Peguis First Nation a partner in what may be Manitoba's biggest cannabis cultivation facility

One First Nation is preparing to be amajor player in Manitoba's cannabis industryand hopes to provide jobs for itsmembers in the process.

"We have entered into all aspects of the cannabis industry from production, to retail, to medicinal, even into the area of hemp," said PeguisFirst Nation chief Glenn Hudson.

Peguis has developed relationships with investors Bridging Finance Inc. and Growforce, aturnkey cannabis platform which will help managethefacilities and train workers.

The joint venture plans to open two marijuana retail locations:one at Peguis'surban reserve sitein Winnipegand another in Selkirk. It's also considering opening acultivation facility in Selkirk.

But the bulk of the expected jobswill come from what's expected to be one of the largest cannabis cultivation facilities in Manitoba.

Peguis First Nation set to become major player in Cannabis industry

6 years ago

Duration 2:40

"We have entered into all aspects of the cannabis industry from production, to retail, to medicinal, even into the area of hemp," said Peguis First Nation chief Glenn Hudson.

The joint venture is retrofitting a 120,000 sq. ft. buildingon WarmanRoad in Winnipeg that's expected to employ 150-200 people.

Hudson was unable to provide the dollar figure of how much money has been invested into the cannabis ventures, but said they expectto make significant profits.

Revenue expected

"Each turnover we are projecting anywhere from $10 [million] to $16 million for 50,000 square feet," said Hudson.

The facility expects a crop turnover four times a year.

Hudson said there were three consultation meetings with band members from Peguisabout the business plan.

At the second community meeting, Hudson said he called for an open vote for people to object to the plans.

"There was probably 300 people in the hall and only two objected to it," he said.

"So I think people are realizing and seeing the opportunity themselves."

One Peguis band member is excited for the potential cannabis revenues.

Brett Doerksenworks as a marketer for Ayshkum engineering, a business that is owned by another Peguis band member. Hesaid having an urban reserve in Winnipeg is a big step for the band.

"[Cannabis] could come with tremendous economic growth with the revenue that it brings in," said Doerksen.

While there are still questions that need to be answered regarding taxation, Hudson said they're willing to work with the province and federal government on that.

Training workers

Hudson said the goal would beto have 100 per cent Indigenous employees working at the cultivation centre and dispensaries.

"Our affirmative action [plan] is to employ our First Nations people, given it's a First Nation company," said Hudson.

Growforcebrings the expertise of managing cannabis operations and willtrainthe employees at the Warman Road facility.

"Growforce brings a university system of training a workforce," said Jeannette Harkin, VP of corporate development for Growforce.

"That means we have classes, on-site tutorials and career advancement in career training. So not only are we helping to train a workforce to create jobs but we're creating career advancement and a real long term career progression for First Nations."

The WarmanRoad facilityis expected to open phase one of operations in 2019, with the first group of hires expected this winter.

As of yet, the community is still undecided if there will be a marijuana retail store on the First Nation itself, but it is something that Hudson said they areconsidering.