Fur Trade Regulation

The Haudenosaunee had been trading fur amongst themselves and other neighboring tribes long before European arrival. The trading of fur, in addition to foods, tobacco, and quahog shells, had been a part of Haudenosaunee culture prior to the early 1600s when Europeans began participating in the trade. From a European perspective, the Haudenosaunee were trying to monopolize the fur trade. This conflict began the Beaver Wars which lasted 70 years and resulted in the regulation of the fur trade to grant the Haudenosaunee trade rights in specific regions. In 1677, the Albany Indian Commission organized to regulate fur trade with the Haudenosaunee. What was once a cultural practice for the Haudenosaunee on their land became a regulated activity that was only permitted in certain areas.

1677