4.3.10

Description: 
We will finalize a strategic plan to enhance existing programming and build new partnership initiatives to support healthy and sustainable traditional lifestyles.
Lead Dept: 
ENR
Priority: 
4.3
Status: 
Fulfilled
Restructured COC: 
Social Envelope
Number: 
10
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Social Envelope
Background Information: 

COMMUNITY WELLNESS AND SAFETY

Commitment 4.3.10 – We will finalize a strategic plan to enhance existing programming and build new partnership initiatives to support healthy and sustainable traditional lifestyles.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) is committed to promoting initiatives that foster and support sustainable livelihoods of NWT residents on-the-land. ENR is moving towards assessing and strengthening existing programming in this area and identification and development of potential new initiatives, particularly with respect to traditional economy and country foods. ENR remains committed to programs such as fur harvesting, community harvesters’ assistance, Take a Kid Trapping, traditional knowledge promotion, and wildlife management.

Traditional Economy Strategy

Working with our ENR Traditional Knowledge Working Group, comprised of Regional and Headquarters staff involved in the day to day operation of the fur program, we will undertake external engagement with stakeholders. The stakeholders are clients who currently utilize and participate in the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program and other traditional economy programs. The results of that engagement will guide us in the development of our new Traditional Economy Strategy.

Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program

The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program provides Northwest Territories (NWT) trappers with “one window” access to the international fur auction market for fur harvested in the NWT. In addition, the Program actively markets and promotes fur at international venues through partnerships with other harvesting jurisdictions and the private sector.

ENR is carrying out a strategic planning exercise and looking at ways to improve the programs moving forward.

ENR continues to participate in the NWT On-the-Land Funders Collaborative which supports activities that promote country food security.

Related Mandate Commitments:

  • Commitment 1.2.5 - Through agreements with communities, we will help to establish and/or expand self-sufficient businesses that sell products from renewable resource harvesting.
  • Commitment 3.2.4 - We will develop country food programming to promote opportunities for the consumption of foods such as fish, wildlife, berries, and mushrooms.