Shina Nova was born on May 7, 1998, in Canada, to her mother Caroline Novalinga. She comes from a mixed heritage, being half Inuk and half Quebecoise. Growing up, she learned to speak Inuktitut from her mother, who also taught her the art of throat singing when she was just seven years old.
Shina Nova first gained recognition on TikTok, where she shared videos of herself performing traditional Inuit throat singing alongside her mother. These videos quickly garnered attention for their unique and mesmerizing content, showcasing an important aspect of her culture. She also used her platform to showcase other elements of her Inuit heritage, such as fashion and dance.
Her content resonated with a wide audience, leading to her amassing over 4.2 million followers and 161 million likes on her TikTok account, shinanova. In 2021, she was selected to participate in a Sephora campaign celebrating Canada's National Indigenous History Month, further solidifying her status as a prominent voice in the Indigenous community.
Despite her burgeoning fame, Shina Nova prioritized her education and graduated with a degree in business management from John Abbott College in Quebec in 2021. She has also used her platform to raise awareness for important causes, such as supporting a fundraising initiative for an indigenous women's shelter in Quebec.
Her activism extends beyond social media, as she has been featured in publications like Elle Canada in 2022, where she continues to spotlight the lives and experiences of Indigenous people. Alongside fellow Indigenous activist Quannah Chasinghorse, Shina Nova strives to amplify the voices of her community and promote cultural understanding and appreciation.
Outside of her work as a TikTok personality and activist, Shina Nova values her roots and is deeply connected to her Inuit heritage. She remains close to her mother, who has been a guiding force in her life and artistic pursuits.
As she continues to navigate the complexities of fame and advocacy, Shina Nova remains dedicated to using her platform to uplift marginalized voices and spark meaningful conversations about Indigenous cultures and traditions.