History of Ontario and the Early Fur Traders of Canada

In Canada, the fur trade first began during the 1600s and continued for more than 250 years.
The fur trade was primarily sustained through the trapping of beavers to satisfy the European demand for felt hats. This competitive trade opened Canada to both exploration and settlement.
The fur trade also financed missionary work and established economic and colonial relationships between the European settlers and the Native American people. 

After Great Britain won the Seven Years’ War in 1763 and the American Revolution took place in 1776, present-day Ontario became home to roughly 9,000 Loyalist settlers, some of whom were more attracted by the territory’s cheap land than their loyalty to the British crown.

In 1791, present-day Ontario was officially named Upper Canada, while predominantly French-speaking Québec was Lower Canada. The small settlement of York became Upper Canada’s capital in 1796 and eventually changed its name to Toronto.

One of the most renowned trappers and trader explorers from the Quebec region is a man named toussanit charbonneau

Charbonneau was a particular individual, the least liked of all the members of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Lewis referred to him as “a man of no peculiar merit”.

Historians have portrayed him as a coward who hit his wife and had a particular attraction to young Native American girls. He is referred to as Mr. Sacagawea.

Story contribution By
Sacagawea Heritage society

Story contribution by
Wikipedia.com

Story contribution by
www.iexplore.com/articles
/travel-guides/north-america/
canada/ontario/history-and-culture

Music by Epidemic Music

Edited and Produced by Steve