Obituary of Lina Albertine Gallup

It is the end of an era, with the passing of Matriarch and Fort McKay First Nation’s Eldest Elder, Lina Gallup, on Monday December 30, 2024.

Lina was born on the trapline, her parents dog team nearby, her father a legendary riverman and her mother a beautiful trapper. Lina lived in Fort McKay as a child until age 6, when her and her two sisters, Rose and Freida, were snatched from her family in Fort McKay by the RCMP.  The RCMP dog sled took her upriver to Fort McMurray where she was put on a train to Grouard Residential School. Lina lived at the Residential school until age 18. She was then dropped off on the streets of Edmonton to fend for herself. Lina found work at GWG jeans, then working as a nursing assistant and as a nanny.

Lina met Bill Gallup; a pioneering geologist, whose work included the Athabasca Oilsands. Bill was well connected to the people of Fort McKay and hired many Fort McKay trappers to work in the oil industry. Lina moved to Calgary with Bill and married him on December 30, 1964. Lina worked for many years as a federal social worker in Calgary. Lina then founded the first Indigenous-owned and operated group home for indigenous youth, in Canada. After Bill’s passing Lina moved to Redwood Meadows where she continued to own Native Youth Group Homes and operated a tipi bed and breakfast. Lina then moved back to her childhood home of Fort McKay where she started a catering business and a Native crafts and artwork business. Lina successfully acquired and created an extensive collection of Fort McKay crafts and artwork for a future Fort McKay Museum.

Lina defines a strong, resilient indigenous woman and has survived residential school, tuberculosis, lung hemorrhage, and cancer. Lina was a role model/mentor to countless Indigenous people.

She is remembered always playing classical music, would set the table like the Queen was visiting her even though it was just for her grandchildren. She was always dressed elegantly, and was always boldly, yet gracefully, fighting against some injustice. Lina was the Queen of Facebook and a passionate and avid gardener. Lina was fiercely proud of the achievements of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lina was the epitome of glamour and resiliency and was a great inspiration to all that she met. She was loved by so so many.

Throughout her life she was presented with many awards:  including the 1968 Volunteer of the Year Award – Calgary, Queen Elizbeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, 2022 YMM Builder Achievement Award, 2022 MLA Recognition, 2022 Governor General Recognition, 2022 Voices - Women of Inspiration Recipient.

Although it is the end of an era with her passing, Lina’s legacy will live on through her family.

Lina is survived by her children, Cecile Calliou, Holly Fortier, Mark Gallup and Cort Gallup. Her grandchildren, Gena Calliou, Jordan Calliou, Billie-Sue Fortier, Travis Calliou, Jesse Fortier, Rees Fortier, Tyler Gallup and Harmony Gallup. Great grandchildren: Hailey Calliou, Soleil Neufeld, Hunter Calliou, Niamh (pronounced Neeve) Elliot and Anouk Neufeld.

A beautiful life well lived.

Residential school survivor, Indigenous rights advocate, multi-business owner, social worker, cancer survivor, Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunty, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Fort McKay First Nation’s Eldest Elder.

To join the family virtually please click the link below. 

Lina Gallup - Virtual Service Link