Trappers may get bigger share of $

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A major breakthrough for Alberta trappers may be the upshot of meetings and negotiations between the Aboriginal Trappers Federation of Alberta (ATFA) and the Ontario Trappers Association (OTA) September 22 - 23.

Although nothing is definite as yet, the pending possibilities, once implemented, would give the ATFA and trappers very good cause for rejoicing.

Talks with the OTA involve a multi-million dollar concept that could, should it receive approval, culminate in a major coup for the ATA.

When interviewed by Windspeaker, ATFA's Russell White stressed that:

1. OTA has purchased a new facility in Alberta to serve as a fur auction house;

2. It would be the only auction house west of Ontario;

3. Aboriginal trappers would become major shareholders in the firm;

4. Aboriginal trappers would become equal partners in the management and operation of the firm;

5. Trappers would receive returns of half of one percent (tentative) on the furs marketed; and

6. The pursuit of self-sufficiency, economic development and independence will move one step closer for the trapper.

While the possibilities are exciting, one must bear in mind that all of the above is contingent upon acceptance by the ATFA. An enthusiastic White says the discussions look very promising.

Last year, Alberta trappers sold $6.5 million in furs. If the half-a-percent return were in effect right now, it would mean a return of $32,500 profit to the ATFA plus, 50% of the profits from the furs auctioned would go to the trappers. In fact, "there's a verbal agreement that, as of September 23, we'' start receiving 50% of profits from fur sales from Indians immediately," exclaimed White.

Also, because the middleman (the HBC or an independent buyer) will be eliminated, trappers will likely receive higher prices for their products.

IT TAKES TIME

So, what happens now? White says the OTA representative, Fred Stoerig, will submit ATFA additions or changes to OTA's proposal for approval. He points out that the OTA board has already "decided unanimously to recommend to the membership for the OTA that the fur auction facility would be separated from the OTA. It would become an autonomous operation."

If OTA's proposal is accepted, the ATFA promises it will lobby with Indian bands and trappers of Alberta for their acceptance of the terms to be agreed upon. In addition, "I'm going to ask Mr. Stoerig to accompany me into those trapper communities - and get the mandate" from the trapper themselves, said White.

A follow-up conference to be held in late November, will be convened for the purpose of formally accepting and signing an agreement. White says the ATFA will go through the terms of the agreement using legal staff and then ask the trappers," what do you think?"

People should be aware that the auction house would not be an instant, or overnight, reality. As Stoerig explained it, "what we offer is that we will share this auction facility and the transition would be gradual but, eventually, there would be an independent board of directors."

Stoerig likened the concept to a co-op whereby "profits that are realized from this venture would go back to the areas where the furs came from, you will be a partner...."

The process would be "a blueprint based on the decision of the trapper," added White. Once the design is in place, the ATFA would need to pursue working capital. White assured "Windspeaker" that the necessary dollars are out there but, to get at the "pot" requires a well-planned and developed proposal. He feels very optimistic about the possibilities and will keep the trappers informed of major new developments.

In other proceedings of the day, Ralph Bouvette of Edmonton and Louis Halfe of Ottawa (both work for DIAND) made a joint presentation on training programs and dollars for trapper education.

Bouvette alluded to how difficult it is to get new or increased program dollars but is "prepared to put $5,000 into the (trapper) federation so they can put ogether a course for this fiscal year that fits the needs of the trappers."

The courses, he said, can be off or on reserves and he invited suggestions from the trappers as to where they would like the courses.

When Peter Ladouceur of Fort McKay suggested addressing the state of the habitat, Bouvette just beamed, remarking that he could see groups like the ATFA meeting with the province on such needs as reforestation. This, he said, is an area of endeavor which is often neglected.

Bouvette recommended that the ATFA not overlook the NEDP because they recognize the fur industry. "Keep pressuring them - that's where the economic develop-ment money is," he informed the meeting.

Louis Halfe explained what the trapper education courses consist of, and that ranges right from the most basic rudiments of skinning to map reading, survival skills, trapline management, fur grading, and so forth.

Halfe works on behalf of all trappers to professionalize the fur industry as much as possible. There are three others besides himself in Ottawa who works for DIAND solely on trapping. His role is to deliver trapper education courses.

There are two courses one can choose from, said Halfe. One is quite short while another lasts for a few weeks. They are available to not only Indians and Inuit but to Metis and northerners as well.

Bouvette added that there is an internship program (one to two years) available through the Canadian Council of Businessmen whereby managers can be trained in the industry of their or their organization's choice.

Throughout the deliberations of the conference, the support of Bob Stevenson and Sterling Brass (executive director and chairman of the ATFA) was ever present. They see the efforts of the Alberta federation as a positive step in the right direction and have made it abundantly clear that they will do whatever they can to assist the ATFA in achieving its mandate.

Brasss praised their efforts, saying "it is encouraging to know you people are workin so hard."