As Glenn Nolan prepares to retire this year, it would be impossible not to reflect on the extraordinary impact during his distinguished career.
His journey has been one of trailblazing leadership, forging connections and leaving a lasting legacy – one that will continue to shape both the industry and the communities he has served.
Glenn’s story is deeply rooted in his personal connection to mining and development, which started at a young age. Growing up near a mining camp in northeastern Ontario, Glenn witnessed first-hand how the industry could have a positive impact on his community, Missanabie Cree First Nation, and in the surrounding region. Inspired by the opportunities mining offered, Glenn became an advocate for positive change, serving as Chief of Missanabie Cree for nine years, where he championed responsible resource development and encouraged capacity building for members in his community.
In November 2009, Glenn joined Noront Resources as Vice President Aboriginal Affairs, where he took on the critical role of navigating complex relationships within the Ring of Fire region of northern Ontario. As he transitioned later to Vice President Government Affairs, his ability to build bridges – both between industry and Indigenous communities, as well as local, provincial and federal governments – has been instrumental in advancing development in the region.
Glenn has worn nearly every hat throughout his career. In 2022, under Wyloo’s leadership, he took on a groundbreaking new role as Vice President Indigenous Enterprises – the first of its kind in the industry. His forward-thinking approach, combined with his personal experience as Chief helped to shape his leadership in this role. This led to the inaugural Indigenous Enterprises Business Development Opportunities Workshop hosted by Wyloo in 2023, 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. Glenn’s dedication to fostering collaboration and advancing Indigenous participation in the resource sector have and will continue to pave the way for future generations of leaders and entrepreneurs, establishing a foundation for communities to create lasting economic value – one that can sustain and thrive long after resource projects have ended. His work in this role has demonstrated that resource development and community empowerment can go hand in hand, and allowing Indigenous communities to become active partners in the process.
But Glenn’s leadership extends far beyond the walls of Wyloo. As past President of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) from 2012 to 2014, he became the first Indigenous leader to hold the position, leaving a profound impact on the association and the broader industry. Glenn was also the recipient of the prestigious Skookum Jim Award in 2023, recognized for exceptional achievement and service in the mining industry.
His message of Indigenous Reconciliation has been shared globally through keynote speeches and executive roundtables. In 2023, at the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development in Geneva, Switzerland, Glenn was invited to discuss what is required to build trust between Indigenous communities and the mining industry.
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. 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.
Glenn, thank you for your tireless dedication, visionary leadership and the many doors you have opened for generations to follow. Your legacy is one of which we at Wyloo are incredibly proud to be a part of.
Chi-miigwetch Glenn!
"Glenn is 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. 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."
— Kristan Straub, CEO Canada Wyloo
"Glenn’s contributions to Noront, Wyloo and the Canadian mining industry are significant and memorable. We are fortunate for your insights, experience and friendship. Equally important is your leadership in your community, which has role-modelled what First Nations-led mining can achieve."
— Luca Giacovazzi, CEO Wyloo
"Glenn is the living embodiment of principled leadership and progressive thinking. He never backs down from a challenge. Most impressively, he does it all with humour and humility. My friend, we have benefited mightily from your guidance and we will miss you greatly."
— Stephen Crozier VP, Sustainability, Wyloo
"Glenn, for all of your accolades and achievements, what I will remember most fondly is your ability to bring people together – no matter what is thrown your way – and always do it with a smile on your face."
— Alan Coutts, Former CEO, Noront Resources
Image: In the summer of 2005, Chief Glenn Nolan, Missanabie Cree First Nation and 15 paddlers embarked on a three-month long canoe journey to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the 1905 Treaty 9 commissioners’ route.
