Explore Topic: Hudson’s Bay Company

As you follow the route of the Alaska Canada Barrenlands Traverse you will hear many reoccurring themes. Across the North, the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) was a prolific agent of commerce, settlement, exploration, and first contact with indigenous populations. Fort Yukon is the just the first of many locations along the expedition route where the HBC played a formative role.  What kinds of furs were the Hudson’s Bay Traders after? Who did they get the furs from? How did they decide where to build trading posts? What kinds of things did trappers trade their skins and furs for? Who were the “Voyageurs”?  Have your students research on their own and learn more about the colorful nineteenth century fur trade era and the Hudson’s Bay Company’s role as an agent of change in this part of the North.

______________________________________________________________________________________________