HOLLY FORTIER: Director & Facilitator, Nisto Consulting Inc. HOLLY’S INSPIRATION People inspire me daily, but my main inspiration is my mom, Lina Gallup. She was raised in the bush, with a traditional lifestyle, in Ft McKay by her grandmother and family. When she was 6, she was abducted and taken to Indian Residential School (a Government policy in Canada to force Aboriginal children to assimilate). Her strength and determination to move forward after that was amazing. She became a mother of 4 successful children, an entrepreneur, activist, and a role model who has helped many people along the way. It is a success story. Also my father – Geologist Bill Gallup. He was outdoorsy and full of adventure. Our family life was always so exciting. I am very blessed to come from two extraordinary people. HOW IS SUCCESS DISPLAYED IN YOUR LIFE? My biggest love in life is my 3 children. I base my success on the people that they are. They all have a great sense of humour, many talents, interests, amazing partners, morals and character that I am extremely proud of. My daughter and her husband just gave me my 1st granddaughter, Soleil Cree. Those amazing people are my number one priority. HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATH? I knew from a very young age that I wanted to help people. I went to Mount Royal University, and after graduation, worked with Aboriginal Youth. I worked with 100’s of youth one-on-one. I also facilitated wellness programs that were culturally relevant to Aboriginal people. I stayed in that field for over 2 decades, it was very rewarding. At the same time, for 15 years, I worked in the Film/TV Industry as a Stand-in, Actor, Stunt Person, Wrangler, and Producer. In 2006, I was asked by leadership in Ft McKay to work on Special Projects and Cultural Consulting for the community. I was so blessed to have the opportunity to public speak and much to my surprise, people started asking for more. I developed my ‘Aboriginal Awareness Training’ to tell the story of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada from pre-contact to future. I have now taught thousands of individuals, in over 40 different groups of Industry, Government, Business, and Agencies. I am so full of gratitude – to everyone who believes in me, my work, and the importance of building meaningful and respectful relationships with Aboriginal Peoples and Communities. I am also so thankful that I am surrounded by family and friends that are healthy, wise and support me. I really believe if you have a good work ethic, are happy and positive, and are a warm person…opportunities will come knocking! HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY? I strongly believe that my purpose is to love God, Love Myself, and Love people around me. So I make the best effort to practice a strong faith; take good care of myself through wellness, fitness and clean eating; and find opportunities to encourage individuals ... and help them find their gifts. In that... I can be a role model to my children, granddaughter and others. I have had the great opportunity to present to thousands of people and I hear over and over again that they not only learned about Aboriginal Peoples, but also learned something positive for their own personal growth. That is such a blessing!!
Director & Facilitator, Nisto Consulting Inc.