The Grand Chief Ronald M. Derrickson Academy is an Indigenous-led, community-driven event hosted on Syilx Traditional Territory. Supported by Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson, this tournament provides a culturally safe and welcoming environment for Indigenous golfers to gather, compete, and connect through the game of golf. The event exists to showcase Indigenous excellence in sport while strengthening relationships between communities through shared experience, respect, and pride. 

Our mission is to empower Indigenous golfers of all skill levels by removing barriers to participation and delivering an elite tournament experience rooted in Indigenous values. Through this event, we aim to honour the land, celebrate community, and promote wellness, connection, and opportunity through the spirit of competition.  

The tournament also serves a greater purpose beyond the green. Each year, the proceeds and awareness generated are dedicated to supporting vital Indigenous-led initiatives and organizations. By rotating our focus, we aim to address a range of critical issues affecting the community while supporting our indigenous youth in sports through traditional and modern sports. 

This tournament is more than a competition—it is a gathering of nations. By bringing Indigenous golfers together from across the country, the Grand Chief Ronald M. Derrickson Academy aims to foster lasting relationships, inspire future generations of athletes, and contribute meaningfully to the legacy of both sport and community. 

Visionary & Champion

As our community prepares for the first tee-off of the inaugural Grand Chief Ronald M. Derrickson Academy, we are honored to spotlight a man whose vision and generosity have made this milestone possible: Grand Chief Ronald M. Derrickson.

As the presenting sponsor of this tournament, Grand Chief Derrickson is helping us build a legacy that transcends the game of golf. His commitment ensures that this tournament will not only be a premier sporting event this year but a successful, sustainable tradition for generations of Indigenous athletes to come.

A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience

Grand Chief Derrickson’s story is one of profound resilience and leadership. Born on the Westbank Indian Reserve, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canadian history. Elected as Chief of the Westbank First Nation six times, he transformed his community from one of the most economically challenged into one of the wealthiest and most self-sufficient in the country.

His life’s work has been dedicated to the idea that economic independence is the bedrock of cultural revitalization. As he often says, affluence provides the time and resources for a community to feed, educate, and enrich itself—allowing traditions, languages, and arts to flourish.

A Sacred Connection to the Land

Long before the manicured greens of the golf course existed, this land was a vital hunting ground that sustained his people. Grand Chief Derrickson carries with him the historic memories of those humble beginnings—of riding on horseback alongside his elders, learning the rhythms of the territory and the deep importance of stewardship.

When he envisioned developing this land, his goal was to create something that honoured those memories while building a bridge between communities. He sought to transform the landscape into a space where everyone could come together to enjoy the “beauty of the land” in a healthy, positive environment. For the Grand Chief, this isn’t just about a sport; it’s about using the land to build up the people, fostering empathy and understanding, and ensuring the community thrives for years to come.

Author and Advocate

Beyond the boardroom and the band office, Grand Chief Derrickson is a celebrated author who has documented the struggle for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. His award-winning books, such as Unsettling Canada: A National Wake-up Call and The Reconciliation Manifesto (co-authored with the late Arthur Manuel), serve as essential guides for understanding the path to true reconciliation. His latest memoir, Fight or Submit: Standing Tall in Two Worlds, offers a powerful look at his journey of standing firm against systemic challenges to protect his people’s lands and future.

Art, Culture, and the Community

Grand Chief Derrickson has long championed the arts as a vital expression of Indigenous identity. Whether through his support of local artists or his advocacy for cultural education, he understands that the “beauty of the land” is best reflected in the creative spirit of its people. His sponsorship of this tournament is an extension of that belief—viewing golf not just as a sport, but as a venue for community, pride, and the celebration of Indigenous excellence.

Standing Tall: A Shared Vision

His mission is to provide a platform where Indigenous golfers can compete at the highest level while fostering a sense of unity and national pride. Grand Chief Derrickson’s involvement is a perfect reflection of this goal. By supporting the inaugural Grand Chief Ronald M. Derrickson Academy, he is helping us create a space where athletes can “stand tall” on the green, just as he has stood tall for his community throughout his career.

We invite you to join us this August as we celebrate this partnership and witness the beginning of a new chapter in Indigenous sports history.

Meet the Artist: Sheldon Pierre Louis

The visual identity of the Grand Chief Ronald M. Derrickson Academy was brought to life by Sheldon Pierre Louis, a multi-disciplinary Syilx artist and member of the Okanagan Indian Band. Through his studio, Bound by a Feather, Sheldon creates works that serve as a bridge between traditional ancestral roots and contemporary Indigenous experiences. His extensive portfolio includes community-driven mural projects and exhibitions across British Columbia that celebrate cultural preservation and visual storytelling.

The Inspiration Behind the Logo

The logo was designed with a specific vision to create a powerful connection to the land and the spirit of the event. At its heart, the design features a coyote and their cubs set against the backdrop of the lake and mountains.

This imagery holds profound personal and cultural significance:

• The Coyote: Represents the name of the founder, Ronald M. Derrickson, serving as a direct link to the leadership and vision behind the tournament.
• The Cubs: Symbolize the next generation and the future of the sport, echoing the event’s commitment to community and growth.
• The Landscape: The mountains and lake reflect the natural beauty of the Okanagan, grounding the event in the traditional territory it calls home.

By blending these elements, Sheldon Pierre Louis has created more than just a logo; he has crafted a symbol of heritage, family, and the enduring connection between the people and the land.

To view more of Sheldon’s work, visit Bound by a Feather.