WINNIPEG ? North America’s oldest company with fur-trading roots is transferring what was one of its flagship stores to a First Nations group in what is being praised as an example of reconciliation in action.
Hudson’s Bay downtown store in Winnipeg By KrazyTea via Wikimedia Commons
Animal pelts, blankets and other items were exchanged in a lengthy ceremony Friday marking the handover of the Hudson’s Bay Co. building in Winnipeg. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson and chiefs from across southern Manitoba attended.
“Today’s announcement is about more than just a building. It’s actually about rebuilding ? rebuilding trust, rebuilding landmarks, rebuilding relationships,” Trudeau said. Richard Baker, the company’s governor and executive chairman, acknowledged Hudson’s Bay’s involvement in colonialism.
“The impact of our company’s history is not at all lost on me and is part of the reason we are all here today,” Baker said.
“We must meet our words with actions. This is why I know that this (agreement) is the right one.”
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization, which represents 34 First Nations communities, is to take over the former store, which opened in 1926 and closed in 2020.
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said repurposing the building is a major turning point.
“We’re turning the page (on) what reconciliation means and … Baker is showing lead...