The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)-backed Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program is set to make a splash in China with a suite of world-class fur products at an international tradeshow this week.

Fur Fair Beijing is one of the largest of its kind, featuring exhibitors from 14 countries and many investors from the fur manufacturing sector.

The GNWT markets fur from NWT trappers under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur (GMVF) brand — an internationally recognized seal of quality in the wild fur sector.

The program serves to protect trappers from market volatility by providing a guaranteed rate for furs purchased for feature at tradeshows and sold at auction.

This year, the NWT offerings will include a variety of pelts, including a selection of Marten pelts in all colouring phases, varying stages of dressing, and a completed garment (pictured above).

The tradeshow is an opportunity to build excitement and networks among the fur manufacturing community in preparation for major auctions in mid-January and March.

The GNWT’s participation and investment in the GMVF program supports and enables the traditional economy – which for many of the NWT’s smallest and most isolated communities, is the primary form of economic development.   

The GNWT has committed to increasing exports, in part, by promoting furs to international markets.