SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION ACQUIRES FULL OWNERSHIP OF COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT NANAIMO

Full ownership signals continued Nation-led growth and investment in Nanaimo’s downtown core.

Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo), B.C. (Date) – On the heels of the recent purchase of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation (Snuneymuxw), is proud to share another major milestone with the acquisition of 100% ownership of the Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo (the Marriott).

Previously co-owned through a partnership with PEG Companies based in Utah, the Marriott now joins PDG’s growing hospitality and gaming portfolio. This investment follows two landmark developments: the addition of 80 hectares of te’tuxwtun to Snuneymuxw Reserve lands, leading to one of the largest planned development initiatives on Vancouver Island, and recent casino acquisitions, marking a new era of Nation-led growth and opportunity. Together, these investments reflect Snuneymuxw’s long-term approach to sustainable economic development, focused on established, income-generating assets that support employment, community reinvestment and long-term resilience. The hotel currently employs 48 people.

“This acquisition is about bringing prosperity home,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation. “Full ownership of the Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo allows us to continue building lasting benefits for our people and the region.”

“PDG’s strategic acquisitions, which span hospitality, gaming and development, advance Snuneymuxw’s long-term vision of sustainable economic growth, self-determination and Nation-building, creating opportunities that benefit both Snuneymuxw people and the broader region,” said Erralyn Joseph, President of Petroglyph Development Group.

“We are proud to invest in Nanaimo’s downtown core,” said Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, chief executive officer of PDG, “strengthening the city’s tourism and conference sector while maintaining stable jobs.”

The Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo, which opened in March 2024, sits in the heart of downtown Nanaimo and showcases site-specific Snuneymuxw artwork that honours the location.

-30-

About Snuneymuxw First Nation

Snuneymuxw is 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 the 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 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. To learn more, please visit www.snuneymuxw.ca.

About Petroglyph Development Group

Petroglyph Development Group (PDG) is Snuneymuxw First Nation’s team that focuses on business and economic development. PDG is 100% owned by Snuneymuxw First Nation and its goals are guided by Snuneymuxw priorities. Grounded in snawaylth, the ancestral teachings passed down from Elders, PDG weaves Snuneymuxw knowledge with contemporary business. After starting with three companies and four assets, their diversified portfolio now spans forestry, gaming, hospitality, cannabis production and retail, tourism, transportation and logistics, business management, real estate and development, convenience and fuel retail. To learn more, please visit www.petroglyphdg.com.

Stephanie Hagenaars
50th Parallel Public Relations
P: 778.225.0556 ext. 104
E: [email protected]