Conflict and Colonialism: HBC and NWC Ms. Dow Socials 9

Introduction What do you already know about the Fur Trade? CPH Intro Video

Hudson’s Bay Company During the 17th century, most of the fur-trading areas were controlled by the French Radisson and Grossiliers (French courier de bois), visited the Hudson’s Bay They proposed a company around the HB to France, and when refused, took their plea to London = Hudsons Bay Company Formed in 1670

Who worked for the HBC? Posts called ‘factories’, each with a head trader called ‘The Factor” who kept order Also “clerks” who looked after the store and exchange of goods “Labourers” loaded and unloaded boats Staffed by Europeans and traded with First Nations in the area

HBC Trading Methods The HBC practiced “Stay by the Bay” where the First Nations came to the HBC factors near the Hudsons Bay to trade During the summer, when there was a lot of trade, official trading ceremonies were held English passed the Royal Charter – forbid First Nations near them to trade with anyone else

Where were they located? Located in Ruperts Land and controlled all the area around the Hudsons Bay Very cold, lots of bugs Short trading season

Purpose for the HBC To exploit furs for their home country, England

HBC Method of Transportation Ships from trading posts to Europe First Nations travelled to the posts so HBC didn’t need inland transportation

North West Company After the fall of New France, Scottish and American traders took over the French fur trade = North West Company formed in 1783 Fierce rivalry with the Hudson’s Bay Company

Who worked for the NWC? People who ran NWC posts = “Nor’wester” “Voyageurs” transported good back and forth between Montreal and First Nations communities. They were often French Canadian or Metis.

NWC Trading Methods Trading methods very different from the Hudson’s Bay Company The NWC built many posts throughout the interior of the west and north that dealt with specific native communities and used voyageurs to transport furs and goods between posts and Montreal

Where was the NWC NWC land stretched all the way from Montreal to the Prairies! They were even able to intercept some groups on their way to HBC posts and trade with them – sneaky!

Purpose of the NWC To exploit furs for their home country, France

NWC Transportation Voyageurs travelled by canoe and were usually French Canadian or Metis Famous for their strength and endurance Could paddle for 50 min an hour, 10 hours a day

Fur Trade Song Voyageurs are known for the songs that they composed and sang while they paddled. Here is the most famous example Click for video