The Indigenous Harvesters Association is holding a fur table today in Prince Albert.
Trappers from across the northern parts of the province have gathered to sell their furs from the winter season.
K&J Northern Fur Stretchers have a table set up at the event, selling items to help prepare trappers for the next winter.
“We’re set up here selling supplies so all the trapping supplies people need for next winter, some fishing supplies and stuff, and lots of beading and leather, tanned mitts, and stuff,” explained Kerry Barks with K&J Northern Fur Stretchers.
Conditions for trappers were unfavourable this year as many of the lakes in the north froze over late, making travel harder.
Over the last few years, trappers have seen a steady decline in fur prices, but Barks told MBC that things have changed this year.
“We’ve seen an influx in pricing coming back this year, but a lot of the trappers we have; they’re trappers at heart; it doesn’t matter if the prices are low or high, they’ll still go out on the land; this is what we do,” Barks stated.
Over the years there has also been a decrease in younger people getting into trapping. Mary Roberts, who is Kerry Barks’ niece, has been trapping since she was just eight years old and stated that she hopes to see more young people in the trapping industry.
“I don’t see a lot of younger people, but I’m hoping I can inspire younger people to get into trapping more, especially females, because everyone can trap; we’re trappers serving trappers, and I hope that people realize that,” explained Roberts.
The fur table is taking place at the Travel Lodge Hotel in Prince Albert today, March 21, 2025, between 9a.m. and 5p.m.