A bill awaiting the signature of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) strengthens and modernizes the Silver Hand Program.
The program began in 1961 as a way to authenticate Native art. But some requirements -- such as a minimum blood quantum and a limit on what goods can be certified -- are seen as out-of-date and controversial.
The bill eliminates the blood quantum provision and allows more types of arts and crafts to obtain a Silver Hand tag. It also beefs up enforcement to include civil penalties.
The bill passed the House on Thursday and the Senate on Friday.
Get the Story:Program to certify Alaska Native art gets new teeth (The Anchorage Daily News 3/30)
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