Which indigenous group is known for their involvement in the fur trade?

The Métis are recognized as a significant group involved in the fur trade, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. They emerged as a distinct cultural group as a result of the intermarriage between French fur traders and First Nations women. The Métis played a crucial role in the fur trade economy, serving as intermediaries, guides, and skilled laborers. Their knowledge of the land and relationships with Indigenous peoples and European traders allowed them to facilitate the trade and mobility essential to the fur industry's success.

Their unique heritage and cultural practices, which blended aspects of Indigenous and European traditions, also made them vital players in negotiating and navigating the complexities of fur trade partnerships and conflicts. The Métis established their own communities, such as those in the Red River region, which became centers of commercial activity related to the fur trade. This involvement highlights their importance within the broader history of Canada's development and economy during that period.