Valuing Indigenous trade Indigenous trade has deep cultural roots, characterized by a holistic approach that values relationships, nature and spirituality. Historically, Indigenous communities developed extensive trading networks that facilitated the exchange of goods, culture and knowledge across vast geographical areas. Despite this rich heritage, many Indigenous communities today face significant challenges in participating in global trade due to their limited access to markets, finance and infrastructure, alongside complex trade regulations. Today, Indigenous trade is often limited to local markets, with Indigenous businesses operating as smallholder farmers, producers and artisans relying heavily on tourism and niche-market demands for unique or artisan foods and crafts to sustain their livelihoods. However, there are also examples of larger Indigenous exporting companies that have used market access and tariff reductions in free-trade agreements or have otherwise forged international partnerships to place their products on the shelves of major economies such as China, Japan and the United States. Indigenous businesses also operate in sectors like the digital economy, AI, virtual reality, renewable energy and regenerative agriculture. These scenarios highlight the global variance in economic development within Indigenous communities, as well as the immense potential for improving their economic well-being through trade and enterprise development. Typology of government measures for Indigenous inclusion in trade FIGURE 1 2 National community 2.1 Trade agreements Standalone Indigenous trade arrangements; standalone Indigenous chapters; exceptions and carve-outs for Indigenous Peoples; other trade provisions related to Indigenous Peoples 2.2 Indigenous involvement in trade policy-making 2.3 Trade promotion and facilitation Export capacity development; trade missions and events 2.4 Government financing and investment 2.5 National legislation Treaty and constitutional protections; intellectual and cultural property protections; public procurement policies; land and natural resource protection 1 International community 1.1 International agreements 1.2 International programmes and initiatives There is global variance in economic development within Indigenous communities and potential for improving their economic wellbeing through trade. 5 Enabling Indigenous Trade: Actionable Guidance for Governments

Enabling Indigenous Trade 2025