BANFF, ALBERTA (June 12, 2015) – Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay was among those in attendance yesterday at the re-opening of Jacques Cartier Clothier in its new location in the Banff Springs Hotel.
The boutique specializes in the sale of high-end qiviut (muskox wool) garments created from hides sourced exclusively from Inuvialuit harvesters in the Beaufort Delta.
“The qiviut venture behind this boutique is a tangible example of successful collaboration between private industry, Aboriginal community members and the government,” Minister Ramsay told those in attendance. “As a result, we have seen economic opportunities and income for northern harvesters – and with them an opportunity to preserve and promote the culture, tradition and lifestyle that is an intrinsic part of who we are as Northerners.”
With an estimated annual harvest of 1,200 animals, muskox is a main source of meat for subsistence harvesters in the NWT’s remote arctic communities. In May 2014, ITI’s Hide Procurement Program was expanded to include muskox hides and qiviut.
By cultivating partnerships and providing support to harvesters ITI is helping to create a diversified economy that provides all communities with opportunities and choices, a goal of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
Media inquiries:
Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca