A century-old garment manufacturer based in Winnipeg is entering a new chapter in its history after its purchase by a Manitoba First Nation.

Brokenhead Ojibway Nation announced Friday it has purchased Freed & Freed International Ltd. The First Nation, about 70 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, says it sees economic and procurement opportunities within the industry, along with a chance to provide jobs, training and life skills for First Nations people.

“For me it’s literally getting the opportunities to our people … and starting to look at how First Nations-led businesses start to accommodate some of those procurement opportunities that are out there, and that’s our main target,” Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon BlueSky said Monday.