Anchored Roots is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that aims to curb the need for human migration by providing pathways to markets for Indigenous communities that may otherwise lack access. We are developing a website that will offer free digital storefronts to artists, crafters, and producers of culturally unique items, including food items where feasible. Acting as a “nonprofit midstream partner,” Anchored Roots will support producers in setting up their storefronts, bringing in customers, facilitating sales, and providing access to shipping labels and other resources needed to complete transactions.
We are seeking funding for the development and rollout of this website, which includes a significant community outreach component. One key aspect of our outreach is leveraging connections with immigrants who have already migrated from Indigenous communities but still maintain strong ties to their home countries. These individuals will act as ambassadors, informing their communities about the free digital storefronts and assisting their communities by using remittances from sales generated by their own online store to support family members and friends still residing in those areas. This approach allows us to extend economic opportunities directly to the communities we aim to uplift, without traveling to those areas.
The need for this project arises from the lack of full retail market access for these Indigenous producers. Anchored Roots fills this gap by providing market connections that will stimulate local economies, helping individuals and families sustain themselves without having to migrate in search of economic opportunities. Our approach goes beyond “fair-trade” by ensuring that producers receive full retail pricing for their goods, with our nonprofit serving as a facilitating partner to manage the logistics and operations.
The impact of this project is multifaceted. Not only will it provide Indigenous producers with maximum profits from their unique creations, but it will also offer consumers access to one-of-a-kind, culturally significant products. This, in turn, will help these communities thrive economically, preserving their traditions and reducing the need for migration.
