What did indigenous people primarily trade furs for?

Learning Objectives 

• gain an understanding of sequential events within the fur trade and identify important elements (both local and global) that contributed to its development and decline of the Fur Trade throughout the centuries.
• identify both cause and consequence for key events within the Fur Trade.
• identify the major contributing factions and factors to the Fur Trade including: Indigenous peoples, The Hudson’s Bay Company, The North West Company; and the rivalries between both trade companies and the French and English.
• identify key words and phrases pertinent to the Fur Trade
• gain an understanding to both the beneficial and adverse environmental, economic and social effects the Fur Trade had on North America.

What was the Fur Trade?

​In Canada, the fur trade first began during the 1600s and continued for more than 250 years.
The fur trade was primarily sustained through the trapping of beavers to satisfy the European demand for felt hats. This competitive trade opened Canada to both exploration and settlement.
​The fur trade also financed missionary work and established economic and colonial relationships between the European settlers and the Indigenous people. 
​

The Fur Trade in Europe 

​The 17th century witnessed a dramatic growth in European demand for furs. Driving this demand was the latest fashion craze to storm Europe: fur and fur trimmed clothing were sought after as expressions of both status and wealth. However, one item in particular emerged as the “must have” staple of men’s fashion—the broad-brimmed felt hat made from beaver fur. Unfortunately, the surging demand for beaver pelts led to the over-hunting and near extinction of the European Beaver. This prompted the European market to look elsewhere for these furs. At first, Europe set their sights to Russia to meet their demands, however the cheaper and more plentiful alternative quickly became the North American Beaver.

George Swain at Swains Post, ​1935

The Fur Trade in North America 

The fur trade began as a secondary industry in North America, second only to the fishing industry and it was the demand for beaver pelts  that propelled fur trade to the forefront during the 17th century. At first, the French held a monopoly over the Canadian fur trade with their colony of New France. ​The indigenous peoples were important partners in this growing fur trade with the French forging alliances of kinship and trade with the Huron, Algonquin and Innu peoples. It was these Indigenous groups that helped the French process the beaver furs and distribute them throughout the vast trade network that had been established long before European contact. However, during the first half of the 17th century the number of traders and trade companies began to increase within North America, and a cutthroat competition began among them. ​

Man with Furs, Date UNKNOWN

The Trading Companies:The NWC and The  HBC

​The British run Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) and the French/Scottish North West Company (NWC) were two important companies in Canada. The companies were constantly in competition and had both high and low points throughout the years. Which led to a great deal of tension between the two companies often leading to minor armed skirmishes until the two were forced to merge by the British Government. In the early years, the standard was that the indigenous people would travel to the forts run by the companies in order to trade their goods. However, as time went on it became clear that in order to reach out to the more northern communities something needed to be done.

HBC Coat of Arms

The Indigenous PEOPLE

Before the introduction of Europeans to North America the Indigenous peoples had already developed a sophisticated and dynamic trade network. This network crisscrossed North America from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the Gulf of Mexico up to the Arctic. The trade network was composed of waterways, portages and overland trials convoying goods such as: seashells from the east coast, copper from the shores of Lake Superior, obsidian glass from various locations in the west and tobacco  from south of the Great Lakes. It was this already developed trade structure that Europeans Companies wished to tap into to both ensured the movement of furs. This also allowed for more European made goods such as silverware, brass, metalwork and fabrics filtered to into the isolated interior Indigenous Nations long before European traders even made contact. However, despite their already established trade network Indigenous people did not share the European attitudes or approaches towards trade. In contrast to the capitalist mindset of accumulating individual wealth Indigenous people tended to acquire goods for the purpose of redistribution—such as those accompanying gift-giving ceremonies. Gift-giving ceremonies were displays of generosity and selflessness within a community and was often used for diplomatic purposes. For the Indigenous People trade was a means of acquiring the goods needed to fulfill these obligations.

