ALASKA NATIVE ARTS PROGRAM

The Alaska State Council on the arts established a Traditional Native Arts Program (TNAP) in March 1980. The program’s major responsibility is to serve rural, Alaska Natives. Technical assistance to organizations and individuals, Native Arts Marketing training, Master Artist and Apprentice grants and anti-fraud resources improve Native artists’ ability to achieve their creative goals.  Underserved and endangered Alaska Native art forms and increasing arts programming for Alaska Native people is a program priority. Contemporary artists and Native art organizations are also served through ASCA’s Native art program.

A full-time ASCA staff person manages the Alaska Native Arts Program and provides support to Alaska Native artists and organizations. For information about any of ASCA’s Alaska Native art programs or services contact:

Saunders McNeill, Community and Native Arts Program Director
Tel: 907-269-6610
Toll free: 1-888-278-7424
TTY: 1-800-770-8973
Fax: 907-269-6601
E-mail: saunders.mcneill@alaska.gov

ASCA GRANTS FOR ALASKA NATIVE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS  | back to top |

Alaska Native artists who are current residents of the state may apply for grant support through either the Master Artist and Apprentice Program in Traditional Native Arts or the Career Opportunity Grant programs. Organizations may apply for funding assistance for Alaska Native arts-related programs through Community Arts Development, Workshop, or Operating Support grant categories.

All grant applications must be submitted electronically through ASCA’s Culture Grants Online site http://alaska.cgweb.org. Paper applications will not be accepted. First time applicants or a past grantees applying in a new grant category must contact ASCA staff who can provide valuable information, technical assistance and determine grant eligibility.

SILVER HAND PROGRAM  | back to top |

The Silver Hand Program mission is to promote authentic Alaska Native art made in the state exclusively by an individual Alaska Native artist. The seal indicates that an article on which it appears is created by hand in Alaska by an individual Alaska Native artist. A permit is awarded for two years from the date issued and must be renewed every two years to remain active.

Eligibility 
An applicant must be a full-time resident of Alaska, be an Alaska Native who can verify Alaska Native tribal enrollment, be eighteen years or older, be producing art exclusively in the state. Only original artwork, not reproductions, may be identified with the Silver Hand seal.

Permit application and current list of permit holders
To apply for a new permit or to renew an existing permit, download and complete a Silver Hand Permit application. A checklist of required support materials that must be submitted along with the application is included on the permit application. Hard copies of images of work may be submitted with the application. Otherwise, digital images of sample work may be submitted via email. Include the applicant name in the subject line.

For a current list of Silver Hand permit holders contact saunders.mcneill@alaska.gov. 

Tag and Seal reorder
Current permit holders my reorder Silver Hand stickers or hang tags by completing a reorder form

IMPORTANT STATUTORY UPDATES TO THE SILVER HAND PROGRAM – SB97

SB97 - PDF

25th Alaska Legislature. As a result six critical changes were made to improve and update the Silver Hand program. The new language:

1. More clearly defines who is eligible for a Silver Hand permit and clarifies only Alaska Native artists are eligible for permits.
2. Links the Silver Hand and State Division of Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Practices statutes. This allows ASCA to pursue Silver Hand violations through civil prosecution and enforcement. ASCA currently has a strong working relationship with Consumer Protection. The bill formalizes our collective ability to enforce proper use of the permit thereby better protecting Alaska Native artists. Civil cases are far easier to prosecute than criminal cases.
3. Defines an Alaska Native person – who is a state resident as defined under PFD statute – as a member of an Alaska Tribe in accordance with existing state statute. Reference to blood quantum as a program qualifier is removed.
4. Expands permit eligibility to include contemporary Alaska Native artists, who until now have been ineligible to participate in the program
5. Allows an artist to use any material in the creation of their work including contemporary materials, expands eligible art forms, and more clearly defines art forms
6. Formally and permanently abolishes the agent tier of the permit program. ASCA provides all program services directly to Silver Hand artists

