The Americans most directly affected by this bill would be Alaska Native individuals (specifically Indians, Aleuts, and Eskimos) who reside along the North Pacific and Arctic Ocean coasts of Alaska. This includes artisans who rely on traditional handicrafts, often incorporating marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen, for their cultural practices and economic livelihood. The bill aims to protect their ability to continue these traditions and to sell their unique creations.

Consumers across the United States who wish to purchase authentic Alaska Native handicrafts, particularly those containing marine mammal products, would also be affected, as the bill clarifies and secures the legal pathway for these items to be sold in interstate commerce. Additionally, state governments would be impacted, as they would be prohibited from implementing their own bans or restrictions on the sale or transfer of marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen if it is part of an authentic Alaska Native handicraft.