Voices from Hudson Bay: Cree Stories from York Factory, Second Edition (Rupert's Land Record Society Series)

by Flora Beardy (Editor), Robert Coutts (Editor)

In Voices from Hudson Bay Cree elders recall the daily lives and experiences of the men and women who lived and worked at the Hudson’s Bay Company post at York Factory in Manitoba. Their stories, their memories of family, community, and daily life, define their past and provide insights into a way of life that has largely disappeared in northern Canada. The era the elders describe, from the end of World War I to the closing of York Factory in 1957, saw dramatic changes – both positive and negative – to Indigenous life in the North. The extension of Treaty 5 in 1910 to include members of the York Factory band, the arrival of police and government agents, and the shifting economy of the fur trade are all discussed. Despite these upheavals, the elders’ accounts demonstrate the continuity of northern life in the twentieth century, from the persistence of traditional ways to the ongoing role of community and kinship ties. Perceptions of Cree life have been shaped largely by non-Native accounts that offered limited views of Indigenous history and recorded little beyond the social and economic interaction that was part of life in the fur trade. The stories in this collection provide Cree perspectives on northern life and history, and represent a legacy bequeathed to a younger generation of Indigenous people. This second edition includes updates to the original text and a new preface.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Tress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating oral histories which have been written down. I was particularly interested as I have ancestors from the area. A niche interest is in oral storytelling of histories so the book checked all the right boxes. Reminded me of stories my grandpa told. All in all, beautiful. Thank you to the tribal elders who shared their stories.

[Lizanne Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook would have been the perfect candidate for a full cast production. Having said that, the narration is very good.

[boombaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

TBW

[Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely collection of oral histories from elder’s whose traditional lands are only some hours away from where I grew up. Really interesting and worth the time to read for any Canadian settler.

[Maddie Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously loved. Gave good information for when I actually got to YF.