Many years past, our ancestors (Māori) used to trade with others, whether they were inland or coastal locations. They even traded with those who were located across the oceans, such as with Sydney, Australia, our nearest trading country. They travelled extensively to Sydney to explore the opportunities of new technologies like carpentry and gardening. Our ancestors even traded with the Pacific islands.
They would trade in flax, potatoes, which they traded with Europeans. In return Māori were seeking nails to make into chisels. They wanted fish-hooks, axes, and most of all, they wanted guns. So, as early as the late 1700s, Māori have always been entrepreneurs and innovative trading people.
Hence the need to re-visit our past and re-connect with other indigenous traders to establish those links, based on those values we held dear to our very way of life, and which determined the way we behaved towards each other. I believe that all indigenous peoples can lead the world in the way trading can be practiced, whether it is for goods or services, not only on a national basis, but a global basis too. I would call it "WorldiTraders (WiT)". Some might even view this as another form of "Globalisation". Possibly, but I would even place myself in the risky position of mentioning that due to the very nature and similarities of all indigenous peoples worldview and value systems, I would say that there would be a balance between economic and social values on those societies, rather than the imbalance under the current economic model of the "Haves" and "Have-Nots".
However, on a more positive note, let those of us who currently trade now, and those who wish to venture into the exciting world of indigenous trading come together, and as John Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise commands, "Make it so".
They would trade in flax, potatoes, which they traded with Europeans. In return Māori were seeking nails to make into chisels. They wanted fish-hooks, axes, and most of all, they wanted guns. So, as early as the late 1700s, Māori have always been entrepreneurs and innovative trading people.
Hence the need to re-visit our past and re-connect with other indigenous traders to establish those links, based on those values we held dear to our very way of life, and which determined the way we behaved towards each other. I believe that all indigenous peoples can lead the world in the way trading can be practiced, whether it is for goods or services, not only on a national basis, but a global basis too. I would call it "WorldiTraders (WiT)". Some might even view this as another form of "Globalisation". Possibly, but I would even place myself in the risky position of mentioning that due to the very nature and similarities of all indigenous peoples worldview and value systems, I would say that there would be a balance between economic and social values on those societies, rather than the imbalance under the current economic model of the "Haves" and "Have-Nots".
However, on a more positive note, let those of us who currently trade now, and those who wish to venture into the exciting world of indigenous trading come together, and as John Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise commands, "Make it so".
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