Fur Trading Simulation Game

The fur trade was a significant factor in the economic development of early Canada and played a role in shaping the country's current relationship with Europe and Indigenous peoples. This simulation is an engaging activity where students can learn about the history and economics of the fur trade, how it led to Treaty making, Indigenous technology and ingenuity, and the effects of European contact and colonization on Indigenous populations.

Students take on the role of hunter-trappers hunting for “beavers” who provide beaver pelt cards which can then be traded with the Company or Inland/Métis traders for European trade goods. The traded goods cards include references to Indigenous technologies used prior to European contact and act like chance cards - either helping/hampering the students’ ability to collect pelts. The archive include - Made Beaver Cards, 20 Trade Item Cards, Fur Equivalency charts, a Trading/Reflection Journal, and the Simulation Instructions.

The activity is designed to introduce and layer in levels of learning for a variety of disciplines and age groups. From basic math used in counting and trading to more advanced concepts such as supply and demand, specialization, division of labor, resource extraction, mark-up, perceived value, value of goods, budgeting, return on investment, fungibility, uniformity, divisibility, industrialization, free market, equivalencies, and trade. Social studies, history, First Nations/Native American, social justice learnings are also interwoven into the game as part of the pathway towards Truth and Reconciliation. You will even find some physical education, health, and drama included.

The simulation was created by Bert Fox Community High School’s Financial Literacy class for use at the annual Treaty 4 Gathering in Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan, Canada. Each year, the community hosts the Treaty 4 Gathering, a six-day event full of Indigenous activities and learning experiences that commemorate the 1874 signing of Treaty 4 and honour and renew the Treaty relationship. The event attracts visitors from across Canada and the United Stated and welcomes upwards of 2000 children each day to take part in the gathering's festivities.

The simulation was extensively researched and developed in partnership and consultation with the Indigenous community. It was nominated for and won the 2023 Bank of Canada Museum’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Economics and was featured by Grasslands News, Eagle Feather News, and APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network).

I would like to mention that this is still a work in progress. There are several contentious elements such the diseased blankets and alcohol that you may want to adjust depending on your students’ age group, but we felt that they should be included for social justice understanding. We have tested multiple iterations and adjusted the game mechanics while doing our best to maintain historical accuracy and represent truth. I’m sure there are still bits that can be adjusted and improved, and I invite you to take what we have started and make it work for you.