INUVIK - Bertha Allen, a long time women's advocate and Gwich'in leader, died Friday in Inuvik at the age of 76.

Allen, a founding member of the NWT Women's Association and past president of the advisory committee for the Status of Women Council of NWT, was honoured with the Governor General's Northern Medal last May for her work promoting aboriginal women.

"You are one of those women who speak out in the hope of changing things for the better," Governor General Michaelle Jean said while presenting the medal to Allen last year.

Allen had been diagnosed with cancer in October 2009. Her daughter, Shirley Kisoun, said her mother was an inspiration to leaders across the North.

Funeral services had not yet been scheduled as of Friday afternoon, but it was Allen's wish to be laid to rest in Inuvik among her family and friends.