Mr. Speaker, the traditional economy is an important source of income for many Northwest Territories residents and one of the sectors that this government supports as part of our goal of a diversified economy. Today I would like to share some good news about our Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program.
We are at the threshold of a new trapping season. Last year’s wild fur sold for record prices, resulting in nearly $2 million in income and program benefits for our trappers. This was the best year for sales in 23 years and prospects for this coming year are positive, as demand from China and Russia continues to increase. Trapping also helps to offset the high cost of food in many northern communities.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Premier McLeod and Mr. Robert Hawkins for their successful efforts promoting our wild furs during the recent trade mission to China. China is the world’s leading manufacturer of fur garments, and demand for our high-end wild fur is high and increasing year after year.
This year, in cooperation with Fur Harvesters Auction, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment produced two new pelt handling DVDs for marten and fox. These are distributed throughout the territory and we have received very positive feedback for similar DVDs that were produced for wolf and wolverine pelts in the last couple of years. They provide demonstrations and tips on handling raw pelts for auction. Well-handled pelts get top dollar for trappers.
Mr. Speaker, an important part of the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program is our Trapper Recognition Awards. We recognize the top senior and junior trappers, as well as the trapper with the most pelts and the most market sales in each region. These awards were just announced and I want to take this opportunity to recognize all the recipients.
We are especially pleased with our youth trappers. This year Leroy Andre Jr. from Deline was the top youth trapper for the Sahtu region, and the top youth trapper for the entire NWT. Andrea Carmichael was awarded with top youth trapper for the Inuvik region, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, John Carmichael, who received the Senior Trapper Award for the region last year.
Mr. Speaker, the number of youth involved in the trapping industry continues to grow, with the encouragement of the Take a Kid Trapping Program provided under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program. This program introduces youth to the traditional harvesting practices of hunting, trapping, fishing and outdoor survival. This year nearly 2,700 youth participated in the program, and over 12,000 youth have been through the program since its inception 10 years ago.
I advised Members during our last session of a project through this program: the construction of a traditional kayak by the students of Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has recently created a mounted print for the school, commemorating the hard work of students to build the kayak. I look forward to presenting this to the Honourable Jackie Jacobson at some point before the end of this session.
We are taking action to ensure traditional economy practices continue and that these traditional values are sustained, especially through our youth. This support serves to advance the 17th Legislative Assembly’s goal of a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Abernethy.
