1. The Canadian Fur Trade Rivalry - 1790-1821
Competition in the Western fur trade intensified after the first smallpox epidemic which ravaged the Canadian Plains in 1781-82, sharply reducing the Cree and Assiniboine population in the Red River area and eliminating most of the HBC and the NWC fur providers. ... The Métis originated from independent Canadian fur traders whom had children with aboriginal women around the Red River area in the early 18th century. ... Not only did the Métis become the essential provider for furs in the area, they also specialized in commercial buffalo hunting, providing dried meat and pemmican ...
- Word Count: 4195
- Approx Pages: 17
- Has Bibliography
- Grade Level: Undergraduate