Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program

The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur (GMVF) Program provides Northwest Territories (NWT) trappers with “one window” access to the international fur auction market for fur harvested in the NWT.  In addition, the Program actively markets and promotes fur at international venues through partnerships with other harvesting jurisdictions and the private sector.

Program Review

A program evaluation was completed in May 2023 to help improve the delivery of the program. Recommendations to improve public services, streamlining administration, accessibility, and how to grown the programs for future year can be found here: 

Label

The distinctive label, depicting a traditional Dene snowshoe, guarantees the buyer a single source of high quality authentic NWT-harvested fur. 

 

Harvesting

All wild furs in the GMVF Collection are harvested as part of an ongoing, centuries-old tradition using the most humane trapping techniques in the fur industry today and comply with European market guidelines and standards set out in the Agreement on International Humane Trap Standards.

This program is administered by Environment and Climate Change and Industry, Tourism and Investment, Government of the Northwest Territories.

Six funding programs under the GMVF Program

Fur Price Program Provides protection against sudden and unanticipated declines in market prices and pays all associated costs of selling furs at auction, including shipping and drumming. 

Guaranteed Fur Advance provides trappers with fully guaranteed interim funds to continue trapping while still awaiting the sale of furs at auction.

The Hide and Fur Program provides NWT artisans the support they need to get access to raw materials at affordable prices.

Prime Fur Bonus Program provides funds based upon successful market performance and provides an incentive to deliver high quality well-handled fur pelts for sale. Prime Fur Bonus is paid when the value of fur sold at auction meets or exceeds the value of the advance.

Trapper's Grubstake provides eligible trappers with funds to defray a portion of their start up costs at the beginning of each trapping season.

Trapper Recognition Program is an award that is part of a continuing program to build and strengthen the production and capacity in the trapping industry. Winners are awarded a plaque signed by the Minister and a jacket bearing the logo of the GMVF Program.