Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program

The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program (GMVFP) 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 through partnerships with other harvesting jurisdictions and the private sector.

In this section

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GMVFP Label

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

 

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Harvesting

All wild furs in the GMVFP 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.

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Four funding programs under the GMVF Program

The program provides protection to harvesters against sudden and unanticipated declines in market prices. The Program also pays all associated costs of selling furs at auction, including commission, shipping and drumming frees. Five initiatives are supported under the GMVFP:

Guaranteed Fur Advance provides trappers with interim funds on prime furs to continue trapping while still awaiting the sale of furs at auction. Advances are reconciled when the item is sold. If items sell for less than the advance in auction, the program absorbs the difference.

Prime Fur Bonus Program 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. 

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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: 

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Supporting Links

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