Call #105 is part of the Finance Strategic Pathway, under the Trade section of the National Indigenous Economic Strategy. The Trade section focuses on expanding Indigenous economic participation through Indigenous free trade zones, federal recognition and support for Indigenous-to-Indigenous trade, and the honouring of existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights. Call #105 specifically calls to “establish Indigenous-to-Indigenous trade agreements and networks nationally and internationally.” This is a multi-part Call because it asks for both formal trade agreements and practical trade networks, and because it applies both within Canada and internationally. In Canadian practice, the most relevant activity is described through terms such as “Indigenous trade and investment,” trade “with, between, and among Indigenous Peoples,” Indigenous-to-Indigenous dialogue and trade, trading relationships, business networks, business matchmaking, and inter-tribal trade.
The strongest direct evidence is federal and international. Canada has joined the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement, known as IPETCA, which is supported through Global Affairs Canada and includes a Partnership Council to guide implementation. Indigenous-led and Indigenous-serving organizations also support the network side of the Call through trade convening, export-readiness supports, trade education, policy development, and advisory work.7,8,9 The status is Active (Partial). There is clear Canadian activity that responds to parts of the Call, especially the international cooperation and network-building dimensions. However, public evidence does not show a fully established, nationally coordinated system of Indigenous-to-Indigenous trade agreements, particularly within Canada. Existing arrangements, Indigenous business networks, export supports, and advisory capacity provide a strong foundation. With stronger coordination, clearer Indigenous governance, and more formal agreement-making within Canada and internationally, current activity could be expanded to more fully meet the Call as written.
