PCL walks alongside its Indigenous partners on their path to ongoing economic development. These collaborative projects focus on meaningful Indigenous engagement, employment and training opportunities, infrastructure development and strengthening cultural ties.

In spring 2025, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) closed its department stores after more than 350 years. Indigenous communities were vital to its early fur trade success, though expansion brought lasting impacts.  Over time, HBC shifted from trading posts to department stores in major cities, later evolving into a real estate player focused on repurposing prime urban properties.

In 2023, HBC transferred its flagship building in the heart of downtown Winnipeg to the Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO), which represents 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations, as a step towards economic and social reconciliation. SCO made history of its own, pledging to turn the heritage building into a mixed-use development called Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, which translates to “It is Visible.” The building is being extensively renovated to convert the former retail space into affordable residential units, assisted-living spaces, cultural spaces and office and retail spaces to foster First Nation entrepreneurship. 

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