Fur brigade
Videos
Fur brigades were convoys of canoes and boats used to transport supplies, trading goods and furs in the North American fur trade industry. Much of it consisted of native fur trappers, most of whom wer
While this famous painting by Frances Anne Hopkins portrays voyageurs, the regular canoe brigades were often manned by natives, operating the same way.
Paul Kane's Encampment shows a canoe brigade camp on the Winnipeg River in June 1848 being visited by a group of Saulteaux
A brigade of York boats at a portage by Peter Rindisbacher in 1821
Brigade of York boats camping on Lake Winnipeg by Peter Rindisbacher in 1821 showing sails being used as boat coverings.
Portage La Loche Brigade
Videos
The Portage La Loche Brigade was a York boat fur brigade that travelled between Fort Garry, the Methye Portage and York Factory in Rupert's Land. This famous brigade travelled 4000 miles every year an
Fur brigade
…champions" to defend the brigade's honor. The challenger would strut about adorned with feathers in his cap bragging about his prowess (chantant le coq). Portage La Loche Brigade York Factory Express…
A York boat in use in 1910