Like many Métis, the Métis of the Abitibi Inland and western James Bay regions began transitioning away from traditional fur trade occupations in the early 20th century. Many entered employment in new and rapidly growing regional industries such as the railroad and forestry.
Despite these profound economic changes, hunting remained an integral part of life for the Abitibi Inland Métis Community.
The continued practice and importance of the Abitibi Inland Métis Community’s traditional way of life was highlighted by community members in the 1905 Moose Factory Métis Petition:
“We have been born and brought up in the country, and are thus by our birth and training unfit to obtain a livelihood in the civilized world. Should the fur traders at any time require our services we should be obliged to support ourselves by hunting.”
A 1934 newspaper article published in Sault Ste. Marie described two of the 1905 Moose Factory Métis Petition signatories still continuing their traditional Métis way of life almost 30 years later saying:
“Willie McLeod and Willie Moore, pensioners of the Hudson’s Bay Co. who have hunted and trapped out of Moose Factory for fifty years.”
Today, harvesting remains an important practice for the Abitibi Inland Métis Community.