ARTIST Act

H.R. 5694, the ARTIST Act (Alaska's Right To Ivory Sales and Tradition Act), would modify federal protections for marine mammals to create exceptions for Alaska Native cultural practices. The bill would allow Alaska Natives residing on the coasts of the North Pacific or Arctic Ocean to harvest marine mammals and marine mammal ivory for the purpose of creating and selling authentic Alaska Native handicrafts and clothing, including items made through weaving, carving, stitching, beading, and painting. The bill would permit these authentic Alaska Native articles to be sold in interstate commerce, and would allow edible portions of harvested marine mammals to be sold within Alaska Native villages or for Native consumption.

The bill would maintain protections for marine mammal populations by allowing the federal government to establish regulations if any species or stock becomes depleted. If enacted, this legislation would provide Alaska Native artisans with expanded economic opportunities to sell traditional crafts while preserving cultural practices tied to marine mammal harvesting. The bill is currently under committee consideration and has not yet been voted on by the full House.