The Fur Trade was Minnesota’s first business. Invite a French Voyageur to your classroom to teach your students all about this important era in the history of our state. An exciting interactive educational experience.
The presenter is Mr. Arn Kind, a teacher of over 48 years experience, who will come in the regalia of a French Voyageur, and teach your students about Minnesota’s first business; the Fur Trade. The French Voyageurs were among the first Europeans to explore and make maps of what would become Minnesota.
Mr. Kind uses hands-on living history experiences where students will role-play the parts of voyageurs or proud Dakota or Ojibwa Indians. Students will learn how these early Europeans paddled heavy cargo-laden canoes through the vast interior of North America. They will also learn how the French and the Indians bartered with one another. The French wanting furs to be made into fashionable hats and clothing; the Dakota and Ojibwa wanting the French trade goods. These trade goods would make life easier for the Indians, and were a mixture of cloth (cotton or wool), beads, trinkets, mirrors, traps, knives, tomahawks, and trade rifles.
One of the reasons Mr. Kind’s presentation really makes the Fur Trade come alive for his audiences is because of his realistic and colorful portrayal of a voyageur. Another reason is because of all the artifacts and trade goods he brings and displays for his audience to see.
Mr. Kind’s presentation as a wonderful and unique way of learning about this colorful chapter from the early history of our state. This presentation will excite your students and they will come away wanting to share with their family the many things they learned and experienced on this day, when they will be LIVING HISTORY!