2. Children of the Fur Trade
The Métis
Children of the Fur Trade

3. Marriage
French Canadian Fur Traders began marrying the daughters of local First Nations families
Created social connections
Solidified trade partnerships
Marriage in the Custom of the Country

4. Métis: Children of the Fur Trade
Around 1810 children of French Canadians and First Nations began to refer to themselves as Métis
Métis French word for Mixed
Spoke a distinct language called Michif
Roman Catholic Religion

5. Métis
The Constitution Act, 1982, recognized the Métis as one of Canada's founding aboriginal peoples.
The Supreme Court accepted a definition of "Métis" as a person who self-identifies as Métis, and who is from a historic Métis community.

6. Settlement in the Red River Valley
Métis settled near the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in modern day Southern Manitoba
Part of Rupert’s Land
HBC encouraged Métis to settle
Some of the best farm land on the Prairies
Farms laid out in long narrow lots starting at the river
Grew hay behind river lots

7. Bison and the Hunt was a central part of Métis life
Why Important:
Provided meat and hides
Main source of food
Provided a strong sense of community pride and discipline

8. Buffalo Runners Horses used by hunters
high speed and agility specially trained for the hunts

9. Red River Carts
Used in the Buffalo Hunt transport the meat from the hunting grounds and for trade
Women and children drove the Red River carts pulled by horses

10. Pemmican Pemmican was a main staple in the Métis Diet
A high calorie and high protein food made out of dried Bison meat pounded into a paste and mixed with melted fat and berries

11. Pemmican important to the Métis Economy and Life style
Portable and packed with energy
Modern day energy bars
Could be stored for years in leather bags
Important source of income for the Métis
- Sold to NWC traders on long journey’s

12. Devastation of the Bison
The fur trade led to an increase in the bison hunt
Bison herds that were once numbered in the millions were almost wiped out
Many First Nations communities faced starvation and forced to depend on the government for assistance

14. The Price of Fashion
Fur Bearing animals almost hunted to extinction due to demand for fashion
First nations now dependent on the fur trade have no supply to trade for European goods
Many First Nations families faced starvation, dependent on government assistance, and forced to relocate