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The Métis Sash
Fort Edmonton was a major trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) and a central hub in the fur trade network. The Métis, who are a distinct cultural group of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, were heavily involved at the fort. They were crucial to the fur trade economy at Fort Edmonton. Many worked as "freemen" (independent traders), trappers, or voyageurs (canoe paddlers), transporting furs from remote trapping areas to the fort and carrying trade goods back.
They were skilled intermediaries between the Indigenous populations and European traders, facilitating trade and communication. The Métis provided essential provisions to the fort, including pemmican, a high-energy food made from dried meat and fat, which was a staple for traders and voyageurs. Many Métis were employed by the Hudson's Bay Company as laborers, craftsmen, and interpreters. They were involved in building and maintaining the fort and its infrastructure.
The colour of the Métis Sash had symbolism. Red is for the blood that was shed by the Métis through the years while fighting for their rights. Blue is for the depth of their spirits. Green is for the fertility of a great nation. White is for their connection to the earth and their creator. Yellow is for prosperity. Black is for the dark period of the suppression and dispossession of the Métis land. The infinity symbol represents the everlasting Métis culture.
The Métis Sash
Fort Edmonton was a major trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) and a central hub in the fur trade network. The Métis, who are a distinct cultural group of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, were heavily involved at the fort. They were crucial to the fur trade economy at Fort Edmonton. Many worked as "freemen" (independent traders), trappers, or voyageurs (canoe paddlers), transporting furs from remote trapping areas to the fort and carrying trade goods back.
They were skilled intermediaries between the Indigenous populations and European traders, facilitating trade and communication. The Métis provided essential provisions to the fort, including pemmican, a high-energy food made from dried meat and fat, which was a staple for traders and voyageurs. Many Métis were employed by the Hudson's Bay Company as laborers, craftsmen, and interpreters. They were involved in building and maintaining the fort and its infrastructure.
The colour of the Métis Sash had symbolism. Red is for the blood that was shed by the Métis through the years while fighting for their rights. Blue is for the depth of their spirits. Green is for the fertility of a great nation. White is for their connection to the earth and their creator. Yellow is for prosperity. Black is for the dark period of the suppression and dispossession of the Métis land. The infinity symbol represents the everlasting Métis culture.