Tribes in South Dakota want the Interior Department to continue funding the Sioux Indian Museum, The Rapid City Journal reports, but the Bush administration intends to eliminate funding for three Indian museums next year.

The administration wants to transfer the collections to tribes or other entities. But no one has taken up the offer for the Sioux museum, according to Scott Cameron of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board.

The budget for the museum is about $140,000 to $150,000. Tribal leaders say the government has a responsibility to maintain funding.

DOI plans to close Indian museums in Browning, Montana, and in Anadarko, Oklahoma, in order to direct more funding to fighting fake Indian arts and crafts.

Get the Story:
Future of Sioux Indian Museum in doubt (The Rapid City Journal 1/10)

Relevant Links:
Indian Arts and Crafts Board - http://www.doi.gov/iacb

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