Title and statement of responsibility area
Title proper
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Title statements of responsibility
Title notes
Level of description
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Reference code
Edition area
Edition statement
Edition statement of responsibility
Class of material specific details area
Statement of scale (cartographic)
Statement of projection (cartographic)
Statement of coordinates (cartographic)
Statement of scale (architectural)
Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)
Dates of creation area
Date(s)
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1789-1803 (Creation)
- Creator
- North West Company
Physical description area
Physical description
1 folder.
Publisher's series area
Title proper of publisher's series
Parallel titles of publisher's series
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Archival description area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The North West Company was a major force in the fur trade between the 1780's and 1821. The Company was formed by Highland Scots, Loyalists and Canadian labourers. Montreal traders pooled their resources to reduce competition amongst themselves and to resist the advances being made by the Hudson's Bay Company. In 1783 and 1784 the North West Company was formally organized with the Frobisher brothers and Simon McTavish holding the controlling shares. The annual trade at this time was approximately 100 000 pounds. Their rivals included the Hudson's Bay Company and Gregory, McLeod and Company. In mid-1787 the Nor'westors and Gregory and McLeod amalgamated, with the Frobishers and McTavish running the business from Montreal, while Alexander MacKenzie led their inland expansion. By 1795 the Nor'westers had another strong rival in the New North West Company or XY Company. The two Companies merged in 1804. In 1821 a parliamentary Act granted the Hudson's Bay Company; and William and Simon McGillivray and Edward Ellice of the North West Company, the exclusive trading rights with Britain. The Companies effectively worked together and expanded their fur trading enterprises together without the competition. (Taken from: "The Canadian Encyclopedia." Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers, 1985.)
Custodial history
This fonds was in the custody of Jim and Bea Clark before it was donated to the Trent University Archives.
Scope and content
This fonds consists of fur trading licences issued to traders by the North West Company.
Notes area
Physical condition
The records are fragile. Please use gloves while handling the records. Do not photocopy the originals.
Immediate source of acquisition
This fonds was donated by Jim and Bea Clarke.
Arrangement
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script note
This fonds is in French.
Location of originals
Availability of other formats
Restrictions on access
None.
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
Finding aids
Associated materials
Associated material located at the Library and Archives Canada.
For related records see the Hudson’s Bay Company journal (95-1003).