Historic Hudson’s Bay Charter Secured for Public Display

At the Archives of Manitoba, a significant chapter in Canadian history is poised for preservation. The historic 1670 Royal Charter of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) has been secured through a joint bid amounting to $18 million from two prominent Canadian families, the Thomsons and the Westons. This pivotal document, which granted HBC a trading monopoly over nearly one-third of present-day Canada, will soon be accessible to the public for the first time.

The charter, which has been hidden away for centuries in private boardrooms and storage facilities in Canada and the UK, is now set to be housed at the Archives of Manitoba, alongside the Manitoba Museum, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Royal Ontario Museum. The agreement was finalized following a ruling from an Ontario court, ending a period of uncertainty after the HBC considered auctioning the charter as part of its insolvency proceedings linked to a debt of approximately $1.1 billion.

This acquisition alleviates fears that the charter could have ended up in a private collection, as noted by Amelia Fay, director of research, collection and exhibitions at the Manitoba Museum. “The fear was real that it could have ended up in a private auction… and no one gets to see it ever again,” she explained.

Preservation Efforts and Historical Significance

The preservation of the charter is not merely about safeguarding a document; it represents a significant part of Canada’s history, particularly regarding its colonial past. Kathleen Epp, keeper of the Hudson’s Bay Archives, emphasized the charter’s role in the narrative of King Charles II claiming territory without Indigenous consent. “It’s right there. And isn’t that why we need to preserve it?” she stated.

Conservationists at the archives are preparing for the charter’s arrival, ensuring that it will be kept in optimal conditions to prevent damage. The Canadian Conservation Institute will conduct a thorough assessment of the charter’s condition, which was last evaluated in 2012. According to Monique Benoit, manager of treatment and collection care at the institute, while parchment is resilient, it is sensitive to humidity fluctuations.

The well-being of the charter is of utmost importance, particularly given its turbulent history. After being used as security for loans in the late 17th century, the charter survived threats from wartime bombings and questionable conservation practices that have previously compromised its integrity.

Future Display and Community Engagement

The charter’s future display is still being determined. The donation from the Thomsons and Westons also includes an additional $5 million, part of which will fund consultations with Indigenous leaders to ensure appropriate engagement and representation in its presentation.

Fay expressed the need for broader consultations in the charter’s upcoming display, noting, “This document unlocks the door to that. This is the start of it all.” The partnership with Indigenous communities reflects a shift towards addressing Canada’s complex colonial history.

A digital index launched by the archives currently features around 65,000 entries that trace the transactions and movements of Indigenous peoples, providing invaluable context to the HBC’s historical records.

While some, like Douglas Sanderson, a professor at the University of Toronto, question the charter’s significance, arguing it represents a narrative that may overlook Indigenous perspectives, the overall initiative to preserve and display the charter is seen as a crucial step toward truth and reconciliation.

As discussions unfold about the charter’s display, its journey through various institutions will be closely monitored. The collaborative effort to safeguard this pivotal piece of history underscores the importance of acknowledging the complexities of Canada’s past and the ongoing need for reconciliation with Indigenous communities.