I serve in various capacities for the University as an American Indian recruiter and advocate, working closely with current Native American students, faculty, and staff and with NCSU Native alumni to build relationships with the 8 tribes across the state of North Carolina.....only one of which is federally recognized. I certainly do not presume to know everything about tribal relations or the hardships they've endured over the years. However, I always humbly approach them with an open mind and a desire to understand them, their different cultures and what values and traditions they hold dear.
I know.....as do most people....that feathers are often a significant and symbolic item to Native Americans. Through my work at the University I've often seen them use feathers in their seals, their organization emblems, and as gifts during ceremonies or to recognize achievements . The US Constitution even respects the Native Americans’ association with feathers and they are granted special permission to collect eagle feathers where as other people are restricted from doing so. (--source: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/usa/Native-American-Indian-Feathers/3070 )
Knowing the great significance of these feathers to them, I was upset to hear this story on the news several mornings ago as I was getting ready. A new federal rule just went into effect that prevents non-federally recognized tribes from carrying the feathers of federally-protected birds. So ridiculous!
http://www.wral.com/lumbees-concerned-about-rule-on-eagle-feathers/11690512/
Perhaps there is more behind the reasoning for this decision (the eagle population dwindling???) but it seems to me that the federally-recognized tribes are just bullying the state-recognized tribes to once again remind them of rights they don't have. I guess I have a "why can't they all just get along" mindset but I know it's far FAR too complex a history to summarize with such a simplistic comment or suggestion. While I recognize that each tribe is different and has it's own culture and nuances, I wish they'd respect each other enough to know that as a people they've all gone through a similar struggle and shouldn't make life more difficult for each other. Like I said.......it's far more complicated then that... It's just the opinion of this peacekeeper.
#LUMBEEPRIDE #FederalRecognition
I know.....as do most people....that feathers are often a significant and symbolic item to Native Americans. Through my work at the University I've often seen them use feathers in their seals, their organization emblems, and as gifts during ceremonies or to recognize achievements . The US Constitution even respects the Native Americans’ association with feathers and they are granted special permission to collect eagle feathers where as other people are restricted from doing so. (--source: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/usa/Native-American-Indian-Feathers/3070 )
Knowing the great significance of these feathers to them, I was upset to hear this story on the news several mornings ago as I was getting ready. A new federal rule just went into effect that prevents non-federally recognized tribes from carrying the feathers of federally-protected birds. So ridiculous!
http://www.wral.com/lumbees-concerned-about-rule-on-eagle-feathers/11690512/
Perhaps there is more behind the reasoning for this decision (the eagle population dwindling???) but it seems to me that the federally-recognized tribes are just bullying the state-recognized tribes to once again remind them of rights they don't have. I guess I have a "why can't they all just get along" mindset but I know it's far FAR too complex a history to summarize with such a simplistic comment or suggestion. While I recognize that each tribe is different and has it's own culture and nuances, I wish they'd respect each other enough to know that as a people they've all gone through a similar struggle and shouldn't make life more difficult for each other. Like I said.......it's far more complicated then that... It's just the opinion of this peacekeeper.
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