Dear [MP's Name],
Re: The Cultural and Historical Legacy of the Hudson's Bay Company
I am writing to you today as a concerned Canadian and constituent to express my deep concern over the stewardship of one of Canada's most historically significant institutions-—the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC)
While its legacy is complex and, at times, deeply problematic, especially with respect to the impact on Indigenous communities, I believe it is of national importance that the historical and cultural artifacts of HBC are preserved for the public good and placed in the care of Canadians-not held by a private American entity.
The Hudson's Bay Company is one of the oldest commercial corporations in North America, and its history is deeply intertwined with the formation of Canada as a nation. Its trading posts laid the foundations for many Canadian cities and towns. At the same time, its operations were a central part of colonial expansion, resource extraction, and the displacement and exploitation of Indigenous peoples. This truth must be acknowledged, and the full story of HBC-both the contributions and the harm-should be made accessible through education and preservation.
I am calling on you, as my elected representative, to advocate for the repatriation of all historical materials, artifacts, archives, and physical heritage related to the Hudson's Bay Company. These items should not remain under the control of a foreign-owned commercial entity with no national or cultural accountability to the Canadian public or the Indigenous communities directly impacted by HBC's actions.
Instead, I propose that a national public museum be created either as a new institution or through expansion of an existing one dedicated to presenting the full, unvarnished history of the Hudson's Bay Company.
This museum should be co-curated with Indigenous leaders, historians, and scholars, ensuring that all narratives are respectfully and truthfully represented. It should be free or affordable for all Ca…
Time to reach out to your local MP to voice your concerns. My email is below. NO American company should have say over OUR history. Good or bad. It is ours to hold onto display and learn from.
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#canada
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#museum
#keepitcanadian