The Manitoba Métis Federation has announced a new one-million-dollar investment into the fur trade through the establishment of a new fur company.

MMF President David Chartrand explains the Red River Métis have a long history as trappers and Harvesters with a keen interest in trade and economic growth.  He says in the current market the cost of furs and hides are quite low making it incredibly difficult for their Harvesters to earn a viable income in this traditional economy. He notes by establishing this company and buying furs and hides at a fair price they can support a responsible and conservation-minded approach to trapping that helps Citizen Harvesters make a sustainable income for their harvesting efforts while keeping our wildlife population in balance.”

Chartrand adds the fur company will also support the growth of Citizen-created microbusinesses that have emerged in the post-pandemic economy noting through the company furs and hides will be purchased from Red River Métis trappers and Harvesters and sold to new markets as well as to entrepreneurial Citizen artists and artisans who are practicing traditional crafts like moccasin making and floral beadwork.