What is a trade circle?
Trade circles were the main means by which Indians exchanged goods before the white man. Often they were held at wedding feasts, powwows and other gatherings. Barter, not money, was used, and all transactions were done in Indian sign talk.

How does it work?
You spread your goods on a blanket (be sure to bring one!). Two blankets are placed in the center of the circle, one for the article offered, one for the article desired. No talking is allowed. A chief of protocol supervises the proceedings.

What’s it all about?
A trade circle is a lot of fun but it is not a game. For traditional Indians it has a deep spiritual significance. The beauty of the trade circle is that people often find what they have been praying for.  All trades, by definition, are mutually satisfactory and equal.

What is traded at a trade circle?
Old-time Indians secured all goods they could not produce themselves by trading, often from as far away as California (abalone shells) and South America (parrot feathers). At the modern circle you’ll find Indian crafts such as mandelas and dreamcatchers, knives, jewelry, furs, clothing, pottery, drums, rattles, food, herbs and carvings.

What is not allowed to trade?
You cannot trade anything given or passed to you if doing so would offend the giver (presents, for instance). Hand-me-downs and used items are OK. Electronics, plastic and manufactured metal articles are not good choices. Natural and handmade things are best. Always think whether someone else would like what you bring!