CanNor Invests in Northern Fur Marketing

Nunavut and NWT seek to expand fur markets overseas

March 24, 2014 – Iqaluit, Nunavut – Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council.

Minister Aglukkaq today announced $51,200 to help diversify the international market for seal and long fur. This investment supports marketing efforts in Beijing, China and Istanbul, Turkey.

The seal and long fur industries in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories make an important contribution to local economies, creating jobs in harvesting, processing, and arts and cultural sectors. Through this investment, the Governments of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories and the Fur Harvesters Auction, Inc., are promoting the seal and long fur industries abroad, creating new long-term partnerships internationally with businesses and manufacturers, and gaining access to growing markets. By developing these overseas markets, the seal and long fur industries can continue to grow and develop in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

Quick facts

• The Government of Nunavut and the Government of Northwest Territories each contributed $7,300 to this project. The Fur Harvesters Auction, Inc. contributed $25,400. The total investment in this marketing plan is $91,200.
• Nunavut sealskin and fur sales exceeded $1.1 million in 2013. Wild fur was worth $2.7 million to the Northwest Territories economy in 2013.

Quotes

“Our Government recognizes the importance of a sustainable and diversified economy,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “These investments to market the sealing and long fur industries in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories will help increase local participation in the fur industry, creating jobs and prosperity for Northerners.”
– Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Counci

“Exploring ways to strengthen the traditional economy ensures we can work together to take full advantage of the opportunities that are emerging in the Sahtu Region.”
– David Ramsay
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment – Government of the Northwest Territories.

“The Government of Nunavut continues to be a strong supporter of the sealing and fur harvesting industries, which contribute significantly to food security and the local economies of our communities” said Minister Mike. “Nunavut’s ongoing marketing partnership with the Northwest Territories and Fur Harvesters Auction has been successful in showcasing our products and generating international market demand for Canada’s high quality northern furs.”
– Johnny Mike
Minister of Environment, Government of Nunavut

“Traditional practices play a valuable role in a strong and diversified Northern economy. By supporting the seal and long fur industries, the Government of the Northwest Territories continues to provide our communities and regions with economic opportunities.”
– David Ramsay
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Government of Northwest Territories

“As the only trapper-owned and -operated fur auction house in the world, Fur Harvesters Auction is intimately aware of the importance of the wild fur and sealing sectors to the peoples of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Our services to these peoples run the gamut, from informational workshops, to international marketing and promotion of their beautiful wild fur products.”
– Howard Noseworthy
Director of Planning & Development
Fur Harvesters Auction, Inc.

Associated Links

• CanNor Invests in Nunavut’s Traditional Economy
• Government of Canada invests in NWT traditional economy
• CanNor Invests in Nunavut’s Cultural Industries

Contacts

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Jennifer Kennedy
819-997-1441

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region
867-975-3722

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada’s three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment
Tyler Ross
A/Manager, Communications
867-975-7720

Government of Northwest Territories, Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affair and Communication
867-920-2696

Fur Harvesters Auction, Inc.
Howard Noseworthy
Director of Planning & Development
705-495-4688

NT5