“Spoke to a Canadian to make Soap for the use of the Settlers.”  – Peter Fidler’s Journal

Much of what the Settlers required to survive they either had to grow or make themselves or trade or purchase from others living in the area. They relied heavily upon the expertise and experience of First Nations people and Canadians or Freemen (Métis) until they acquired the skills and supplies necessary to provide for themselves.

Portras Demarey & Hamlin accompanied the Canadians as servants to Brandon House – they are giving every encouragement to every Freeman, not to assist the Settlement in any way whatever, and they express themselves openly that the Settlement was merely established to ruin their business, but that they would soon be the ruin of the Colony – and try whose loads were hardest such is the Language they hold forth.