ARTIST Act

Alaska Native communities along the coasts of Alaska have long practiced subsistence hunting of marine mammals like walrus and whales, and many create and sell traditional handcrafted goods — carvings, jewelry, and tools — made from walrus tusks, whale teeth, and bone. The ARTIST Act updates and clarifies these protections under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, establishing a clear definition of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts (individually made, not mass-produced) and prohibiting states from blocking interstate sales of marine mammal ivory and bone incorporated into those authentic items. The edible portions of marine mammals harvested for handicraft purposes may also be sold for consumption within native communities. When the federal government determines a marine mammal population is depleted and wants to restrict Alaska Native harvesting, it must now put its supporting evidence — including Indigenous knowledge — in writing and make that documentation publicly available, though only Alaska Native organizations can bring a legal challenge on that requirement.