Interpreting in British Columbia at the Time of the Explorations by Land and of the Fur Trade in the Company Posts (1793-1846)
The Journals of the B.C. explorers Alexander Mackenzie, Simon Fraser and David Thompson show that Amerindians very often served as interpreters and that, as such, they contributed in no small measure to the success of the expeditions. In the trading posts subsequently built by the fur companies, interpreters were essential. Their rank in the hierarchy of the companies, the dangers related to their job, the influence some of them had on local populations, and the part played by women as interpreters and teachers of languages are examined. The main characteristics of the personality and career of a few interpreters are also given.