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Sir George Simpson was the governor of the Hudson's Bay Company from 1820–1860. His administration effectively precipitated Canadian Confederation in 1867. Dr. Jamie Morton, curator of the HBC collection at the Manitoba Museum, explains the nature of the Company's organizational hierarchy and Simpson's role as governor through these extravagant artifacts: an elaborate silver candelabra and a ram's head snuff mull.
Dr. Jamie Morton, curator at the Manitoba Museum shows us three unique carvings made by Indigenous people of Haida Gwaii and the Chukchi of Siberia, including the ghost ship S.S. Baychimo.
Dr. Jamie Morton, curator of the Hudson's Bay Company Collection tells us about the original Nonsuch, the history of the replica, and the origin of the HBC museum collection.
Dr. Jamie Morton shows us two examples of Indigenous clothing items from the Canadian prairies: A moose hide coat from the John Halkett collection and a beaded Cree hood, both made with HBC trade goods.
Dr. Jamie Morton, curator of the Hudson's Bay Company Collection at the Manitoba Museum shows us some exquisite beadwork and embroidery in these two very different garments.
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Their contributions were often overlooked in official histories, but Indigenous men and women played crucial roles in the success of the fur trade.
Often called a buffalo knife or chief’s knife, this artifact was described as “extremely heavy… a sort of butcher’s cleaver with a point instead of squared-off end.”
This variation of the 1682 British Royal Navy’s Red Ensign flew during the HBC 250th-anniversary parade at Lower Fort Garry, Manitoba, on May 2, 1920.
The Beaver Club medal from Sir George Simpson.