The Bush administration's fiscal year 2007 budget includes money for three Interior Department Indian museums.

The Indian Arts and Crafts Board's budget will actually be increased under the proposal. The request is for $1.16 million, up from $1.14 million.

The board has suggested closing the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, Montana; the Sioux Indian Museum in Rapid City, South Dakota; and the Southern Plains Indian Museum in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Officials say more money can be used to fight fake Indian arts and crafts.

Tribes and key members of Congress are opposing the idea.

Get the Story:
Federal budget includes another year for Museum of the Plains Indian (The Great Falls Tribune 2/9)

FY2007 Budget Request:
Bureau of Indian Affairs Budget | Departmental Offices [includes Office of Special Trustee]

FY2007 Budget Documents:
Fulfilling Trust Responsibilities | Serving Tribal Communities | Protecting Lives, Resources, and Property [includes Safety in Indian Country] | Budget in Brief | Interior Department [from the White House]

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

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