In the early 17th century, the Native nations that traded with the French belonged to two distinct linguistic families: the Algonquan family and the Huron-Iroquoian family. At the time, the nations of the Algonquian family were nomads and roamed over the greatest part of what is modern day Quebec. The most populous nations were the Micmacs, Montagnais, Attikamek, Cree and Algonquins. The nations of the Huron-Iroquoian family, however, were sedentary and lived southwest and west of the current territory of Quebec: with the most successful assimilation by France occurring to these nations. French Missionaries succeeded in making the Huron (an already agricultural people) confine themselves to the French territory. The French utilized the Huron as their chief allies in the area. There were four Huron nations living on a territory located east of the Great Lake that was named after them. The Huron were eventually slaughtered by the warring and English allied Iroquois Nations. Comprised of five nations, the Iroquois lived in the region that is today the northern part of the State of New York. The Neutrals lived around Lake Erie and the Petum, on the Bruce Peninsula. When Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec in 1608, the Iroquois were already at war with the Algonquian nations. After 1640, they intensified their attacks against the Hurons, who had become the main suppliers of furs to the French by then. In the middle of the 17th century, Huronia was practically annihilated.

Another factor that contributed to the success of the fur trade was the existence of a well-established Aboriginal trading and fur gathering system. Since the early days of European explorer-only contact, the Indians had been willing to trade furs for European goods. As well, trade between tribes was well-established within native culture. Archaeologists have found evidence of wide spread trading throughout North America. This intertribal trade was greatly affected by the influx of European trade goods. European guns, metal tools, and horses from Latin America reached inland tribes well before the Europeans themselves did. Members of some tribes eventually functioned as middlemen, giving European goods to inland tribes in exchange for furs which they then traded with the Europeans. In this process, the middlemen earned a profit for themselves and contributed to the wide ranging trade relationship in North America. When French and English traders expanded into inland North America, they were surprised to find these clearly established trade systems.

It was necessary for not only the coureur des bois, but every European travelling in the wilds to connect with members of various Indian Nations. These men needed permanent and trust ties so they often married or cohabitated with Indian Women to achieve an alliance with the tribe. In order to survive in the wilds, the men needed Indian Women. These women provided the knowledge and skills necessary to live in the new rather hostile land. The women of the fur trade were the necessary link between the coureur des bois and the Indian Nations. These wandering men needed Indian Women to fend for them in the wilds: to cook, forage for food, craft their clothes, hunt and fish, and most importantly to make moccasins. It is said that without a woman who has the knowledge to make snowshoes, a man will die before the first spring break. Without these much needed footwear travel would be almost impossible. These women taught their men how to survive in the wilds, which foods could be eaten, the languages of the Indian Nations, healed their wounds and were the mothers of their children, children who became the Metis Nation.

The impact on Native culture when trade with Europe began cannot be understated. A significant lifestyle change occurred when European tools and weapons replaced those made of stone, pottery and horn. Glass beads replaced porcupine quills and natural dyes. New religions replaced Indian spirituality and customs. Trading became a significant focus, and though it did not cause the downfall of Native culture, it was the precursor to the expansion of settlement in North America. Settlement, more than anything else, altered irrevocably the lifestyle of North American Aboriginal people.

On to the 1700s and formation of the English Hudson's Bay Company.