Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of Moose Factory Buildings

National parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. To mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.

Today, Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada commemorated the importance of Moose Factory Buildings as a place of national historic significance. A special ceremony was held in Moose Factory, with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. Established in 1673 on traditional Môsonîw Ililiw (Cree) lands, Moose Factory was the location of the second Hudson’s Bay Company post in what is now Canada. The Ililiw played an important role in the survival of the Moose Factory post by not only trading furs, but also supplying necessary provisions and labour to traders.  When the fur trade declined, Moose Factory transitioned from a company town to a permanent settlement for the Ililiw.

Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that celebrates the contributions of Indigenous Peoples, their history and cultures, as well as the special relationship Indigenous Peoples have with the land. 2017 also marks the centennial of national historic sites and Parks Canada invites Canadians to discover and be inspired by the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the Canada of today.

The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. Nation-to-nation reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is one of the main themes of Canada 150.

 

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of Moose Factory Buildings and the significant role the Môsonîw Ililiw (Cree) played in the survival of this Hudson’s Bay Company post. The 150th anniversary of Confederation marks an important milestone for Canada and I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about this great place and its important role in our country’s history.”

The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Quick Facts

  • The Moose Factory post was established at a time when keen competition existed between the London-based Hudson’s Bay Company and French-Canadian fur traders.
  • After the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company merged in 1821, Moose Factory became a supply point for posts inland as far as Lake Timiskaming on the Ottawa River watershed.
  • The Government is very pleased to offer free admission for all visitors to national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada in 2017 to celebrate Canada 150.
  • Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have marked Canada’s history.

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