PETROGLYPH DEVELOPMENT GROUP NAMED COMMUNITY-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT 2026 INDIGENOUS BUSINESS AWARDS

BC Achievement Foundation honours Snuneymuxw First Nation's economic development arm for building a Nation-owned portfolio grounded in snuw’uyulth

Snuneymuxw Territory, Nanaimo, B.C. (November 5, 2026): Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), the economic development organization wholly owned by Snuneymuxw First Nation, has received the 2026 BC Achievement Indigenous Business Award, Community-owned Business of the Year (Two or More Entities). PDG was formally honoured at the 18th annual Indigenous Business Award Gala last night at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver.

The Indigenous Business Award has celebrated excellence in Indigenous entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership across British Columbia since 2008. The program is guided by Indigenous worldviews and led by Angela Marston of Chemainus First Nation, alongside an advisory panel of Indigenous entrepreneurs. An independent jury of Indigenous business leaders evaluates every nominee against four criteria: leadership, community impact, innovation and sustainability.

Why PDG

The recognition reflects more than a decade of deliberate Nation-building. Since its founding in 2014, PDG has grown from a single forestry operation into 20 companies and almost 2,000 team members across nine sectors. Each move responds to Snuneymuxw Chief and Council’s commitment to honour the land, create wealth and strengthen the Snuneymuxw economy. 

Leadership: governance that answers to the Nation. PDG is wholly owned by Snuneymuxw First Nation and guided by a Board of Directors made up of Snuneymuxw Chief and Council. This model moves economic decision-making beyond the Indian Act and places it with the Nation, so business activity follows the priorities of Snuneymuxw members.

Community impact: growth that returns to the people. In 2026, Snuneymuxw members voted to designate the 195 acres of te’tuxwtun lands for mixed-use development, following three years of community engagement. The plan brings together housing, commercial, recreation and entertainment, with PDG leading development on behalf of the Nation. PDG will also steward the redevelopment of 2.67 hectares at sxwayxum, part of a treaty-protected village site in downtown Nanaimo returned to Snuneymuxw First Nation in 2024. Across the portfolio, PDG is creating pathways for Snuneymuxw members to build careers in gaming, hospitality, forestry and development.

Innovation: a Snuneymuxw model for Indigenous enterprise. PDG created Lahal Casino Management, named for the traditional Indigenous bone game, to lead its gaming portfolio. Through recent acquisitions, PDG is now the largest Indigenous-owned casino operator in Canada by revenue and has welcomed more than 1,800 gaming and hospitality team members. At River Rock Casino Resort, PDG partners with Musqueam Capital Corporation, the economic arm of Musqueam First Nation, in a Nation-to-Nation relationship that builds value for both communities.

Sustainability: stewardship for future generations. PDG's journey began with the land. PDG’s MT Benson Forestry manages more than 4,000 hectares on behalf of the Nation, through harvesting, silviculture, fire suppression and land management. The Nation now holds 100 per cent ownership of the 172-room Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Nanaimo and operates 396 hotel rooms at River Rock. At The Village at stlilnup, an oceanfront hub and the location of a powerful Snuneymuxw village and origin story, PDG has partnered with and welcomed Yolks, Blowers and Grafton, Harbour Chandler, Keek’s Pilates and more to come. Diversifying across sectors is designed to deliver stable, long-term returns for generations to come. This village of shops and services also restores our presence at one of our most sacred sites.  

Quotes

"What began with forestry operations has now expanded into a diverse portfolio that lays the foundation for stable and balanced growth that will ensure long-term economic resilience for our Nation. hay ch q̓a’ to the BC Achievement Foundation, the jury and our partners, along with the 2,000 people who walk this path with us." Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation

"We are seizing opportunities that unlock Snuneymuxw’s economic potential and build a strong, resilient future for our Nation. We plan to keep the pedal to the metal with a measured and strategic approach, smashing economic ceilings for the benefit of Snuneymuxw, the region, the province and the country.” Erralyn Joseph, Hun'qwii'thia, President, Petroglyph Development Group

"Snuneymuxw participation in the economy is an expression of our inherent jurisdiction and Nationhood. Our Ancestors always prepared for the generations ahead while staying rooted in the teachings of the past. That is the work PDG carries today. We are grateful to our Snuneymuxw families for their trust and support. Every vote we have cast and every voice we have raised shapes the future of PDG." Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, President and CEO, Petroglyph Development Group

Looking ahead

After a year of growth, acquisition and diversification, PDG will focus in 2027 on strengthening and empowering its workforce, and on what it means to be a leader, employer and partner across a wide range of industries. PDG continues to seek partners who share a long-term view, value collaboration and bring complementary strengths.

PDG congratulates its fellow 2026 recipients and honours the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, on whose unceded territories the gala will take place.

A short film telling PDG's story premiered at the 18th annual Indigenous Business Award Gala at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver last night. Watch it here.

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About Petroglyph Development Group

Petroglyph Development Group (PDG) is the economic development organization of Snuneymuxw First Nation, established in 2014 and wholly owned by the Nation. Grounded in snuw’uyulth, the knowledge system passed down through generations, PDG weaves together Snuneymuxw knowledge and contemporary business to create sustainable economic opportunities. Its portfolio spans gaming, hospitality, forestry, real estate and development, tourism, transportation and logistics, cannabis, business services, and convenience and fuel retail. Through responsible growth and long-term stewardship, PDG supports Snuneymuxw self-determination and Nation-building for future generations.

About Snuneymuxw First Nation

Snuneymuxw are a vibrant First Nation of the Coast Salish People, located in the center of Coast Salish territory on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Fraser River, Burrard Inlet and Howe Sound. Snuneymuxw territory encompasses one of the most productive and resource-rich areas at the heart of the Salish Sea. On December 23, 1854, the Crown entered into the Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854, constituting solemn promises and obligations to forever and always protect Snuneymuxw villages, enclosed fields and the right to hunt and fish. Snuneymuxw is unlocking the full potential of its economy and driving long-term prosperity through its economic portfolio, Petroglyph Development Group, the largest Indigenous-owned gaming and hospitality operation in Canada, with additional interests in tourism, transportation, forestry and real estate. To learn more, please visit www.snuneymuxw.ca. 

Media contact

Natalie Martin
Director of Communications 
Petroglyph Development Group
(778)386-2994
[email protected]