The Red River Colony — today the Canadian city of Winnipeg — was founded in 1812 on land that had long been home to First Nations peoples, European traders and Métis people of mixed ancestry. All prospered from a booming fur trade, which was driven by European demand for felt hats made from beaver fur.
This eye-catching beaded bag was made by a resident of Red River, either of Cree or Cree/Métis ethnicity. Called a “fire bag,” it would have contained materials such as tinder, char cloth, flint and steel to start a fire. Fire bags were worn by men, primarily for ceremonies. A man would have tied this one around his waist with a sash secured to beaded area; the bag would also have had a strap at the top to loop around his neck.
This fire bag was made in the mid-1800s from red woolen cloth with grosgrain silk ribbon and beads. Earlier bags were constructed from hide and decorated with porcupine quills in geometric designs that held religious meaning. Although this example uses modern materials, it maintains a traditional aboriginal design. In later years, Métis women incorporated floral designs of European influence.
