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Hearing on Artist Act spotlights Alaska Native carvers’ livelihoods and state ivory bans
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Summary
Lawmakers and witnesses debated HR 5694, the Artist Act, which would bar states from restricting authentic Alaska Native marine‑mammal art; NOAA said the bill recognizes existing authority and would not authorize new takes, while tribal leaders described economic harm from state bans and urged passage to protect subsistence economies.
The House Natural Resources subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries opened a hearing on HR 5694, the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (Artist) Act, with witnesses and lawmakers debating whether federal law should explicitly shield authentic Alaska Native marine‑mammal handicrafts from state ivory bans.
Supporters said the bill would protect a cultural subsistence economy. Chief Megan Anders of the King Island Native Community told the subcommittee that ivory carving is integral to village livelihoods and culture. “This bill is about our native way of life,” Chief Anders said, adding that carvers often combine hunting and carving and rely on sales to pay for necessities in remote communities where fuel and groceries are costly.
NOAA’s Assistant Secretary Tim Petty said the agency interprets the bill as recognizing existing authority for Alaska Native handicrafts, and he emphasized that the legislation “does not authorize additional take of marine mammals under the MMPA.” Petty said NOAA’s staff will work with committee staff to refine definitions for “authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft,” marine mammal ivory, and related terms to ensure clear implementation.
Ranking Member Jared Huffman expressed caution over wording that could hinder state bans intended to block trafficking in elephant ivory and similar protections. He said the committee must ensure the bill clarifies protections for Alaska Native art without creating loopholes for illicit trade.
Chief Anders and Representative Don Young (Rep. Begich introduced Chief Anders) described concrete economic impacts on villages where per‑capita incomes are low and the cost of living is high; Chief Anders cited community income figures and said restrictions on sales have disrupted markets and local livelihoods. Witnesses and members discussed how cooperative federal–tribal management under the Marine Mammal Protection Act already governs subsistence uses, and supporters urged statutory clarity so Alaska Native artists can sell authentic handicrafts without uncertainty.
The subcommittee took no vote. Members may submit additional questions for the record; the hearing record is open for 10 business days and witnesses were asked to respond in writing by the clerk’s deadline.
