Canadian Wilds
Tells About the Hudson's Bay Company, Northern Indians and Their Modes of Hunting, Trapping, Etc.
"Canadian Wilds" by Martin Hunter is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work explores the rich history of the Hudson's Bay Company, detailing its interactions with Northern Indigenous tribes and their traditional hunting and trapping methods. Hunter draws upon his own extensive experience working with the Company, offering insights into the cultural and environmental significance of the fur trade in Canada. The opening of the book sets the stage by introducing the Hudson's Bay Company and its foundational role in the exploration and commercialization of Canada’s vast wilderness. Hunter recounts his own two-decade journey with the Company, from serving as a clerk to a commissioned officer. He explains the establishment of trading posts and the dynamics of relationships between Company officers and Indigenous peoples. The early chapters provide a glimpse into the socio-economic landscape of the fur trade, including descriptions of trading practices, the importance of the company flag, and the stark realities of survival in the Canadian wilds, hinting at both the adventures and hardships faced by those involved in this historically significant industry.