Terry Lee Whetstone. Photo from Buffalo River Art Gallery / Facebook
Federal prosecutors indicted a self-described "Cherokee" man for violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Terry Lee Whetstone of Missouri marketed his goods as "Indian" and as "Cherokee" on his now-disabled website, authorities said. However, he is not a member of any of the federally-recognized Cherokee tribes, The Kansas City Star reported. Whetstone is a member of a group calling itself the Northern Cherokee Nation of Missouri. The group's website has gone offline although it maintains a Facebook page and even an official curling team that hopes to compete in the Olympics.
YouTube: Terry Lee Whetstone: One View of My Creation Process
The group's leader, who calls himself Principal Chief Kenn Grey Elk Escombes, claims recognition from the state of Missouri. Under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, members of state recognized tribes can market their goods as "Indian" without violating the law. But there is no official documentation of the group's recognition in Missouri. There are in fact no recognized tribes in the state, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Whetstone, who also plays "Indian" flute, appears to be conceding as much. A plea hearing is scheduled in federal court in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 22. Whetstone faces one year in prison, a $25,000 fine and one year of supervised release, according to prosecutors. Get the Story:
Feds accuse Missouri man of posing as Indian to sell art (The Kansas City Star 6/29)
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