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JULY 5, 2000

A decision by the Department of Interior to allow certain Hopi tribal members the right to take baby golden eagles from the Wupatki National Monument is a sensitive one, balancing the government's committment to freedom of religion with protection of natural resources.

The Interior is currently considering the tribe's request and may consider a larger application for all tribes.

In 1999, a syndicated columnist wrote about the Interior's decision to implement the Hopi request. Bonnie Erbe wrote that "traditions that started thousands of years ago before man became enlightened to realizing cruelty to animals is unforgivable in any context (religious or otherwise) should no longer be condoned."

Responding to an editorial written by Indianz.Com, Erbe wrote "I'm sorry but your excuse for killing helpless eaglets is just as insensitive to their needs as you accused me of being to yours."

A baby golden eagle is often killed by its older sibling. Golden eagles are not an endangered species.

In a related decision, the US Fish and Wildlife is considering removing the bald eagle from the endangered species list. According to the government, there are 6,000 breeding pairs.

Get the Story:
Tribal religion clashes with eagle protections (The Christian Science Monitor 7/5)
Bald eagle numbers growing (AP 7/5)

Related Story:
Unmasking Cultural Prejudice (The Talking Circle 12/99)