Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, in partnership with Bouchier, is proud to present the Innovators and Pioneers: Women of Inspiration Celebration 2026 under the theme Waves of Change: Charting the Path to Inspiration. The two-day event kicks off on Friday, March 6, 2026, with a Girls Empowerment Mini Gala for girls ages 9-15, followed by the main gala on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at SMS Equipment Place, MacDonald Island, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

In partnership with Athabasca Tribal Council, the event will feature an Indigenous Fashion Show showcasing traditional and modern Indigenous apparel from local artists and creators. All will be modelled by local Indigenous community members of all ages. The Fashion Show will be curated and hosted by Geraldine ‘Ger’ Carriere - our Cultural Storyteller. Learn more about Ger here.

Since 2012, Women of Inspiration has been the signature, mission-driven award program of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, highlighting local women who break gender stereotypes, drive positive change, and advocate for the rights of women and girls. In 2019, Girls Inc. entered a multi-year partnership with Bouchier to expand the series under the theme “You can’t be what you can’t see.” The partnership was renewed in April 2024 with a new theme: “Waves of Change: Charting the Path to Inspiration.”

Each year, the event celebrates inspirational local women role-models across various sectors and professions in the Wood Buffalo region. For 2026, five prestigious awards will be presented:

Brilliance in STEM

Innovator in Enterprise

Creative Luminary

Renaissance Pioneer

Rising Star