SC Alaska News

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act, a bill introduced by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). The legislation aims to protect the rights of Alaska Native artists who use walrus ivory in traditional crafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing. In recent years, state-level bans designed to stop illegal elephant ivory trafficking have also restricted the sale of legally sourced walrus ivory handicrafts made by Alaska Natives.

Senator Sullivan stated, “For thousands of years, Alaska Natives have responsibly harvested whales, walruses, and other marine mammals. These animals are eaten, shared, honored, and no part of the animal goes to waste. The bones, the ivory, the baleen are used to create some of the most beautiful art in the world. Unfortunately, some of the lawfully harvested and crafted walrus ivory works of Alaska Native artisans have been targeted by well-intentioned but overly broad state laws aimed at stopping the illegal African elephant ivory trade. I thank my Senate colleagues for unanimously passing my ARTIST Act—which we’ve been working on for over eight years, affirming the right of the Alaska Native people to continue these centuries-old traditional practices, and supporting a critically important economic driver for Alaska’s rural communities.”

Supporters from various organizations welcomed the passage of the bill.

Ben Mallott, president of the Alaska Federation of Natives said: “The passing of this legislation marks a significant step forward in recognizing and respecting the cultural heritage and livelihoods of Alaska Native artisans. We celebrate this victory for our communities, as it acknowledges the importance of traditional practices and supports the continuation of our cultural expressions. We thank Senator Sullivan for his advocacy on this matter, and look forward to a swift passage in the House.”

Melanie Bahnke, president of Kawerak, Inc., added: “For thousands of years, Alaska Natives have sustainably harvested Pacific Walrus to survive in the Arctic. As our ancestors have, we continue to rely on this resource for food, tools, and to create artwork celebrating our culture. We are grateful that the Senate passed this bill to ensure that our artwork and tools are not deemed illegal in various parts of the United States. On behalf of Kawerak and the people we serve, thank you Senator Sullivan, for recognizing that banning our culture is wrong, and for championing this bill through the Senate. We hope that the House will also find that our way of life is worthy of protection and this bill is signed into law.”

Vera Metcalf from the Eskimo Walrus Commission expressed support: “The Eskimo Walrus Commission (EWC) strongly supports this bill and thanks Senator Sullivan and his staff for working with us on it. We also greatly appreciate the support from Kawerak, the Indigenous People’s Council on Marine Mammals (IPComm), the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), WWF Arctic Program, and especially our Alaska Native communities. The Pacific walrus remains a significant component of our Indigenous food security and remains a major feature of Alaska Native cultural heritage. Our use of ivory gives full expression to our traditional relationship with the Pacific walrus and our way-of-life. EWC thanks Congress for passing this bill to ensure the cultural and economic well-being of Alaska Native communities thrive.”

Nagruk Harcharek from Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat said: “This is an important cultural milestone for the North Slope Iñupiat, who have utilized walrus ivory from our traditional subsistence hunting activities as tools, arts, and crafts. Our communities have relied on this natural resource for thousands of years, and we are pleased that this legislative effort seeks to protect our cultural heritage for generations to come.”

Steve MacLean from World Wildlife Fund U.S. Arctic Program commented: “The ARTIST Act reaffirms the rights of Alaska Native artists to create and sell authentic artworks and traditional handicrafts in the U.S. that are made from sustainably sourced marine mammal products, including walrus ivory. This longstanding cultural tradition is a vital source of economic opportunity and income for many Alaska Native communities, and walrus remain a critical component of Indigenous food security and cultural expression. Senator Sullivan, working with the Eskimo Walrus Commission, has shown dedication and leadership in crafting this bill which helps to restore opportunities for Alaska Native artists to share their artwork and provide for their families. We now encourage the House to take it up and pass it into law.”

If enacted into law after consideration by the House of Representatives as well as final approval by President Biden's administration—steps required after Senate passage—the legislation would prevent states from banning authentic Alaska Native handicrafts made with walrus ivory.