The First Nation trappers and European traders have both made an important contribution and impact to the development of Canada. The European settlers discovered the First Nations people hunting and gathering for sustenance. Most importantly they were hunting beaver. The beaver pelts were an important commodity for the Europeans as they were used to make top hats for wealthy citizens. Having trapped the beaver to the point of near extinction in Europe, the Europeans started to trade goods with the first nations in exchange for beaver pelts.
Students learn about the development of this fur trade in Canada before becoming the First Nations trappers. As a trapper they must hunt and trap beaver on simulated trapping routes. When trapping, students use their orienteering skills to gather information on First Nations people and how they used their environment to survive. CMES staff man a trading post so that students can trade and barter beaver pelts for European trade goods, such as axes, beads and metal pots.
Our debrief focuses on your students' understanding of the impact of the fur trade on both the First Nations and European settlers plus what life was like for those who were involved.
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