Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Feb 18/02) - Russians and Germans will be treated to the art, edible delicacies and glimpses of arctic tourism during a Team Canada trade mission.

Led by Prime Minister Chretien, Northern businesspeople will join forces with the Nunavut and the Northwest Territories premiers.

"We are representing close to 700 vast varieties of Nunavut-based artisans from carvers to crafters," said the Nunavut Development Corporation's Tom Chapman, who headed off to the German part of the mission last weekend. He is hoping to hook up with some contacts and market Nunavut's arts and crafts.

Being included in a trade mission like this is very important to Chapman and the nine companies he represents. Selling art involves trust. "Art is difficult. You know what a cut of caribou looks like and tastes like," he said, referring to another of Nunavut's mission participants, Kivalliq Meats. "Travelling with a Team Canada delegation adds a lot of credibility."

The Northerners are only some of hundreds of Canadians taking part in the Feb. 12 to Feb. 22 trip. About 300 politicians boarded the prime minister's plane while others travelled separately, meeting up in Europe.

NWT Premier Stephen Kakfwi said the similarities in size, geography and climate open prospects of the territories addressing Russian technological needs. While in Berlin and Munich the Nunavut delegation will concentrate on promoting Nunavut's potential adventure tourism. There has always been noteworthy interest from the German people about Nunavut.

"It is part of their studies in school. They know what an ulu is. They know what an inukshuk is," said Chapman.

Also in Germany promoting tourism is Ted Grant from Fort Simpson's Simpson Air and Nahanni Mountain Lodge. "A lot of Europeans come out and do fly-drive trips," he said.

The six-day trip will cost him about $5,000. He said he should see a pay back in about two to four years.

The Canadian Tourism Commission in Germany has set up a conference and trade fair in the country.

"All you need is one or two good wholesalers to take your product and it can make your summer," said Grant.

Delegates from the Northwest Territories will also be showcasing diamonds and furs. Fort Simpson's D'Arcy Moses didn't go to Europe but 30 of his Nats'enelu fashions will be on tour. That company specializes in garments based on traditional Dene styles.