Summary
In response to the smallpox outbreaks of the late 1860s, the Board of Health passed a resolution to ban the export of furs from Saskatchewan. This move marked the onset of the final decline of the fur trade as a principal economy on the Plains. In 1872 the relationship between the HBC and their Indigenous suppliers would be forever changed as a reorganization in the company resulted in the removal of all credit with Indigenous suppliers in order to cut costs.
Implications
The ban on exporting furs obviously hampered the Saskatchewan economy. The confiscation of furs caused panic and in some instances there was a fear that rioting might occur. Despite the trade resuming in July 1871, the fur trade would never recover from this resolution. The panic that resulted from the ban of Saskatchewan furs highlighted the fragility of the trade as a principle economy. In the following year, 1872, the HBC would be reorganized which brought a permanent fracturing in the relationship between the HBC and their Indigenous suppliers.
Sub Event
Final Decline of the Fur Trade on the Plains
Resources
Date
1871-04-24