§4726 Indian Tribes Export Promotion

Summary

The Secretary of Commerce can help eligible groups build foreign markets for authentic American Indian arts and crafts. Eligible groups include Indian tribes, tribal organizations and enterprises, craft guilds, marketing cooperatives, and Indian-owned businesses. Help can pay for market research, promotional materials, trade missions and fairs, direct marketing, and similar export work. The program follows Commerce guidelines and favors projects that create long-term international markets and the biggest economic benefits for artisans. The Secretary must also give technical help to applicants and recipients to find and enter foreign markets, follow foreign and U.S. export/import and banking rules, use export financing, and provide other needed support. No funds may be used to sell or market anything that is not truly handmade or hand crafted by American Indian artisans.