A new partnership between four First Nations groups and Québec's Hilton hotel marks a major milestone for Indigenous economic autonomy and cultural visibility in the region's luxury hospitality market. Olivia Palamountain reports

Four First Nations groups have formed a new entity called Atenro to acquire a majority stake in the Hilton Québec hotel.

The groups have partnered with InnVest Hotels in this landmark deal, which strengthens Indigenous economic participation in the province's hospitality sector.

The partnership brings together the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, the Mi'gmaq of Gespe'gewa'gi, the Huron-Wendat Nation and the Cree Nation under Atenro, which means "friendship" in the Wendat language. Under the agreement, Hilton will continue to manage the hotel's operations.

"Our new partnership demonstrates the willingness of Indigenous communities to invest in the economy in a sustainable way and to strengthen their financial self-sufficiency. The revenues generated by our other investments, such as wind, allow us to diversify our investments," says Fred Vicaire, CEO of Mi'gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation.

The acquisition represents a significant opportunity for cultural representation in Québec's tourism industry. Henry Gull, president of the James Bay Eeyou Corporation, explains: "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. It also strengthens our economic position and financial autonomy, while contributing to the sustainable development of our communities."

For the Huron-Wendat Nation, the deal holds particular significance as the hotel is located on their traditional territory. Grand chief Pierre Picard called it "an historic transaction" that "honours the memory of the Wendat ancestors who once had an important network of trade and trade alliances."

The hotel, which features 569 rooms and suites, is strategically positioned near Old Québec City and Parliament Hill. It houses the city's largest ballroom and 22 meeting rooms totalling 23,000 square feet of space, and is directly connected to the Québec City Convention Centre.

Lydia Chen, CEO of InnVest Hotels, confirmed that her company "will continue to be actively involved with the Hotel as Asset Managers for the new partnership."

The new owners have pledged to implement initiatives with Hilton Québec and InnVest Hotels to provide employment and training opportunities for members of all First Nations while maintaining all current jobs at the hotel.

The acquisition was facilitated by Atmacinta, Cain Lamarre, Plan A Capital and Gowling WLG, with financial backing from the Bank of Montreal and the First Nations Bank of Canada.