Governor Sarah Palin signs SB97 into law April 10, 2008

Silver Hand Task Force
Left to right: Sonya Kelliher Combs, Alvin Amason, Theresa John, Perry Eaton, Terri Rofkar (National Heritage Fellow 2009), Sven Haakanson (MacArthur Fellow 2008)

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ALASKA SILVER HAND PROGRAM
Time Line Silver Hand Permit Program and Related Events - PDF

STATE OF ALASKA SILVER HAND PROGRAM TRADEMARK
The Silver Hand seal is protected under State of Alaska trademark statute and regulation. The seal may only be used by individuals (other than Silver Hand permit holders) or organizations with Alaska State Council on the Arts’ explicit permission. 

OTHER STATE AUTHENTICATION PROGRAMS   | back to top |
The state of Alaska sponsors two additional marketing programs, Made in Alaska and Alaska Grown. If you are ineligible to use the Silver Hand seal on your work you may be eligible for one or both of these programs to promote your work.

Made in Alaska
The Made in Alaska (MIA) program mission is to promote and increase the sale of Alaskan manufactured and/or made products. Go to http://www.madeinalaska.org/mia/ for more information about the program and to apply for a Made in Alaska permit.

NATIONAL HERITAGE FELLOWSHIP – 2009 AWARDED TO ALASKA ARTIST TERI ROFKAR

National Endowment for the Arts awarded Teri Rofkar a 2009 NEA National Heritage Fellowship. The fellowship is the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. Eleven fellowships, which include a one-time award of $25,000 each, were presented to honorees from eight states and Puerto Rico. The NEA National Heritage Fellowships public programs are made possible through private support. Go to http://www.arts.gov/news/news09/2009-NEA-Heritage-Fellows-Announced.html for the complete list of 2009 recipients.

		Robe Detail
Teri Rofkar	Robe	Spruce Root Basket

ALASKA NATIVE ARTISTS SUMMITS

Alaska Native Artists Summit Anchorage 2009	Alaska Native Artists Summit Fairbanks 2009

CULTURAL CENTERS AND MUSEUMS CONSORTIUM (CCMC)   | back to top |

The CCMC Mission is to respectfully promote and develop culture as an essential statewide infrastructure.

The CCMC Goal is to create sustainable, dynamic, economically diverse communities for our state, ourselves, and our children. The CCMC is a professional network of Alaska culture centers and museums. The consortium originally formed to ensure the sustainability of ASCA’s traditional Alaska Native art program. ASCA convenes quarterly CCMC teleconferences for members to collaborate on behalf of their respective institutions, build community and regional art and cultural programs, and to discover and utilize professional resources.

CCMC members represent organizations with missions focused primarily on Alaska Native arts and culture. A spectrum of Alaska Native artists, arts, cultural programs, and culture groups – Unangan, Sugpiaq, Eyak, Athabascan, Siberian Yupik, Central Yupíik, Cupíik, Inupiaq, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian – are served by member participation. Organizations vary in size, are managed through diverse governing bodies, and are located in rural and urban communities.

All the participating organizations provide in some capacity, educational programming, public outreach, and Alaska Native arts and cultural education to local community members, state residents and visitors. Museums Alaska and other state agencies partner with the CCMC to achieve a high standard of professional practice and organization accreditation.

Contact ASCA staff for membership information, detailed quarterly teleconference log on instructions, agenda and a current list of CCMC members.

2010 CCMC Quarterly Teleconferences
The Alaska State Council on the Arts hosts quarterly teleconferences for CCMC member to discuss important organizational issues, get professional development Teleconferences will be held from 12 – 1 pm on the following days. Contact Saunders McNeill at 907-269-6603 for instructions on how to log into the conference call.

