, Confidence & Financial Literacy

August brought a wave of creativity, movement, and meaningful conversations across our region. From Fort McKay to Unifor Hall, girls explored boundaries, consent, fitness, financial literacy, and self-empowerment in ways that blended fun with life-changing lessons. Through partnerships with The District, TD Bank, and community knowledge keepers, participants not only built skills but also gained tools to carry confidence and resilience into the school year ahead.

 

Girls In Motion (Ages 6–8 & 9-15):
Girls in Motion brought participants together for two energetic days of sport and play. With support from the Oilers Foundation, the girls enjoyed floor hockey, baseball, soccer-baseball, and classic favourites like dodgeball and tag. From structured games to free play, every activity encouraged teamwork, movement, and fun.

 

 

 

 

Programming @ Fort McKay Youth Centre:
Over two days, 15 youth participated in sessions on boundaries and consent. Through activities like drawing, reflection, and friendship bracelet-making, participants learned about building healthy relationships and respecting personal boundaries. The program closed with outdoor play, reinforcing the balance of learning and joy.

Programming @ Fort McKay Wellness Centre:
Facilitated by Rhonda in collaboration with Claire from the Nistawoyou Friendship Centre, this three-day workshop welcomed eight participants. The sessions explored the role of Indigenous women in the economy, self-sustainability, and traditional medicine, while integrating the seven sacred teachings.

Vibe & Thrive with The District (Ages 9–15):
In partnership with The District, 15 participants experienced a day of fitness, wellness, and mindfulness. The day kicked off with some energizing cardio led by Megan, followed by a mindful Pilates session with Renee, and wrapped up with a calming yoga and deep stretch session led by Brandy. Paired with inspiring personal stories from the facilitators, the program emphasized movement as a tool not just for physical health, but also for mental wellbeing.

 

 

 

 

Girls Just Wanna Have Funds (Ages 6-8):
This two-day financial literacy program welcomed 15 participants for hands-on lessons in money management. Girls learned through a playful “banking” system, earning play money by helping peers and maintaining their space. They explored taxes and budgeting by designing a city with community tax dollars, and wrapped up by using their “earnings” at a Girls Inc. market filled with fun items to buy.

Girls Just Wanna Have Funds (Ages 9-15):
Older participants engaged with financial literacy through games and practical exercises. Activities included an Econ Lit Jeopardy game, a budgeting project that planned a vacation within a set budget, and creating savings trackers. Special guest Brent from TD Bank shared valuable insights, reinforcing the importance of financial responsibility.

Colour Me Bold (Ages 6-8):
Eleven participants explored creativity through games, art history, and hands-on projects. Highlights included Pictionary icebreakers, a matching game of famous women artists, and creating Kusama-inspired clay pumpkins. Participants also painted canvases with their own unique flair and enjoyed outdoor play. The program struck a balance between guided art activities and free creative exploration, leaving participants eager for more time together.

 

Colour Me Bold (Ages 9-15):
This art-focused camp drew the largest attendance of the summer with 29 participants. Guided by a local artist, girls explored portrait drawing before diving into air-dry clay projects. Day two was filled with painting, scratch art, tie dye, and watercolour. Despite the mess, the camp was a major success, with participants expressing excitement and wishing it could last longer.

 

 

 

 

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.