Cree Nation Pursues Historic Reclamation with $400 Million Bid for Montreal’s Former Hudson’s Bay Building
The James Bay Eeyou Corporation (JBEC), representing the Cree Nation, has partnered with JHD Real Estate to submit a bid for the historic Hudson’s Bay company building in downtown Montreal. The proposed $400-million redevelopment aims to transform the landmark structure on sainte-Catherine street into a vibrant cultural and heritage hub celebrating Cree history and contributions to Quebec.
The bid holds important symbolic weight, acknowledging the long and complex relationship between the Cree and the Hudson’s Bay Company, dating back to the late 1600s and the establishment of fur trading posts along James and Hudson Bay. For centuries, the Cree played a central role in the fur trade, exchanging valuable resources like beaver pelts for European goods including tools, firearms, and provisions.
“We would use the prospect to showcase our culture in the Montreal area, where peopel from all over the world would see our culture,” stated Henry Gull, President of the JBEC and a member of the Cree Nation of Waswanipi. He views the project as both an economic venture and a crucial step towards reconciliation. “Reconciliation means something different for everybody. For me as a corporation, that means let’s remember the past, but let’s embrace what we have in front of us.”
The proposed redevelopment envisions a multi-faceted space including hotel accommodations, a dedicated museum showcasing the history and culture of the James Bay Cree, and subsidized condominiums specifically for indigenous students. Julien Hamel-Doyon, President of JHD Real Estate, emphasized the collaborative vision. “The Cree have a very inspiring vision for their future, but not only theirs, for the future of the people of Montreal, and the whole of Quebec nation.” He added that the project aims to create a welcoming space for learning, cultural exchange, and hospitality.
Financial reconciliation is also a key component of the proposal. The JBEC intends to distribute profits generated by the project between the corporation itself, investments, and directly to Cree communities, fostering long-term economic sustainability.
Currently, the Hudson’s Bay Company retains ownership of the building, and the bidding process has not yet commenced. Gull expressed hope that decision-makers will recognize the importance of the proposal, stating, “Wherever the powers that be may be, I hope they hear our voice and give us an opportunity to reclaim some of our history with this project.”
