“For the Wendat, this is definitely a historic announcement,” says the great chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation, Pierre Picard.
The latter represents one of the four nations behind the Atenro limited partnership, which means “friendship” in the Wendat language.
Together, the Huron-Wendat Nation, the Naskapi Nation, the Mi’gmaq and the Cree Nation have joined forces to acquire a majority stake in the Hilton Québec.
They made the announcement of this major investment of $85.6 million on the 23rd floor of the capital’s emblematic hotel on Thursday morning.
Many months were necessary to reach this conclusion, says Mr. Picard, in an interview with The Sun.
Pierre Picard, great chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation. (Caroline Grégoire/The Sun)
The start of this alliance was launched by the Mi’gmaq Nation.
“We let them know if they were interested in [faire l’acquisition du Hilton]. They have alliances through their economic development corporation. […] They had the kindness and great diplomatic delicacy to call on us,” recognizes the great chief, while recalling that the hotel is located on Wendat territory, Nionwentsïo.
For Fred Vicaire, CEO of the economic development company Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation, the investment was too “risky” for a single community.
“Historically, Nations have always worked together. I think it’s symbolic that we’re seeing it again,” says the man who clearly imagines such partnerships taking shape in the renewable energy sector.
Fred Vicaire, CEO of Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation. (Caroline Grégoire/The Sun)
A partnership with the property’s current owner, InnVest Hotels, enabled the transaction to move forward. The latter remains manager of the hotel.
“This very important agreement with our First Nations partners in Quebec allows us to unlock the value of this property while offering a new investment opportunity,” explains Lydia Chen, CEO of InnVest Hotels.
“A strong signal”
The new buyers agree that such an alliance marks a significant step in the economic participation of First Nations in several sectors in Quebec, including the hotel industry.
Mandy Gull-Masty, Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees, says she is proud to put her mark in the heart of Quebec City.
“It triggers something very important: a model of collaboration. Not just for us, but for other nations in all provinces of Canada,” she emphasizes.
Mandy Gull-Masty, Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees. (Caroline Grégoire/The Sun)
For Grand Chief Pierre Picard, this is a “strong signal” for his community.
“When our ambitions intersect and our visions align, we can converge towards successes as members of the First Nations,” he says, with pride.
He does not fail to emphasize that such an agreement generates “a feeling of pride and belonging”.
“The doors of our Nation are open to all kinds of alliances allowing us greater financial autonomy.”
— Pierre Picard, great chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation
“We have often been recognized as bearers of culture and traditions. But to see us from an economic perspective as creators of alliances, it becomes good examples for current generations,” maintains Mr. Picard.
An important lever
Moreover, the majority shareholders want to seize the opportunity to promote indigenous cultures to hotel visitors.
And this, in addition to implementing joint initiatives aimed at providing employment and training opportunities to members of all First Nations.
“It’s not just the property: there’s going to be a color. There will be an indigenous presence. We need it. Quebec and Montreal are places where there are a lot of cruise lines and tourists who come. They want that experience,” insists Ian Lafrenière, minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit.
“We want the First Nations and Inuit to be partners. For that, we must give them the means.”
— Ian Lafrenière, Minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit
Ian Lafrenière, Minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit. (Caroline Grégoire/The Sun)
One of the issues that often comes up is investment capacity, recalls the minister.
If financial assistance exists in Western Canada to support such projects, only the Indigenous Initiatives Fund is in place in Quebec. “It’s a first level of investment,” he explains.
“We are working with several groups to try to have something. “Precisely a fund that could help indigenous investments in major projects,” suggests Mr. Lafrenière, who has no announcements to make in the short term.
Since 1974
The Hilton Quebec hotel was built between 1971 and 1974 by the real estate company Trizec. Its official opening dates back to March 21, 1974.
In 2006, Hilton Canada sold the property to InnVest Hotels.
The hotel on Boulevard René-Lévesque Est underwent a 20 million facelift between 2008 and 2011. Ten years later, a new envelope of 70 million allowed the Hilton Québec to be renovated.
It is the second largest hotel establishment in Quebec with its 569 rooms.
The Hilton Quebec just before renovations in 2020 (Yan Doublet/Archives Le Soleil)
WHAT THEY SAID
“Our new partnership demonstrates the desire of indigenous communities to invest in the economy in a sustainable manner and to strengthen their financial autonomy.”
– Fred Vicaire, CEO of Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation
“By investing in hospitality properties, we have the opportunity to create spaces that showcase our heritage and allow visitors to learn more about our cultures.”
– Henry Gull, president of the James Bay Eeyou Corporation
“The development of our communities also requires strategic investments outside the territory.”
– Louise Nattawappio, chief of the Naskapi Nation
