Lesson Concept:
This lesson helps students to understand how trade might have taken place between European explorers and Aboriginal people.

Learning Outcome:
It is expected that students will identify economic and technological exchanges between explorers and Aboriginal people.

Lesson Plan:
Break class into groups of two. Have one student in each pair take the role of the fur trader and the other the role of an Aboriginal person. Have students research exchange values, goods available and ceremonies associated with trade.

In role plays, ask each party to try to get the best deal for his goods.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of bartering versus a monetary trade system.