I've arrived back in Canada feeling a bit tired but I thought I'd better consider my blog which has been underupdated. The main reason being that at most points I wasn't within miles of a computer let alone a reliable internet connection.

Since being home I'm taken two days to sleep. The last week of the trip was nearly spoiled by what the locals call "runny tummy". As of now I have given up goat in Botswana as I'm consistently taught the same lesson.

This is a good time to address an issue that has been gnawing on me. There is a question when dealing with artisans in developing countries about the issue of exploitation. The question of whether artists are being well treated by buyers is an excellent one that should be asked by consumers.

I talked about the issues with the communities that I visited. I can say that the only complaint that I've had from the communities is that I should come more. Of course, it is more work to sell than to buy and as such I spend most of my year in Canada doins so.

On two fronts I've heard complaints about my buying. One is from customers who are interested in fair trade. They assume that since I'm dealing with artists in Africa that there is an exploitative element and will go on the attack. The usual angle is to ask how much did you pay for something and usually they will find a prop such as a bracelet and hold it up. They have a point to prove that probably rises out of some personal or cultural guilt associated with the excesses of North American life. This year I'll tell them that I suffered through such a miserable experience as food poisoning from bad goat to bring that bracelet to them and ask them to put it down and go away.

On the African side the local NGOs don't seem very pleased about my yearly trips to buy from the Bushmen. This is interesting since the mandate of NGOs is to encourage people like myself to support the local communities. There seems like a missed opportunity to not work together but I don't feel like it is to my detriment.

I've taken a philosophy to consult with Bushmen people first and NGO workers second and this has lead to what the locals call jealousy. At any rate, to avoid future criticisms from all quarters I though it would be a good idea to solicit letters from communities to see what they themselves thought. In future, if someone has a gripe I can just give them the letter.

Here are the unedited texts of two letters from Qooshe and Zutshwa.

FEEDBACK FROM QOOSHE COMMUNITY - 09 02 06

We as Qooshe Community members we disagree with those people who says that man is cheating us, why because he is buying our crafts according to our prices.

And those people who say he is cheating are the once who are cheting, because they buy our crafts on their own prices. They don't even come to our community.

THOSE WHO ATTEND THE MEETING

1) Xoma Damo
2) Kgawe Xishee
3) Damo Xixae
4) Xixae Tsae
5) Kuapara Totenderumbe
6) Nxaxau Qaha
7) Gwanxae Xixae
8) Xhwae Komtsae
9) Pearl Tsae
10) Khanxae Xao
11) Kunxae Kgao
12) Tsaae Xoma
13) Chiqo Tsae
14) Chris Kawendjii
15) Komtsae Kgwanae
16) Nxao Xoma
17) Kaunabande Totenderumbe
18) Xukgae Xoma

ZUTSHWA VILLAGE (COMMUNITY)
22-03-06

We are very happy that we are with Mr. Poll here in Zutshwa village buying our craft for us, making our culture improve. There is no cheating in his buying. We are so happy that we have customer that can buy our craft for us in every month.

We thanks you so much by sending your son to come and be with us in life, so to improve our culture.

May God bless you for your help, Please continue helpping us by buy our crafts.

Belond to the communitty signed by:

Tantane Koto
Abathini Kabatlopane