the "Royaume"
Before settlers arrived in Saguenay (or the Saguenay River) the land was used by the First Nations. Upon Jacques Cartier's discovery of the land, the Native people did not want anyone intruding their land, so when Jacques Cartier arrived the First Nations were smart and told the french men that they were preserving the "Royaume". The Royaume meaning a palace or kingdom but it was actually just a myth.
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The Saguenay river Trade
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In the late 17th century, the Saguenay river was inhabited by the Iroquois and Algonquins and was used as a bartering point. Later on the in the 18th century, settlers built trading posts along the river which was vital to New France and was in trade with the United Kingdom. Not to long after, a man from Wales named William Price arrived to Quebec. William Price was an entrepreneur who started many businesses back home in Wales and in Quebec. Many people call him the father of Saguenay because he started the lifestyle and build of industry in Saguenay. William Price created the lumber and fur industry and started the way of life based on farming, forestry, hydro energy and metal engineering.
Build of industryAs said earlier, William Price opened doors to industry in Saguenay. The fur trade was one of the leading industries in their economy during the 18th century and was leading in trade with the Prince Rupert (England) Hudson's Bay, but soon the fur trade died out. There was also the forestry industry which still runs to present day. In 1898, making pulp became a leading industry and top consumers were England, France and New York. That year was when the first pulp mill was built in Saguenay. Not too long after, three other mills were built to produce pulp but then soon closed down because of a decrease in need for pulp.
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The Giants
"The Giants" is a nickname for Saguenay. It represents the many gigantic features in Quebec such as the very famous Saguenay Fjord which is the most inhabited lake in Quebec. Also, "The Giants" represents the many fields of blueberries (which Saguenay is known for) and the 23 kilos of blueberries produced per summer. The nickname also represents the many large parks and forested land which covers 88% of Saguenay's region. Lastly, this nickname represents the the population of Saguenay and their giant personalities, backgrounds, stories and hearts. "The Giants" perfectly sums up the land and hearts of Saguenay.