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Just to give you some idea as to what this law means to some Native Americans.

My Grandfather was the main crafter in the family.
Which for the household selling some of his craft meant a lot.
Bringing in the money sold on craft goods made the difference between going to the store for some of basic necessities most people don’t give a second thought about. Or going without.

Collecting only Legal Art and Craft made by Native American gives individuals financial independence. With Independence brings Pride and the feeling Accomplishment. Being able to “Make your Own“. Rather than having to spend another month looking for work where there is none.

Off the reservations, many never see the impoverish conditions that many Indians are forced to live their lives and somehow manage to raise their families.

When I was younger there were no Casinos.
I know what it meant when craft sold in my family.
And even today with many Tribes operating casinos, this does not cover the cost of wiping out the problems that arise from the conditions and poverty that others put Indians in.

I have numerous times spoke with people and their very point, (not saying everybody) is
’Well, I thought the Indians are rich now they have the casinos and they have there own land to do what they want’

Well, you have to keep in mind that casino revenue for some tribes is barely bringing them up to date with the 20th century. Some reservations have no infrastructure as the rest of the country.
And even though they have been given their own land, American Indians still have to get permission from the Government to do anything on it.

We're not trying to get political here though there are events left and right of Tribes wanting to break-free and gain their independence. Though, are shut down by the government (local some cases) when it comes to getting that approval.

If a Tribe wanted to open their own convenience store on their land though they are ‘Denied‘. What would be the reasoning behind this?
Well, you look closer and find there are the Competitors who would lose the business from the whole reservation community. And that assume ably someone got to the local politicians.
Why else would government officials deny the Indians this?

It is stories like this that not everyone in the general public is aware of. This is what makes climbing out poverty and being independent impossible for many.    

 Then with cutting into one of the major sources of income for many Native American households by buying into knock-off, counterfeit and non-Indian made goods compounds this tragedy.

There is no established record.
Though the estimate are in the millions, annually,
of how much is traded in
illegal Native American goods. 

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