Workun Garrick Partnership, Fillmore Con-
struction, and our New School Building Com-
mittee for their continued efforts to make this
project a reality,” says Chief Morin.
Canadians outside of ECN may be acquainted
with the First Nation through its popular River
Cree Resort, the $210-million resort with ca-
sinos, restaurants, entertainment and hotel
which opened in 2006.
In 2014, ECN obtained full ownership of the
resort. The move to acquire full ownership
was to expand its capacity for projects, gain
autonomy, and pool resources for the better-
ment of the community. Illustrative of ECN’s
economic development acumen and financial
solvency, the resort was originally to be a 25-
year partnership with Las Vegas-based Para-
gon Gaming, with ECN buying them out in 8
years. The River Cree Resort is regarded as one
of the most successful First Nations entertain-
ment resorts of its kind in the country, and
continues to be a source of revenue for the
community.
SEPTEMBER 2018 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA 7
