The Hudson's Bay Company
An Adventurous Connection http://www.scotland.org/about/innovation-and-reativity/features/business/hudsonbay.htm
Empire of the Bay: http://www.pbs.org/empireofthebay/broadcast2.html
The ‘Company of Adventurers of England trading into Hudson’s Bay’ received its charter in 1670. But many of the adventurers involved in the success of the company were young men (and some women) from Scotland seeking fame and fortune far from their native homeland. For one small corner of Scotland the connection with Canada, and with ‘The Bay’, is especially important – in the 18th and 19th centuries the islands of Orkney, a windswept archipelago just off the northern tip of mainland Scotland, provided the main source of labour for the company.
Accustomed to living on land on the same latitude as Hudson's Bay's more northern posts, the Orkney Scots were well suited to brave the severe climate of bay. Although poorly paid, they were given free room and board, and few opportunities to spend their wages. After working a minimum five year stint, the bay men could return home with a guaranteed nest egg. For two hundred years, these Scotsmen would form the backbone of the Hudson's Bay Company.
Company managers found the Orkney men to be hard working, reliable and able to adapt to the harsh conditions of northern Canada. So when The Bay’s ships called at the port of Stromness in Orkney, they took on board willing emigrants as well as provisions and water. Emigrants took a contract, usually for five years, but many men extended their contracts or settled permanently in Canada. Others returned home, no doubt inspiring younger men with their fireside tales.
Some would start families during their sojourn in North America. Official policy discouraged liaisons with women of the local tribes. However, as one outspoken Governor wrote. "Connubial alliances are the best security we can have of the good will of the natives." These ties were also advantageous to the Indians.