Tumbler Ridge victim Maya Gebala recognized with heroism award from U.S. foundation
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
TUMBLER RIDGE – Maya Gebala, who was badly injured during the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., has received the first international award from a U.S.-based charity that was formed in the aftermath of another school shooting.
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, says it has recognized the 13-year-old girl with its Youth Heroism Award, making her the first recipient outside the United States.
The award recognizes young people who demonstrate “exceptional courage, leadership, compassion, or selfless action” in helping others, and Gebala is being singled out for her courage during the Feb. 10 attack as well as “her determination throughout the difficult recovery.”
The foundation was formed following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022 that killed 19 children and two teachers.
Gebala was gravely injured in the Tumbler Ridge shooting where Jesse Van Rootselaar killed eight people before shooting herself.
The girl was released from BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver last week, more than eight months after being shot three times in the attack.
“According to accounts shared by her family, she attempted to secure the school library door to help protect other students as the attack unfolded, the foundation’s announcement says.
The group’s president Daniel Chapin says that “heroism is not defined by age” or whether they walked away unharmed.
“Maya was a young girl facing an unimaginable situation, and she showed courage in the midst of it,” Chapin says in a statement. “We are honoured to recognize her.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 3, 2026.