Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the trapping season is coming to a close. This is a good time to look back on the season as to lessons learned and look forward to setting a new direction to stimulate the NWT fur economy. I can imagine, due to COVID, fur sales more than likely not as financially lucrative as other years. I can imagine the number of furbearing animals being caught is getting less every year. I can only surmise the dwindling number of trappers going out every year as many will age out.
If it's not the age, then problems with the mode of transportation the snowmobile, as repairs are getting expensive and buying new machines may not be an option due to fur prices. The options to trappers are not many considering the everincreasing price of gas, oil, and parts for the snow machine.
Mr. Speaker, if one doesn't have a fulltime job to own and maintain a snow machine, then trapping is out of the question for many who would like the option to trap.
Trapping can provide a means of income and, most of all, self esteem. Many of my people, the Dene, tell us stories of their exploits hunting and trapping with just dog teams. In fact, it was a widelyknown mode of transportation back then.
What this signifies is the ability of our people to provide for themselves, their family, and their community. The Dene back then were proud people when doing things for themselves. Today, we are weakened by a society that is reliant on government handouts; a society that is slowly killing our people, whether it be sickness from alcohol and drugs, or other illnesses. It is time for this government to chart a trapline forward to revitalize an industry that can and will do a lot for many residents of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Good statement. Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
