SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION UNVEILS NAME AND LOGO FOR MAJOR GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT NEAR DEPARTURE BAY TERMINAL

stlilnup, Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo, B.C.) – Snuneymuxw First Nation is proud to announce the name and logo for The Village at stlilnup, an oceanfront village of shops and services owned and operated by Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) and SFN’s economic development arm, Petroglyph Development Group (PDG).
Located just steps from the Departure Bay Ferry terminal, this magnificent location is where Snuneymuxw origin unfolds, where Snuneymuxw’s relationship with the land and sea began and where the teachings that guide the Nation are originally rooted.

The Village at stlilnup is located on a part of the historic Suneymuxw village of stlilnup. The neighbouring bay’s deep waters sustained the community since the first family and the name honours this relationship. The Village at stlilnup is designed to be a community hub that welcomes locals and visitors to Snuneymuxw, honouring its roots as an ancient place of arrival.

“Since the time of the first families, stlilnup has been a place of gathering and community for Snuneymuxw,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Xum'silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation. “Restoring Snuneymuxw presence here is part of our Nation’s work to rebuild our economy while honouring the places that have sustained our people, and all people who live within our shared communities. The name stlilnup reminds us that our future prosperity continues to be rooted in our lands, history and snawaylth.”

Snuneymuxw teachings tell of how the first Ancestors brought forward stlilnup as one of the first three villages for the Nation. These villages are interconnected to the origins of the Snuneymuxw People and are key pillars of the sophisticated Snuneymuxw economic, legal, social and cultural systems. These sacred teachings guide development and build a strong Snuneymuxw Nation.

When the First Snuneymuxw Ancestors came from xaals (the Creator) – when the sky world touched down upon Snuneymuxw Land – they met Mother Earth. Snuneymuxw land inherently became sacred, and the relationship began. It was a meeting of spirit and soil. Of breath and earth. Of purpose and place.

With this connection came a responsibility to live in balance, to honour all relatives and to give the highest expression of one’s being for the good of the whole. The Lands at stlilnup are inseparable from these origin teachings. stlilnup is a place of arrival, instruction and memory.

These memories and teachings live on through the Village at stlilnup logo created by Snuneymuxw artist Elliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun. In the artwork, the Sun is honoured. In stories shared by the artist’s late great-grandmother, Dr. Ellen White, Kwulasulwut, the Sun is described as our grandfather, who once visited each house across all the Snuneymuxw villages each day, until he was kidnapped by Seagull. Raven and other beings came together to free him, after which he rose to live in the sky.

Owned and operated by SFN and PDG, The Village at stlilnup represents a key milestone in Snuneymuxw First Nation’s sustainable economic development strategy. PDG manages a diverse portfolio of businesses that build prosperity while honouring Snuneymuxw Ancestors, the Land and future generations.
“Restoring Snuneymuxw presence at stlilnup is powerful,” said Erralyn Joseph, President of Petroglyph Development Group (PDG). “It contributes to unlocking Snuneymuxw’s economic potential in a transformative way. Projects like this help renew the cycle of prosperity that flows from our lands back to our people, ultimately contributing to a strong economy that benefits our Nation and the local communities we serve.”

“The name and logo ground this beautiful new development in deep meaning,” said Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, Chief Executive Officer of PDG. “The name stlilnup honours our village, and the artwork shares teachings and stories connected to the land. As we prepare for the future of this site, it was important that the voices of past generations help light the path forward.”

The project builds on PDG’s ongoing work to drive economic growth across Snuneymuxw territory, Vancouver Island and beyond.

Further details about tenants and offerings at The Village at stlilnup will be announced in the coming months. The Village is planned to open in summer 2026. For updates and more information, visit www.villageatstlilnup.ca or follow The Village at stlilnup on Instagram and Facebook.

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About Snuneymuxw First Nation
Snuneymuxw are a vibrant First Nation of the Coast Salish People, located in the centre 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, its diversified portfolio now spans forestry, gaming, hospitality, cannabis production and retail, tourism, transportation and logistics, business management, real estate and development, and convenience and fuel retail. To learn more, please visit www.petroglyphdg.com.

Media inquiries or for more details on this announcement, please contact:
Stephanie Hagenaars
50th Parallel Public Relations
P: 778.225.0556 ext. 104
E: [email protected]