Carl Gawboy, a celebrated Minnesota artist and Ojibwe scholar of Finnish and Bois Forte Anishinaabe descent, has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the stories of his people. In his book, Fur Trade Nation: An Ojibwe’s Graphic History, Gawboy combines his prolific artistic talent, family stories, and cultural research to shed light on a largely overlooked chapter of history.
With over 800 illustrations, Gawboy vividly portrays the fur trade’s roots in Indigenous culture, highlighting how Ojibwe traditions shaped this iconic industry long before European settlers arrived. He explores how tools like the cooking pot revolutionized Ojibwe life and trade, transforming not only how they lived but also how they contributed to the burgeoning economies of North America.
Great Lakes Now hosted a virtual event where we learned more about the history of the fur trade from an Ojibwe perspective from Gawboy and other featured guests.
Catch more news at Great Lakes Now:
Nibi Chronicles: A conversation about Ojibwe history in Fur Trade Nation
Ojibwemodaa! Let’s speak Ojibwe!
Featured image: Carl Gawboy combines his prolific artistic talent, family stories, and cultural research to shed light on a largely overlooked chapter of history. (Photo Credit: Great Lakes Now)
