Song Lyrics: "Groseilliers and Radisson"

Song by Shawna Audet

In 1668, Groseilliers and Radisson revolutionized the New World fur trade. They rejected the difficult St. Lawrence trading route. Instead, they sailed to Hudson Bay. The Cree filled up their ship with furs and their mission was deemed a great success. This trip gave birth to the Hudson's Bay Company.

Groseilliers and Radisson stepped into our history

Making plans, saving time

When they crossed the sea

To a New World

Up the old St. Lawrence voyageurs followed their maps

They came for furs, to make their hats

They traveled far to set their traps

To a New World

Groseilliers and Radisson said, "No.

Why do you fight the river's flow?

There's got to be a better way

Let's go north, we'll land at Hudson Bay

And we'll be there

To a New World"

Our two men asked the French if they could fund the trip

France gave a frown, turned them down but England offered them two ships

for a New World

In 1668 they left for Hudson Bay

The ships went far, one turned back

But one made it all the way

To a New World

Groseilliers went to that shore alone

He made a post, while Radisson went home

In Spring the Cree filled that whole ship

With furs, they made it worth the trip

To a New World