Abstract

The intersection of trade liberalization policies and Indigenous economic systems in Canada represents a critical area of study within contemporary political economy and Indigenous studies. Since the 1980s, Canada's aggressive pursuit of free trade agreements has fundamentally altered the economic landscape for Indigenous peoples, creating both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for traditional and emerging Indigenous economies. This comprehensive analysis examines how successive waves of trade liberalization—from the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement through NAFTA, CETA, and the CPTPP—have impacted Indigenous communities' economic sovereignty, traditional resource management practices, and contemporary business development initiatives. The study reveals complex dynamics between global market integration and Indigenous self-determination, highlighting innovative strategies developed by Indigenous communities to navigate liberalized trade environments while preserving cultural integrity and advancing economic reconciliation.