Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 17/02) - Opulence is back in style. And the sound of heels from fur-draped fashion models clicking down fashion runways can be heard all the way to the Northwest Territories.

"Muskrat pelts are bringing very good prices this year at various fur auctions," said Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development (RWED) Minister Jim Antoine.

So the government of the Northwest Territories is increasing the fur price program payments to trappers for wild muskrat pelts.

Now trappers are gong to be guaranteed $4.75 for muskrat pelts in good condition -- that's up a dollar.

They used to get advanced payments of $2.75 and an additional dollar under the fur price program.

For more than 10 years the fur market suffered in a slump.

Negative campaigning by anti-fur groups caused an international boycott against fur garments. But like all fashion, fur's popularity is cycling back into style.

NWT trappers are assured a price for fur pelts without having to wait and see what they are worth at auction. The guarantee is administered by RWED. Then, after the fur pelts are sold at auction, hopefully for more than the RWED-guaranteed $4.75 each, the trapper receives the difference.