Announcing the IAC American Indian Foods Producer Directory:
In an effort to create a comprehensive directory to increase awareness and enhance market access, the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) American Indian Foods (AIF) program staff created an online AIF Producer Directory to feature producers who are certified for use of the “Made/Produced by American Indians” trademark. Creation of the IAC AIF Producer Directory has increasingly raised awareness of the amazing food products coming out of Indian Country.
The IAC AIF program promotes the “Made/Produced by American Indians” trademark to successfully and clearly identify American Indian made products from federally recognized Tribes and Alaskan Native Villages. The trademark was created to protect Indian producers and consumers from fake and falsely advertised Indian-made products.
Misrepresentation of Indian-made products has been made illegal by The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (Act) of 1990 (P.L. 101-644). This act encourages the use of legally registered trademarks and echoes the mission behind our AIF trademark to ensure the authenticity of Indian made products. IAC started the arduous task of initial research, development, and registration of the “Made by American Indians” trademark in 1991 when the project was funded by a grant through the Administration for Native Americans. The trademark has been formally approved and successfully test marketed since 1993.
The “Made/Produced by American Indians” trademark identifies American Indian made products and assists American Indian producers in improving their market success, thereby increasing the economic base of the Indian producer and their community. Through this universal emblem, consumers can easily identify authentic American Indian produced goods.
More than 500 licensed trademark users have participated in this program and users are continuously added. Producer and consumer interest continues to grow and offers improved marketing potential for all Indian producers through national and international exposure.
Made by American Indians Resource Booklet:
The IAC AIF booklet covering use of the “Made by American Indians” trademark has been a great resource for interested individuals. The booklet offers an overview of the uses of the trademark as well as an application for its use. View the Official Trademark Guide here: https://28d595ea-c9bb-4218-87df-a3cbf4d05915.filesusr.com/ugd/e8f33c_2b16977c0967463aa398e2796be117a5.pdf
How do I qualify for the Made by American Indians Trademark?
To qualify, the user or participant must be a federally recognized Tribal member, tribal entity, or an Alaskan Village as defined by law. Or, they must at least have a controlling 51 percent share interest. Required Documentation for an Individual can be a Tribal ID or enrollment card. Tribal Organizations can submit Tribal Council Resolutions or an authorized statement from the current tribal executive leader.
How do I apply for the trademark?
Click here to apply for use of the ‘Made/Produced by American Indians’ Trademark: www.tfaforms.com/4769844
Do you want to learn more?
More information about use of the trademark through the American Indian Foods program and our Producer Directory highlighting approved trademark users can be found on the American Indian Foods Program website: www.indianagfoods.org