A map detailing the economic activity of the Métis people during the fur trade,  1866 Canadian Geographic   HBC Post Narrows, Date UNKNOWN

The Fur Trade in Red Lake

There was both a Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) post and a North West Company (NWC) post in Red Lake. The NCW arrived first in 1776 establishing the Red Lake House and the HBC followed in 1790 establishing a post at Post Narrows. The HBC and the NWC had always been bitter rivals competing for control of the Fur Trade, but both owners of the Red Lake Posts formed a friendly relationship. However, this amiable relationship did not last. In the first year after opening, a report was sent by the HBC stating that 2,400 made beavers had been sent to Osnaburgh House, just outside Pickle Lake. However, by 1806 tensions began to rise between the two rival companies due to the over hunting of beavers and other dwindling fur resources, casing violence to erupt between the NWC and HBC . The NWC threatened to both kill the HBC men and burn down their post if they entered the surrounding indigenous encampments for furs during the winter. A common method used by both companies as a means of securing furs. By 1819 the Beaver had almost become extinct in the Red Lake Area. It was this decline in furs, the lack of manpower and the bullying tactics of the NWC that caused the HBC to withdraw from the Red Lake quarter by 1821. ​The HBC Post was reopened in 1918 as a general goods store and served the area until 1926, when the building was moved to Johnson Point to better accommodate Red Lake’s newest venture: The Gold Rush. ​

Post Narrow HBC Post, 1923 HBC Post, Date UNKNOWN

Fur Trade Timeline Game 2 OR MORE PLAYERS

This activity is designed to gain an understanding for the sequential events of the fur trade and to help pinpoint key elements that were important to its development.
Players  should be able gain an understanding of both cause and consequence within the fur trade and be able to discuss the changes that happened throughout the 250 years of fur trade in North America. 
​

HOW TO PLAY:Setup 

1. Download, print and cut out timeline cards 
​2. shuffle cards out of order 

HOW TO PLAY:

1. Have players arrange the timeline cards in what they think is the earliest to latest date.
2. Have players discuss why they think each card belongs in each spot of the timeline. 
3. After they are finished read the answer sheet to check answers.
4. Have players read the historical text associated with each picture to further discussions. 

BeaversAnd the fur trade 

Before colonial contact the beaver population of North America was more than 60 million.
Today that population has dropped from between 6-12 million.
​

Why Beavers?

Beavers have two layers to their pelts: an outer layer consisting of long, smooth and stiff guard hairs, and an inner layer consisting of short, soft and fluffy underfur. It was the underfur that was ideal for felt making because each strand of fur had a barb that could be linked with other stands to form a solid piece of finished felt. ​However, this could only be achieved after the underfur had been separated from the guard hairs of the outer layer through one of two methods,  both of which involved processing by Indigenous peoples.

Castor Gas

The first method produced the greasy beaver pelt or castor gas. Pelts that have been sewn onto the underside of clothes and worn in direct contact with the Indigenous person’s skin. After several months of this treatment (the continuous abrasion and exposure to the natural oils, sweat and heat produced by human skin) the guard hairs loosen and fall out of the pelt leaving behind the underfur. Castor Sec The second method produced the parchment beaver pelt or castor sec. Pelts that had been stretched on hide stretchers and sun-dried immediately after having been harvested. The guard hairs would then be removed by the feltmakers back in Europe using a specialized treatment.  ​  What was a beaver worth? The worth of a beaver pelt changed from place to place and from year to year depending on a number of factors including: the season, the location of the post, the extent of the competition, and the natural supply of beaver. ​Also, people who brought furs to trade companies like The NWC and The HBC often received trade goods in return rather than money. ​ What is a made beaver?

charlie frogg, john gibbDate UNKNOWN  Made Beaver​The CANADIAN Canoe MUSEUM

A prime beaver pelt was called a "made beaver" - a pelt which had already been worn for at least one season and from which most of the long outer hair had worn off.  Hudson's Bay Company used the Made Beaver as a unit of currency that could be traded at their posts for various European trade goods.  ​ What is the Standards of Trade? The HBC declared a new standard of trade as a means of exchange to ensure consistent pricing throughout their trading posts. The prices of all trade goods were set in values of Made Beaver   (MB) with other animal pelts, such as squirrel, otter and moose quoted in their MB (made beaver) equivalents. For example, 2 otter pelts might equal 1 MB.

