Created in 1997, the Norlien Foundation is a proactive private foundation with offices in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta. The Foundation is active in knowledge translation and mobilization, professional development and training, applied research, evaluation, and networking. It has established partnerships with numerous national and international organizations working in the areas of childhood development, addiction, and mental health. The Foundation initiates strategic projects to enhance the quality of life for all Canadians, particularly those living in Alberta.

The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative
In 2007, the Norlien Foundation created the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI). Based on a framework of epigenetics and developmental and behavioural neurosciences, the AFWI creates opportunities to better understand and apply scientific knowledge to factors influencing child development and its relationship to addiction and other mental-health outcomes. Its activities revolve around three core concepts:

There is a connection between early brain development and later adult health outcomes, such as addiction.

Addiction is more than drugs, alcohol and gambling. It can also include food, sex, work, and other human behaviours.

Brains can change.

The AFWI hosts symposia that bring leading researchers from across North America together with Alberta researchers, policy makers, and health care professionals to facilitate knowledge translation across these communities. Additionally, AlbertaFamilyWellness.org offers web-based tools and resources to help experts and lay readers alike share knowledge and make well-informed decisions in their work and daily lives.