The Other Side of the Ledger: An Indian View of the Hudson's Bay Company

Martin Defalco & Willie Dunn,
1972,
42 min 22 s

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Synopsis
Point Of View
Education

The Hudson's Bay Company's 300th anniversary celebration was no occasion for joy among the people whose lives were tied to the trading stores. This film, narrated by George Manuel, president of the National Indian Brotherhood, presents the view of spokesmen for Canadian Indian and Métis groups. There is a sharp contrast between the official celebrations, with Queen Elizabeth II among the guests, and what Indians have to say about their lot in the Company's operations.

From the playlist : The Aboriginal Voice: the National Film Board and Aboriginal Filmmaking through the Years

Following on from scenes of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s 300th anniversary celebration, with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip in attendance, the film bears down on applying the Aboriginal voice to a rather blunt indictment of a history of inequality in the trade relationship between the HBC and their Indian and Métis suppliers. Co-directed by Willie Dunn of the NFB’s Indian Film Crew.

— Gil Cardinal

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Comments

“I was hired by the HBC James Bay District as a clerk in training in 1967. I started at a post on Hudsons Bay and later spent time in the Ungava District. When I came to claim my C.P.P. pension in 2012 I found I was subject to a reduction of 25% as I was now living outside Canada and also subject to income tax. Both sides of 'the counter" paid a heavy price to the people 'in power'. I would 'do it all again' but this time 'stay up north'........” — Wamstigoshio, 10 Dec 2012
“The other Sideof The Ledger is of historical significance. Any time a part of Canadian structure it should not be hidden and looked and denied as non existent. In doing so it defies the presence of a hit of sorts on all of Canada.” — armandjoe, 18 Sep 2012
“All your bay are belong to us” — createAusername, 8 Mar 2012
“Est-il possible de voir ce film en français ou avec un sous-titre français ?? Merci !” — Alkaest, 19 Sep 2011
“A better idea would have been to try buying enough shares in the HBC to gain a seat or two on the board of directors to hopefully force some concessions.” — sixam, 3 Jan 2011