The Fate of Hudson’s Bay Charter: A Shift in Heritage Custodianship
The Manitoba Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of Hudson’s Bay Company artifacts, faces the impending transfer of the historic Hudson’s Bay charter, which dates back 355 years, to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. This decision comes in the wake of the retailer’s bankruptcy, which initiated a liquidation process that saw it attempting to settle immense debts by auctioning off its valuable possessions. Dorota Blumczynska, the CEO of the Manitoba Museum, expressed a bittersweet sentiment regarding the charter’s departure, highlighting her belief in its importance while simultaneously lamenting its relocation away from Manitoba. The Westons, who brokered a swift deal to acquire the charter for $12.5 million and subsequently donate it to the museum, alleviated concerns among historians and Indigenous communities who feared the charter might end up in private hands, out of public reach.
The Hudson’s Bay Company declared creditor protection in March, which triggered the liquidation of its assets, including 1,700 art pieces and 2,700 artifacts. The charter’s sale to the Westons was a swift resolution that allowed for its preservation within a public institution, in contrast to potential scenarios where it might have ended up as a mere collectible. Many within the local community and historical circles viewed the Manitoba Museum as the premier location for the charter, particularly given its existing collection which includes a rich array of Hudson’s Bay-related objects. Blumczynska emphasized how significant this document would have been in augmenting the stories their museum communicates about the Hudson’s Bay Company.
The Manitoba Museum, however, faced a financial reality that made purchasing the charter impractical. Blumczynska noted that the institution didn’t possess the resources necessary to mobilize donors quickly enough to outbid the Westons. The rapid transition from the retailer’s financial collapse left little time for the museum to orchestrate a fundraising campaign. This situation raised awareness around the potential relocation of the charter to another suitable institution, such as the Archives of Manitoba, which already holds a significant collection of Hudson’s Bay Company records, and would have been well-equipped to preserve and display such a pivotal document.
While acknowledgments of the Westons’ intention to donate the charter to a Canadian heritage institution were positively received, a mix of disappointment lingered among archivists and historians about its non-transfer to the Manitoba Museum. Several highlighted that the Manitoba Archives were fully capable of handling and making the charter accessible, given their extensive archival infrastructure. Glen Cassie, a spokesperson for the Manitoba government, refrained from commenting directly on the situation, deferring to Anna Gibson Hollow, president of the Association of Canadian Archivists, who expressed a nuanced perspective, emphasizing the mixed feelings surrounding the outcome of the charter’s new home.
The Canadian Museum of History was characterized as a fitting alternative for housing the charter due to its longstanding role in documenting Canada’s historical evolution across a 15,000-year timeline. As a Crown corporation, the museum’s custodianship of the charter means it will serve as property for all Canadians, aligning with the Westons’ vision for the document’s public accessibility. The charter, which has rarely been seen by the general public, had been securely stored away following its removal from the Bay’s headquarters and had only made a brief appearance at the Manitoba Museum before being sidelined by pandemic restrictions.
Looking ahead, Blumczynska expressed optimism at the potential for the Hudson’s Bay charter to visit Manitoba again, reiterating the Manitoba Museum’s desire to remain a vital custodian of the region’s history. She also expressed hope for further contributions from collectors as the museum continues to seek opportunities to expand its collection. With strong community ties and an active engagement from families looking to donate artifacts, the Manitoba Museum aims to not only preserve history but also enhance its understanding in an ongoing quest to paint a richer narrative of the region’s relationship with the Hudson’s Bay Company and its lasting impact.
