The Fur Institute of Canada held its 2016 AGM in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories on June 25 and three individuals from the GNWT were among their award recipients.
North American Furbearer Conservation Award – Premier Bob McLeod Premier Bob McLeod was presented the North American Furbearer Conservation Award for his promotion and contributions to sustainable furbearer management. Traditional economy and support to trappers has been a recurring theme throughout his career. Under his leadership, the GNWT developed programs that enable trappers to pursue a traditional lifestyle and ensure that skills and knowledge are passed on. Under his leadership the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur brand is recognized globally as one of the top producers of wild fur. He is a true ambassador of traditional economy.
Jim Bourque Award – Francois Rossouw (Industry, Tourism and Investment) Francois Rossouw was presented the 2016 Jim Bourque Award in recognition of his commitment to the sustainable use of wildlife resources, improved animal welfare and development of Canada’s modern fur trade. Francois has managed the trapper program in the NWT since 1999. He organized numerous fur handling workshops in nearly every community, working with not only trappers but also the youth of the NWT to foster educational and cultural programs. He has worked closely with the auction house to ensure that NWT pelts sold under the brand label Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs™ (GMVF) are of the highest quality.
Lloyd Cook Award – Danny C. Beaulieu (Environment and Natural Resources) Danny C. Beaulieu received the 2016 Lloyd Cook Award, which recognizes commitment to excellence in trapping, trapper education and public understanding of wildlife management. Danny grew up as a hunter and trapper, and when humane traps were introduced in the 1980's, he was one of the first trappers to switch over and promoted the use of these traps. In 2001, while working as a Renewable Resource Officer, he started a trapper training program for youth. He ran this program for a decade and during that time over 600 youth learned about trapping, skinning and stretching fur, setting nets under ice, making dry fish, traditional knowledge about the land, and being safe in the bush.
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