The 8th North American Fur Trade Conference

This conference is a prestigious forum for the presentation of new thought and research on the Fur Trade in North America. The Conference is convened about every 5 years, at different locations related to different facets of the trade. The Conference theme set for May 24 - 28, 2000 will be "Aboriginal People in the Fur Trade."

The first of these conferences was organized by the late Robert Wheeler, whose interest in the history of the Fur Trade caused him to seek out like minds. In 1965 the Minnesota Historical Society, of which Mr. Wheeler was a member, hosted the first gathering, welcoming scholars and history buffs alike.

In acknowledgment of the scope of the Trade, Conferences have alternated between Canada and the United States at relevant locations, thus promoting the geographical aspect of this segment of North American heritage. Following the death of Mr. Wheeler in 1986, Victoria M. Stewart was appointed by a special committee of patrons to take charge of future Conferences and to ensure that they continue in the spirit in which they began.

This year, Akwesasne has been selected as the location of the 8th North American Fur Trade Conference. Aboriginal Peoples across North America and most assuredly, the Mohawks and other members of the Haudenosaunee/ Iroquois Confederacy played a significant role in all aspects of the Fur Trade and in the formation of Canada and the United States. We believe that it is appropriate that we ensure that the new millennium offer new light on the contribution of Aboriginal Peoples to the history of North America and the Fur Trade and its continuing influences.

Please register by March 14, 2000 to receive an Early Bird Special Rate of $200.00 including meals for full conference. Banquet fee is extra for $35.00, tickets will be sold at Registration Desk. Information on hotels and direction to conference site will be sent to you as soon as we receive registration or upon request of information.

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