For four generations, the family behind Winnipeg garment maker Freed & Freed International has worked with the fabric of our nation, crafting police regalia like the scarlet tunics worn by the RCMP and uniforms for Canada’s Olympic teams.
But there’s another sliver of Canadiana the family considers itself lucky to have handled: the Hudson’s Bay stripes.
Freed & Freed is one of a few companies that has made products bearing the Bay’s iconic green, red, yellow and indigo motif that dates back to 1779. Its creations include full-length wool coats, puffer mittens and sleeping bags.
“It’s a prideful moment to be able to say that we got to be a part of true Canadian history because that’s what we consider it to be,” said Marissa Freed, president of the company her great grandfather started in 1921.
“They’ve just been around forever and we got to touch that and be part …