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Weston Family to Donate 1670 Hudson’s Bay Royal Charter to Canadian Museum of History

Subject to court approval, the deal earmarks funding for Indigenous-led contextualization of the charter.

The 1670 royal charter signed by King Charles II establishing Hudson's Bay, is shown on display at the Manitoba Museum where it was loaned to be displayed alongside its permanent collection of Hudson's Bay artifacts, in this 2020 handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Manitoba Museum (Mandatory Credit)

Overview

  • Wittington Investments Ltd., the Weston family’s holding company, has reached a deal to buy the 1670 Royal Charter and give it to the Canadian Museum of History.
  • The parchment document, signed by King Charles II in 1670, established HBC’s extensive land and trade privileges across modern Canada.
  • The transfer awaits approval from the court overseeing Hudson’s Bay Company’s creditor protection proceedings.
  • As part of the agreement, the Westons will fund Indigenous-led consultations on the charter’s presentation and interpretation.
  • The move addresses concerns raised after HBC filed for creditor protection in March and sought to auction thousands of artifacts through Heffel Gallery.