Voyageurs, Metis, and Missionaries

Check the languages Metis often could speak.

• French

• Spanish

• Cree

• Michif

People from Europe and eastern Canada were travelling to western Alberta because:

• They were searching for gold.

• They wanted to make friends.

• They wanted to trade for animal furs.

• Where they lived was too crowded.

Why were beaver valuable?

• People wanted the meat.

• People wanted furs for hats.

• People liked them for pets.

What were some of the items Europeans brought with them to trade with First Nations.

• Metal tools

• Animal Hides

• Pots

• Weapons

• Meat

The men who would travel rivers to bring goods to trading forts were called:

• Voyageurs

• River Runners

• Canoe Crew

Portage means:

• To paddle up the river.

• Guide the canoe in the water.

• Sleep under the canoe.

• Carry a canoe on land.

True or false: The life of a voyageur was easy.

• True

• False

True or false: Metis people have First Nation and European ancestry. (A mix of First Nation and European).

• True

• False

Metis women...

• Translated languages

• Were voyageurs

• Helped resolve cultural issues or conflicts

• Brought fur traders and First Nations communities closer together

True or false: Metis women helped Europeans survive the harsh winters.

• True

• False