Hudson’s Bay has a fascinating and storied history—355 years of it, actually. Now, the company is preparing to sell its stunning 1,700 piece art collection on the auction block. This auction, organized jointly with Heffel Gallery Ltd., has sparked quite a discussion. As noted, many artifacts in the auction are of profound significance to both Canadian and Indigenous communities, illustrating cultural importance.
Wab Kinew, the Premier of Manitoba, has been especially vocal in his opposition to the auction. To his credit, he is arguing that all these things in dispute are important to our common culture. They must not be closed off from all of us, sequestered behind private ownership. Kinew drives home the relevancy of these artifacts, connecting them to the larger narrative of Canadian and Indigenous history. “Why don’t they just make sure that these things that matter to the Canadian people, to Canadian history, to First Nations, Indigenous people … fall into the hands of the public?” he stated.
Hudson’s Bay now has a stunning collection of 2,700 artifacts. As in years past, this auction shines a spotlight on objects of great historical interest. Kinew disagrees with the province buying back such artifacts. He cautions that in the process, Canada could be inadvertently enriching Hudson’s Bay’s new U.S. owners—or its creditors in the Chapter 11 spin-off.
The process of auctioning off artifacts and collecting money actively eliminates objects that don’t belong to you. It further removes objects considered historically or culturally important. Kinew sounds doubtful about what will come of it. As a result, he argues, priceless works often go to private collections rather than being saved for the future.
In Manitoba, even more Hudson’s Bay artifacts are contained at multiple institutions. Prominent sites include the Manitoba Museum and the Archives of Manitoba. These collections demonstrate the enormous regional importance of Hudson’s Bay’s history. Yet they highlight the urgent need for public stewardship of these deeply meaningful, storied, and culturally rich items.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has opposed the auction. This resonates with a broader Indigenous community frustration that demands greater accountability in the stewardship of these artifacts. As for Kinew, he seems willing to consider other routes for the province to get involved. He understands that a public process is unfolding right now.
“I’m not going to rule out anything on behalf of the province getting involved, but the most straightforward thing is you have a process that’s playing out in public.” – Wab Kinew
