Beginning with the founding of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1670, the fur trade dominated the development of the Canadian west. Although detailed accounts of the fur-trade era have appeared, until recently the rich social history has been ignored. In this book, the fur trade is examined not simply as an economic activity but as a social and cultural complex that was to survive for nearly two centuries.
The author traces the development of a mutual dependency between Indian and European traders at the economic level that evolved into a significant cultural exchange as well. Marriages of fur traders to Indian women created bonds that helped advance trade relations. As a result of these many tender ties, there emerged a unique society derived from both Indian and European culture.
- ISBN10 189623951X
- ISBN13 9781896239514
- Publish Date 16 January 1996 (first published 1 January 1981)
- Publish Status Active
- Imprint Watson and Dwyer
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 260
- Language English