Indian Arts and Crafts Board


The Indian Arts and Crafts Board is an agency within the Department of the Interior whose mission is to "promote the economic development of American Indians and Alaska Natives through the expansion of the Indian arts and crafts market". It was established by Congress in 1935. It is headquartered at the Main Interior Building in Washington, D.C.
The Board provides advice and promotional activities and oversees the implementation of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. It operates three museums: the Sioux Indian Museum, housed in The Journey Museum in Rapid City, South Dakota; the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, Montana; and the Southern Plains Indian Museum in Anadarko, Oklahoma. The IACB also publishes informative consumer education publications which are available for free download via its website. These publications include: Indian Arts and Crafts Act, How to Buy Authentic Navajo Weavings, and Alaska Native Ivory, among many others.
As part of its program to promote American Indian and Alaska Native art and craftwork, the Indian Arts and Crafts Board produces the Source Directory of American Indian and Alaska Native Owned and Operated Arts and Crafts Businesses. There are approximately 400 businesses listed in the Source Directory. These businesses include American Indian or Alaska Native arts and crafts enterprises; businesses and galleries privately owned and operated by individuals, designers, craftspeople, and artists who are enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes; and a few nonprofit organizations, managed by enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes, that develop and market arts and crafts products.
Some of the businesses listed in the Source Directory maintain retail shops or open studios. Others sell by appointment or mail order only. This information is provided in the listing, along with business hours, contact information, major products, and special services offered. Businesses are listed alphabetically by State.