Use Hudson’s Bay Co. fur-trade model to fix Canada’s aboriginal woes, chief says – StarPhoenix
If Canada is serious about lifting its aboriginal population out of poverty, it should revive the business-first approach Hudson’s Bay Co. fur traders used centuries ago, Chief Clarence Louie says.
Almost all federal spending on aboriginals now goes to “dependency” programs, a system that has so far failed to close gaps in employment, education and income with the rest of the country, Louie, chairman of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board, said. A better approach would be to emulate Hudson’s Bay merchants, he said, who, starting in the 17th century paid the indigenous people for their services and resources.
“Hudson’s Bay Co. in Canada formed this business relationship with the bands back during the fur trade,” said Louie, chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band in British Columbia. “The original treaty relationship in this country was a business relationship, and that’s what we have to get back to.”
