In 1803, Shaw led an expedition to James Bay, which established posts on the Moose and Eastmain Rivers. In 1806, he became a partner in McTavish, McGillivrays and Company, affiliated with the North West Company, and travelled to Fort William (now Thunder Bay, Ontario) several times. Shaw was named a justice of the peace for the Indian territory in 1810.
Shaw led an expedition to James Bay in 1803, establishing settlements on the Moose and Eastmain Rivers. He then partnered with McTavish, McGillivrays and Company in 1806, affiliated with the North West Company, and visited Fort William (now Thunder Bay, Ontario) several times. Shaw was appointed a justice of the peace for the Indian territory in 1810.