New market for fur

Page 3

A representative for the Aboriginal Trappers Federation of Alberta is requesting that Native trappers from across Alberta send their furs to the Ontario Trapper's Association (OTA) for sale, here in Edmonton, where a deal has been struck between the two organizations.

We have negotiated a deal with the OTA where they will market Native fur at seven per cent. That is what the OTA will take off for marketing the furs. What we are doing is giving this system a test to see if the OTO have a good deal. We will compare it with others, so it's sort of on a trial basis," said Trappers Association Chairman Russell White.

The Trappers Federation is currently negotiating for dollars for projects like trappers' supply stores, fur collection stations, a transportation system and raw fur tanneries, something that White says the OTA is interested in.

"The OTA is willing to put up front money for collection stores that we want to organize."

Trappers can send their furs C.O.D. if they so desire. However, this expense will

be deducted from their fur sale. Advances will also be given and will be no less than 50 per cent of the total sale of fur.

According to White, the Trappers Federation is looking into the marketing of wild animals carcasses that they would like to "process into pet food. "It's economical and we therefore are exploring it."

Standard training courses and advance courses in trapping are being considered by the federation which would in turn certify a trapper. White says if it goes ahead, it would open new doors for the trapper to be recognized as a tradesman.

"We are dealing with many projects, but the main one I am stressing is for the trappers to send their furs to the OTA," commented White.

The address for the Ontario Trappers Association is 10524 - 106 Street, Edmonton, Alberta. You can also call the OTA at 425-8718 for more information.

White is asking any trappers who have had past experiences in this sort of deal and who are going to send their furs to the OTA under the new agreement, to please notify Russell White at the Trappers Federation in Edmonton at 425-5824. The federation wants to monitor furs sent to the OTA.