Anna G.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

For me, I never had a strong understanding of Canada's history, but diving into the story of the Hudson's Bay Company gave me a chance to better comprehend it. I love to learn, and discovering how my subject's deep ties shaped who we are as a people was extremely interesting. It has lead me to want to learn more about our history, as well as the development of other cultures and countries.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

The Hudson's Bay Company is deeply connected to the roots of Canada, through wars, relationships with other countries, the functioning of the economy, and it's tumultuous relationship with the First Nations. By understanding our past, we have a better chance of a working towards a unified future.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Their lives are nowhere close to how I live now. I couldn't imagine stepping into the shoes of the early traders. The land was unknown, the conditions were tough and dangerous, and life was short. However, from the view of one of the First people, it would be terrifying watching these new people travel through the land, disturb my way of life, and uproot my culture.