Like all coastal creatures, the sea otter played an important role in First Nations life. It provided beautiful pelts that could be sewn into soft, warm garments; it was an item of trade to exchange with peoples not living in the coastal region; and it was the inspiration for rich traditions of artistic and spiritual practice.
It is easy to measure some of the effects of the sea otter trade on the local First Nations communities. The coastal peoples of the Pacific Northwest were experienced and sophisticated traders, passing goods up and down the coast from northern California to the Aleutian Islands. When Europeans arrived seeking furs, the First Nations peoples entered into the industry as important partners and negotiated good prices for the pelts. Certain villages and leaders grew in power and influence as their trade partnerships brought them wealth, prestige, and a protective alliance with the armed European ships.
The local peoples were primarily interested in obtaining iron, which could be used to make tools and personal adornments. Iron was traded raw or worked into valued items, such as the heavy, twisted iron collars and bracelets traded off of American Captain Ingraham’s vessel Hope. Brass pots, iron kettles, and in some regions copper, were sought after. Sugar was also introduced through the Pacific fur trade. The pelts were only traded with those who had desirable items, so when the market was saturated with iron and sugar, other goods were requested. It was noted among the fur traders that only a high quality, in everything from cloth to tools, would be accepted. Rifles, pistols, shot, gunpowder, alcohol, and diseases such as tuberculosis, smallpox, and syphilis would also come with the fur traders.
