Christina Traverse

Class of 2020

“Fort McMurray is more than a place to live; it’s filled with some of the most compassionate people willing to give the shirt off their back for someone in need.”

There is not much that Christina Traverse can’t do in the world of hard work.

Born and raised in Fort McMurray, she is a successful entrepreneur and runs her own business by managing a race team of dogs at Mush McMurray. She’s also a real estate agent with Re/Max Fort McMurray.

“Fort McMurray has been my home for 30 years, and this community has helped shape who I am as a person. I hope that is reflected in the way people think of me. Fort McMurray is more than a place to live; it’s filled with some of the most compassionate people willing to give the shirt off their back for someone in need,” she said.

In the Wood Buffalo region, Christina is famous and adored for her love for animals and her dog sledding team, who have joined her at community events since she started the mushing business in 2012.

“We did a few races before I realized I wanted to do more within the community. In 2014, I did a trail run with close friends and relatives by giving out tours. A year later, we started providing tours for locals and visiting tourists from all over the world,” she said.

“I am involved in The Craze and WinterPlay offering dog sled rides in the winter and I also do school presentations for children, teaching them about sled dogs and what they are capable of and what it takes to own a kennel of huskies.”

Her schedule would make many tired without a doubt. However, she has a passion for mushing and people that motivates her to extremities, some of which take her into great winter adventures like competing in dog sledding competitions. This includes the Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race, a race that is a 335-mile trek that takes three to four days to complete.

Christina said the focus isn’t on herself in the competitions, and she makes hard decisions for her dog sled team. But overall, it contributes to her success and happiness.

“When I’m training and racing with my dogs, my biggest and most important goal is to ensure my dogs are happy and healthy. Sometimes that means pulling out of a race we trained all year for. So, I would define success as setting goals and being able to follow through with them,” she explained.

She is also active in the community as a board member for eight years with the Justin Slade Youth Foundation and said it has “done some incredible things for the youth in our community and I’m very proud of where they are today.”

When things feel out of control, like 2020 has been for many, her advice is that it’s key to see the bright side of things.

“It’s important to look at the positive things, do the things that make you happy and surround yourself with people that you truly love and care for,” she said.

“I love being able to introduce and educate people about sled dogs and how incredible they are. Sharing my passion with new people is one of the greatest feelings,” she says when asked about her passion for volunteering.