Thank you to everyone for your patience as we went through a redesign of our website. And while we’re confident the new design will please almost all of our readers, there may still be some bugs to be worked out over the next couple of days.

We would like to Thank our generous sponsors and everyone involved with the Ted Nolan Foundation for making a dream a reality.

“A dream has become reality. A registered charity promoting healthy lifestyle choices for young First Nations people. The foundation has negotiated partnerships with First Nation organizations, the corporate sector, and post-secondary institutions to ensure the success of our program initiatives. I would like to extend my gratitude to my family and friends who have helped me realize my dream.”

“Through our philosophy of healthy Lifestyle, the Ted Nolan Foundation is committed to the healing process to renew and revitalize the mind, body and spirit of our young people. We will explore to help us train a new cadre of Aboriginal leaders today, to take their rightful place in Canadian society tomorrow. We will help develop programs at the community level for First Nations youth in communities no matter how isolated or poverty stricken. We will raise scholarship funds for First Nation women wishing to complete their education.”

In 1981, my mother, Rose, was tragically killed in an accident. I knew then that one day I would pay tribute and honor my mother’s memory.

With the help of my friends, Les Couchie of the Union of Ontario Indians, Ella-Jean-Richer of Bell Canada and Gino Cavallo of the Soo Greyhounds, we developed the Ted Nolan Golf Tournament, which took place in Northern Ontario in the late 1990’s. A partnership was created with the Union of Ontario Indians and The Ted Nolan Golf Tournament became an annual event focused on raising monies for the Rose Nolan Scholarship Fund.

After taking one year off, I received a call from Mr. Ray Martin who at that time was the head of the Southern First Nation Secretariat and expressed his interest in forming a partnership. The Ted Nolan Golf tournament, under this partnership, was taken to Southern Ontario.

Having never met Ray before I quickly learned how committed and passionate he was in helping our people. Under his leadership and guidance plus his entire staff at the Southern First Nation Secretariat I’m honor to say the Ted Nolan Golf Tournament was one of the premiere events in First Nation country for years.

Not only did the golf tournament become more successful, but Ray had bigger plans and was instrumental in helping start the Ted Nolan Foundation. Dennis Martel who was employed by the Southern First Nation Secretariat became our principal writer and after many long hours he soon drafted our proposal to register for a charitable status.

As mentioned on a famous radio show “now you know the rest of the story” it was through Ray Martin’s insight and guidance, financial support of the Southern First Nation Secretariat and with the help of many friends that we are here today.

In 2008, we lost not only a great supporter but more importantly a Great Friend with the passing of Ray. His legacy will continue with the passion and commitment he originally brought to the Ted Nolan Foundation.