December 11, 2018
The Fur Institute of Canada sponsored its annual “Fur day on the Hill” event December 3rd in Ottawa.
The event, organized in partnership with the International Fur Federation, brought together trappers, hunters, farmers, scientists, industry professionals, designers, retailers, auction houses and others engaged in the trade from across the country and gave them an opportunity to meet with their Members of Parliament, Senators, Ministers and department officials to advocate on behalf of the fur industry.
Among them, four-time NWT Olympian Sharon Firth and Francois Rossouw, Manager of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI)’s Fur Marketing Program.
Firth had the opportunity to present to the Indigenous Senators Working Group. With a heartfelt and impressive presentation, she lobbied to have real Canadian fur re-incorporated into the next Olympic uniform.
“The last time Team Canada wore real fur was the 1972 Olympics. I'm proud to say that I was there wearing real fur on my parka," she told them. “The fur industry has a proud history in Canada’s North. To have fake fur on our coats, that's crazy.”
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The Government of the Northwest Territories has a high regard for the cultural values entrenched in the North’s traditional economy. Fur harvesting is the North’s original economy and remains prevalent in many communities today.
On behalf of NWT trappers, the GNWT markets NWT wild fur around the globe under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur trademark. The Department of ITI provides “single window” access to international fur auctions and actively promotes NWT fur at international venues through partnerships with other harvesting jurisdictions and the private sector.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources also supports the GMVF Brand with trapper training that ensures the highest quality of furs are brought to market and a range of programs designed to maximize trapper participation and benefit.
Team NWT incorporated GMVF fur in their Arctic Winter Games uniforms for both the 25th and 26th games. The uniforms are worn proudly by NWT athletes, coaches, mission staff and cultural delegates and, thanks to their fur-lined hoods were a coveted item for trading.
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Ms. Firth was formally recognized by the Speaker of the House of Commons, an honour reserved for key dignitaries.
“The response was positive,” she noted, “we’re excited…. I think we did our job today”.
