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.

For more information on fair trade, please visit the Fair Trade Federation web site.