Synopsis

Holly’s mother, Elder Lina Gallup, was born in Fort McKay located on the banks of the Athabasca River north of Fort McMurray. She lived a traditional life with her family and grandmother who was a midwife and medicine woman. At the age of 6, Lina and her two sisters were taken by the police and placed at the Grouard Indian Residential School, without the consent of her family. They were not allowed to contact home, speak their language, practice their culture or traditions. Lina spent her next 13 years at Grouard. She had to be tough to survive, with a tremendous strength of character to adapt after her release. This is a story of survival and resilience. Lina became an influential leader and raised four children who are thriving and supporting positive change in their community.