Native Artwork Knock-Offs Being Made In Asia

Native Artwork Knock-Offs Being Made In Asia

Monday, July 06, 2009 at 15:09

The market could be getting tougher for Aboriginal artists in the country trying to sell their artwork.

It seems a growing number of factories from countries in Asia are beginning to mass-produce First Nations-themed artworks.

A Dene artist in the Northwest Territories recently went public with claims some stores in Yellowknife had begun selling the cheaper items.

Daniel Gervais is a professor from the University of Ottawa.

Gervais says it’s very difficult for Aboriginal artists to patent their work, as most of them depict things found in nature which is considered public property.

However, he believes some artists may be able to protect themselves through a clause in the Constitution recognizing Aboriginal rights — which he says might put the onus on the government to protect Aboriginal artists.

Gervais notes one Australian artist successfully took his government to court, after images of his work appeared on government bank notes.