Sullivan Secures Exemption for Registered Alaska Native Craftsmen from New Etsy Ban on Fur Sales
07.10.26 Sullivan Secures Exemption for Registered Alaska Native Craftsmen from New Etsy Ban on Fur Sales ANCHORAGE, ALASKA —U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, this week secured a new exemption to the animal product policy of Etsy that will allow Alaska Native craftsmen to continue selling fur items on the online crafts marketplace. The new policy, which goes into effect on August 11, will exempt taxidermy, byproduct materials, such as leather, sheepskin, shearling, cowhide, wool, or mohair, or fur products from sellers who are registered with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board from Etsy’s ban on products containing natural animal fur, regardless of age or origin. “Just a month after the signing of my ARTIST Act into law, we’ve secured another significant win for Alaska Native craftsmen who’ve sustainably harvested wildlife and created clothing, handicrafts, and artwork for thousands of years,” Sen. Sullivan said. “When my team and I first heard about Etsy’s planned policy change this spring, we got to work, reaching out directly to Etsy’s CEO to explain how the company’s blanket prohibition affects the lawful practices of our artisans and harms the livelihoods of Alaska Native people across our many rural communities. I want to thank Etsy for being responsive to the concerns of Alaskans.” Background Sen. Sullivan has led several efforts to protect the rights of Alaska Native artisans and continues to educate others on the negative impacts facing Alaska Native and rural economies as a result of overly broad bans. The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 permits Alaska Native people to take marine mammals and to create and sell “authentic Native articles of handicrafts and clothing” made from lawfully harvested marine mammals, including sea otter fur, subject to strict requirements that these harvests are not taken in a wasteful manner. The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 further established a framework to protect authentic Alaska Native-produced art and craft products. In June 2026, the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act , Sen. Sullivan’s legislation to protect the legal rights of Alaska Native artists using walrus ivory in traditional handicrafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing, was signed into law. In May 2026, Sen. Sullivan wrote to Etsy's CEO demanding a change to the company’s new animal product policy that would prevent Alaska Native artists from selling fur handicrafts. In February 2019, Sen. Sullivan worked with Alaska Native artists and Facebook to clarify Facebook Marketplace’s policies regarding the sale of products or artwork made with any “part, pelt or skin from an animal, including fur.” In February 2018, Sen. Sullivan worked with Alaska Native artists to resolve a previous issue with Etsy that banned Alaska Native products that include sealskin, sea otter, and ivory. # # # Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article
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07.10.26 Sullivan Secures Exemption for Registered Alaska Native Craftsmen from New Etsy Ban on Fur Sales ANCHORAGE, ALASKA —U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, this week secured a new exemption to the animal product policy of Etsy that will allow Alaska Native craftsmen to continue selling fur items on the online crafts marketplace. The new policy, which goes into effect on August 11, will exempt taxidermy, byproduct materials, such as leather, sheepskin, shearling, cowhide, wool, or mohair, or fur products from sellers who are registered with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board from Etsy’s ban on products containing natural animal fur, regardless of age or origin. “Just a month after the signing of my ARTIST Act into law, we’ve secured another significant win for Alaska Native craftsmen who’ve sustainably harvested wildlife and created clothing, handicrafts, and artwork for thousands of years,” Sen. Sullivan said. “When my team and I first heard about Etsy’s planned policy change this spring, we got to work, reaching out directly to Etsy’s CEO to explain how the company’s blanket prohibition affects the lawful practices of our artisans and harms the livelihoods of Alaska Native people across our many rural communities. I want to thank Etsy for being responsive to the concerns of Alaskans.” Background Sen. Sullivan has led several efforts to protect the rights of Alaska Native artisans and continues to educate others on the negative impacts facing Alaska Native and rural economies as a result of overly broad bans. The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 permits Alaska Native people to take marine mammals and to create and sell “authentic Native articles of handicrafts and clothing” made from lawfully harvested marine mammals, including sea otter fur, subject to strict requirements that these harvests are not taken in a wasteful manner. The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 further established a framework to protect authentic Alaska Native-produced art and craft products. In June 2026, the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act , Sen. Sullivan’s legislation to protect the legal rights of Alaska Native artists using walrus ivory in traditional handicrafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing, was signed into law. In May 2026, Sen. Sullivan wrote to Etsy's CEO demanding a change to the company’s new animal product policy that would prevent Alaska Native artists from selling fur handicrafts. In February 2019, Sen. Sullivan worked with Alaska Native artists and Facebook to clarify Facebook Marketplace’s policies regarding the sale of products or artwork made with any “part, pelt or skin from an animal, including fur.” In February 2018, Sen. Sullivan worked with Alaska Native artists to resolve a previous issue with Etsy that banned Alaska Native products that include sealskin, sea otter, and ivory. # # # Print Email Tweet Previous Article
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