Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA) Letter on Concern for the Historical Material of the Hudson’s Bay Company

May 16, 2025

The Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA) has sent a letter to Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) Chief Executive Officer Richard Baker and Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc, Court-appointed monitors for the HBC, expressing its concern over the proposed auction of historical artifacts from the Hudson’s Bay Company collection.

14 May 2025

Richard Baker
Governor, CEO, Executive Chairman
Hudson’s Bay Company
Richard.baker@hbc.com

Alvarez & Marshall Canada Inc.
Court-appointed Monitor for Hudson Bay Company

RE: Concern for the Historical Material of the Hudson’s Bay Company

Dear Sirs:

On behalf of the Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA), we are writing to express our concern regarding the auction sale of historic artifacts from the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC). Founded in 1975 and incorporated in 1978, the Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA) is a non-profit organization supporting the needs and interests of archives and records professionals across Canada. We strive to aid and assist archives and archivists of cultural heritage institutions who are dedicated to the work of preserving their historical artifacts.

Archives, museums and other cultural heritage institutions contain one-of-a-kind documents and artifacts that chronicle the histories of the communities to which they belong, as well as the governing bodies representing those communities. The materials housed within these institutions are unique to that specific institution and typically not available elsewhere. These artifacts hold immense significance, serving as an indispensable memory bank for the communities and researchers who depend on them. This collective memory plays a crucial role not only in preserving the personal histories of community members but also in ensuring the effective operation of local research.

The importance of the historical artifacts and records of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) cannot be overstated. The 355-year-old royal charter in particular holds profound historical significance as a foundational document critical to the historical development of Canada as a nation. It provides a clear example of a monarch attempting to erase the political sovereignty of First Nations and Inuit peoples. If auctioned off, this charter and other historical artifacts would not be accessible to the public, and risk becoming damaged or lost.

We also wish to highlight the recent statement by the Indigenous Council of the Canadian Museums Association (CMA), which stresses the importance of considering the sale of HBC’s collection against Indigenous inherent rights and treaty obligations, the directives of the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), relevant Canadian law, the Cultural Property Export & Import Act, as well as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.

In light of these considerations, the ACA strongly urges the Hudson’s Bay Company to reconsider the auction of these invaluable materials and instead deposit them into appropriate cultural heritage institutions to ensure their preservation and accessibility for future generations.

This approach will not only preserve the historical integrity of the materials but also honour the shared history and cultural heritage of the communities involved.

Sincerely,

Association of Canadian Archivists Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee and Board of the Association of Canadian Archivists

Anna Gibson Hollow, President
Angela Fornelli, Vice President
Alexandra Mills, Secretary
Kyle Pugh, Treasurer
Amanda Oliver, Director at Large
John Richan, Director at Large
Adam Williamson, Director at Large

cc: The Hon. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture
The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press

(Via Association of Canadian Archivists)