The Hilton Québec passes into the hands of four indigenous nations

Four indigenous communities in Quebec become majority shareholders of the Hilton Hotel in Quebec. However, management of the 569-room building will remain in the hands of hotel giant InnVest.

The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, the Mi’gmaq of Gespe’gewa’gi, the Huron-Wendat Nation and the Cree Nation (Eeyou) are behind this transaction. On-site employees should keep their jobs.

The buyers paid $85.6M according to a deed of sale consulted by -.

Hilton Quebec is a high-performing hotel in our portfoliowrites Lydia Chen, CEO of InnVest Hotels, in a press release released Thursday. This very important agreement with our First Nations partners in Quebec allows us to unlock the value of this property while providing a dynamic new investment opportunity for new owners.

This acquisition is a concrete example of how First Nations can play a key role in the economic development of Quebec, while preserving and promoting their unique cultural heritage.writes Louise Nattawappio, chief of the Naskapi Nation. The development of our communities also requires strategic investments outside the territory.

Built between 1971 and 1974, then renovated in 2020, the Hilton is one of the largest hotels in Quebec City.

“Historic” moment

The great chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation, Pierre Picard, also considers this partnership a historic moment .

The Wendat Nation is proud of this major investment which, moreover, is found on its magnificent territory, Nionwentsïo. It is all the more significant since it is sealed by an economic alliance with the Eeyou, the Mi’gmaq and the Naskapis. He indicated.

It is a very strong message that we are sending to the population in general, but also to current and future generations of First Nations, that solidarity can lead us to the realization of major projects.

Dignitaries, such as the mayor of Quebec Bruno Marchand, and the minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit, Ian Lafrenière, were present during the announcement.

In terms of rapprochement, the opportunity that it will give people to come to the Hilton Hotel, to live an indigenous tourist experience, to reduce the lack of knowledge that we have from nation to nation, I find that wonderful. mentions Ian Lafrenière.

The Grand Chief of the Cree Nation of Quebec, Mandy Gull-Masty, also hopes that this moment marks the beginning of increased collaboration between the eleven First Nations of the province

I believe there is great potential for all nations and Quebec to work together in the futureshe believes.

With information from Rosalie Sinclair