As the plaque reads:
Francois - Finley Forts
The trading posts operated by the Montreal pedlars Francois Le Blanc and James Finlay between 1768 and 1773 were among the first to be established within the boundaries of the province of Saskatchewan.
Francois known to the Indians as Saswee, appears to be associated with Western trade for many years before establishing a post at the Nipawi or 'Standing Place.'
James Finlay was a Montreal merchant of Scottish origin. He returned home in the fall of 1769 with a large quantity of prime furs. The example of his good fortune appears to have encouraged many others to follow his footsteps.
Department of Natural Resources
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