Fur Institute of Canada facts for kids

The Fur Institute of Canada (FIC) is an organization that works to support and promote the fur trade. It also speaks up for the fur industry. The FIC has over 100 members. These members come from the fur industry, government, Indigenous groups, and scientists.

The FIC manages Canada’s program for researching and testing humane traps. This program follows international rules for humane trapping. The Institute shares information with the media, the public, and governments. They talk about how the fur trade affects the economy, culture, animal welfare, and the environment.

What the Fur Institute of Canada Does

The main goal of the Fur Institute of Canada is to promote the smart and careful use of Canada's fur resources. This means using fur in a way that protects animals and their habitats for the future.

Important Values of the FIC

The Fur Institute of Canada and its members believe in several important things:

• Using and protecting natural resources in a way that can last forever.
• Always making animal welfare better through research. They also work on creating national and international trapping rules.
• Managing natural resources based on scientific facts and traditional knowledge.
• Being professional through ongoing learning, proper licenses, and research.
• Showing respect for people, animals, and the environment.
• Respecting traditions, heritage, and different cultures.
• Respecting the right of Indigenous peoples to follow their traditional and treaty rights.

How the Fur Institute is Organized

The Fur Institute was started in 1983. It was created by wildlife ministers from federal, provincial, and territorial governments. Their goal was to continue the work of a committee focused on humane trapping.

The FIC is led by a Board of Directors. These directors are chosen by members and represent all parts of the fur industry.

Who Can Be a Member?

The FIC has different types of members:

• Trappers
• Fur Farmers
• Wholesale Fur Dealers (people who sell fur in large amounts)
• Fur Manufacturers/Processors (companies that make fur products)
• Fur Retailers (stores that sell fur products)
• Indigenous Organizations
• Conservation Organizations (groups that protect nature)
• Animal Welfare Associations (groups that help animals)
• Support Industries (businesses that help the fur industry)
• Government of Canada
• Provincial and Territorial Governments

Working Committees

The Fur Institute of Canada has six main committees. These committees create and carry out the Institute's programs. They report to the Board of Directors.

Trap Research and Testing

This committee works to make sure Canadian trappers have the best tools for catching furbearers. They do this through research, development, and education. This program is known worldwide. It aims for the highest level of animal welfare possible. It uses both traditional knowledge and modern science. The trap research and testing program is done at the Alberta Research Centre. It follows strict rules for animal research.

Conservation Efforts

This committee helps create policies and educates people about using furbearers and their homes wisely and sustainably. They work with wildlife agencies and conservation groups.

International Connections

This committee keeps an eye on and takes part in international activities about trapping, fur farming, and fur trade. They keep members informed about what's happening globally. This includes watching what international groups and governments do that might affect wildlife or trade. They also participate in international meetings, like those for IUCN and CITES.

This committee also helps make sure Canada follows the 1997 Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS). They provide a Canadian representative for this agreement.

Communications

The FIC creates and shares information with its members and the public. This includes the media, schools, and different levels of government.

The FIC is also part of the North American Fur Industry Communications group (NAFIC). This group started in 2013. It works to educate the public about the fur industry in Canada and the USA. NAFIC shares information online under the name "Truth About Fur."

Indigenous Communications

This committee's job is to tell Canada’s Indigenous trappers about important news in the fur world. This is especially true for humane trapping standards and research results. The committee also helps Indigenous trappers and wildlife agencies work together. They keep Indigenous groups, governments, and the industry informed about issues important to Indigenous communities and the fur trade.

Sealing

The Sealing Committee makes sure that correct information about seals and sealing in Canada is available. They share this information quickly with the public, media, and lawmakers around the world. The committee also helps the Seals and Sealing Network (SSN).

Other Groups the FIC Belongs To

The Fur Institute of Canada is an active member of several international fur trade and conservation organizations. These include the IFTF (International Fur Trade Federation), the IUCN (World Conservation Union) Canadian Committee, and AFWA (Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies).

See also

• Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards
• Animal trapping
• Wildlife management