Ready2Listen

Linda and Evangeline Charlie

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Inuit and Kenyan

Growing up in a small community in Nunavut and being the only black children in their school, Linda and Evangeline Charlie quickly learned the importance of representation. Now, working as models, they are making it their job to be strong role models for their communities.


Born and raised by a mother from Kenya and an Inuk father who went to residential school, Linda and Evangeline had a unique upbringing unlike their peers. From a young age they participated in hunting and camping with both parents, and their mother learned how to sew traditional clothes and cook traditional foods to make sure they were all immersed in Inuit culture.


The sisters draw their strength from their mother. “She has been through a lot of hardships in life but she has always had a very positive outlook on everything that she does. And I think that’s influenced us heavily throughout our lives,” says Linda.


This approach to life has inspired both sisters to be positive role models for the next generation. Knowing the traumas their father experienced because of residential school, they want non-Indigenous people to understand how it has impacted Inuit as well as First Nations and Métis families. They also want other young, black-Indigenous folks to know they belong.

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