Limited space is still available for the annual Nanwakolas Corporate Golf Challenge Friday, July 22 at Crown Isle Golf Course.
The tournament is an opportunity to contribute to the TL’axsam Memorial Bursary for Aboriginal students at NIC, meet Nanwakolas Council members, while taking part in a fun golf challenge.
“All proceeds from this tournament will help provide educational opportunities for First Nation students who might not otherwise be able to attend college or university for many years,” said Dallas Smith, the Nanwakolas Council president, who reminded interested golfers that the June 30 registration deadline is less than two weeks away.
This year’s challenge has a shotgun start at 1 pm. Golfers also have the opportunity to participate in a Big Break competition to compete in three skills events for a tournament mulligan before the challenge begins.
Established in 2012, the TL’axsam Memorial Bursary Endowment honours the legacy of the late Stan Hagen, the former Comox Valley MLA who was a strong advocate for First Nations and education.
“Tl’axsam, meaning Red Cod, was the honourary name the K’ómoks First Nation gave to Stan because of his rosy cheeks,” said Smith, who considered Stan a friend and mentor. “It is our hope this bursary will grow to a point where post-secondary education is a given, as opposed to the exception, in First Nations communities.”
The Corporate Golf Challenge has raised $23,500 over the last three years. When combined with $10,500 in NIC Foundation matching funds, the fund’s balance totals more than $34,000. The income generated annually provides a student an approximate $1,300 bursary every year, forever.
The Nanwakolas Council is made of six member First Nations whose traditional territories are located in the Northern Vancouver Island and BC’s South Central Coast. It supports member First Nations in land and marine resource management and resource-based economic development activities.
For tournament costs, or to register, visit http://www.nanwakolas.com/nanwakolas-corporate-golf-challenge or emailcurtiswilson@nanwakolas.com.