Tumbler Ridge victim Maya Gebala recognized with heroism award from U.S. foundation
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.
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