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5d ago

Indigenous Groups Demand Halt to Hudson’s Bay Artifact Auction

First Nations leaders call for repatriation of cultural and sacred items as Hudson’s Bay prepares to auction 4,400 artifacts and its 355-year-old royal charter.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is seen during the first day of the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) in Ottawa, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
A Hudson Bay Company store in Toronto is shown on Monday, January 27, 2014.

Overview

  • Hudson’s Bay has court approval to auction 4,400 artifacts and its 355-year-old royal charter as part of its creditor-protection restructuring.
  • The Assembly of First Nations has joined calls to halt the auction, emphasizing the cultural and ceremonial significance of some items to Indigenous communities.
  • An Ontario judge has ordered Hudson’s Bay to submit a detailed inventory of all items slated for auction, beyond the royal charter.
  • The Assembly of Manitoba ChiefsFirst Nations advocacy group have also demanded consultation and the opportunity to reclaim items tied to their heritage.
  • It remains unclear which specific artifacts will be included in the auction, fueling concerns over the potential loss of vital cultural heritage.