Fur Trade: A significant part of French colonial economy based on trade with Native Americans for animal fur, especially beaver pelts used for hats back in Europe.
New France: The area colonized by France in North America during a period extending from exploration by Jacques Cartier in 1534 to cession of New France to Great Britain and Spain under Treaty of Paris in 1763.
Jesuit Missions: Religious missions set up by Jesuits aimed at converting indigenous people to Christianity similar to Spanish missions but often less forceful.