In a historic move toward economic growth and self-reliance, five Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia have joined forces to enter the casino gaming industry. Through their collective initiative, Indigenous Gaming Partners (IGP), the communities acquired Pure Canadian Gaming, an operator of four prominent casinos in Alberta, including locations in Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge.

The communities involved—Millbrook, Paqtnkek, We’koqoma’q, Glooscap, and Annapolis Valley—view this acquisition as a significant leap in diversifying their revenue sources and expanding their economic reach. Michael Peters, chair of IGP and a Glooscap First Nation member, emphasized the importance of diversifying both geographically and industrially. “We’re trying to not only expand by diversifying to new industries … we’ve also diversified in our geography as well,” Peters stated according to CBC, highlighting Alberta’s distinct market compared to Nova Scotia’s.

A Path to Economic Independence

This strategic acquisition will provide a robust source of “own source revenue,” which refers to income generated independently of federal funding. Such revenues are crucial for Indigenous communities operating under self-governance agreements. The funds are earmarked for reinvestment in critical areas, including housing, healthcare, social programs, and other community services.

For Millbrook Chief Bob Gloade, the venture embodies economic reconciliation. “Our community, all our communities are going to be the direct beneficiaries of it,” he said. Gloade anticipates that the financial impacts will be visible within a year, noting that the existing casino infrastructure and workforce are already in place, making the transition seamless.

Millbrook has a history of success in economic ventures, with over 70% of its community programs funded through independently generated revenue. Gloade sees this deal as a further step toward financial sustainability, stating, “This is just another piece of the pie that’s basically going to help our community grow financially.”

A Broader Vision for Expansion

While there are no immediate plans to build casinos in Nova Scotia, IGP is keeping its eyes open for opportunities across Canada. Peters mentioned that the Mi’kmaq have been actively pursuing other ventures, such as acquiring shipyards, energy projects, and seafood enterprises like Clearwater.

“Not only is this deal done, but other Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia have been getting together on doing deals,” Peters said, underlining the collaborative spirit driving these initiatives.

The partnership is equally shared among the five bands, ensuring all communities benefit equally from the venture’s success. This balanced structure reflects the collective commitment to fostering economic independence and creating sustainable growth.

A Catalyst for Future Opportunities

The acquisition marks a new chapter for the Mi’kmaw communities, setting a precedent for further large-scale economic initiatives. As Peters stated, “The Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq are really out there to do a lot of business, and this is just another example of that.”

By stepping into the larger gaming industry, these communities are not only advancing their financial stability but also creating a model of economic empowerment that can inspire similar initiatives nationwide.