Reposted from Ruidoso News

The Antique Tribal Art Dealers Association, ATADA, the nation’s largest tribal art dealer organization, announced its support of House Resolution 7075, the Native American and Native Hawaiian Cultural Heritage Protection Act of 2018, introduced last week by Congressman Steve Pearce of New Mexico’s 2nd congressional district.

The release stated that association officials appreciate the spirit of cooperation and compromise shown by all parties throughout this process. Pearce demonstrated exceptional leadership and judgement in listening to the concerns of all and crafting legislation that is balanced and properly addresses the tribes’ valid claims while recognizing the importance of a vibrant art market to New Mexico’s economy, they said. 

The bill reaffirms the law and places the focus on stopping illegal trade. It will require accurate documentation of exports and provide assurance to tribes that objects obtained in violation of United States law will not cross the nation's borders, or if they do, they will be recoverable under U.S. and foreign law. The bill also puts in place a system to facilitate legal exports.

"We are proud that the principles of ATADA’s Voluntary Returns program, which brings important items of religious and ceremonial use back to the tribes, have inspired a similar federal program, and that this bill enables tax deductible donations to broaden its appeal," the release stated.

The bill recognizes that Native American art has been collected for over a century, and that it holds pride of place in American museums and private collections. The bill also recognizes that tens of thousands of small U.S. businesses and tribal enterprises are dependent on the legal trade in Native American art and antiques. A lawful trade will continue to encourage international and domestic cultural tourism to the New Mexico and the Southwest, which supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and makes up at least 10 percent of New Mexico’s economy, the release stated

Association officials said they look forward to participating in the working groups established by the bill to ensure that its provisions are fairly and reasonably applied.

ATADA is an association of tribal arts dealers and collectors dedicated to establishing and maintaining the highest standards of ethics, integrity and responsible collecting practices.

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