Rama First Nation and GrowForce Holdings Inc. announced a joint venture to bring cannabis production to Rama and the surrounding region. The announcement coincides with the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada. The partnership’s first major project will be the construction of a large-scale cannabis production facility which will create at least 100 permanent jobs for Rama and area residents.
The Chippewas of Rama First Nation (Rama) has been known as ‘the gathering place’, where travellers journeyed for many reasons. Today, it is home to Casino Rama, a tourism attraction that brings thousands of visitors to the area daily for gaming, shows, conventions, shopping and fine dining.
Guided by a long-term community visioning which has built a sustainable economic foundation, this proud, progressive First Nation community provides members and area residents with employment close to home and services for family living and recreation.
“We chose to work with GrowForce because of their strong financial backing from Bridging Finance, an Indigenous-led company, along with industry-leading safe cannabis product management practices,” said Chief Rodney Noganosh for Rama First Nation. “This joint venture generates a long-term positive economic impact for our community in an emerging market and adds significant jobs in the region.”
GrowForce Holdings Inc. is a vertically integrated international cannabis platform with a portfolio which includes five production facilities in various stages of completion across Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia. GrowForce is licensed by Heath Canada under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) and plans to continue to expand across Canada through partnerships with various Indigenous Nations for large-scale cannabis cultivation, extraction, and retail.
“Partnering with Indigenous communities is core to our business plan and growth strategy,” said Rishi Gautam, Chairman and CEO of GrowForce. “We are excited about our partnership with Rama First Nation and look forward to bringing additional economic opportunities to the community through the cultivation, distribution and retail sale of high quality cannabis products.”
GrowForce’s cannabis facilities are managed by MJardin Group, a highly-experienced cannabis management company. The joint venture will utilize MJardin’s services including their proprietary training programs and cannabis management software.
David Sharpe, CEO of Bridging Finance, an Indigenous led company, has been a key advisor, bringing financial backing and supporting GrowForce’s execution of its Indigenous joint ventures. Through the strategic partnership with Bridging Finance and the establishment of the Bridging Infrastructure Fund, GrowForce has unique access to growth capital for continued infrastructure investments and consolidation of strong operational cannabis assets.
About GrowForce
GrowForce is a geographically diversified and vertically integrated cannabis platform operating within Health Canada’s Cannabis Act (formerly known as the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations). GrowForce owns a majority interest in flagship cannabis facilities with strategic partnerships for turnkey operations, proprietary software and training, and project financing. GrowForce’s flagship facilities are operated by MJardin Group, North America’s largest turnkey operator of legal cannabis facilities, and financed by Bridging Finance Inc., Canada’s leading provider of private credit. For more information, please visit www.growforce.ca.
About RAMA First Nation
RAMA First Nation is home to Casino Rama and many flourishing community enterprises including two Tim Horton’s franchises, a Shell Station, the Gathering Place stores, Black River Wilderness Park, the Ojibway Bay Marina and property leasing. Rama’s commitment to community and economic development growth remain focal points for the future. With long standing local and regional relationships, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation is one of the country’s leading First Nation communities. For more information, please visit www.ramafirstnation.ca.
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