The
term "fair trade" refers to artisans as equal partners in
transactions with buyers. Artisans are paid a fair wage for their
work in the context of their country's economy. Working conditions
are non-toxic and non-exploitive. Children work to the extent that
they are learning traditional arts or helping to pay for their schooling.
Workplace arrangements vary, especially by country.
For example, in Canada, Crossroads Trade buys Inuit wares from village
cooperatives. In Alaska, we buy from individual Inuit artisans.
In Peru, we buy primarily from individuals. In Bolivia, we buy almost
exclusively through cooperatives. In some places, we buy from foundations
or economic development projects.