Glenn Nolan, a respected leader with more than five decades of experience in Northern Ontario’s mining sector, is set to retire this year.
Australian Ring of Fire developer Wyloo made the announcement in a social media post on March 31, paying tribute to Nolan with a lengthy profile on its website outlining his many achievements and contributions to the sector.
Kristan Straub, CEO of Wyloo Canada, called Nolan an “inspirational Indigenous leader in the Canadian and global mining space.”
“His achievements and accolades reflect the scale and impact of his leadership in our industry, with Indigenous people and in building understanding between both,” Straub said.
“Throughout Glenn’s time in industry, he has been an exemplary trailblazer and role model for many First Nations and Indigenous people, myself included.
“It has been an honour and privilege to work alongside and learn from Glenn through our short but shared journey. Chi-miigwetch, giga-waabamin miinawaa."
Nolan, a member of the Missanabie Cree First Nation, started in the mining industry in the 1970s.
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After graduating from the geological technician program at Sault College, he worked briefly with Cameco before launching his own contracting firm.
He also served as chief of Missanabie Cree First Nation for nine years, “where he championed responsible resource development and encouraged capacity building for members in his community,” Wyloo noted.
Nolan joined Noront Resources in 2009 as the company’s vice-president of Aboriginal affairs, bridging the gap between industry and Indigenous communities to advance development in the Ring of Fire region.
Wyloo acquired Noront in 2022, at which time Nolan moved into his current role, which the company said is the first of its kind in the industry.
Nolan has shared his experience and expertise in a number of ways, including with the 2023 Indigenous Enterprises Business Development Opportunities Workshop hosted by Wyloo, described as “a first in a series of workshops designed to bring together communities, industry leaders and partners, as well as government representatives, on Indigenous-led businesses and opportunities.”
He served as president of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) from 2012 to 2014 — the first Indigenous leader to hold the position — and received the organization’s Skookum Jim Award in 2023.
“As Glenn retires from his role, he leaves behind a legacy defined by groundbreaking achievements and a model for leadership that prioritizes respect, collaboration, courage and determination, integrity and inclusivity,” Wyloo said.
“His work has forever changed the landscape for Indigenous participation in the mining industry and his impact will be felt for many years to come.”
