Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington. Photo by Ed Schipul

An Indian student in Washington is upset after being told she can't wear an eagle feather during her graduation ceremony.

Waverly Wilson was instead told she could hide the feather under her gown. "It makes me feel like I have to hide who I am,” the Lakes High School senior told Indian Country Today.

Wilson's mother, Andi Dillon, is a member of the Fort Belknap Indian Community. She asked if she could appeal or challenge the school district's policy but was again told that the feather had to be kept hidden during the ceremony.

"Waverly has been raised to be proud, and I want to prepare her for what might happen," Dillon told ICT. "We’ve always told her to respect her elders so she struggles with this a lot.”

Get the Story:
Principal Tells Graduating Native: Hide Your Eagle Feather Under Your Gown (Indian Country Today 5/13)

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