Business was very good in Canada during the late 1700s. The fur trading industry kept money flowing into the country and exploration flowing West. The North West Company was a key player and main competitor to the Hudson's Bay Company in the fur trade industry in Canada from the late 1700s until the early 1800s.
The business themselves would not have been so successful had they not employed people to seek the furs in the interior of Canada. These employees became known as the voyageurs.
The voyageurs travelled into Canada to trade with (First Nations) for their furs. The voyageurs could make a lot of money selling furs - but the work was very challenging and dangerous. One had to be in excellent physical condition since there were no roads and all the lifting had to be done by hand.
George Bonga was one of the most successful and famous of the black voyageurs.
George was educated in Montreal where he learned English. He spoke French and several Native languages. Like his father, he married a Chippewa lady. As a voyageur, he was known for his massive size and incredible strength. He was said to carry a load of 750 pounds for a quarter of a mile. By contrast the average load carried by a voyageur was 250 pounds. He was an acknowledged expert in the songs of the French Canadian voyageurs, and a master of the art of negotiation. see more http://www.blackstudies.ca/gallery/bonga.htm
Note: Once you're in the gallery, use the forward and back arrows to see photos of many of the people we have read about.
- typed by Miss R, reading from Toronto Star package
Questions :
1. What languages did Bonga speak?
2. Where did the Chippewas live and what are the other names for this same tribe?
3. Although not explained in the article, do you think Bonga was a free man?
Why? Explain.
4. In what way do you think Bonga contributed to Canada?
5. What qualities did George Bonga have that may have worked to his advantage as a voyageur?
- due Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007
