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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 <a data-mce-href="https://villageatstlilnup.ca/" href="https://villageatstlilnup.ca/">www.villageatstlilnup.ca</a> or follow The Village at stlilnup on Instagram and Facebook. -30- 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: stephanie@50thparallelpr.com

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

This marks the fifth major agreement for casino acquisition in British Columbia for Snuneymuxw in the past 12 months, accelerating PDG’s momentum in building one of the most dynamic gaming portfolios in Canada. Following the previously announced acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria, as well as the execution of purchase agreements with respect to River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge, PDG is positioned to become one of the largest casino operators in B.C. and Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned gaming operator by revenue.Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation: “This latest agreement reinforces the strategy we’re executing and the proven results we’ve achieved across our gaming portfolio. The confidence placed in us by Great Canadian Entertainment and the industry is grounded in our disciplined approach to sustainable growth. The proposed acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver marks another step toward economic self-determination for Snuneymuxw, strengthening our long-term prosperity, financial independence and restoring an economy that thrived for thousands of years.”Erralyn Joseph, President of Petroglyph Development Group (PDG): “We are seizing opportunities that will unlock Snuneymuxw’s economic potential and build a strong, resilient future for our Nation. Decades of big work have delivered transformative economic growth. Over the last 10 years, PDG has grown from three companies to 13, and counting. 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.”Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, Chief Executive Officer of PDG: “This milestone contributes to the momentum of our dynamic gaming portfolio and our commitment to local sustainable economic development. Great Canadian Casino Vancouver has long been an important contributor to the Coquitlam economy, and we're committed to ensuring those benefits continue. As we expand Snuneymuxw's economic development footprint, we remain focused on creating lasting value for our Nation, for the communities where we operate and for the region as a whole.”<a data-mce-href="https://issuu.com/petroglyphdg/docs/press_release_gce.sfn_gccv_12.19.25" href="https://issuu.com/petroglyphdg/docs/press_release_gce.sfn_gccv_12.19.25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more</a>

SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION EXPANDS GAMING PORTFOLIO WITH AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE GREAT CANADIAN CASINO VANCOUVER

Petroglyph Development Group to become BC’s largest Indigenous-led casino operator. 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.” &nbsp;Couldn’t join us in person? Watch the full event recording <a data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/9i2o5MvWWtg" href="https://youtu.be/9i2o5MvWWtg">here</a>.&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://issuu.com/petroglyphdg/docs/press_release_gce.sfn_rrcr.cmr_10.30.25" href="https://issuu.com/petroglyphdg/docs/press_release_gce.sfn_rrcr.cmr_10.30.25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Press Release</a>

SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION TO ACQUIRE RIVER ROCK CASINO RESORT AND CHANCES MAPLE RIDGE IN TRANSFORMATIVE TRANSACTIONS

