2025 Riley Lecture in Canadian History: Dr. Anne Lindsay

Centennial Hall, University of Winnipeg

Given some recent work I have been involved with, I was curious to hear Dr. Anne Lindsay, an accomplished scholar who has been involved in a wide range of historical research, had to say about the subject of her award winning dissertation. The subject of labour, both free and unfree, compelled and voluntary is often overlooked in the history of the Fur Trade.

Dr. Lindsay’s ability to connect various aspects of Fur Trade history with other aspects of Canadian history, including the upcoming auction of HBC artifacts, is unique. For example, Lindsay’s analysis of the HBC Charter as an entry way to understand the relationship between the company and slavery appears basic, but runs counter to most conventional understandings and readings of the HBC Charter.