How did the French trapper get along with the Native Americans?

Answer 1

It was extremely difficult for communication between the French and Native peoples, especially when they first encountered each other. This is because they both spoke different tongues. As time went on, especially in the 17th century, religious groups like the Jesuits began to learn the language of some of the Native groups. However, the final goal of the Jesuits was not to learn their language and befriend them, but rather learn their language so it would be easier for them to convert the Native peoples. For example, a Jesuit group in the 1620s-30s established missions within a Native tribe called the Huron. These missions were called Ste. Marie, which was basically an embassy that tired to convert everybody. Their final goal was to baptize, 'civilize' and convert the Native peoples so they could learn the way of God.

They actually did sometimes get along because, they learned how to survive harsh winters, trade tools, pots, guns etc. and the french help fight their enemy, the Iroquois.

Answer 2

Generally speaking French Trappers operated along the Mississippi and the forest areas of North America (now mostly in Canada). These northern lands were inhabited by the Ojibwa (Chippewa) tribes, and historical documents show that (again, as a general rule) these trappers got along well with these tribes. Many of these trappers became married to Native American women, and were accepted into their tribes.

SOURCE: Diaries and trading records of the Hudson Bay Company.