| For many Native Peoples, eagle feathers are sacred and carry deep spiritual and ceremonial significance. They are used in prayer, rites of passage, healing ceremonies, and other cultural and religious practices that have existed since time immemorial. Federal laws including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act heavily regulate the possession and distribution of eagle feathers. While Native cultural and religious use is protected under federal law, Native practitioners have long faced barriers accessing eagle feathers for ceremonial purposes, including lengthy wait times, restrictive permitting systems, and federal control over the distribution process. The following article, originally published by the Association in 1994, documents advocacy efforts surrounding a presidential memorandum signed by President Clinton addressing eagle feather distribution for Native religious purposes. While this historical moment marked an important step forward, Native practitioners continue to face ongoing challenges related to religious freedom, access to eagle feathers and sacred cultural items, and the protection of Native ceremonial practices. |  |
For more information about eagle feather protections, Native religious freedom, and ongoing advocacy efforts related to eagle feather access and cultural rights, visit our Eagle Feather Protection resource page. The page includes additional historical background, legal context, and information about developments that followed the 1994 memorandum, including continued advocacy efforts to protect Native religious and cultural practices.
This article was originally published in the Fall 1994, Issue 131 of Indian Affairs. Minor edits have been made to correct certain terms.
This article was originally published in the Fall 1994, Issue 131 of Indian Affairs. Minor edits have been made to correct certain terms.
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