Historical Trading Posts
Outlying trading posts became very important in the lives of the Dene Tha’ after the turn of the century. Several seasonal posts were established by Habay and Long Lake, where goods would only be available in the spring and summer. Longer trips to major trading centres, such as Fort Vermilion and Keg River, would be undertaken for larger trading and shopping trips.
People went to whatever trading post was closest at the time of harvest, or where they knew the fur buyers were going to be. Sometimes, the round trip would take an entire season, with the trapper leaving in the early spring with his furs and not returning until summer with supplies.
Trapping Today
In the past, the Cree from the south acted as “middlemen” in the fur trade, establishing trading posts where they would collect furs from the Dene to the north. In today’s market, the Northwest Company purchases the majority of the fur from the people of Chateh. The fur buyer will come into the community and drive house to house to the known trappers to collect the prepared furs. In January and February, lynx, marten and fox are harvested. In the spring months, beaver and muskrat are harvested.
Despite the economic unpredictability of the fur trade, there are still many active trappers in Chateh, Meander River, and Bushe River. Even though current fur prices remain low, Dene Tha’ trappers still maintain their traplines during the winter months. There is no doubt that if prices were to rise, more Dene Tha’ trappers would return to the traplines. It is a preferred way of life for many people.