AMC Statement RE: Southern Chiefs’ Organization acquiring the Hudson Bay Building
April 22, 2022
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
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TREATY ONE TERRITORY, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs issues this statement in response to the announcement today by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and their successful acquisition of the former downtown Hudson Bay Company (HBC) store.
The newly acquired store will be re-vamped to provide safe and affordable housing, a place to call home. The name of this project is ‘Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn,’ which means “it is visible” in Anishinaabemowin. It is anticipated to provide 289 housing units for members of southern First Nations, two restaurants, a public atrium, a rooftop garden, and an art gallery.
Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean joined SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, Chief Trevor Prince, and Chief Glenn Hudson on stage to witness today’s events.
Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean said, “We wish to offer our congratulations to the leadership of the SCO in negotiating the successful transfer of the Hudson Bay Company store to their organization. This partnership between the three levels of government and First Nations will allow for the much-needed transformation of the downtown area, including affordable housing. This is great news for Winnipeg citizens as this building has been vacant for 1.5 years.”
‘Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn’ aims to create opportunities and promote First Nation Success. The long history of the Hudson Bay Company was not always kind to First Nations. SCO Grand Chief Daniels shared that this transition is a reclamation of that history, choosing to transform it into a positive future for southern First Nations of Manitoba.
“It is very fitting that the Hudson Bay Company is now in the hands of First Nations. The HBC was both a cultural and business enterprise, and it would not have succeeded if not for the assistance and hard work of the First Nations who traded with the HBC. The AMC wholeheartedly supports this major project and will lend any assistance if called upon,” concluded Acting Grand Chief McLean.