From 1978 to 1990-91, the Cree Trappers Association acted as an agent to the two main fur auction houses in Ontario. Fur was shipped to the Hudson's Bay auction and then North Bay Fur Sales. The Auction dealt directly with the trappers once the fur was received at the auction and a small payment to cover part of the costs of the fur technician's salary was paid to the Association.

In the fall of 1990, with the closing of the North Bay Fur Sales, the Cree Trappers Association decided to try to find buyers who would buy the Cree fur. It was hoped that by not going to the auction, some commission charges could be saved and these savings could be passed onto the individual trappers.

The purchase of fur is financed by the Cree Fur Trust Account and general administration funds through a cash management arrangement with the Cree Board of Compensation.

The following fur buying policy, which was originally published in 1991-92, will continue to be used until it is revised by the Board of Directors.

One of the main objectives of the Cree Trappers Association is to provide a service to members of the Association. For the future fur season, there will be Three possible places an individual trapper will be able to send his fur. They are:

1. North American Fur Auction
2. Fur Harvesters Auction Inc.
3. Cree Trappers Association Fur Buying Service

The wish of each individual trapper will be respected regarding the selling of his fur within reasonable limitations of time and logistic constraints.

For example, if the Fur Harvesters Auction is December 15 and a trapper brings in fur to the community on December 14, and says he wants it to go to the Fur Harvesters, the Cree Trappers Association staff person would explain to the trapper that it would be impossible to make the December 15 auction.

The Cree Trappers Fur Buying Service will buy the fur outright from each trapper with a one-time payment for the full value of the trapper's pelts. The community of origin of the pelts will be recorded and if there is any surplus at the end of the fur season, a second cheque will be disbursed to the individual trappers.

To see a summary table of fur purchases, click Fur Marketing.

To read the International Agreement on Humane Trapping Standards,
click International Agreement.