Indian artists say their economic and cultural livelihood is being undermined by fake goods being made in other countries.

The Indian arts and crafts market was worth an estimated $1.2 billion in 2000. But a recent Interior Department Inspector General report found that as much as half of that is being diverted away from Indian artists through fake goods.

The Indian Arts and Crafts Board, an Interior agency, wants to beef up enforcement of federal law. But its proposal to do so by closing down three Indian museums was met with opposition from tribes and members of Congress.

The board is taking other steps to combat fake arts through educational campaigns for buyers and for sellers.

Get the Story:
Interior takes aim at fake Indian art [Browning focus] (The Great Falls Tribune 5/22)
Fakes grow in Indian art market, experts say [Sioux Falls focus] (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 5/22)

Inspector General Report:
Indian Arts and Crafts: A Case of Misrepresentation (June 2005

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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