Thompson Fur Table

The Thompson Fur Table was one of several such events initiated in late 1970s by provincial staff and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to provide northern trappers with a unique opportunity to get better prices for their raw pelts. The two-day Table is traditionally held a week or so before Christmas, and has had over 300 trappers attend. It has been the only such event in Canada and is now organized by the Manitoba Trappers Association.

Up to five licensed Manitoba fur dealers gather annually in one hall and inspect each trapper's lot of fur. Each dealer provides a quote for the lot and the trapper selects the best price. In this way, the trapper benefits from the on-site competitive demand for their furs.

The December timing of the Fur Table also allows families from all over the north to meet with distant friends, learn about new furbearer-harvest and management techniques, and do some shopping before returning to their communities. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are injected into the local economy.

The next Thompson Fur Table will be held December 2009. For more information on the Thompson Fur Table, please email the Manitoba Trappers Association at call 204-345-9107.