The dominant enterprise in the area since the 17th century had been the fur trade .

Their role in the fur trade gave Giving them a steady stream of income and significant political influence Influence even as the French , British , and Americans asserted Statement territorial claims on the area .

As the Americans established outposts in the area and the fur trade declined , the dynamics changed Change_tool dramatically .

The Hudson Bay expedition Attack of Jean-François de Galaup , comte de La Pérouse was a series of military raids Attack on the lucrative fur trading Exchange posts and fortifications of the Hudson 's Bay Company on the shores of Hudson Bay by a squadron of the French Royal Navy .