March 10, 2010
May 12, 2010
July 14, 2010
September 8, 2010

Current CCMC Members

Cultural Centers Museums Consortium Members - PDF

CCMC Partner

Museums Alaska, a statewide museum association of individuals and institutions, has been a committed partner to the Cultural Centers Museums Consortium for more than a decade.  Museums Alaska maintains a central office to receive and disburse information about museums, cultural centers and their activities, and to collect and share professional opportunities. Museums Alaska publishes the quarterly newsletter, Network, and organizes an annual meeting and conference to focus on the needs of Alaska museum professionals, volunteers, and their institutions. Museums Alaska hosts an annual meeting that will be held this year in Fairbanks, September 15 – 18, 2010. Go to http://www.museumsalaska.org/for more information about the organization.

MARGARET NICK COOKE AWARD AND MEMORIAL FUND  | back to top |

Margaret Nick Cooke (1944 – 1996) was born in Nunapitchuk to Elena and Nick O. Nick, Sr. Margaret was a steadfast advocate and tireless devotee of Alaska Native people and culture. She was deeply dedicated to her Alaska Native traditions, Alaska Native arts and the perpetuation of her language. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, held a multitude of professional positions, and served on many boards and commissions including the Alaska State Council on the Arts.

Margaret Nick Cooke Memorial Fund donations are used to grow the fund, which underwrites the creation of a unique art piece and assists each annual award winner with their travel to the Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities celebration. Fund donations are accepted at any time through the Alaska State Council on the Arts. To contribute to the Margaret Nick Cooke Memorial Fund download and complete a Margaret Nick Cooke Award Brochure.

Past Award Recipients:

• 2009 - Florence Pestrikoff, Kodiak
• 2008 - Alternate award year
• 2007 - Katherine Wickersham Wade, Chickaloon
• 2006 - Susan Malutin, Homer
• 2005 - Dr. Eliza Jones, Fairbanks
• 2004 - Dr. Angayuqaq Oscar Kawagley, Bethel
• 2003 - John "Aquimggaciq" Active, Bethel
• 2002 - Fannie "Kuutuuq" Akpik, Barrow
• 2001 - Esther Shea, Ketchikan
• 2000 - Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, Anchorage
• 1999 - Award ceremony not held
• 1998 - Paul John, Toksook Bay (Nelson Island)
• 1997 - Catherine Attla, Fairbanks
• 1997 - Andrew Paukan, St. Mary’s

Stop Alaska Native Art Fraud Campaign   | back to top |

The Alaska State Council on the Arts works with state and federal enforcement agencies to improve anti-fraud protections for Alaska Native artists. These partners help our agency investigate and prosecute fraud and include the Alaska Attorney General’s office, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of the Interior Indian Arts and Crafts Board and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. All of these agencies respond to fraud involving Alaska Native art.

The Federal Trade Commission published anti-fraud advertisements Authentic Alaska Native Art Education Campaign Advertisement and brochures Alaska Native Art Education Campaign Brochure 2007 to help consumers differentiate between real and fake Alaska Native artwork. Alaska Native art postcards and brochures are available directly through the Federal Trade Commission. The U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Arts and Crafts board has brochures on authenticating Alaska Native art, legal protections, and copyright information for artists. The Indian Arts and Crafts Board also sponsors free business listings for Native artists. All of the publications are available at no cost and no shipping charge. Bulk orders can be placed on line or by contacting the sponsoring agency.

An Alaska Native art fraud complaint can be filed with any of these agencies or with the Alaska State Council on the Arts. Complaints can be reported anonymously. Enforcement agents or investigators may need to contact you for additional information to investigate the case but your privacy is protected and your identity remains confidential throughout an investigation and prosecution.

Listen about how ASCA is working to stop Alaska Native Art Fraud on APRN AK Radio Show: Scams, Fakes, Phonies & Cheats

The following individuals and agency sites provide anti-fraud information and online complaint forms. Contact information marked with a * denotes Fair Trade practices, Consumer protection, Alaska Native Artist and art protection resources.

