Snuneymuxw First Nation Emerges as Canada’s Leading Indigenous Casino Operator
Snuneymuxw First Nation Expands Casino Holdings
Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), which is fully owned by the Snuneymuxw First Nation, has completed an agreement to purchase two casino properties from Great Canadian Entertainment. This acquisition makes PDG the largest Indigenous gaming operator in Canada by revenue.
Details of the Acquisition
With the deal finalized, PDG will take ownership of River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge. These purchases come after the group acquired Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria earlier this year, demonstrating the continued rapid expansion of PDG’s gaming portfolio and its ongoing partnership with Great Canadian Entertainment.
PDG has emphasized that this important move supports the economic self-determination of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The ownership of these casinos is expected to boost the Nation’s long-term financial stability, promote independence, and help revive an economy rooted in their ancestral heritage.
Leaders Weigh In on the Transaction
Chief Mike Wyse, leader of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, highlighted that the growing alliance with Great Canadian Entertainment honors the vision of their ancestors as well as the leadership of past Chiefs and Councils. He stressed that controlling four successful casino operations marks an important milestone towards economic sovereignty and sustainable prosperity for both the Snuneymuxw people and local communities.
Chief Wyse also recognized the territorial rights of neighboring Indigenous Nations, specifically the Musqueam Nation, where River Rock Casino operates, and the Katzie Nation, encompassing the Chances Maple Ridge location. He expressed hopes for ongoing respectful dialogue and cooperative economic initiatives with the Katzie Nation in the future.
Echoing these sentiments, Erralyn Joseph, president of PDG, shared that the acquisitions align with their mission to rebuild a robust Snuneymuxw economy, driven by indigenous leadership and resources. He thanked the Musqueam and Katzie Nations for their cooperative approach and emphasized his organization’s commitment to forging strong and lasting partnerships with the municipalities of Richmond and Maple Ridge.
Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow conveyed appreciation for Snuneymuxw’s invitation to collaborate on the River Rock Casino acquisition. He confirmed that the two Nations have agreed in principle to move forward and will finalize details while consulting their communities over the coming weeks.
Lastly, Ian Simpson, CEO of PDG, underscored that this acquisition marks a transformative moment in British Columbia’s gaming industry. He remarked that Snuneymuxw ownership ensures that revenues from these venues will bolster local economic development and continue offering top-tier hospitality and entertainment experiences.
