Trapping is a fundamental aspect of life for the Cree, but the number of people still willing to brave the wilderness in search of furs and meat has steadily fallen. Recognizing this, the Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA) has launched an ambitious training program to revitalise beaver trapping across all Cree communities.
Now in its second phase, the initiative aims to train 135 students across nine communities of the Eeyou Istchee region, with the intention of fostering new trappers and certified instructors. Taking place between mid-February and end of March, it goes beyond beaver trapping – it provides training in managing various fur-bearing animals, including fox, marten, lynx and wolf.
The first phase, which began in November 2024, introduced an advanced beaver management course in Waswanipi. Conducted in partnership with the Fédération des Trappeurs Gestionnaires du Québec (FTGQ), it focused on off-season beaver trapping, providing experienced tallymen and bushmen hands-on experience alongside active trappers.
Thomas Stevens, Special Projects Coordinator for the CTA, shared the long-term vision of the program. “We want our people to take over trapping operations that are currently done by people from down south,” said Stevens. “Over the years, beaver overpopulation has created issues along forestry and access roads, and it only makes sense for our own people – who know the land best – to manage this.”
The second phase focuses primarily on training within individual communities. Each will have 15 participants, and upon completion, they will receive certification recognised across Quebec.
“This isn’t just about giving people the skills to trap, it’s about giving them the ability to pass on that knowledge,” Stevens explained.
The CTA aims to restore a crucial aspect of Cree life where experienced hunters and trappers become teachers once again, ensuring their traditional skills continue to live on within the communities.
Beaver trapping has always played a pivotal role in Cree livelihoods. Trapping not only provided sustenance but was also central to trade, particularly during the fur trade era. However, as the market for fur declined in the late 20th century, and alternative employment opportunities arose, and fewer young people looked to trapping as a way of life.
And yet, trapping remains vital for the ecological balance of the northern landscape. Without active sustainable management, beaver populations can increase rapidly, leading to blocked waterways, flooded roads and damage to infrastructure. This is why the CTA sees this training initiative as both a cultural revival and a practical solution to ongoing environmental challenges.
“Our mandate at the CTA is to protect and promote our way of life,” Stevens said. “Trapping is part of our customs, our history, and it’s something that needs to be passed down. We need to maintain a balance – not just in nature, but in keeping our traditions alive.”
Despite strong support for the program, recruitment has proven to be a challenge. While some communities have filled their training spots, others have struggled to reach the 15-student goal. “Interest in trapping is different from what it was 20 years ago,” Stevens admitted. “But we still see many young people eager to be out on the land, and that’s what we’re building on.”
Another challenge is the economic reality of the fur trade. The Covid pandemic severely impacted the industry, leading to a drop in fur prices and discouraging many from pursuing trapping as a profession.
“These days, many people are trapping beavers just for the meat, rather than selling the pelts,” Stevens noted.
However, there are signs of recovery in the market, and the CTA believes that strengthening trapping skills at this time will pay off in the long run, both culturally and economically.
The CTA’s long-term vision includes not only training but also ensuring that more trapping opportunities remain within the communities rather than being outsourced. Stevens sees a future where Cree trappers manage off-season beaver control along major roadways, such as the Billy Diamond Highway, providing both employment and environmental management.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “As more people get certified and gain experience, we’ll have a stronger network of trappers who can teach others and continue this way of life.”
For the CTA, this program is more than just a course – it is an investment in the survival of Cree traditions and an effort to ensure that trapping remains a living part of Cree identity. With the next phase of training underway, the hope is that beaver trapping, once a cornerstone of Cree culture, will once again be embraced by a new generation.