Madam 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 tell you about the remarkable sales of Northwest Territories wild furs this year and the government initiatives that support and promote this important economic sector.
Over $300,000 worth of genuine Mackenzie Valley furs were sold at the most recent wild fur sale held in North Bay, Ontario, last week. Beaver pelts, which had previously been underperforming at auction, went for an average price of over $26 per pelt, compared to $13 in 2011. This increase is due in part to a decision to ship all small and medium size beaver pelts to dressers and return them to the NWT for sale into the craft sector. This benefits traditional crafters and our trappers.
This past March at the wild fur auction in Seattle, our trappers received previously unheard of prices for marten - $380 per pelt, and arctic fox - $200 per pelt, shattering previous high prices. In comparison, top price for marten in 2011 was $150, and arctic fox, $68.
I am pleased to say that total sales to date for the 2011-12 trapping season are over $1.3 million, and we still have one more auction left at the end of June. This will be one of the most financially rewarding trapping seasons in nearly
30 years. Most importantly, our trappers, families and communities will benefit from these increased sales.
The traditional economy not only plays an important role in ensuring culture and traditions continue, but also provides economic benefits. Food harvested from the land can reduce the cost of living in small communities and is an excellent source of nutrition. In fact, estimates of values of food harvest are approximately $20 million. When retail values are applied, this figure doubles.
Recognizing the importance of traditional harvesting, the Government of the Northwest Territories increased its funding this year to the Community Harvesters Assistance Program to over $1 million. This funding is distributed to local wildlife committees who, in turn, distribute funds in their communities. Program funds play a crucial role in covering a portion of costs for renewable resource harvesters.
Also, Madam Speaker, we want to ensure these traditions and methods are passed on for years to come so the traditional economy continues to thrive. Investing in youth programs is an essential part of this. The GNWT runs the Take a Kid Trapping and Take a Kid Harvesting programs, which introduce youth in the NWT to traditional harvesting practices.
Local instructors incorporate visits to trap lines and give youth hands-on experience setting traps, snares and fishnets. They also teach traditional life skills, as well as conservation methods and best practices in the preparation of pelts for market. This year over 2,200 youth took part in 53 program initiatives across the territory.
By actively supporting the harvesting and marketing of wild fur through the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs Program, as well as supporting traditional economy programs, the GNWT is taking action to diversify the economy and provide all communities and regions with opportunities and choices. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you, Minister Ramsay. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.
