Reviving Traditional Economies
Over centuries, the method of exchange of value, whether is was products, services, information, time…was through trade. Trade was accomplished through a specific set of protocols, including gifting, feasting, and offers of value. This process maintained relationships of value and respect, and ensured that those things that we were being traded were held in high regard.
One of the results of commodification, and commercialization, is that this relationship of respect is severed. By “paying” for items, with currency, according to a set price which we have no relationship with, we end up divorced from the spirit of trade.
In modern days, money has become a necessary evil. However, we are hoping to, while respecting the need for it, reintroduce our traditional methods of exchange, through gifting, feasting and trade.
How are we doing this?
Now a days, it isn’t necessarily possible for someone to show up to my home, or even the territory I live in, and bring tobacco to indicate they want to engage in a trade relationship. We can’t necessarily sit down together to pray and eat. And then, to discuss trade of items, services, or information.
So…there is what we CAN do.
Our programs have a cost to run. Sadly, the internet provider, website host, and cell phone provider don’t want beaded moccasins. We still have to pay those. But, we invite those who want to engage in more traditional methods of trade to;
-Pay for programs and classes with 50% money and 50% trade. This could be for things like;
- Brain tanned hides (not fresh/frozen hides)
- Pendleton blankets
- Gift cards (visa, mastercard)…similar to money but we often gift these to elders
- Fuel
- Food: meats, dried blueberries or choke cherries, cheese, eggs
- Firewood
- Medicines (sweetgrass, sage, fungus)
- Birch bark or willow baskets
- Furs or fur items
- High quality knives (butchering, hunting)
- Pine resin glue, bone tools, nettle cordage, hide glue, parafleche
- Building supplies such as nails, screws, metal sheeting, vapour barrier, timbers
- Household items such as drapes, bath towels, cushions, carpets/rugs, art
- Tea cups, china, silverware, cast iron
- Hand tools such as hand saws, hand drills, chisels, planes, chain saws, sharpening stones
- Solar equipment
- Hand operated shallow well pumps
- Hay, chickens, rabbits, horse handling equipment
- Filled propane tanks
Or also for other things like, services/time;
- Splitting firewood
- Clearing fencelines
- Building projects
- Drywall installation
- Fencing
- Garden help
Like all trade, it must meet the needs of both sides. It is possible that you have other things to offer, but it’s possible that that thing won’t be needed. It doesn’t hurt to ask!