As the Hudson Bay Company seeks court approval today to begin liquidation, the Walking Eagle News hits the nail on the head (as usual) with its meme (reproduced above).
Like any good parody, it mocks a genuine truth which, in this case, has a 350-year history. (Yes, only 350 years. Despite the old joke, HBC does NOT stand for “here before Christ”.)
In the archives of the National Film Board we find a documentary titled The Other Side of the Ledger: An Indian View of the Hudson’s Bay Company films by Martin Defalco and Willie Dunn. It was filmed at Lower Fort Garry as First Nations commentary on The Company’s 300th anniversary, and includes the company’s own defense of itself as a mere merchant. Here’s the NFB summary:
The Hudson’s Bay Company’s 300th-anniversary celebration in 1970 was no occasion for joy among the people whose lives were tied to the trading stores. Narrated by George Manuel, then president of the National Indian Brotherhood, this landmark film presents Indigenous perspectives on the company whose fur-trading empire drove colonization across vast tracts of land in central, western and northern Canada. There is a sharp contrast between the official celebrations, with Queen Elizabeth II among the guests, and what Indigenous people have to say about their lot in the Company’s operations. Released in 1972, the film was co-directed by Martin Defalco and Willie Dunn—a member of the historic Indian Film Crew, an all-Indigenous production unit established at the NFB in 1968.
The Other Side of the Ledger: An Indian View of the Hudson’s Bay Company, Martin Defalco & Willie Dunn, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
One Response
In 1970, a 10-year-old boy attended a Pow Wow. His adoptive parents took him to this event near Sauble Beach. The experience deeply moved that little boy; 40 years later, he learned he was part Cree! His adoptive parents were unaware of this aspect of his heritage; all they knew when they adopted him was that he was available for adoption.
That little boy is me. My adoptive parents are 90 and were wonderful guardians. When they discovered my heritage, they embraced it and wished they had known sooner. They recalled the Pow Wow and how fascinated I was, as I got up and joined in the dancing—the beat of the drum truly moved me, and it still does today.
I recently watched the NFB movie, and I do remember the Queen being here as we all lined the streets to see her.
What I find interesting is that in some places in Canada, not much has changed since that film was made. This is a sad reflection on the Canadian government.
It is ironic that the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples are still here, while the Hudson Bay Company is closing its doors.