The Development of Capitalism and the Subjugation of Native Women in

The subject of this paper is the subjugation of. native (Indian and Half-breed) women in northern and western Canada as a result of the institution of capitalism under the aegis of the fur trade. The racial, colonial and class divisions which were imposed upon native women resulted in a form of subjugation which needs to be differentiated from that affecting Euro-Canadian women. In this paper I will deal with some of the historical background concerning native women and changes in their role during the development of capitalism in what is now considered northern Canada. I intend to establish the basis of class and racial divisions, together with colonial relations that resulted from the particular form of exploitation and oppression of native women within the fur trade of the Hudson's Eay basin. The oppression of native women (Indian and!*etis) can only b