Final answer:
The métis are the offspring between French men and Indigenous women during the fur trade in New France.
Step-by-step explanation:
The offspring between French men and Indigenous women during the fur trade era in New France are known as métis. This mixed-ethnic community emerged as a result of the alliances and relationships that French fur traders and colonists made with Indigenous tribes. These unions were commonplace since the French colonial policy focused on trade and alliance, rather than on creating large settlements and displacing Native populations. The fur trade was the economic backbone of New France, with French voyageurs, or coureurs de bois, often marrying Indigenous women. This led to the development of the métis culture, which blended both French and Native American heritage.