Overview

The Trapper Mentorship Program provides beginner trappers with an opportunity to start trapping. Learners partner with experienced trappers who act as mentors, passing on traditional life skills, knowledge and providing access to equipment and tools to start trapping. Alongside partners from Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, the Government of the Northwest Territories developed the program to help people get on the land.

Funding/in-kind material provided

For mentees

Successful applicant mentees will receive a trapper starter kit valued at approx. $1500.00.

For mentors

Mentors will receive $2000.00 to offset costs associated with mentoring the beginner trapper.

These materials must be distributed to an organization who will act as an Administrative Host for individuals accessing this program.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be over the age of 18. Priority will be given to mentees with limited trapping experience, and mentors with extensive trapping knowledge and experience, including considerable time on-the-land.

Eligible participants must be NWT residents, have an Indigenous or land claim right to harvest and/or hold a General Harvesters Licence (or be eligible to acquire a GHL).

Expectations

Mentees are expected to:

• Find an experienced trapper/harvester in your area willing to mentor you
• Find a local organization willing to complete a letter of support for your participation in the program, and to receive funding from the GWNT

Mentors are expected to:

• Be experienced in harvesting and trapping
• Share their knowledge and experience with the mentee over the winter period

Administrative hosts

All funding and in-kind materials will be distributed to the supporting organization.

Examples of organizations include:

• Indigenous governments
• Indigenous organizations
• Regional governments
• Hunting and Trapping Committees
• Renewable Resources Committees
• Community Governments
• Non-Profit Societies

Get in touch with any questions about finding a suitable organization!

Eligible activities

Eligible activities will engage mentees in memorable, meaningful and transformative outdoor learning experiences encompassing northern traditional trapline values and practices including:

• Winter travel
• Setting up winter camps
• Safety on the land
• Setting nets
• Hunting
• Wood cutting
• Skinning and fleshing
• Treating hides/furs
• Sharing Traditional Knowledge
• Storytelling

How to apply

Applications accepted through November 1, 2024.

• Fill out the application form and letter of support (template included in the application) 
• Submit both completed forms to your regional office

For more information

If you have questions about this program, or wish to apply, get in touch with your regional Environment and Climate Change Office.