The Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, was created by Congress to promote the economic development of American Indians and Alaska Natives through the expansion of the Indian arts and crafts market. A top priority of the IACB is the implementation and enforcement of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, Public Law 101-644 as amended, a truth-in-advertising law that provides criminal and civil penalties for marketing products as "Indian-made" when such products are not made by Indians, as defined by the Act.
Under the Act, all Native American and Indian art and craft products must be marketed truthfully regarding Indian heritage and tribal affiliation of the artist or artisan.
The IACB's other activities include educating the Indian arts and crafts industry and consumers about the Act and providing professional business advice and assistance with related marketing issues to Indian artists and artisans and Indian owned businesses, promotional opportunities to Native American artists, artisans, and cultural organizations, and operating three regional Indian museums in Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Montana. The IACB also produces the Source Directory of American Indian and Alaska Native Owned and Operated Arts and Crafts Businesses, a consumer directory of approximately 320 Native American owned and operated arts and crafts business, that is available free of charge.
For a free brochure on the Indian Arts and Crafts Act and how to file a complaint, or for information about other IACB activities, please visit our website, www.iacb.doi.gov, or call the IACB toll free number 1-888-ART-FAKE.