For many Indigenous students, receiving an eagle feather is as significant as earning a diploma or an honor society stole. Many nations recognize leadership achievements by bestowing the person an eagle feather or plume. Our students come from many different nations, it is their preference if they want to receive an eagle plume or an eagle wing or tail feather. This year we also have a student from the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla nation, and it is their custom to receive a horned owl feather for their accomplishments.
Per Minnesota Statute 124D.792 Graduation Ceremonies; Tribal regalia and objects of cultural significance. A school district or charter school must not prohibit an American Indian student from wearing American Indian regalia, Tribal regalia, or objects of cultural significance at a graduation ceremony. Our indigenous students can wear their feathers on beaded graduation caps during their graduation ceremonies. Once a cap is beaded, it is considered regalia, and it is our students’ right to wear them and show their feathers with honor.