“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.”

The Ted Nolan Foundation is a registered charity promoting healthy lifestyle choices for all aboriginal youth.

Raised on the Garden River Reserve near Sault Ste. Marie, Ted Nolan launched a stellar Junior and NHL hockey career as player and coach. For years, he ran First Nations hockey camps, became a motivational speaker and philanthropist.

In 2004, he started the Foundation, raising funds to improve education and make physical activity a part of a better future for aboriginal youth. Self-esteem is at the base of it all; his programs are interwoven with values inherent in First Nations’ rich heritage.

The letter from Faith, a young Anishnaabe-kwe mother, who received a Rose Nolan Scholarship to complete her Bachelor of Science (Nursing) degree, begins to paint a human face on the challenges facing aboriginal youth…

“The scholarship eased some of the financial burdens of living in an urban city,” she wrote. “Rose Nolan’s story inspired me to complete my degree, knowing that learning is a life-long process. Rose Nolan has empowered me to be a strong and resilient Anishnaabe-kwe.

“I am proud to say that I graduated in May 2008 with a BScN degree in Nursing. I am currently working as a Registered Nurse at the Sudbury Regional Hospital in Sudbury, Ontario.”

You can download the complete Case Statement here.

“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.”

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.