Home >> The People and Their Communities >> Métis Communities >> Historic Communities >> Fort Chipewyan and Fort Vermilion >> Colin Fraser

One of the most engaging of the Métis fur traders of the Fort Chipewyan community was Colin Fraser, son of Simon Fraser, who was piper for Sir George Simpson.

Fraser was born at Jasper House in December 1849, while his father was in charge. He spent the first half of his life as a scout and guide, having learned early in life how to handle horses, dogs, and people. He spent some years at Lac Ste Anne, and at Long Lake east of Edmonton. Eventually, he moved to Edmonton where he worked for Chief Factor Christie, caring for his dog team. After seven or eight years, Fraser quit to take a homestead in the Edmonton area. His 180-acre plot was located in what is now downtown Edmonton.

When Edmonton rose up around him, Fraser returned to the fur trade and took a load of trade goods to Lake Athabasca. He felt at home in the Athabasca region, and worked out a relationship with the HBC. He remained at Fort Chipewyan until he died in 1941, aged 91.

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Colin Fraser

Fort Vermilion