Red Lake Journal, 1790

The Fur Trade Game3 or more players 

The Fur Trade Game is designed to simulate the activities of a trading post with players acting as the traders/trappers. Players will search for Made Beaver Units and trade them in at the trading post station for trade items needed for survival.
​

You Will Need:

1. Glue Stick 
2. Pencils
3. Fur Trader Booklet 
4. Printouts: Made Beaver Unit, Trade Items, Standards of Trade 
​

Printouts:

List of Trade Items 

Brandy 
During the fur trade, HBC traded alcohol and used it during trading ceremonies. It could also be used for medical purposes as disinfectant or sterilizing bandages, needles etc. 
Crooked Knives
Crooked knives were some of the earliest trade goods brought over from Europe by the HBC. These knives were used by both laborers and Indigenous peoples throughout the fur trade era. After trading for their blades customers would make handles in various styles out of wood, bone or any other materials they could find.
Colored Glass Beads
The Indigenous people have collected and traded beads for hundreds of years, long before colonial contact. What the Europeans brought to the market were colored glass beads that were highly sought after and became an integral part of the fur trade. The HBC brought thousands of red beads over and carried an exchange value of six beads to one made beaver. 
Flannel and Broad Cloth 
Material purchased for the purpose of making clothing (shirts and pants), blankets, etc.
Fish Hooks 
Sold in groups of 20, fish hooks made fishing an easier feat for both trappers and the Metis people.
HBC Star Point Blanket 
European men would trade Hudson Bay Company (HBC) point blankets. These wool blankets were popular among the First Nations people as they used the heavy material to make clothing. The HBC blankets were known as point blankets because they had small black points sewn into the fabric. The points would indicate the size of the blanket.
The North West Gun 
The North West Gun was the most popular flintlock firearm used during the fur trade and was preferred because of its short barrel. The gun could be loaded with a single ball for large game or a shot for small game, the gun could even fire pebbles in emergencies. The North West Gun also had an oversized trigger guard that allowed hunters to wear mittens in winter. 
Pistols
Favored by the Metis people, who generally used them for personal protection.
Pots/Pans and Kettles   
Metal cooking pots were a popular trade item as it made the job of cooking much easier.          
Powder Horn
European men traded gun powder with the First Nations people. It was one of the most sought after trade items as the First Nations came to rely on guns to hunt animals that they would trade to the Europeans.
Tobacco
HBC shipped tobacco from Britain to North America, the Imperial mixture was a combination of  the finest tobaccos used in Britain. Tobacco is an integral part of Indigenous culture, used for ritual, ceremonial, and prayer                purposes. It was important that the visiting traders engaged in smoking a pipe to show their respect before trading began.
​

How to Play:Rules

1. The objective of the game is to collect Made Beavers Units and trade them for the Trade Items at the Trading Post.
2. One player needs to be designated to run the Trading Post Station (adult/parent); the other players are Fur Traders.
2. Players can only carry 10 Made Beaver Units once; anything over is surrendered to the Trading Post.
3. Trade Items need to be pasted into Activity Booklets as soon as they are revived from the Trading Post.  
4.Standards of Trade will change from round to round.
5. When Trade Items and Made Beaver Units are gone; they are gone.

