ARTIST Act

This bill would protect Alaska Native artists who use marine mammal materials in traditional crafts. It defines “authentic Alaska Native” handicrafts as items made by Alaska Natives using traditional methods and natural materials, like carving, weaving, or sewing. It also clarifies that “marine mammal ivory” includes tusks or teeth from walrus, narwhal, or certain whales . The bill says Alaska Natives may take marine mammals for food (subsistence) or to create and sell authentic handicrafts, as long as it isn’t wasteful. It allows edible parts from these animals to be sold in Native villages or towns in Alaska for Native consumption .

The bill bars states from banning the import, sale, trade, or possession of marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen when they are part of authentic Alaska Native crafts. This is meant to stop state-level bans from harming Alaska Native culture and income from handmade items . If a species becomes depleted, the federal government may set limits on taking those animals, and must back any restrictions with evidence and consider Indigenous knowledge .

• Who is affected: Alaska Native artists and communities; buyers and sellers of authentic Alaska Native crafts made with marine mammal materials .
• What changes: States could not ban lawful Alaska Native ivory, bone, or baleen crafts; clearer rules on what counts as “authentic” and how items may be sold, including across state lines .
• Conditions: Taking animals must be for subsistence or authentic crafts and not wasteful; extra limits may apply if a species is found to be depleted, with decisions informed by Indigenous knowledge .