Celebrating Fair Trade Month Through Ethical Native American Art
October is Fair Trade Month. Fair trade recognizes the hard work and craftsmanship of farmers, artisans, and workers by ensuring they are justly compensated for their products. Developing fair trade standards takes a substantial investment of time and money to make sure they benefit producers. As such, fair trade organizations, like the Fairtrade Labeling Organization (FLO), have focused on developing standards for industries that have the largest impact on small producers worldwide, like agriculture and some manufactured products.
The fair trade movement has grown into a global effort to bring about positive change for people around the world. Fair Trade USA continues to lead the charge in bringing fair compensation to agricultural and artisan communities alike.
Currently, there are no fair trade standards for Native American art, pottery or jewelry, so there is no certification for us to obtain. This means there is no Fair Trade Certified label on products from our store, but that does not diminish our commitment.
How Does Palms Trading Company Ensure Fair Trade?
Palms Trading Company takes great care to honor the spirit of fair trade. We do this in a number of ways:
Fair Pricing
Paying a fair price to Native American artists is essential to maintaining a sustainable market that keeps their traditions alive. Since there is no database available to check similar pieces, pricing Native American art demands evaluating several components, including things like:
- Authenticity
- Intricacy
- Technique
- Reputation of the Artist
Evaluating all of these components and determining the quality of a piece is something you learn through observation over time. We know that fair pricing is more than just a number – it’s a commitment to the people behind the work. It means choosing a business model that supports communities and ensures safe working conditions.
Our pricing approach is part of a larger movement to celebrate craftsmanship and take positive action for ethical sourcing while strengthening the community and supporting a global movement toward equity in the art market.
Relationships
To us, selling and appreciating Native American art is more than just finding great pieces to share with collectors – it’s also creating relationships with the artists and learning the stories behind their work. We honor the artists we work with and the traditions they preserve by striving to create personal relationships with them.
When you choose Palms Trading Company for your Native American jewelry, pottery, and art, you can be confident that you are getting an authentic piece and helping to sustain Native American art traditions. You can also be confident that you are getting a fair price for your purchase. Since we buy directly from the artists, there’s no middleman distributor, and that allows us to pass on the savings to you.
In 2025, we continue to celebrate the fair trade principles that guide our work. While Native American art may not fall under traditional agricultural standards, it represents one of the many industries where fair trade values can thrive. When you know the story behind your purchase and use your dollars to support fairness and dignity, you are making a difference.
Together, we can raise awareness, commit to ethical choices, and help eliminate child labor practices by supporting businesses that reflect our values. Fair trade means fairness, transparency, and a better world – one community, one action, one piece of art at a time.
We’re proud to continue honoring the values of Fair Trade Month. To learn more about us and how Palms Trading Company supports Native American artists through fair and ethical practices, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you find meaningful, authentic pieces that honor tradition and community.