MGBHLM celebrates with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Growth for First Nation

MGBHLM becomes second largest shareholder in North Battleford Comfort Inn and Suites

Nov 1, 2021 | 5:12 PM

Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man (MGBHLM) First Nation announced at a special signing ceremony Monday it has purchased shares in the North Battleford Comfort Inn and Suites, and is now the second largest shareholders with 30 per cent ownership.

The First Nation purchased 640,000 shares, out of 5.3 million shares.

Chief Tanya Aguilar-Antiman commended the efforts of the MGBHLM Economic Development Corp. Board of Directors and team.

“It’s absolutely incredible the amount of work that’s been done in our Nation right from day one, [with] this partnership with Comfort Inn, and working with our leaders…,” she said. “There was a lot of negotiating and discussing back and forth the benefits to our people. And that’s the outcome.”

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The investment will be a good opportunity for the First Nation on many levels, as an advantageous economic development step forward, as well as an initiative for training and employment for its members and in promoting tourism.

“It’s very strategic, and it’s a very exciting time for our Nation,” Aguilar-Antiman said.

She also acknowledged the efforts of the MGBHLM band council to support this partnership and help make it become a reality.

“When we think future and growth, we really need to invest in our people — whether it’s training and employment, education… [and] supporting each other to grow as one,” Aguilar-Antiman said.

The First Nation said the initiative is also a good opportunity for reconciliation efforts.

Grant Beaudry, CEO for the MGBHLM Economic Development Corp., said the investment will be a great benefit to the First Nation.

“It’s a very exciting time for our Nation to be in partnership with the Comfort Inn,” he said. “It goes hand in hand with our tourism project, here at The Ridge.”

He said it also complement’s the First Nation’s plans for an interpretive cultural centre and art gallery in the future, bringing more tourism to the area.

“Also, it will allow us to [offer] further training programs in the hospitality industry, guest services, and interpretive guide training,” he said.

Representatives from MGBHLM and the North Battleford Comfort Inn, as well as Federation of Sovereign Indian Nations, gather outside the hotel following the ceremony Monday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Darin Manegre, owner-operator of North Battleford Comfort Inn and Suites, was also thrilled with the announcement.

“We’re very excited by it,” he said. “We’ve been working on it for the past year…We’re excited about the future opportunities.”

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW