Yellowknife (November 12, 2013) – Trapping traditions continue to strengthen as trappers from across the NWT are honoured for their achievements during last year’s season through the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Trapper Recognition Program.
“I want to offer my congratulations to all the recipients of this year’s awards,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “We recognize the hard work that NWT trappers put into their craft, and the well-earned contribution they bring to our economy. We hope to see these traditions continue to thrive as more youth become involved in trapping each year.”
Awards are given out to the top trapper in each region for four categories:
- Highest sales – based on the cash value of harvested furs sold through the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs (GMVF) marketing program.
- Highest number of pelts sold.
- Senior Trapper – based on age and productivity in the GMVF Program.
- Youth Trapper – based on age and productivity in the GMVF Program.
A fifth award, Youth Trapper NWT, is presented to the most productive youth trapper in the territory.
Trapper Recognition Awards 2012/13
| Region | Highest Sales $ | Highest # Pelts | Senior Trapper | Youth Trapper |
| South Slave | Sheldon Boucher(Fort Resolution) | Donovan Boucher (Fort Resolution) | Frederick Elleze(Fort Providence) | Ty Martin(Fort Smith) |
| North Slave | Jimmy Mantla(Behchokö) | Jimmy Mantla (Behchokö) | Louis Simpson(Whatì) | Augustus Casaway (Lutselk'e) |
| Sahtu | Michael Jackson(Fort Good Hope) | Michael Jackson (Fort Good Hope) | Hyacinthe Kochon (Colville Lake) | Keenan McNeely(Fort Good Hope) |
| Dehcho | Charlie Tale (Wrigley) | Charlie Tale (Wrigley) | William Norwegian (Jean Marie River) | Jarrett Oskenekisses (Wrigley) |
| Inuvik | Jim Elias(Tuktoyaktuk) | Jim Elias (Tuktoyaktuk) | Neil Colin(Fort McPherson) | Robert Cole(Inuvik) |
Keenan McNeely from Fort Good Hope is the recipient of this year’s Youth Trapper NWT award.
Unfortunately, Mr. Louis Simpson of Whatì passed away this year. The award will be presented to his family on his behalf. The GNWT would like to recognize Mr. Simpson’s many years of dedication to the fur industry.
Through the GMVF Program, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment works in partnership with NWT trappers, the fur industry and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to support the territory’s traditional fur economy.
With initiatives such as Trapper Recognition programs and the GMVF program, the GNWT is taking steps to diversify the economy and provide all communities and regions with opportunities and choices, a key priority of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
For more information:
Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: alayna_ward@gov.nt.ca