Fur Brigade:

• A group of pelt-laden vessels that travelled along the rivers to deliver their cargo to the Hudson Bay Company forts.

Chief Factor:

• The senior officer at a fur-trading post, responsible for the daily management of the fort.

Chief Trader:

• The officer responsible for bartering for pelts with the Indians.

Fur:

• The soft, fine, hairy coat covering the skin of an animal, such as the beaver.

Made:

• A "made" pelt was one that was cured and ready for trade.

Pemmican:

• A concentrated food used by North American Indians consisting of lean meat dried, pounded fine, and mixed with melted fat.

Pelt:

• The skin of a fur-bearing animal, usually with the fur left on. A number of such one-inch thick skins together may be called furs.

Pièces (pronounced "pee-ess" like "p.s."):

• Originally a voyageur term, referring to a ninety-pound package of goods.

Vorveaux:

• A handmade basket used in catching fish.