YELLOWKNIFE (September 18, 2014) – Over $100,000 in funding is being issued to eligible NWT trappers as part of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Trapper’s Grubstake Program.
“Traditional harvesting is an important element of the NWT’s economy and the Trapper’s Grubstake Program helps to offset some of the start-up costs required at the beginning of the season,” said Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) Minister David Ramsay. “Our trappers are the very best in their trade and, as a result, so is the fur they ship to market.”
As part of the GNWT’s Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program (GMVF), delivered collaboratively by ITI and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Trapper’s Grubstake provides financial support to trappers, ranging from $100 for 20 pelts up to a maximum of $2,000 for 400 pelts. To receive a grubstake payment, NWT trappers must have delivered a minimum of 20 pelts to GMVF in the previous trapping season.
The GMVF Program provides one-window access to international markets for NWT trappers and works with the Fur Harvesters’ Auction. The program also helps trappers to maximize their returns and learn best practices for trapping and pelt preparation. In addition to the grubstake support, the GMVF Program offers guaranteed advances and prime fur bonuses.
The NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy (EOS) recognizes the important role of traditional pursuits in the NWT economy and endorses investment in the GMVF Program. By actively supporting the harvesting and marketing of wild fur, the GNWT is helping to diversify the NWT economy, a goal of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
Media inquiries:
Leslie Campbell
Senior Communications Officer
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-3343
Email: leslie_campbell@gov.nt.ca