February 14, 2001

THE PAS, Man.--Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin has announced that the provincial government is contributing $20,000 to support the 2001 annual Trapper's Festival in The Pas running from Feb. 14 to 18.

"I am pleased that the province is able to provide support to the Trapper's Festival," said Lathlin. "The festival has become an important cultural event for the residents of The Pas and Northern Manitoba. The province's contribution will go a long way to support the efforts of the community in ensuring the success of the Trapper's Festival."

The Trappers Festival began in 1916 and is Manitoba's oldest winter festival. The festival celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of the northern pioneer and highlights the skills and activities enjoyed by the early pioneers.

The major events at the festival include the World Championship Dog Sled Race and the King, Queen and Youth Trapper events. Other activities include tree felling, wood cutting, wood splitting, canoe packing, flour packing, trap setting, moose calling and bannock baking.

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson, who is also attending the festival, said that "the festival is important because it recognizes the contributions of the early pioneers, Aboriginal peoples and the trapping industry in the history of the province."

Robinson met recently with representatives from the British Fur Trade Association to promote Manitoba's trapping industry and its trade relationship with its European partners.

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