Alicia Gladue

Born and raised in Fort McKay, Alicia Gladue is involved in football both as a player and as a coach. Described as ambitious, bright, enthusiastic, and passionate, Alicia is Indigenous and proud! She is a part of the Fort McKay Youth Council as the communications coordinator, and attends Mount Royal University, studying Communications and Public Relations. YMM: What motivates you? AG: Something that motivates me is seeing other Indigenous people doing great things; it makes me want to be great! I was also in a bad place a few years ago where I never want to end up again so I’m pushing myself to never end up there again. YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career? AG: The thing I enjoy the most is probably seeing people face a challenge and overcoming it, then finding confidence in themselves. It also feels good to make my parents proud. YMM: Who is your hero, and why? AG: My hero is Dylan Elias. He’s the father figure in my life and has been for the past six years. Dylan has helped me find one of my greatest passions in life and continues to push me for greater success. He’s always there for me to lean on during challenging times but also pushes me forward when I’ve been getting too comfortable. I can truthfully say I wouldn’t be who I am without him. He’s truly one of my best friends when he isn’t being such a dad lol. He helped bring this little rez girl out of the rez and to see her full potential. #olivejuice YMM: What is the best advice that you ever received? AG: Different advice has helped me in different stages of my life. Dedication and determination are probably two of the most important things to get where you want. Kwame Osei always has the best advice. YMM: What is the worst advice you ever received? AG: The worst advice I’ve ever heard was using a substance to deal with your problems, and that goes with working out too. That stuff will only temporarily “help” you; you have to deal with your problems in order to help yourself in the end. YMM: How have your priorities changed in the last 10 years? AG: I absorb a lot of environment, who I hang out with, what I do and where I am, so I think prioritizing what I surround myself with is a big one. Being around things that give me good energy and not take it. YMM: What accomplishment are you most proud of? AG: I think winning gold on Team Alberta was one of the coolest things I’ve done. Overall I’m happy that I didn’t let my environment dictate who I am. YMM: What keeps you in the community? AG: Fort McMurray is such a great community, it’s full of togetherness. YMM: For what are you most grateful? AG: I’m grateful to my mom for being the strong role model she is, my friends, and my community in Fort McKay. I’m grateful for where I am in life and everyone who’s pushed me outside my comfort zone.