SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION TO ACQUIRE RIVER ROCK CASINO RESORT AND CHANCES MAPLE RIDGE IN TRANSFORMATIVE TRANSACTIONS
Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation (Snuneymuxw), and Great Canadian Entertainment announced today that they have entered into definitive agreements for the purchase by PDG from Great Canadian Entertainment of two casino businesses, River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge.
Upon closing and subject to regulatory and other approvals, PDG is expected to become one of the largest casino operators by revenue in British Columbia, and anticipates being the largest Canadian Indigenous owned gaming operator by revenue in Canada, cementing Snuneymuxw as a leading force in the province’s gaming industry.
“Our growing partnership with Great Canadian Entertainment has brought us to what was envisioned by our Ancestors and guided by decades of Snuneymuxw Chiefs and Councils,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation. “By securing ownership in four thriving casino operations, we are realizing a dream of long-term economic independence and creating lasting prosperity for our people and the communities we serve. Nation-to-Nation collaboration benefits all of us. We respectfully acknowledge Musqueam, on whose territory River Rock Resort Casino is located, and the Katzie, whose territory includes Chances Maple Ridge. Snuneymuxw looks forward to continuing our conversations with both Nations and exploring the economic development opportunities before us.”
Building on PDG’s recent acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria earlier this year, these transactions demonstrate the strength of the collaboration between PDG and Great Canadian Entertainment and the momentum of PDG’s growing gaming platform. These acquisitions mark a major step toward economic self-determination for Snuneymuxw, strengthening Snuneymuxw’s long-term prosperity, financial independence and restoring an economy that thrived for thousands of years.
“PDG continues to advance Indigenous-led economic development in British Columbia," said Erralyn Joseph, President of PDG. "These acquisitions are aligned with our commitment to a sustainable, self-determined future, one where Snuneymuxw capital, leadership and vision drive meaningful growth for our Nation and strengthen partnerships across territories. We extend our deep respect and gratitude to the Musqueam and Katzie Nations as we move forward together in the spirit of collaboration.”
“We believe that this milestone represents a major shift in British Columbia’s gaming landscape,” said Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, Chief Executive Officer of PDG. “Under Snuneymuxw ownership, the wealth these properties generate will continue to fuel local growth and reinvestment. Guided by our snawaylth, they will deliver world-class hospitality and entertainment grounded in respect for the interconnectedness of all life.”