Fur and hide procurement program sees soaring subscription over holiday season

News Releases

YELLOWKNIFE (January 26) — As much as $100,000 was generated in sales for the NWT’s traditional arts and crafts sector in December thanks to the availability of fur and moose hide under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur (GMVF) Program’s fur and hide procurement initiative.

The initiative, funded by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI), sees trappers receiving stable, fair prices for their  furs and hides  – and their products sold at cost to the NWT’s traditional artisans. The initiative does not realize revenue for the GNWT and serves, instead, as a means of investment in the traditional arts and crafts sector on a cost-neutral basis.

This ongoing initiative regularly sees demand for fur and moose hide outstripping supply. 

“It is positive to see such high demand from artisans for NWT furs and hides,” said Minister of ITI Bob McLeod.  “It demonstrates continued interest in traditional practices and the role that this sector can play in diversifying the economy – particularly in smaller communities.”

ITI sold $25,000 of raw-material product in December to arts and crafts practitioners. The value of product created is estimated to increase four times.

The NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy highlights active participation in this sector can be a source of income and economic activity.

Media Inquiries:

Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications 
Industry, Tourism and Investment
1-867-767-9202 (ext: 63037)
drew_williams@gov.nt.ca