The Capsule Biographies About Real People of the Fur Trade:

A Trapper | A Fur Farmer | A Designer

Pierre Canac-Marquis has spent his entire life in the woods, close to nature. And for years, he's been actively and passionately involved in environmental protection as both a fur trapper and a fur manager for the government.

As Pierre puts it: "Anyone who cares about nature should respect fur trapping. Trappers are front-line environmentalists. They perform vital roles by helping to control populations and by providing wildlife biologists with essential information to ensure effective wildlife and habitat conservation."

But not just anyone can become a trapper. All fur trappers must complete government training courses on modern conservation principles and humane trapping methods before they receive their permits. And like all trappers, Pierre makes full use of animals he traps. Selling fur provides money for equipment and supplies, and any meat not used to feed his family and friends is returned to the land to help other animals survive the long winter. Nothing is wasted. " Wild animals are part of my life," says Pierre. " I treat them all with the utmost respect."

The fur trade supports the livelihood of 80,000 Canadians just like Pierre. Highly responsible and strictly regulated by provincial and federal authorities as well as international conventions, the fur trade is based on the sustainable use of renewable natural resources. In fact, all of the furs used today are in abundant supply: none come from endangered species.

You'll feel comfortable in fur.

The Hazelwood family has been farming mink since 1937. Today, Gary carries on the tradition of hard work and ecologically correct methods taught to him by his father. " There's no other way of doing it, " says Gary.

With a B.Sc. in animal studies, and a lifetime of hands-on experience, Gary knows fur farming. " The mink are fed with meat and fish by-products, their manure is used in our fields, the furs are sold and the remains become mink oil and other products," explains Gary. " Nothing's ever wasted. "

It's a labor-intensive way of life. 365 days a year, Gary, his brother and the others provide individual care to all 7,000 mink on the farm. It's simple: the better the care, the better the fur. And Gary's furs are recognized for their quality around the world. But it's much more than just a livelihood for Gary. " I got into fur farming for the same reason my father did: I love working with animals and I enjoy producing something of lasting value and beauty. "

The fur trade supports the livelihood of 80,000 Canadians just like Gary. Highly responsible and strictly regulated by provincial and federal authorities as well as international conventions, the fur trade is based on the sustainable use of renewable natural resources. In fact, all of the furs used today are in abundant supply: none come from endangered species.

You'll feel comfortable in fur.

Meet Wendi Ricci, a mother of two who's been in the fur trade for more than 20 years. When she graduated from the fashion design program at Ryerson, she could have chosen to work with any material. " I wanted to work with something beautiful and natural. From a designer's point of view, no other material compares to fur. "

Designing with fur requires very specialized knowledge. No two pelts are alike, yet they have to be sewn together in a way that makes them appear part of a whole. That's the challenge of working with fur.

Today, as a designer, Wendi helps create new styles that reflect a more casual, active approach to living. In her own words: " Nowadays, fur designs are lightweight, comfortable and great to wear to work, to the kid's hockey practice, anywhere! "

Fur also offers many ecological benefits. As Wendi says, " a well made fur will last for years and if you ever feel the need for a change, no problem; we can take it apart and re-style it. " Try that with any other garment!

The fur trade supports the livelihood of 80,000 Canadians just like Wendi. Highly responsible and strictly regulated by provincial and federal authorities as well as international conventions, the fur trade is based on the sustainable use of renewable natural resources. In fact, all of the furs used today are in abundant supply: none come from endangered species.

You'll feel comfortable in fur.