Fur brigade
The
Fur Brigade were convoys of
Canadian Indians fur trappers who travelled between their home trading posts, usually by canoe or, in certain prairie situations, by horse, to a larger post. For example, they might travel to
Hudson Bay or
James Bay from their inland home territories. This pattern was most prevalent during the early
19th century.
By canoes, which comprised the most common fur brigades, the trip from the home fort headed downstream in groups of four to six large thirty foot freighters with twenty-four to thirty-six
voyageurs. These loads were relatively light, comprised mainly of furs. By contrast, the return voyage was upstream and involved much heavier bulkier loads, being the ammunition, traps and various other supplies needed for the next winters trapping season.
These brigades were an annual event, involving the most able and skilled men of the tribe. Depending upon distances travelled, a brigade could occupy much of July, all August and a successful return to the home fort in early September.
*
Manitoba Historical Society*
Government of Manitoba Archives
