The mayor in Great Falls, Montana, returned an eagle feather that was given to him by the
Blackfeet Nation.
Mayor Michael Winters received the feather at last week's Memorial Day ceremony in which 162 names of Blackfeet warriors were added to the
Montana Veterans Memorial. He was also given a Blackfeet name that translates to "Brave Eagle," The Great Falls Tribune reported.
But after learning that his possession of an eagle feather might be considered illegal, Winters returned it to the tribe. “It’s certainly disappointing, because it is such an honor for a non-native,” the mayor told the paper.
Federal law makes it illegal to possess, distribute or sell eagle feathers and
parts. An exception applies to Native Americans who are members of
federally recognized tribes, according to
Department of Justice policy.
The policy states that eagle feathers and parts can be gifted or loaned but only to other members of federally recognized tribes.
Get the Story:
Eagle feather is here this week, gone by Friday
(The Great Falls Tribune 5/30)
DOJ Policy:
Memorandum:
Possession or Use of the Feathers or Other Parts of Federally Protected Birds
for Tribal Cultural and Religious Purposes (October 12, 2012)
Related Stories
Blackfeet Nation adds 162 names to Montana
veterans memorial (5/26)
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