Great Canadian Entertainment and the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group have reached a definitive agreement for the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group to acquire Elements Casino Chilliwack. This landmark deal was finalized on November 7, 2025, and is regarded as a significant step for the Indigenous communities in the Fraser Valley region.
Elements Casino Chilliwack, a prominent entertainment destination since its opening in Chilliwack, offers more than 300 slot machines, various table games, bingo, dining options, and live entertainment. Over the years, it has become a staple attraction for visitors across the Fraser Valley and a vital component of the local economy and social fabric.
Chief David Jimmie, who serves as the Chief of Squiala First Nation and President of Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd., expressed enthusiasm, describing the acquisition as a transformative milestone for their nations and the entire territory. He stated that this partnership not only represents a strategic business investment but also signifies a commitment to the future prosperity of their communities. He emphasized that the revenues generated would bolster community strength, create new opportunities, and ensure the continued economic leadership of their nations within the local area.
Chief Jimmie further highlighted that local community-based ownership of Elements Casino Chilliwack would reinforce the broader Fraser Valley community and economy. This moment is a testament to the power of Indigenous leadership and cooperation in building a more robust and inclusive future for everyone involved.
On the other side of the transaction, Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian Entertainment, expressed confidence in the casino’s future under its new owners. He noted the company’s privilege of being part of the Chilliwack community since the casino’s opening in 2012 and voiced his belief that the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group’s stewardship would usher the business into an exciting new chapter. Anfinson added that for the team members, guests, and the local community, there could be no better owners for the business. He looks forward to collaborating with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group during the transition process to ensure a smooth changeover.
While the agreement marks a significant development, the transaction remains subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Part of the deal includes Great Canadian Entertainment providing transitional support after the sale to facilitate a seamless transition.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. are providing legal and financial guidance to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group in this transaction, with McMillan LLP serving as legal counsel for Great Canadian Entertainment.
This move follows other recent acquisitions within the gaming sector. Notably, at the beginning of the month, the Snuneymuxw First Nation announced its acquisition of River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge from the same prominent gaming and entertainment company. Such developments underscore an increasing trend of Indigenous groups taking ownership stakes in key economic ventures, reflecting broader shifts toward community empowerment and economic independence.
This evolving landscape in the gambling and entertainment industry points to a nuanced dialogue about ownership and the roles Indigenous groups are playing in the business world. While some celebrate these acquisitions as pivotal steps toward economic self-sufficiency and cultural resurgence, others might raise concerns about the implications of absorbing traditionally commercial enterprises into community-focused ownership models.
There is a school of thought suggesting that community ownership, particularly by Indigenous groups, could transform business practices to be more sustainable and socially responsible. These ownership models emphasize long-term community benefits over short-term profits, potentially reshaping business strategies to prioritize social, cultural, and environmental sustainability.
Conversely, some industry analysts caution that integrating community values with commercial operations could present challenges. Balancing economic objectives with community expectations may require innovative governance models and strategic oversight to align varied interests effectively. As Indigenous groups navigate these complex domains, they may need to continuously adapt and refine their approaches to ensure both economic viability and community fidelity.
As these transactions unfold, they are closely watched by both supporters and skeptics, keen to observe whether such models can indeed deliver on the promises of economic empowerment and cultural renaissance. With each new acquisition, Indigenous groups are redefining the landscape, offering new paradigms of ownership that are likely to influence future discussions around economic self-determination and community-driven growth.
Overall, the sale of Elements Casino Chilliwack to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group represents not just a business transaction but a significant milestone in the broader narrative of Indigenous economic empowerment. As these communities take control of key economic assets, they are not only securing financial stability but are also opening new chapters in the story of Indigenous resilience and future planning.
David Garato is a luminary in gaming journalism, renowned for peeling back the curtain on the gaming world with his witty and insightful commentary. A decade into weaving stories from the pixelated edges of indie games to the expansive universes of AAA titles, David’s work is a thrilling blend of analysis and adventure. When not writing, he’s live-streaming, sharing his gaming exploits with an engaged and growing audience. David doesn’t just write about games; he lives them, making him a trusted guide in the gaming community.
