NWT Wild Fur Garners High Interest from Chinese buyers

Communiqués de presse

YELLOWKNIFE (January 16, 2014) – Premier Bob McLeod and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay promoted the NWT fur industry at the Beijing Fur Fair and International Fur Trade Federation Forum this week during their China Trade Mission, along with MLA Robert Hawkins and members of the NWT delegation.

“In the Northwest Territories, we pride ourselves on providing healthy, high-quality fur for sale,” said Premier McLeod. “At every fur auction our wild fur is in very high demand, particularly from Chinese buyers. Buyers have told us they want our wild fur because of its unique, high quality appearance and luxurious feel. The Government of the Northwest Territories is one of the only governments in the world to support wild fur harvesting as a fundamental component of a modern and thriving economy. We are proud to promote trapping as part of an environmentally sustainable traditional Arctic lifestyle.”

The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs brand is well known in China and around the world as some of the highest-quality wild fur on the market. It is harvested humanely and prepared by trappers across the NWT, which helps to keep Aboriginal traditions alive and plays an important role in communities’ economies. NWT wild fur is harvested in a humane way that ensures the population of fur-bearing animals is sustainable.

“Our government prides itself on its commitment to not only working with our harvesters to supply top-quality wild fur for sale at auction, but also on the value buyers get when they purchase our wild fur,” said David Ramsay, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. “China is one of our main export destinations for NWT wild fur, and connections made and strengthened during this trip will play an important role in ensuring trappers and their families can preserve their traditional ways in an economically relevant way.”

Minister David Ramsay will also be meeting with the Hong Kong Fur Federation on January 21 to engage in further discussions with members of the Federation on the quality of NWT wild fur.

In 2013, prices for NWT furs were at an all-time high, and resulted in a return to NWT trappers of over $2 million. The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs Program actively markets NWT fur to buyers around the world and gives trappers access to international markets. It diversifies the economy and promotes sustainable, vibrant communities, two of the goals of the 17th Legislative Assembly.

For more information, contact:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Fax: (867) 873-0111