Manitoba Indigenous leaders call for catalogue, collaboration from HBC – Winnipeg [Video]

Manitoba Indigenous leaders say the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) has yet to provide them with a list of the historic artifacts they intend to auction off, despite their requests.

“What we are calling for is a process for First Nations to view the artifacts, engage in a constructive dialog and explore the possibility of repatriating items in a respectful manner,” Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak told reporters Thursday.

Woodhouse Nepinak, joined by Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. Grand Chief Garrison Settee, and seven other Manitoba Chiefs and representatives, called for a First Nations-led review of the 2,000+ items the bankrupt company intends to sell as it liquidates its assets. They voiced concerns the collection could contain culturally-significant items.

“These are more than just historical objects,” said Grand Chief Settee. “They define who we are, our culture, our stories, our …