Indigenous peoples have engaged in trade since time immemorial. Numerous treaties and UNDRIP Article 36 affirm the rights of Indigenous peoples to engage in international trade, particularly as a means of economic self-determination. Foreign trade zones (FTZs) established by Indigenous nations are expressions of economic self-determination.

FTZs support the generation of own-source revenues, expanded business opportunities and employment opportunities and facilitate inter-tribal trade. This policy brief recommends the establishment of mechanisms to recognize Indigenous FTZs in Canada and the facilitation of connections between Indigenous businesses in Canada with their counterparts utilizing FTZs in the United States.