How to play:Setup 

1. Download, print and staple together the Fur Trade Activity Booklet
2. Download print and cut out: Made Beaver Units, Standards of Trade and Trade Items 
3. Setup a table to act as the "trading post" 
4. Hide the Made Beaver Units within a designated space (outside is recommended)
​

How to Play:Round 1

1. Implement the 1780s Standards of Trade Sheet 
2. Set timer for 10-15 minutes 
3. Allow players to search for Made Beaver Units and trade at the Trading Post Station as needed
4. Remind Players to glue Trade Items into their Activity Booklets 
5. Shout out a warning at the 1 minute mark
​

HOW TO PLAY:ROUND 2

1. Implement the 1790s Standards of Trade Sheet; adhere to all changes 
2. Set timer for another 10-15 minutes 
3. Allow players to search for Made Beaver Units and trade at the Trading Post Station as needed
4. Remind Players to glue Trade Items into their Activity Booklets 
5. Shout out a warning at the 1 minute mark
​

HOW TO PLAY:ROUND 3

1. Implement the 1840s Standards of Trade Sheet; adhere to all changes 
2. Set timer for another 10-15 minutes 
3. Allow players to search for Made Beaver Units and trade at the Trading Post Station as needed
4. Remind Players to glue Trade Items into their Activity Booklets 
5. Shout out a warning at the 1 minute mark
6. When time runs out have players fill out the rest of their Activity Booklets 
​

General Terminology

Castor Gas
 Pelts that have been sewn onto the underside of clothes and worn in direct contact with the Indigenous person’s skin. After several months of this treatment, the continuous abrasion and exposure to the natural oils, sweat and heat produced by human skin, the guard hairs loosen and fall out of the pelt leaving behind the underfur.
Castor Sec
pelts that had been stretched on hide stretchers and sun-dried immediately after having been harvested. The guard hairs would then be removed by the feltmakers back in Europe using a specialized treatment.
Colored Glass Beads
The Indigenous people have collected and traded beads for hundreds of years, long before colonial contact. What the Europeans brought to the market were colored glass beads that were highly sought after and became an integral part of the fur trade. The HBC brought thousands of red beads over and carried an exchange value of six beads to one made beaver.
Crooked Knives
Crooked knives were some of the earliest trade goods brought over from Europe by the HBC. These knives were used by both laborers and Indigenous peoples throughout the fur trade era. After trading for their blades customers would make handles in various styles out of wood, bone or any other materials they could find.
Gift Giving Ceremony
A Gift Giving Ceremony or Potlatch was the ceremonial distribution of property and gifts to affirm or reaffirm social status in Indigenous culture.   
The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC)
The HBC was a British run independent trade company and was the main rival of The Northwest Company. The two companies were constantly in competition leading to a great deal of tension       and minor armed skirmishes until the two were forced to merge by the British Government.
HBC Star Point Blanket
European men would trade Hudson Bay Company (HBC) point blankets. These wool blankets were popular among the First Nations people as they used the heavy material to make clothing.          
The HBC blankets were known as point blankets because they had small black points sewn into the fabric.
The points would indicate the size of the blanket.
Made Beaver
A prime beaver pelt was called a "made beaver" - a pelt which had already been worn for at least one season and from which most of the long outer hair had worn off.  Hudson's Bay   Company used the Made Beaver as a unit of currency that could be traded at their posts for various European trade goods.
The North West Company (NWC)
The NWC was a French/Scottish independent trade company and was the main rival of TheHudson’s Bay Company. The two companies were constantly in competition leading to a great            
deal of tension and minor armed skirmishes until the two were forced to merge by the British Government.
North West Gun
The North West Gun was the most popular flintlock firearm used during the fur trade and was preferred because of its short barrel. The gun could be loaded with a single ball for large game or a shot for small game, the gun could even fire pebbles in emergencies. The North West Gun also had an oversized trigger guard that allowed hunters to wear mittens in winter. 
Standards of Trade
The HBC declared a new standard of trade as a means of exchange to ensure consistent pricing throughout their trading posts. The prices of all trade goods were set in values of Made Beaver   (MB) with other animal pelts, such as squirrel, otter and moose quoted in their MB (made beaver) equivalents. For example, 2 otter pelts might equal 1 MB.

Outside Sources

What did Indigenous people trade fur for?

What did people trade in the fur trade?

What did Indigenous people trade?

What did Native Americans get from the fur trade?