SNUNEYMUXW TERRITORY (NANAIMO) - Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Province have completed a transfer of over 700 hectares of land on te'tuxwtun, also known as Mount Benson North, to the Nation, advancing its reconciliation journey. This marks the latest step in the implementation of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and British Columbia Land Transfer Agreement (2020). Under this agreement, over 3000 hectares of land is being returned to Snuneymuxw."This third transfer marks another meaningful step forward in restoring our responsibility over our lands," said Chief Mike Wyse, Snuneymuxw First Nation. "Each parcel returned strengthens our Nation's economic independence and renews our deep connection to te'tuxwtun North. More than 2,000 hectares of our village lands have yet to be returned under the agreement, and we remain firmly committed to continuing this vital work until every piece is restored, for our people and future generations."The land will be held in fee simple by the Nation's Petroglyph Development Group (PDG) and will join the Nation's forestry business, Mount Benson Forestry."PDG, through a Mount Benson Forestry Limited Partnership, will continue working with the land to build an economic engine that drives prosperity and strengthens self-determination," said Ian Simpson, CEO, Petroglyph Development Group. "We are reclaiming our vital role within our territory and continuing a legacy of sustainable growth."Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said: "Working in partnership with Snuneymuxw First Nation on the next steps of our reconciliation agreement is helping to create more jobs in Nanaimo and the mid-Island, and build strong, healthier communities. Working together on the path of reconciliation makes life better for us all."Since 2020, Snuneymuxw and B.C. have partnered on numerous agreements and collaborative work. This work was made possible with strong local and regional government support in the Nanaimo Regional District.Quotes:Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship –&nbsp;“This return of land supports economic opportunity and responsible stewardship, recognizing Snuneymuxw’s deep cultural and environmental connection to these lands since time immemorial. It creates opportunities for sustainable forestry, protects important wildlife habitat and brings lasting benefits to Snuneymuxw members and the wider mid-Island community. This is a meaningful step forward on the path of reconciliation, respecting Indigenous rights, supporting local economies and honouring the land.”Ravi Parmer, Minister of Forests –&nbsp;"This agreement puts the Snuneymuxw First Nation in the driver's seat, bringing economic prosperity, protection of cultural values and greater certainty to the land base."Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island -"Working together, we've moved forward. Today's return of 700 hectares of land is part of the late premier John Horgan and my commitment to the Snuneymuxw First Nation to help resolve a long-standing desire for a greater stake in the economic development of Crown lands in their territory."Learn More:Snuneymuxw First Nation: https://www.snuneymuxw.caPetroglyph Development Group: https://petroglyphdg.com&nbsp;2020 Land Transfer Agreement: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/download/0583431F80F9413B8CB15E0038583FC9&nbsp;2021 Snuneymuxw, Canada and British Columbia Memorandum of Understanding: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/natural-resource- stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/agreements/snuneymuxw_tripartite_mou_final_-_signed_by_all_july_28_2021.pdf&nbsp;212 hectares of land returned on Te'tuxwtun, known as Mount Benson East (2024): https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024IRR0001-000020&nbsp; B.C. returning downtown Nanaimo village site to Snuneymuxw (2024): https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024IRR0040-001110&nbsp;A backgrounder follows. &nbsp;Timeline, details of land transfer:• In 2021, a memorandum of understanding between the Nation, B.C. and Canada in recognition of the Sarlequun Treaty of 1854 was signed. • The first step in the implementation of this agreement took place in January 2024, when 212 hectares of land on te'tuxwtun, also known as Mount Benson East, was transferred to the Nation. Subsequently, an additional 34 hectares were returned to Snuneymuxw in October 2024 at Mount Benson South. • B.C. purchased a parcel of land that is entirely surrounded by the Mount Benson North parcel (known as District Lot 9) from the City of Nanaimo for future return to Snuneymuxw. • B.C. and Snuneymuxw are working toward the transfer of 2,091 hectares on Mount McKay as the final portion of the land package under the 2020 Land Transfer Agreement. • In July 2024, B.C. and Snuneymuxw announced the purchase of a key historic village site in downtown Nanaimo, sxwayxum, for future return to the Nation. • Snuneymuxw First Nation is a Coast Salish, hul'q'umi'num'-speaking Nation located in Coast Salish territory on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, with villages on the Fraser River and waterways in the Gulf Islands. • Snuneymuxw has more than 1,700 members and the smallest land reserve per capita in B.C. • On Dec. 23, 1854, the Crown and the Snuneymuxw people entered into the Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854 to forever and always preserve and protect Snuneymuxw villages, enclosed fields, waterways, harvesting and gathering, and the rights to hunt and fisheries as formerly. Often referred to as a trade and commerce treaty, the Sarlequun Treaty of 1854 is protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. • Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief and council have made it a priority to assert the recognition and implementation of the Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854. • Petroglyph Development Group (PDG) serves as the Nation's economic development arm, fostering sustainable business growth and creating opportunities that benefit the community. PDG is dedicated to building capacity, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship and driving long-term prosperity for the Snuneymuxw people.Contacts:Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation: 250-893-2028Snuneymuxw First Nation, Communications Manager: andrews@snuneymuxw.caPetroglyph Development Group, Communications Specialist: alishay@petroglyphdg.com&nbsp; 2025IRR0023-000703<figure id="figure-4hj09nrurdgmenb6pn9"><img id="4hj09nrurdgmenb6pn9" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/f9FHCGV0jT5T5NoUVP3XrK7PjISB91eCmkr4S8YpzB1cvVIGCT22H1YY7xXRXK1Q.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

News + Promos

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