Mr. Speaker, the aboriginal people of our Territory have a long proud history of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. The transfer of life skills relating to this proud history ensures that these values are sustained and important social and cultural links are maintained to the land and its resources.
In the Northwest Territories, these traditional and cultural skills are recognized and supported by our government as the foundation of our traditional economy, which services to advance the diversification and sustainability of local economies as identified in our goal to provide all communities and regions with opportunities and choices.
As a government, we actively support the harvesting and marketing of wild fur as a fundamental component of our modern economy.
I was happy to note that Northwest Territories trappers were, again, the top performers at the Fur Harvesters Auction sale last month. In addition, Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs from the Northwest Territories outsold all others. Our furs provided the largest single section of marten or Canadian sable, offering 12,790 pelts, generating an average price of $62, with a highest sales price of the auction of $187. Production of marten has increased by 31 percent. The principle buyers were Hong Kong, China, Russia, Greece and Italy.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.