ARTIST Act

HR 5694, the ARTIST Act, allows Alaska Natives residing in coastal Alaska to take marine mammals (walrus, narwhal, whale) specifically for creating and selling authentic traditional handicrafts made with marine mammal ivory, without violating federal law. The bill defines "authentic" items as those made traditionally using natural materials without mass production tools, and prohibits states from banning the sale of such handicrafts. It also permits selling edible portions of these animals within Alaska for native consumption. The law requires the Secretary of Commerce to base any restrictions on substantial evidence, including Indigenous knowledge, and mandates public availability of such evidence.