Fur Trade: Women's Role In Canadian History

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The fur trade was proved to be significant in Canadian history because it shaped Canadian economy and changed the lives of native people. Moreover, fur trade also influenced the relations of natives with European traders. In the earliest years, the role of women was not evident, only men were considered as main participants. However, when fur trade was shifted to native villages, at that time crucial role of women was accounted. Undoubtedly, women played an important role in fur trade industry. Because of the significant contribution of women Without women fur trade was nearly impossible. Because they did a plenty of unpaid work to support their men in the fur trade. Beside doing household chores and raising children, they dedicate their more time to supply essential tools and resources to the fur trade industry. They also helped in navigation and translation. Apart from this, voyageurs worked hard for eighteen hours a day paddling the loaded canoes through the fast waterways. This was the crucial reason for Europeans to make an alliance with natives because they knew and controlled the transportation routes and waterways. Fur trade built a great relationship between natives and Europeans. Moreover, it also created alliances that were mutually beneficial. In winter, Europeans were unable to bring enough food for them. So they exchanged food from …show more content…

First, an immense supply of fur. Second, an indigenous and profoundly energetic furs gathering framework that exclusive the Native people could give through their enthusiasm to European merchandise. Third, the continuous demand for the fur exchange by Europeans through its growing utilization and fare exchange. Aboriginal women had skills of making snow shoes, canoes, fur clothes, hats. So they traded these goods to Europeans and they got guns, metal pots, knives etc. in return, which helped them in the

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