Protecting Alaska Native traditional crafts and marine mammal ivory trade.
This Act aims to protect the cultural practices and livelihoods of Alaska Natives who produce handicrafts using marine mammal ivory. The changes ease restrictions on the interstate sale of these traditional items and prevent individual states from prohibiting their trade. For citizens, this means that authentic, traditional ivory crafts made by Alaska Natives can be legally bought and sold across the US, supporting local culture and economy.
Key points
Handicrafts made from marine mammal ivory (walrus, narwhal, whale) by Alaska Natives are exempt from federal trade prohibitions.
States are prohibited from banning the import, sale, or possession of authentic Alaska Native crafts containing marine mammal ivory.
The definition of 'authentic handicraft' requires items to be produced using traditional methods, excluding mass copying devices.
Edible portions of marine mammals taken for craft purposes can be sold within native villages or for native consumption.
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