Yellowknife — March 28, 2023
On March 28-30, northern harvesters are invited to the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur forum (GMVF) at the Chief Drygeese Centre in Dettah.
This gathering brings together people involved in the NWT fur industry to exchange knowledge, discuss ways to support and enhance the GMVF program, and contribute to the growth and resilience of the northern traditional economy. Each day of the forum features a different theme: where we are now, where we are going, and how we get there.
The three-day program features speakers like Fred Sangris, John B. Zoe, Ernie Campbell and Ethel Blondin Andrew. There will be presentations on the GMVF program, panel discussions on the fur industry, and highlighting innovative programs like the Trapper Training Program at the North Slave Corrections Centre, amongst others. Workshops and demonstrations are planned on the topics of skinning and grading multiple species, diversifying today’s trapper, and connecting with land, culture and wellbeing.
Hunting, fishing and trapping have sustained Indigenous people of the Northwest Territories for thousands of years, providing food, clothing, shelter, tools and goods for trade. Collectively these activities are known as the “traditional economy” or the “bush economy”.
The GMVF markets and promotes fur at international venues through partnerships with other harvesting jurisdictions and the private sector, and the GNWT also supports six funding programs to support northern harvesters.
The event is open to the public, and free to attend. You can register by contacting Noni Paulette, Forum Coordinator at (867) 767-9232 ext. 53051 or Noni_Paulette@gov.nt.ca
Quote(s)
“The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur program is part of a centuries-old tradition, and this forum is a way for people to come together, build on past successes and discuss improvements for a robust program to benefit both existing and new generations of traditional hunters, fishers and trappers.”
- Shane Thompson, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources
Quick facts
- Registration is encouraged by contacting Noni Paulette, Forum Coordinator at (867) 767-9232 ext. 53051 or Noni_Paulette@gov.nt.ca
- The event is offered free of charge.
- Where eligible, travel, accommodation, per diem, etc. may be provided through Contribution Agreements with your local Indigenous government organization.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Jessica Davey-Quantick
Communications Planning Specialist
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Government of the Northwest Territories