Federal Trade Commission (Western States Region)    | back to top |
U.S. Federal Trade Commission Western States Region, Director
915 Second Avenue, Suite 2896
Seattle, WA 98174    
tel:(206) 220-4480
fax: (206) 220-6366
http://www.ftc.gov/

AK Native Art general information page: http://www.ftc.gov/alaska/

Online complaint form:  https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU01

Indian Arts and Crafts Board (U.S. Department of the Interior)   | back to top |

Meridith Stanton*
U.S. DOI Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Director
4004 US Department of the Interior
Washington, DC 20240    
Telephonel: (202) 208-3773
Fax: (202) 208-5196
meridith_stanton@ios.doi.gov
http://www.doi.gov/iacb/

Online complaint form: http://www.doi.gov/iacb/file.html
U.S. Department of the Interior Federally Recognized Tribes - PDF

Alaska Attorney General   | back to top |
State of Alaska Attorney General's Office, Assistant AG
Consumer Protection/Native Art Fraud Issues
1031 West 4th Avenue, Suite 200
Anchorage, AK 99501-1944
Telephone: (907) 269-5230
Fax:(907) 276-8554
Julia_Coster@law.state.ak.us
www.law.state.ak.us/consumer

Alaska Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Program: http://www.law.state.ak.us/department/civil/consumer/cpindex.html

Online complaint form and instructions: http://www.law.state.ak.us/department/civil/consumer/cp_complaint.html

Traditional Native Artist Materials and Wildlife Regulations   | back to top |

Alaska Native artists use many materials in their work that are regulated by state and federal law. U.S. Fish and Wildlife and U.S. National Marine Fisheries agencies have staff available to answer questions about these restrictions and regulations. Wildlife protection agencies are committed – in addition to providing enforcement – to educating artists and the public on the lawful use of fish and wildlife in traditional Alaska Native artwork. If you need assistance about materials you can download the information sheets provided, contact ASCA staff or individuals listed below for help.

Native Arts Materials Information Sheets   | back to top |

Hunting and Use of Polar Bear by Alaska Natives - PDF
Hunting and Use of Walrus by Alaska Natives - PDF
Hunting and Use of Sea Otter by Alaska Natives - PDF
The Barter or Sale of Handicrafts Federal Subsistence Management Program - PDF
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 - PDF
Migratory Bird Co-Management Council - PDF
Customs Guide to Alaska Native Art: http://www.dced.state.ak.us/oed/nag/nativearts.htm

U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service   | back to top |

Les Cockreham
U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service, Education Officer
222 West 7th Avenue
Box 10 Anchorage, AK 99513-7577
Telephone: (907) 271-3021
Fax: (907) 271-1666
E-mail: les.cockreham@noaa.gov
www.fakr.noaa.gov

Kevin Heck 
U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service
Office of Law Enforcement for seals, whales, sea lions
222 West 7th Avenue, Box 10
Anchorage, AK 99513-7577
Telephone: (907)271-5745
E-mail: Kevin.heck@noaa.gov
www.fakr.noaa.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service   | back to top |

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement for walrus, polar bear, sea otter
605 West 4th Avenue, Room 57
Anchorage, AK 99501
Telephone: (907) 271-2828
Fax: (907) 271-2827
http://alaska.fws.gov/

Beth Pattinson
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Migratory Bird Permits
Telephone: (907) 487-2600 x 240
E-mail: beth_pattinson@fws.gov

Alaska Native Willdlife Commissions   | back to top |

Alaska Sea Otter and Stellar Sea Lion Commission
http://www.seaotter-sealion.org

Alaska Eskimo Walrus Commission http://www.kawerak.org/servicedivisions/nrd/ewc/index.html

Alaska Nanuuq Commission (Polar Bear)
http://www.nanuuq.info/

Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission
http://www.uark.edu/misc/jcdixon/Historic_Whaling/index.htm

Trademark and Copyright Resources   | back to top |

U.S. Trademark Office
http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm

U.S. Copyright Office
http://www.copyright.gov/

Intellectual Property Rights/Stop Fakes.gov
http://www.uspto.gov/smallbusiness/

ASCA Publications on Alaska Native Art   | back to top |