Missionaries Follow the Fur Trade
Fur traders followed regular routes into Western Canada. Once a route was known, trading places were built. These fur trading forts became centers for missionaries. Those missionaries who spoke French were almost always Roman Catholic. The Roman Catholic priests set up ministries called "missions" for the First Nations and Métis people who lived near the forts.
In the 1840s, there were successful missions at Fort Edmonton, St. Albert, Lac la Biche, Lac Ste-Anne, and Grouard. Some of the missions were run by notable people, among them Father Lacombe. His work with First Nations and Métis people was very successful. He was involved in the treaty talks and served as a supporter of Métis and First Nations people.
