Driven by Purpose: Regan Gamble’s Vision to Create Safer Pathways Through SheDrives

By Chevi Rabbit, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(ANNews) – For Regan Gamble, transportation is only the beginning of the journey.

Based in Edmonton, SheDrives was created from a place of lived experience, compassion, and a commitment to ensuring people feel safe, respected, and supported. More than a transportation service, SheDrives was built to create a safe space where Indigenous people can feel understood and valued, while welcoming all individuals with dignity and respect regardless of their race, culture, or background.

Founded by entrepreneur and visionary Regan Gamble, SheDrives reflects her belief that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with care.

“When I say SheDrives is more than just a ride, it’s about healing at the same time,” Gamble said.

Gamble, whose spirit name is Shining Star Winged Woman, is from Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation in Saskatchewan, Treaty 6 Territory. A last generational Indian residential school survivor and Sixties Scoop survivor, Gamble has transformed her own experiences of survival and resilience into a vision focused on supporting others and creating safer pathways for her community.

Her commitment to change is deeply connected to her family and future generations.

“With my children, I’ve got two beautiful children I was blessed with, and I’ve got the most amazing grandbabies,” Gamble said. “I’ve got eight grandchildren, and that’s a blessing in itself.”

Although her children did not experience residential school themselves, Gamble understands the impacts of intergenerational trauma and the importance of creating a different future.

“I just need to be that positive role model for my grandchildren to know that there are no limits, that our lives can change for the absolute better.”

The inspiration behind SheDrives comes from Gamble’s late kokum, Dorothy Gamble, who she describes as a pioneer.

“She was such a pioneer,” Gamble said. “She never owned a vehicle in her life. She is one of a kind.”

Dorothy Gamble raised 18 children and experienced the challenges of navigating daily life without reliable transportation. Those memories stayed with Regan and became the foundation for a service designed to address barriers others continue to face.

“I got to see her a lot in my early, early, early childhood,” Gamble recalled. “She didn’t have a driver’s license, and it was such a struggle to get from point A to point B.”

Gamble remembers having to call family members to arrange transportation, travelling from Duck Lake to Saskatoon, taking buses, and finding ways to bring groceries and supplies back home. “I just know the struggle,” she said. “I just know the struggle. It’s so real.”

Today, SheDrives provides transportation and safety support throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas. The service assists elders, families, women, and individuals who need reliable transportation with a compassionate approach.

Gamble provides companion support for elders, including rides to medical appointments, prescription pickups, grocery shopping, and ceremonies.

“I work very closely with our elders,” she said. “I pick them up, I take them for groceries, I take them for medical trips, I take them for prescription pickups. I bring them to different ceremonies.”

SheDrives also supports families facing unique challenges. Gamble shared the example of a single father who uses the service to maintain stability for his children. “I take him to work as early as 6 a.m., and then I take their children, I go and drop them off at daycare for them.”

For Gamble, the work is about much more than transportation. It is about creating trust and safety for people who may have experienced discrimination, trauma, or barriers when accessing services.

She recalled supporting a young woman who experienced a frightening situation with another transportation provider. “She just had to jump out of a co-op taxi,” Gamble said. “She was in the back of the van, and she literally had to jump out because he was taking her on the opposite side of the city.”

Stories like this reinforce why culturally safe transportation options are needed. “It’s so sad to know that that’s still happening,” Gamble said. “It just baffles me.”

At the centre of SheDrives is human connection. “We all have a story,” Gamble said.

When someone enters her vehicle, Gamble focuses on ensuring they feel welcomed and supported. “You’re greeted with a hug, you’re greeted with a handshake,” she said. “You’re seen, you’re safe, and you’re so supported.”

Those moments create opportunities for conversation, laughter, tears, and healing. “It just opens up this door for beautiful conversation, for laughter, for tears,” Gamble said. “Or even if we’re just blaring powwow music and round dance music, you know. It’s so beautiful.”

As SheDrives continues to grow, Gamble is building a team and developing the foundation for a sustainable model that can expand beyond Edmonton. “I’ve got a great team now that I’m working with,” she said. “They believe in it so much, just as much as I do.”

Her vision is connected to honouring ancestors and creating opportunities for future generations. “The belief is there, the honour is there, especially honouring our ancestors,” Gamble said. “Taking back what’s once ours.”

Gamble’s dream is for SheDrives to expand throughout Alberta, across Canada, and eventually throughout Turtle Island. “I want SheDrives to be known throughout Turtle Island for the protection of our people,” she said.

Through SheDrives, Regan Gamble is transforming a personal journey of struggle into a community movement built on safety, dignity, healing, and hope.

To connect with SheDrives, follow SheDrives Edmonton on Facebook for service information and updates.