A mission effort was connected with the western fur trade after 1820 when the Red River settlement attracted, both Catholic and Anglican missionaries. This effort developed slowly until by mid-century missions were found at several locations throughout the fur trade domain. The relationship between trader and missionary was often tense as traders felt that some of the views of the church interfered with the conduct of the trade. Clergy, however, were dependent on the material support of the posts and generally enjoyed the official sanction of the Company. This photograph shows an unidentified Anglican priest about to leave York Factory in company with a MÄtis dog driver (foreground) and an Indian family (rear). The party is equipped for winter travel with heavy clothing, snowshoes, and a large quantity of supplies on the toboggan.
