People of the Fur Trade
There were many different people involved in the fur trade. They all played an important part in the process of trapping, preparing, trading, and shipping the goods that made the fur trade such a success. Click below to learn about the roles of the people of the fur trade.
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Engagés Voyageurs Trappers Merchants Coureurs Des Bois Interpreters Bourgeoisie Indigenous Women MilitiaEngagés were employees contracted by trading companies for specific tasks within the fur trade.Voyageurs were the backbone of the transportation system in the fur trade, paddling canoes loaded with goods and furs across the extensive river and lake systems of North America.Trappers were individuals who captured the fur-bearing animals. They included Indigenous peoples, Europeans, and Métis (of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry).Merchants played an important role in the fur trade by managing the exchange of goods.Coureurs des bois is translated to mean "runner of the woods." Coureurs des bois were independent traders who ventured deep into the forests and traded directly with Indigenous Peoples.Interpreters were people who translated one language into another. They were important for overcoming the language barriers between different Indigenous groups and Europeans. They helped with communication, trade negotiations, alliances, and cultural exchanges.The bourgeoisie were middle-class individuals employed by the trading companies who held positions of authority and responsibility.Indigenous women played a significant part in the fur trade. Their roles ranged from direct participation in trade activities to facilitating the daily operations.The militia were employed to protect trade interests, assert claims to land, and navigate the difficult relationships between European powers, and between Europeans and Indigenous Peoples.
Voyageur
These voyageurs are "portaging" across land. They carry their fur pelts and other goods by strapping the bundle together and supporting it with their back and head.
Voyageur
This voyageur takes a moment to rest after and 18 hour work day.
Coureur De Bois
This "runner of the woods" traveled into the interior of North America to trade goods. They often traded without the license required by the government.
Trapper
At the start of the fur trade, most trappers were Indigenous as they had a special knowledge of the wilderness. They knew how to track animals, could identify their footprints, and had advanced ways of trapping.
Trapper
In the winter months, snowshoes were an important part of a trapper's gear. The shoes made walking across the snow a bit easier.
Trapper
This trapper stands with all his gear. In his left hand he holds one of the traps he uses to catch animals.
Trapper
To keep warm in the winter months, trappers wore fur hats and wool coats. This wool coat was provided by the fur company called the Hudson Bay Company.
Trapper
Trappers utilized their extensive knowledge of the wilderness, animal behavior, and trapping techniques to get the furs that were the foundation of the trade.
Trapper
Their skills and expertise were indispensable in getting the high-quality furs demanded by European markets.
Merchant
They traded European goods like metal tools, guns, cloth, and beads with Indigenous Peoples and trappers in exchange for furs. Merchants had to be good at making deals, understanding both the value of the goods they were trading and the culture of the communities they traded with.
Engagés
Engagés could be involved in various aspects of the trade, including transportation of goods, maintenance of trading posts, and assistance in trade negotiations.
Bourgeoisie
The bourgeoisie had many different roles in the fur trade. They could be in charge of trading posts, responsible for managing trading brigades, or overseeing the operation of boats.
Bourgeoisie
The bourgeoisie were key decision-makers within the trade, orchestrating the logistics, managing finances, and negotiating trade agreements.
Indigenous Women
Women were responsible for a range of tasks that supported the fur trade, including food preparation, clothing production, and camp maintenance. For voyageurs and traders on long expeditions, these roles were crucial for survival and efficiency.
Indigenous Women
These women served as cultural brokers, helping to navigate the cultural challenges of trade relationships. Their knowledge of local languages, customs, and social norms was invaluable in bridging the gap between different communities and ensuring smoother trade operations.
Indigenous Women
Women, especially Indigenous women, were involved in the production of goods traded or used within the fur trade, such as pemmican (a type of preserved food that was essential for voyageurs), clothing, blankets, and other items made from animal hides and furs.
Indigenous Women
Some women, particularly Métis women, were directly involved in the trading of furs and other goods. They participated in the economic exchanges, sometimes running trading posts and engaging in negotiations.
Militia
Conflicts over the fur trade sometimes rose to the level of armed fighting between European powers or between Europeans and indigenous groups. The militia or infantry would fight in these conflicts.
Militia
One of the primary roles of the militia or infantry was to provide protection for the traders, trading posts, and transportation routes.