[1] A truth-in-advertising law, the act requires vendors who market themselves as American Indians on Cherokee Nation property to provide proof of citizenship in a federally recognized American Indian tribe or face expulsion.
[2] The act is stricter than the criteria set by the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, which stipulates that Native American artisans must be members of a federally recognized tribes, certain state-recognized tribes, or tribally designated artisans.
According to Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., the Indian Arts and Crafts Act fails to adequately protect Native American artisans, stating that "Unfortunately, the Indian Arts and Crafts Act — a law intended to protect Native artists — helps these “tribes” in their quest for legitimacy.
The Cherokee Nation's truth-in-advertising law is complemented by its Arts and Crafts Copyright Act.
The statement was a response to letters to the editor claiming that the act was part of "personal attacks" against individuals who self-identify as Cherokee.